US showbiz star Forest Whitaker slams South Sudan's 'senseless conflict'

American actor, director and producer, Forest Whitaker has waded into the volatile security situation in South Sudan, labeling it as a ‘senseless conflict’ which the international community must deal with immediately.

The Idi Amin character in the 2006 film, ‘The Last King of Scotland’ used social media platform, Twitter to express his views on the situation which has been making headlines since last Thursday.

‘‘The conflict is intensifying in South Sudan. The International community must act now to protect civilians & stop this senseless conflict!’‘ one tweet read.

Deeply saddened by the outbreak of fighting in #SouthSudan. It continues to claim so many lives. It has to stop. Peace & unity must prevail!

— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) July 10, 2016

Whitaker is also one of United Nations Education Social and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Special Envoy for Peace & Reconciliation. He won the Academy Award, British Academy Film Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award and other accolades for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland .

Meanwhile, a joint ceasefire by the two main players in South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his First Vice President Riek Machar is holding for a third day.

Governments are however evacuating their nationals from the country for fear that Africa’s youngest nation could descend into civil war. The humanitarian situation is also getting alarming as people flee their homes and take refuge at UN facilities and churches.