US calls for dialogue to end South Sudan's escalating violence

Clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar have threatened to undermine their fragile peace-sharing agreement.[AFP]

The United States has weighed in on the escalating tension in South Sudan, urging leaders to engage in dialogue.  

In a post by the Bureau of African Affairs on Tuesday, the US urged President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr Riek Machar to hold talks to prevent the country from plunging into civil war.  

“President Kiir and FVP Machar must engage in direct dialogue to curb escalating violence in South Sudan. Non-state militia attacks, govt-backed airstrikes, and promotion of sanctioned officials to high office are deeply concerning,” stated the US Department on X.  

Echoing similar sentiments, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Monday denounced "indiscriminate attacks on civilians" following a spike in violence between forces allied to the nation's rival leaders that threatens to undermine a fragile power-sharing deal.

For weeks now, clashes have taken place in Nasir County between federal forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and the "White Army" -- a militia group accused by the government of collaborating with First Vice President Riek Machar.

Retaliation to the incident has led to bombardment across Upper Nile state, with some bombs containing a highly flammable liquid that acts as an accelerant upon explosion.

Last week, a local official and witness stated that South Sudan had carried out another air strike against civilians in the northwest of the country, critically wounding a child.

The escalating violence has also led to the displacement of at least 50,000 people since February, drawing international concern.

Recently, the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Britain, the United States, and the European Union offered to mediate between the leaders of South Sudan.

In a joint statement, the embassies urged President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to meet and engage in direct dialogue to restore and maintain peace, and also indicated that they are prepared to facilitate their discussion.

The two South Sudanese leaders are, however, yet to respond.