Kenya's President Ruto called South Sudan's rival leaders Thursday as fighting spread across their country. He talked straight with President Kiir and First Vice President Machar about troops clashing and people getting arrested. Ruto shared on social media that he asked both men to solve problems by talking face-to-face. He pushed them to choose peace talks over letting more violence happen.
The security mess already put a military general and cabinet minister behind bars. Ruto explained that neighboring countries started working together under a regional plan called IGAD to help fix South Sudan. He told the feuding bosses that other East African nations met recently to figure out the best way forward. Ruto hopes his phone call can help stop the situation from turning worse.
The crisis kicked off when fighters from the White Army attacked government soldiers and took over Nasir town near Ethiopia. These armed men declared total control of the area, sparking fear throughout the country. This attack made everything crazy and set off a chain of harsh reactions from officials in the capital city, Juba. South Sudan has struggled with peace since gaining independence.
Government spokesman Michael Makuei played an audio recording for reporters Wednesday claiming proof that White Army fighters shouted support for opposition forces. Authorities then arrested Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who holds two major positions as opposition military chief and deputy defense head. They also detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang as part of the same security sweep. The fragile peace agreement between the rivals appears ready to collapse.
The security mess already put a military general and cabinet minister behind bars. Ruto explained that neighboring countries started working together under a regional plan called IGAD to help fix South Sudan. He told the feuding bosses that other East African nations met recently to figure out the best way forward. Ruto hopes his phone call can help stop the situation from turning worse.
The crisis kicked off when fighters from the White Army attacked government soldiers and took over Nasir town near Ethiopia. These armed men declared total control of the area, sparking fear throughout the country. This attack made everything crazy and set off a chain of harsh reactions from officials in the capital city, Juba. South Sudan has struggled with peace since gaining independence.
Government spokesman Michael Makuei played an audio recording for reporters Wednesday claiming proof that White Army fighters shouted support for opposition forces. Authorities then arrested Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who holds two major positions as opposition military chief and deputy defense head. They also detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang as part of the same security sweep. The fragile peace agreement between the rivals appears ready to collapse.
