The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reports an alarming regression in the peace process due to recent violence between government forces and an armed group linked to Vice President Riek Machar. This resurgence of conflict threatens the 2018 power-sharing agreement, causing increased tensions and fears of renewed civil war in the region. International leaders have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a renewed focus on the peace process.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has raised concerns over a significant regression in the peace process following recent violence in the northeastern region. President Salva Kiir’s forces and an armed group allegedly linked to First Vice President Riek Machar have been involved in clashes, threatening the fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018 to conclude five years of civil war. This resurgence of violence has intensified fears of renewed conflict in the Upper Nile state.
Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN Commission, emphasized the urgency for leaders to prioritize peace, stating, “Rather than fuelling division and conflict, leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy.” The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also voiced his distress and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The violence reportedly began in February when clashes erupted between the Sudanese armed forces and an armed youth militia in Nasir County. Human Rights Watch suggested that forced disarmament rumors may have contributed to the unrest, which has escalated further with heavy weaponry used in confrontations across Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states.
South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, attributed part of the unrest to the White Army, an armed Nuer group linked to Machar’s party. The situation worsened recently as Kiir ordered the arrest of officials associated with Machar and had security surround Machar’s residence, leading to his effective house arrest. A UN helicopter was also attacked during a rescue mission, resulting in injuries and fatalities among the crew and military personnel.
Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with internal strife, culminating in civil war by 2013, claiming over 400,000 lives and displacing millions. The 2018 Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan aimed to unify military forces and implement significant political reforms, which remain largely unfulfilled. Barney Afako, a member of the UN Commission, warned of a troubling return to aggressive power struggles, stating, “The South Sudanese had endured atrocities, rights violations which amount to serious crimes, economic mismanagement, and ever-worsening security. They deserve respite and peace, not another cycle of war.”
The ongoing violence in South Sudan poses a serious threat to the peace process established in 2018, exacerbating tensions and fears of renewed conflict. International calls for immediate action reflect the urgent need for the country’s leaders to prioritize peace and human rights. As South Sudan continues to grapple with the aftermath of civil war and instability, it is imperative that reforms and measures to ensure stability are urgently implemented to prevent further regression into conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
