African leaders in South Sudan push
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Fighting persisted in parts of South Sudan’s oil-producing region as African leaders yesterday tried to advance peace talks between the country’s president and the political rivals he accuses of attempting a coup that the government insists sparked violence threatening to destroy the world’s newest country.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir yesterday. A senior government official warned that Riek Machar, the former vice president who now allegedly commands renegade forces in the states of Unity and Upper Nile, had to renounce the rebellion before the government could negotiate with him.
Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan’s information minister, said the government has not yet established formal contact with Machar. “For us, we are not talking with him,” he said, referring to Machar, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Government troops are trying to retake control of Bentiu, the capital of oil-rich Unity state, from forces loyal to Machar. There was also reported fighting in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile state, according to Leuth. Upper Nile and Unity comprise the country’s key oil-producing region, raising fears unrest there could cut off the country’s economic lifeblood.
Colonel Philip Aguer, the military spokesman, said troops were “preparing to retake Bentiu as soon as possible” and that pro-Machar forces controlled only “half” of Malakal.
World leaders have urged the country’s leaders to stop the violence in which thousands are feared killed. The United States, Norway and Ethiopia are leading efforts to open peace talks between Kiir and his political rivals. Kiir said in a Christmas address that he is willing to “dialogue” with all his opponents.
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