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Vice President and Chairperson of the Service Delivery Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, has told the United States Ambassador to South Sudan that recent violence in the country should not be described as ethnic cleansing.

According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, Abdelbagi made the remarks during a diplomatic meeting with U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Adler in Juba on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, political dialogue among the parties, and bilateral cooperation between South Sudan and the United States.

During the meeting, the Vice President addressed recent statements issued by the United States concerning allegations of ethnic cleansing in parts of the country.

He said the violence involved clashes between government forces and rebel groups, as well as intercommunal fighting in some areas, and therefore should not be characterized as ethnic cleansing.

Abdelbagi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the peace agreement, promoting national dialogue, and pursuing lasting peace and stability across the country.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for increased U.S. investment in South Sudan, particularly in education, healthcare, and other public service sectors.

According to the statement, the meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations and cooperation in support of peace, stability, and sustainable development in South Sudan.