The African Union was alerted by Nicholas Haysom that South Sudan is close to civil war, necessitating immediate intervention. The country has seen high tension following recent military actions and political unrest. Haysom stressed the need for dialogue and commitment to the revitalized peace agreement to avert conflict and support a democratic transition.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has received a grave warning from Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan, indicating that the country is at risk of slipping back into civil war. Haysom emphasized the necessity for urgent collective action to prevent such an outcome. With South Sudan being the newest nation globally and marked by its complex geography and demographics, he articulated the need for immediate intervention as the country approaches its fourteenth year of independence.
In his remarks during the AU PSC meeting on March 18, Haysom noted that the “hard won peace gains” from the revitalized peace agreement signed eight years ago are in danger. Recent developments, including the takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army, have escalated tensions. High-profile arrests of both military and civilian officials have contributed to the unstable environment, leading to some fleeing and creating widespread fear.
Furthermore, reports of foreign forces being deployed in South Sudan and civilian casualties from airstrikes in Nasir highlight the dire situation. Haysom pointed out that rampant hate speech and misinformation are exacerbating the situation, potentially fueling ethnic tensions within the conflict. While Haysom praised President Salva Kiir for his assurances of peace, he emphasized that achieving this requires a steadfast commitment from all parties to uphold the revitalized agreement.
He urged the AU to consider the situation in neighboring Sudan as a cautionary example of how swiftly nations can descend into conflict. To avert such a fate, he recommended an immediate return to consensus-driven decision-making and increased dialogue to resolve grievances and rebuild trust among all parties involved. The path forward must concentrate on preventing a relapse into war and accomplishing the transition towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections, according to Haysom’s statement.
In summary, as articulated by Nicholas Haysom, there is an urgent need for intervention in South Sudan to avert a potential civil war. The revitalized peace agreement is critical to ensuring stability, requiring all parties to rejuvenate dialogue and cooperation. The warning serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region, underscoring the importance of unity and consensus in navigating the path towards democracy and enduring peace.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
