By Addis Getachew
KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – African Union (AU) chief Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma focused on the re-emerged crisis in South Sudan in her opening speech to the continent’s foreign ministers on Wednesday.
Speaking in Rwandan capital Kigali ahead of the full meeting of heads of state and government later this week, Zuma said: “It is with grave concern that we start this executive as over the past few days we see the resurgence of the conflict in South Sudan after more than two years of talks.
“Hardly two months after the formation of the government of national unity, the belligerents seem to back in the trenches and the people of South Sudan, instead of celebrating five years of independence, once again are barricaded in their homes or must flee like sheep before the wolves.”
Zuma called on Africa’s governments and leaders to “protect the vulnerable, to serve the people, not to be the cause of the people’s suffering.”
She added: “What is happening again in South Sudan is totally unacceptable.”
A cease-fire in South Sudan’s capital Juba held for a second day on Wednesday after days of fighting that left hundreds dead.
The violence threatens to reignite the two-year conflict between the forces of President Salva Kiir and troops loyal to Vice President Riek Machar that came to an end in April when Machar returned to Juba and a role in the unity administration.
The crisis is expected to be a priority for the AU summit, as well as migration, the launch of an AU “passport” to facilitate the trade across the continent and the election of Zuma’s successor.
