The United States of America has urged President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Dr. Riek Machar, to end the tensions and emphasize peace implementation.
The US said the fight reported between South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO soldiers in the upper Nile state should stop.
It called the two leaders (Kiir-Machar) to uphold their obligations under the 2018 peace agreement, including its ceasefire provisions.
“We call on both leaders to resume implementation of key, long-delayed provisions of the revitalized peace agreement, including taking the necessary steps to establish an inclusive process to draft a new constitution,” the US stated.
According to the statement, the US has urged the authority to establish necessary electoral legislation and mechanisms and respect freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
The United States further calls on the SPLM-IO to reverse its decision to withdraw from all peace agreement monitoring and verification mechanisms, saying the move undermines the peace agreement.
It argued that the ceasefire monitoring bodies would investigate the recent violence and seek the perpetrators accountable.
The US also called the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to take immediate action to lower tensions and put the peace process back on track before the expiration of the already extended transition period in February 2023.
It blames Kiir and Machar for not doing enough to move South Sudan toward the peace, security, and prosperity people desired.
“Neither President Kiir nor First Vice President Machar has made good faith efforts to implement the provisions of the revitalized peace agreement,” said in the statement.
This week, President Kiir called the political parties in the peace agreement to allow sustainable dialogue and partnership for the country to achieve duration peace.