President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar are currently holding a meeting in the capital city of Juba, according to a statement from a government official. The meeting comes amidst ongoing tensions in South Sudan, which has been plagued by conflict and political instability for years.
President Kiir and Machar have a long and complicated history. They were once close allies, fighting together in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) during the country’s long struggle for independence from Sudan. However, they later fell out over political differences and a power struggle, leading to Machar’s dismissal as vice president in 2013.
Their falling out sparked a civil war that lasted for five years and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. In 2018, they signed a peace agreement that ended the conflict, with Machar returning to Juba as part of a transitional government. However, the peace deal has been shaky at best, with clashes between government forces and rebels continuing in some parts of the country.
The current meeting between Kiir and Machar is seen as a crucial step towards resolving some of the remaining issues that have prevented the peace deal from being fully implemented. According to the government official who announced the meeting, the two leaders will discuss issues related to security, the formation of a unified army, and the number of states in the country.
The issue of the number of states is particularly contentious. When South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, it was divided into 10 states. However, in 2015, Kiir unilaterally increased the number of states to 28, a move that was seen as an attempt to consolidate his power and undermine Machar’s support base. The issue has been a sticking point in the peace negotiations, with Machar calling for a return to the original 10 states.
The meeting between Kiir and Machar is being closely watched by the international community, which has been involved in efforts to bring peace to South Sudan. The United Nations has warned that the country is facing a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of assistance.
In a statement, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said it “welcomes the face-to-face meeting between President Kiir and Dr. Machar and encourages them to prioritize the interests of the people of South Sudan above all else.” The statement also called on the two leaders to “demonstrate their commitment to peace by taking concrete steps to ensure the full implementation of the peace agreement.
While the meeting is certainly a positive development, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to any concrete progress toward lasting peace in South Sudan. The country has a long history of conflict and political instability, and there are many obstacles to overcome before peace can be fully achieved. However, the fact that Kiir and Machar are meeting face-to-face is a significant step in the right direction and one that should be welcomed by all those who care about the future of South Sudan.