Pope Francis kisses President Salva Kiir's feet as he calls for peace in South Sudan


- The Pope met the two arch- rivals Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir in Vatican

- They held discussions on how to restore peace in Africa's youngest nation

- The Catholic church leader negotiated for an agreement that could restore peace in the country

- Kiir and Machar last saw each other in October 2018 when they signed an agreement that did not last

- The two leaders fell out in 2013 sparking a civil war in the country, barely two years after gaining independence

Pope Francis has kissed the feet of South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar as he called on the warring factions to respect the latest peace agreement following a two-day retreat at the Vatican.

The Vatican administration termed the meeting between the two arch-rivals and the Pope as both "ecumenical and diplomatic".

READ ALSO: Khartoum: AU against Sudan military takeover, calls for calm as Omar al-Bashir is arrested


Pope Francis kissing the feet of Salva Kiir, watching is Riek Machar as the Catholic church leader called for peace in South Sudan. Photo: Euromonitor
Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Ivy Wangechi: Slain Moi University student's body transferred to Thika

"I express my heartfelt hope that hostilities will finally cease, that the armistice will be respected," the Pontiff told the leaders as quoted by the Euromonitor.

The last time the South Sudan leaders saw each other was in October 2018 when they signed a power-sharing deal following a brief return of Machar to Juba for the first time since fleeing the nation on foot in 2016.

Up to 2013, Machar who hails from the Nuer community was Kiir's vice president and their fallout saw an emergence of a civil war, barely two years after the country got independence from Sudan.

The battles between the Nuer and Dinka communities were characterised by violence, rape and ethnic cleansing that got attention of the United Nations.

Over 380,000 people lost their lives with nearly 2.5 million others going into exile.

READ ALSO: DJ Kalonje afichua yaliotendeka punde tu alipoachana na mpenziwe wa miaka 7

The Pontiff hoped the meeting will end political and ethnic divisions for the best interest of the citizens who wants to build Africa's youngest nation.

"Your people is awaiting your return to your country, the reconciliation of all its members, and a new era of peace and prosperity for all," said the Pope after kissing the leader's feet.

Several peace agreements have failed previously especially due to failure to agree on the control mechanism of government resources.

Machar had fled to Democratic Republic of Congo before he went to South Africa and lastly returned to Sudan which played a great role in enhancing communication between the two leaders.


Source: Tuko.co.ke

Mailfire view pixel