Ethiopia PM Abiy Meets South Sudan VP Bol, Calls for Inclusive Solutions to Crisis

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has pledged his country’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in South Sudan following a meeting with South Sudanese Vice President H.E. Benjamin Bol Mel, who delivered a special message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

In an X post on Monday, Prime Minister Abiy described the discussion as productive and stressed the need for an inclusive regional approach to resolving South Sudan’s ongoing political and security challenges.

“I received H.E. Benjamin Bol Mel, who delivered a message from my brother, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit. I had a productive discussion with the Vice President, during which I emphasized the importance of an inclusive regional approach to address the current security and political challenges facing South Sudan,” said Abiy.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed met with a delegation from South Sudan

The meeting comes against a backdrop of tensions in the young country followujg the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar who remains under house detention.

Ethiopia, as a founding member of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has played a central role in mediating peace efforts and remains a key partner in the region’s search for stability.

Prime Minister Abiy reiterated Ethiopia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of South Sudan, stating, “Ethiopia remains committed and will continue to extend its steadfast support to the brotherly people of South Sudan.”

The diplomatic exchange is part of efforts by regional leaders to de-escalate the situation.

Last week, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni spent a night a Juba as he met various leaders in an effort to calm the situation in the country.