Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed his country’s support for South Sudan on Monday, calling for greater regional cooperation to address the escalating political crisis in the neighboring country.
Abiy met with South Sudanese Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel in Addis Ababa, who delivered a letter from President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The visit comes amid deepening tensions between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
“Ethiopia stands firmly with the people of South Sudan,” Abiy said after the meeting, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to the country’s stability and national unity.
The political standoff in South Sudan has intensified in recent weeks. President Kiir’s administration has accused Machar of inciting rebellion and placed him under house arrest, sparking alarm among international observers and reigniting fears of renewed ethnic conflict.
The fragile peace agreement that ended South Sudan’s civil war in 2018 now faces serious strain. Tensions have been further aggravated by Uganda’s military presence in the country, which Machar’s allies say violates the arms embargo and jeopardizes the peace process.
With questions mounting over succession and leadership, observers say Kiir appears to be consolidating power. In response, the African Union and regional governments are stepping up diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent a relapse into violence.
