The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has responded with an urge for restraint and the rapid restoration of stable government after it emerged that South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir sacked his entire cabinet earlier this week, in an apparent power struggle with other senior leaders in the country.
Kiir announced his decision in a televised presidential decree, dismissing all ministers and deputy ministers, as well as his Vice-President Riek Machar and Pagan Amum, the top negotiator in peace talks with Sudan.
Many of the ministers were key figures in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement or its armed wing that fought in the 1983-2005 war of independence against the government of Sudan.
The war ultimately led to the 2011 referendum in which South Sudan voted overwhelmingly to split from the north. Since then Kiir – formerly the Vice President of Sudan – has been the newly founded country’s first and only leader.
Kiir’s dramatic actions follow his sacking last month of two other senior ministers embroiled in a multi-million dollar financial scandal, a decision reportedly criticised by Amum.
Mark Simmonds, the FCO Minister for Africa, said: “I have been concerned by the growing political divisions in South Sudan over the past months, culminating in the decision of President Salva Kiir Mayardit to dismiss his Vice President and all Ministers from the Government of South Sudan on 23 July.
“At a time when South Sudan faces many challenges internally and in its relations with Sudan, it needs strong united leadership, committed to responding to the needs of its people, and resolving its internal conflicts and disputes with Sudan.”
Those disputes centre around ongoing disagreements over territory and the movement of oil supplies across the two Sudans’ shared border.
Since their 2011 split, both countries have faced economic difficulties.
Simmonds added: “I… encourage President Kiir to act quickly to appoint a new government, in accordance with the Interim Constitution, that reflects the diverse groups in South Sudanese society.
“I strongly urge all groups and individuals to respond in a measured and peaceful manner, and to work together to maintain security and the rule of law. We will look to them to engage constructively in the democratic process, for the benefit of South Sudan’s peaceful development.”
The FCO’s call for a rapid and peaceful response was just one of many from around the world.
Said Jen Psaki of the US State department: “The United States calls on all parties to maintain calm and prevent violence, and on the government of South Sudan to quickly and transparently form a new cabinet.”
“During this time of grave challenges, it is critical that South Sudan stay true to the vision it laid out for itself two years ago at its independence… that vision can only be realized through sustained commitment to democracy and good governance, justice… and the respect for rule of law.”
