The President of the Pontifical Commission for Peace and Justice in Vatican urges President Salva Kiir and First Vice Riek Machar to end violence and resolve differences peacefully.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson made the call while delivering Pope Francis’ message to President Salva Kiir in Juba on Tuesday.
He said President Kiir assured him that he remains committed to restore peace in the country and is ready to meet with Machar.
The Papal envoy reports that President Kiir is not opposed to a third-party security force to ensure Machar’s safety, but refuses to allow any foreign troops to stay in South Sudan for any other reason.
The Cardinal urges Kiir to share the content of Pope Francis’ letter with officials in the Transitional Government of National Unity.
During his four-day visit, Cardinal Kodwo also met with hundreds of internally displaced people at a UN camp in Juba and witnessed how they are suffering.