The United Nations has flagged South Sudan’s troubling situation as an alarming regression , with ongoing clashes threatening a fragile peace established between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. A recent attack on a UN helicopter further illustrates the instability, prompting calls for urgent peace process engagement from UN officials amid rising tensions and political instability.
The United Nations has raised concerns about South Sudan’s current situation, describing it as an alarming regression . Recent violent clashes in the northeast threaten the fragile peace established by the power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The escalating violence stems from conflicts among their allied forces in Upper Nile State, undermining progress toward durable peace.
On Friday, an attack on a UN helicopter during a rescue operation resulted in the tragic death of one crew member and injuries to two others. The UN Mission in South Sudan reported that an army general also lost his life in this incident, highlighting the deepening crisis the nation faces. South Sudan continues to grapple with political instability and violence, leading to widespread fear among its citizens.
President Kiir called for calm on Friday, asserting a commitment to avoid a return to warfare. In a statement, Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN human rights commission, warned of the potential loss of hard-won achievements, emphasizing the need for leaders to refocus on the peace process and protect the human rights of South Sudanese citizens.
South Sudan, established as the world’s youngest nation, concluded a five-year civil war in 2018 through a power-sharing agreement. However, tensions remain high, with Kiir’s associates accusing Machar’s forces of igniting unrest aligned with the White Army, an armed group from the Nuer ethnic community.
Barney Afako, a UN commissioner, remarked that the current situation reflects a return to past power struggles that have devastated the nation. He criticized the ongoing human rights abuses and economic mismanagement faced by South Sudanese, expressing their right to peace instead of further conflict.
The situation in South Sudan has reached a critical juncture, prompting warnings from the UN regarding escalating violence and the undermining of peace efforts. Ongoing clashes between rival factions threaten the stability that has been achieved after years of conflict. The international community must urge South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peace and uphold human rights in order to secure a stable future for the nation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
