JUBA, South Sudan — The president of South Sudan and his opposition rival both called Monday for a cease-fire in a conflict that has seen fierce clashes between their forces spread from the capital to a southeastern town.
President Salva Kiir declared a halt in fighting that began Thursday night and has raised fears of a return to civil war that could draw in even more of the East African country’s ethnic groups. On Saturday, the troubled nation marked the fifth anniversary of its independence from Sudan.
Hours after the declaration by Kiir, gunfire could still be heard, although it was unclear if was fighting or troops firing in celebration.
Former rebel leader Riek Machar also called for a cease-fire. Machar, who is the country’s first vice president under a fragile peace deal, made the call in an interview with South Sudan-based Eye Radio. He also said he was still in Juba but would not elaborate.
Kiir’s announcement came after his forces overran an opposition base in Juba and killed 35 of Machar’s bodyguards, according to opposition officials. The government forces also attacked a U.N. peacekeeping base and camp for civilians who fled the violence.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to place an immediate arms embargo on South Sudan. Speaking to reporters Monday, Ban also called for additional sanctions against South Sudan leaders who have blocked the existing peace deal and the “fortifying” of the U.N. peacekeeping force there.
“The renewed fighting is outrageous,” Ban said. “It is yet another grievous setback. It deepens the country’s suffering. It makes a mockery of commitments to peace.”
Many of the thousands displaced by the fighting are seeking shelter at two U.N. bases, a World Food Program compound and other areas, said Matilda Moyo, a spokeswoman at the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Massive explosions were heard in Juba’s Tomping neighborhood, which houses a U.N. compound where at least 3,000 civilians have sought shelter. The district also has several embassies and the airport.
The United States told its citizens it would evacuate all nonessential staff from the country. The Canadian Embassy has closed, according to a message sent to its citizens. India is planning to evacuate its citizens, according to a tweet by its external affairs minister.
In addition to the continued battles in Juba, clashes broke out in the town of Torit in the southeast. There also have been sporadic hostilities in Wau in the west.
Kiir and Machar signed a peace accord last year and formed an uneasy transitional coalition government.
