ISTANBUL–Somalia “stands in full solidarity” with the people of South Sudan amid political tensions following the arrest of opposition party leaders, said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday

“We will remain actively engaged in efforts aimed at securing a peaceful and stable future for their nation,” Mohamud said in a press release about his phone call with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, Kiir’s rival.

Expressing Somalia’s “deep concern” over recent developments, he urged dialogue and cooperation to prevent further escalation.

“South Sudan’s stability is integral to the peace and security of our wider region,” he said.

The Somali leader assured both Kiir and Machar that regional talks are underway to support South Sudan’s stability and prosperity.

“As a region, we remain committed to supporting efforts that will lead to a peaceful resolution,” he added.

Tensions rose earlier this month in South Sudan when security forces loyal to Kiir arrested two government ministers and several senior military officials linked to Machar.

The arrests came amid violent clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, a group predominantly from Machar’s ethnic Nuer community, in the northern town of Nasir.

Authorities partially attributed the arrests to alleged collaboration between Machar’s faction and the White Army militia, which is accused of attacking a military garrison Tuesday near Nasir.

Machar’s party, however, has denied the allegations. Information Minister Michael Makuei said the arrests were made due to legal conflicts with the law.

Separately, a UN helicopter trying to evacuate soldiers from Nasir was shot down Friday, killing a crew member and several soldiers. The attack further intensified the volatile situation in the region.

South Sudan, which became the world’s youngest nation in 2011, descended into civil war by 2013. Although a 2018 peace deal halted major fighting, key reforms, including the disarmament of armed groups and preparations for elections, have stalled.

Source: AA