South Sudan’s Political Shake-Up Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohamed amid a dispute with the U.S., appointing Monday Simaya Kumba as his replacement. Concurrently, the SPLM-IO has replaced Riek Machar with Stephen Par Kuol while Machar is under house arrest. The political situation remains tense, with calls from international embassies for the release of political detainees and an urgent need for peace.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohamed, appointing Deputy Foreign Minister Monday Simaya Kumba as his successor, as reported by state media. This change follows a diplomatic dispute with the United States over the deportation of a Congolese individual, which resulted in the U.S. threatening to revoke visas for South Sudanese citizens. Ultimately, South Sudan complied with U.S. demands, allowing the man to enter the country.

Additionally, South Sudan’s opposition party, SPLM-IO, has replaced its chairman, Riek Machar, with peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, during Machar’s house arrest. The decision has received criticism from within the party, and analysts suggest it may grant President Kiir further control over the government.

Since the 2018 peace agreement, both Kiir and Machar have participated in a power-sharing arrangement following a civil war. Machar has faced alleged accusations of inciting rebellion, which led to his recent detention. His party strongly refutes the government’s claims linking them to violent uprisings.

The African Union mediators who recently arrived in Juba are working to salvage the fragile peace agreement. In a joint statement released on Thursday, various embassies in Juba have urged the urgent release of all political detainees, emphasizing the necessity for South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize peace and stability. Notably, the SPLM-IO maintains loyalty to Machar and upholds the peace deal despite the ongoing political turbulence in the country.

The recent political developments in South Sudan, including the dismissal of Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohamed and the replacement of SPLM-IO’s chairman Riek Machar, highlight the intricate dynamics of power and diplomatic relations in the region. As the government faces internal discontent and external pressures, the commitment to peace remains critical, with international stakeholders strongly advocating for the release of political detainees.

Original Source: www.irishtimes.com