Nicholas Haysom, UNMISS head, has urgently called for President Kiir and Vice President Machar to resolve their differences and de-escalate rising tensions in South Sudan. He highlighted the importance of a unified national address and consensus decision-making to prevent potential conflict, drawing lessons from the crisis in Sudan. Ongoing violence has resulted in significant displacement, underlining the urgency for dialogue and effective conflict mitigation efforts.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has called for an urgent meeting between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. He emphasized the necessity of addressing their differences in a constructive manner to alleviate the escalating tensions in the nation. Haysom urged both leaders to present a united front to the nation during this critical period.
During a recent session of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Haysom articulated the pressing need for political de-escalation. He stated, “The parties must de-escalate the current political tensions now before it is too late. There is only one path out of this cycle of conflict, and that is through the Revitalized Agreement.”
Haysom underscored the potential consequences of inaction by drawing comparisons to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. He indicated that lessons should be learned from neighboring countries, stressing the urgency of returning to consensus-based decision-making to prevent further deterioration of the situation in South Sudan.
In his appeal to the African Union’s High-Level Ad hoc Committee for South Sudan and the Panel of the Wise, Haysom urged the facilitation of dialogue among South Sudanese leadership to achieve conflict mitigation. He declared, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war.”
The unrest has intensified in Nasir and Ulang County, following conflicts between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army since March 4. Following these events, a UN helicopter was targeted by the White Army, leading to casualties, including a general and a UN personnel.
The violence has resulted in the displacement of approximately 50,000 individuals, with 10,000 fleeing to neighboring Ethiopia, according to Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan emphasizes the critical need for immediate dialogue and consensus among the nation’s leaders to prevent further conflict. Haysom’s warnings highlight the urgency of addressing the deteriorating situation before it spirals into a larger crisis. Efforts towards conflict mitigation and adherence to the Revitalized Agreement are imperative to secure peace and stability in South Sudan before the onset of democratic elections.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
