By Editorial
Bringing an end to the fatal altercation between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar should be a priority for the Eastern African region. The conflict in Africa’s youngest nation threatens stability in East Africa directly. For instance, just when Kenya is being relieved of the burden of hosting Somali refugees, who are now returning home, reports indicate South Sudan asylum seekers are knocking on the Kakuma refugee camp doors and other places.
This is a sad state of affairs given the humanitarian aid needed. Already, Kenyans in Turkana County are facing hunger and need urgent relief supplies. The influx of South Sudanese refugees will only worsen the situation.
Currently, Kenya is grappling with a huge number of Somalis living in Kenya illegally. It is, therefore, critical for regional governments to support a peaceful resolution to the Juba conflict.
Kenya’s and Sudan’s decision not to send troops to the conflict is commendable as President Uhuru Kenyatta pursues dialogue with the warring sides.
IGAD and other regional governments must encourage non-military intervention at this stage. Joining the fray on either side of the conflict will only exacerbate a dicey situation.
We also urge President Kiir and Dr Machar to put the interest of their country’s future ahead of their own or that of their cronies.
Civil war only dents and scars the process of nation building that had only just been started.
The two must come down from the high ground and meet each other half way. Failure to do so will only lead to more anarchy and destruction.
