Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, conveyed urgent concerns about the escalating tensions in South Sudan, emphasizing the risk of a return to civil war. Key issues include the recent takeover of military barracks, tensions among officials, and the urgent necessity for dialogue and peace process restoration. Haysom calls for regional collaboration and adherence to the Revitalized Agreement to avert conflict and support the country’s transition to democracy.
In the recent remarks delivered at the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan. He emphasized the risk of renewed civil war that poses a threat to the gains achieved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement in 2018. Immediate and collective intervention is essential to avert this potential conflict.
Following the White Army’s takeover of the Nasir barracks on March 4, 2025, the situation throughout South Sudan has intensified. Senior SPLA/IO officials have been either detained or forced to flee. The government has confirmed the presence of foreign military forces, and recent airstrikes have caused civilian casualties. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation and hate speech among the populace raises alarms about the possibility of ethnic conflict.
Haysom reiterated that the peace process and its mechanisms are crucial for restoring stability, yet they are on the verge of collapse. He commended the recent IGAD Extraordinary Summit and its communique, which advocates for de-escalation and emphasizes collaboration with all stakeholders to uphold the Revitalized Agreement. Haysom, along with other leaders, has been engaging with key parties to promote dialogue, build trust, and ensure a united front against the return to civil war.
While acknowledging President Kiir’s commitment to avoiding war, Haysom stressed the need for concrete actions to implement the Revitalized Agreement comprehensively. He urged the Council to support several initiatives, including the recommitment to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, facilitating constructive dialogue between leaders, the release of detained officials, and the urgent need for dialogue to address the tensions in Nasir.
He advocated for the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to oversee stabilization efforts in Juba and underscored the importance of neighboring states as guarantors of peace. Haysom called upon the AU C5 and the Panel of the Wise to facilitate dialogue among South Sudanese leaders for effective conflict mitigation.
Drawing parallels with the situation in Sudan, he highlighted the urgency of avoiding a descent into chaos. It is imperative for parties to prioritize consensus-driven decision-making and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve underlying grievances. Prompt de-escalation of political tensions is critical, as adherence to the Revitalized Agreement remains the sole pathway to peace and the successful transition to democratic elections in South Sudan.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks underscore the critical state of affairs in South Sudan, urging immediate action to prevent the resurgence of civil war. The continued implementation of the Revitalized Agreement is paramount, requiring robust dialogue and trust-building measures among parties. Collective efforts by regional bodies and keystone stakeholders will be essential to navigate this precarious situation, ensuring peace and stability in South Sudan and preventing a recurrence of violent conflict.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
