The African Union (AU) is worried about the clashes in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. It is urging President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to take responsibility, and to keep their forces under control.
AU officials have welcomed the statements by Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, asking their supporters to refrain from fighting, but they want more action from the two men.
They say Thursday’s fighting is a clear danger to the transitional government of national unity, and that Kiir and Machar must do more to calm the city and the country.
It’s been almost a year since the two signed a deal to end the civil war yet they have still to implement key elements of that deal.
Officials here suspect Thursday’s fighting is a direct result and that there’s potential for more trouble – unless political leaders work harder to resolve their differences.
The AU is calling for calm as well – and for talks.
