South Sudan President, Salva Kiir expressed concern about the situation in Sudan and said he was prepared to travel to the capital, Khartoum. Kiir also said he had discussions with the commanders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army about putting an end to the use of weapons and working out their differences through negotiation.
After this week’s meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the leaders of Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti, and Somalia decided to send Kiir, Ismail Omar Guelleh, and William Ruto to mediate a truce in Sudan
Speaking in Juba while hosting Iftar, a Ramadan fast-breaking meal, Kiir said he was on standby and could travel to the capital, Khartoum, anytime.
“Even though we separated from Sudan, I still love Sudan and I love the Sudanese people. If they want to do something bad, I will say do not do it. Now we are waiting for a sign from Khartoum to say that there is no more sound of bullets and planes can land in Khartoum airport [then] I will go,” Kiir said.
After 21 years of a bloody civil conflict between the Sudanese government and the rebels of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement, South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan in 2011.
According to Kiir, he is aware that the ongoing battle in Sudan has an impact on many Sudanese citizens who reside in South Sudan. He promised to make sure the two competing leaders of Sudan resolve their disagreements through discussion.
“We are celebrating here in Juba but our brothers in Khartoum are crying because they lost people who are dear to them. That is a very sad thing. The war in Khartoum has surprised us because we did not know there will be a war, we [will] intervened to convince the two sides so that they can accept peace and not enter into more fights that is not good,” he said.
The Vice-President of South Sudan in charge of the service cluster, Hussain Abudalbagi Akol, stated that the people of Sudan are depending on Kiir to end the political turmoil there.
“We call upon you to use all your wisdom to intervene between our brothers who are fighting in northern Sudan, to bring them to dialogue, to bring peace. We have always told our brothers in the West that, no one can solve the problems of Sudan, except South Sudan,” Akol said.
When asked about inviting people from various backgrounds to the Iftar, U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael Adler stated it was an admirable gesture.
According to Adler, Sudanese citizens deserve a peaceful resolution to the country’s continuing political dilemma.
“Of course this time we have in our thoughts we have the suffering of the people of Sudan and we should all be communicating the need for a ceasefire and for peace,” Adler added.