By KAZUNGU CHAI
February 26, 2014[JUBA] — President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for a speedy resolution to the South Sudan crisis. He urged all leaders in South Sudan to do everything they can for the sake of peace and stability not just in their country but the entire region.
“We came this morning to share our concern about the issues that are ongoing and, indeed, the need for us to be able to find a speedy resolution in order to enable the people of South Sudan get on with more critical matters of economic and social development, which I believe is their desire,” he said.
The President was addressing the press after holding talks with President Salva Kiir at State House, Juba on Wednesday. He said Kenya and the entire region were concerned about renewed hostilities in parts of South Sudan.
President Kenyatta assured President Kiir and the people of South Sudan that Kenya stood in solidarity with them.
“We have had fruitful discussions with President Kiir and I strongly believe we have assured him of our support in this particular process,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that the position taken by IGAD on cessation of hostilities will be followed and implemented by both parties to the South Sudan crisis.
He said a monitoring mechanism of the peace process should be put in place in the shortest time possible.
“All these efforts are geared towards ensuring a speedy resolution of the conflict and the restoration of peace for the benefit of the people of South Sudan and stability of the whole region. When this is done we will be able to focus our energies and our attention on driving the social and economic agenda of our region forward,” President Kenyatta said.
He said Kenya will continue working closely with stakeholders in peace initiatives that will ensure stability is restored in Africa’s youngest nation.
“Mine is to assure the people of South Sudan that your brothers and sisters in Kenya stand by you and stand in solidarity with you,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kiir appreciated President Kenyatta’s efforts in search for lasting peace in South Sudan. He said Kenya is a true friend to the Government and people of South Sudan – PSCU
