Several foreign embassies pressed South Sudan's President Salva Kiir to free First Vice President Riek Machar from house arrest. Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, the USA, and the European Union said the country's security has worsened to levels not seen since 2018. The diplomats believe releasing political prisoners must happen before meaningful talks can begin. They urged all leaders to stop using violence for political gain and avoid taking one-sided actions.
The embassies criticized Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro for labeling certain countries as friendly or hostile. Lomuro called Nasir, Ulang, Akobo, Nyirol, Uror, Fangak, Ayod, Rubkona and Panyijiar hostile areas. He named Maiwut, Longechuk, Guit, Leer, Mayendit, Koch, and Mayom as friendly counties. US Ambassador Michael Adler stressed that peace cannot happen when a key party to the agreement remains detained. The joint statement came after peace monitors reported that the political situation had deteriorated badly in recent months.
The embassies criticized Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro for labeling certain countries as friendly or hostile. Lomuro called Nasir, Ulang, Akobo, Nyirol, Uror, Fangak, Ayod, Rubkona and Panyijiar hostile areas. He named Maiwut, Longechuk, Guit, Leer, Mayendit, Koch, and Mayom as friendly counties. US Ambassador Michael Adler stressed that peace cannot happen when a key party to the agreement remains detained. The joint statement came after peace monitors reported that the political situation had deteriorated badly in recent months.
