South Sudan faces “alarming regression” due to recent clashes threatening peace progress, warns the UN. Tensions jeopardize the fragile power-sharing deal between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. A recent UN helicopter attack resulted in casualties. UN officials stress the need for leadership to refocus on peace and human rights for citizens, emphasizing that the South Sudanese deserve respite from conflict.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding South Sudan, describing the situation as one of “alarming regression” due to recent violent clashes in the northeast. These conflicts threaten to undermine the fragile progress made towards peace in the nation. The ongoing power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is particularly at risk as their allied forces engage in conflict in the Upper Nile State.
A recent incident on Friday involved a UN helicopter being attacked while attempting a rescue operation in Upper Nile State, resulting in one crew member’s death and injuries to two others. Additionally, an army general lost his life during the same mission, creating further unease in a country already plagued by violence and instability. President Kiir urged for calm and assured citizens of a commitment to avoiding a return to war.
According to Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, South Sudan is experiencing a significant setback that could jeopardize the progress achieved thus far. She emphasized the need for leaders to focus on the peace process, uphold citizens’ human rights, and facilitate a transition to democracy. Notably, South Sudan emerged from a five-year civil war in 2018, following the establishment of a power-sharing arrangement between Kiir and Machar.
The tensions have escalated as Kiir’s supporters accuse Machar’s forces of inciting unrest in Nasir County in collaboration with the White Army, a group associated with the Nuer ethnic community. Commissioner Barney Afako remarked on the reemergence of destructive power struggles that have historically afflicted the nation, asserting that the South Sudanese population has endured severe crimes, human rights violations, and fragile security. He stated emphatically, “They deserve respite and peace, not another cycle of war.”
In summary, the ongoing clashes in South Sudan pose a serious threat to the peace process established in the wake of the civil war. The United Nations underscores the urgent need for political leaders to prioritize peace and uphold the rights of citizens to prevent further regression. As the situation remains precarious, the call for a stable transition to democracy is ever more critical for the future of South Sudan and its people.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
