Thursday, 6 March 2025 – 8:27 PM
In a bold diplomatic move, President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate the rising tensions in South Sudan, engaging both President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice-President Riek Machar in urgent phone calls to prevent further conflict.
With South Sudan on the brink following the arrest of key political and military figures, Ruto—who also serves as the chairperson of the East African Community (EAC)—urged the warring leaders to engage in dialogue to stabilize the country.
Ruto’s Call for Peace Amid High-Stakes Political Arrests
Tensions in South Sudan escalated on Wednesday after Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several high-ranking military officials loyal to Machar were arrested. This followed the detention of Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam on Tuesday. Security forces also surrounded Vice President Machar’s residence in Juba, sparking fears of renewed unrest.
Addressing the situation, Ruto revealed in a statement:
“This morning, I spoke with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and First Vice-President Riek Machar about the escalating security situation in the country. I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace, even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework.”
Regional Consultations Underway to Avert Crisis
Ruto also disclosed that regional leaders were holding consultations to determine the best course of action. His involvement follows his February 20 meeting with South Sudan’s main opposition Hold-Out Group, where he facilitated key agreements in the ongoing peace talks.
The latest tensions threaten the fragile 2018 peace deal that ended a devastating five-year civil war in which over 400,000 people lost their lives. Machar has warned that the removal of his allies from government risks reigniting conflict.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, all eyes are on whether Ruto’s intervention can prevent South Sudan from sliding back into chaos.