The UN has raised alarms over escalating violence in South Sudan, threatening the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Challenges in unifying armed groups and political tensions between President Kiir and Dr. Machar have led to violence, including arrests of opposition figures and attacks on UN personnel. The Commission calls for adherence to human rights and peace processes to prevent further conflict.
The UN Commission on Human Rights has issued a grave warning about the escalating violence in Upper Nile State, which poses significant risks to South Sudan’s Revitalized Peace Agreement. This agreement, signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, is under severe strain due to political tensions in Juba and challenges in unifying armed factions into a national army.
Tensions between the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Kiir and the SPLM-IO headed by Dr. Machar have escalated, resulting in the arrest of prominent SPLA-IO leaders this week. These arrests, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, have heightened concerns regarding the fragile peace, particularly following violent clashes involving the army and armed groups in areas such as Nasir.
The situation deteriorated further when a UN helicopter came under attack while attempting to evacuate military personnel, leading to significant casualties. The Commission condemned these acts as war crimes and highlighted that such violence stemmed from poor political management, particularly delays in unifying armed forces as stipulated in the peace agreement.
UN Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka remarked on the regression of South Sudan’s peace efforts and urged leaders to concentrate on the peace process rather than perpetuating division. Commissioner Barney Afako emphasized the need for respite from the pervasive violence and challenging conditions faced by South Sudanese citizens.
The Commission called upon all stakeholders to adhere to their commitments under the Revitalized Agreement to promote human rights and complete necessary transitional processes, such as constitutional reforms and the establishment of various judicial mechanisms that are vital for addressing the conflict’s underlying causes.
In conclusion, the UN Commission on Human Rights has underscored the urgency for South Sudanese leaders to uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement amidst rising tensions and violence. With arrests of key opposition figures and increased military confrontations threatening stability, the Commission emphasizes the necessity of implementing peace provisions and ensuring human rights are upheld for the citizens. Failure to address these issues may lead to a resurgence of conflict, jeopardizing progress made in recent years.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
