Regional and international peace partners are urging South Sudan’s leaders to take immediate actions to avert a potential return to civil war. The leaders highlighted various escalating tensions, including military clashes and regional deployments. Experts emphasize that without concerted diplomatic efforts, the fragile peace could collapse, leading to unprecedented suffering not only for South Sudan but also for its neighboring countries.
Regional and international peace partners are expressing deep concern over the current tensions in South Sudan. They are urging the nation’s leaders to engage in urgent and collective actions to mitigate these tensions and avoid a potential relapse into civil war, which could cause extensive suffering across the region.
During a recent virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais, emphasized that South Sudan is approaching a critical point of conflict. He noted that the peace established over the past seven years is at significant risk of collapse, necessitating immediate diplomatic efforts to prevent a larger war that could affect the entire region.
Ambassador Wais identified several contributing factors to the escalating tensions, including violent clashes involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army in Nasir, recent airstrikes, increased regional military deployments, and disputes among political factions. He cautioned that should a conflict erupt now, the devastation would be unparalleled.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), echoed these concerns. He stressed the necessity for immediate collective interventions to avert war, highlighting the precarious state of the peace process initiated with the Revitalized Agreement of 2018.
Haysom acknowledged President Salva Kiir’s assurances to the public regarding the commitment against returning to war. However, he urged all parties to diligently implement the Revitalized Agreement to translate promises into tangible peace efforts.
On behalf of the South Sudanese government, Acting Ambassador Boutrus Thok Deng conveyed that the recent unrest in Nasir stemmed from a misunderstanding during military redeployment. He reiterated the government’s dedication to restoring peace and fulfilling the peace agreement.
Furthermore, Mr. Haysom urged the parties to recommit to the cessation of hostilities and engage in dialogue to address their differences peacefully. He highlighted the critical need for unity in leadership and emphasized that maintaining stability in South Sudan is vital to prevent further conflict in the region.
In conclusion, the peace partners’ call for urgent action signifies the looming threat of renewed conflict in South Sudan, stressing that concerted diplomatic efforts and the implementation of peace agreements are essential to preserve stability in the region. The situation demands immediate attention to prevent catastrophic consequences and ensure a peaceful future for the nation and its neighbors.
The urgent appeal from regional and international peace partners to South Sudan’s leaders underscores the precarious nature of the current political climate. With risks of renewed conflict increasing, it is imperative that diplomatic measures and the full implementation of existing peace agreements, such as the Revitalized Agreement, be prioritized. Ensuring peace in South Sudan is critical not only for its citizens but also for regional stability.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
