By Mamer Abraham
French legislators on Monday met President Salva Kiir Mayardit in a bid to seek an understanding of the context of the conflict in Sudan.
Chairperson of French Parliamentary caucus on South Sudan, Christophe Marion, led the delegation to Juba.
Marion shed a beam of trust that South Sudan was strategic to a long-lasting peace and stability of Sudan.
“We are convinced that South Sudan could be an element of stability and can contribute to the stability of the sub-region,” said Marion.
According to Dr. James Pitia Morgan, the minister for foreign affairs, the French lawmakers lauded Kiir for his open heart to allow refugees from Sudan into the country through his open-door policy.
He added that the president assured the delegates of his readiness to lead the nation toward a democratic election in December 2024.
Juba and Paris hold a long and unbent history of bilateral relations, the spirit the meeting resolved would be bolstered as France picks interest in robust partnerships in culture, agriculture, finance and economy.
The conflict in Sudan is almost six months now since it began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Over 5 million people have so far been displaced and are in need of humanitarian assistance both within Sudan and in the neighboring countries.
Four days ago, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said 24.7 million Sudanese needed urgent humanitarian assistance as a result of the repercussions of the raging conflict.