US tells foreign forces to leave South Sudan

South Sudan refugees entering Kenya through the Nadapal Kenya-Sudan border. The US has asked South Sudan to co-operate with UNMISS.  [Photo: File]

By Roselyne Obala

Kenya: The political crisis in South Sudan appears to be escalating after the United States (US) ordered governments that have deployed their forces in South Sudan to withdraw or face dire consequences.

At the same time, the US has also called on the government of South Sudan to fully cooperate with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

President Barack Obama’s government expressed concern following reports of a violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed to end fighting in the youngest African nation late last month.

Through a Press statement issued over the weekend by State department Spokesperson Jen Psaki in Washington DC, the US government called for the redeployment or phased withdrawal of foreign forces invited by either side of the warring factions and warned that failure to do so could result in regionalisation of the conflict.

“We are deeply concerned by reports of violations by both the Government of South Sudan and anti-government forces of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement that was signed in Addis Ababa on January 23,” read part of the statement.

Humanitarian needs

The US further emphasised that it is necessary for the government of South Sudan to ensure that any assaults on and threats against UNMISS facilities and personnel should cease immediately.

“The Mission’s ability to carry out its mandate is critical to establish peace and meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of South Sudan,” said the statement.

The US however welcomed the arrival of the first component of the team that will eventually monitor and verify implementation of the agreement in Juba.

“We strongly urge the Government of South Sudan to facilitate its important work, which will provide both sides with a mechanism to report any breaches of the agreement,” it advised.

Meanwhile, the US is looking forward to the start of the Inter-Governmental Authority and Develop (IGAD)-led talks in a bid to reconcile the two factions.

Kenya declined to deploy its forces to South Sudan to help to end the crisis.

“The commencement of the IGAD-led political dialogue will pave way for an inclusive reconciliation process,” noted the US President.