President Kiir walks side by side with FVP Riek Machar upon returning to Juba from Addis Ababa. Monday, February 19, 2024. (Photo: Office of the President)

President Salva Kiir appealed to East African member-state caught in conflicts and tensions to deescalate and address their disputes amicably to maintain peace in the region.

Kiir, the EAC Chairperson, called on Democratic Republic of Congo and its arch-foe Rwanda, as well as Ethiopia and Somalia to seek peace among themselves.

He made the appeal during a four-day Ordinary Summit of the African Union Heads of State Assembly in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa.

Kiir returned to Juba on Monday, February 19, and was received by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and other senior government officials at Juba International Airport.

“Addressing the AU Heads of State and Government summit, President Kiir called on the African leaders to consolidate peace and security across the continent, particularly in troubled countries like Sudan and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” his office said.

“President Kiir further appealed to DRC, Rwanda, Somalia, and Ethiopia to address their disputes amicably to maintain peace in the Great Lakes region.”

Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. James Pitia Morgan reportedly said Kiir held sideline meetings with regional leaders on bilateral relations between South Sudan and the neighboring countries.

The eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by rebel groups including the March 23rd rebels that have recently been reported to advance towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province.

Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an allegation backed by the United States and the United Nations investigations.

But Rwanda has categorically rejected the accusations.

Meanwhile, Somalia and Ethiopia, already at odds over a controversial port deal, locked horns again on Saturday over Somali claims that Ethiopian security forces tried to block President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from accessing the AU summit.

Mogadishu described the incident as “outrageous conduct” and called for a full investigation by the pan-African body which is headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

But Ethiopia insisted Mohamud was warmly welcomed and said that the Somali delegation was blocked when its security detail tried to enter a venue with weapons.