UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged swift action to avert a crisis in South Sudan, citing escalating violence and a humanitarian emergency. He called for the immediate restoration of the Government of National Unity and emphasized the need for a unified international response to the ongoing conflict and economic collapse.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to take decisive action to avert further devastation in the war-stricken nation. He cautioned that ongoing ethnic and political targeting by security forces could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Guterres highlighted the alarming increase in violence, including airstrikes that have affected civilians. He stated, “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.”
Tensions erupted this week when an armed convoy under top security officials, including the defense minister, invaded the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba, resulting in his bodyguards being disarmed and Machar placed under house arrest. The relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir has been increasingly strained, following a peace agreement in August 2018 meant to end a devastating civil war.
Over the past seven years, ethnic conflicts and sporadic violence have exacerbated tensions, with Machar’s party declaring that his detention signifies the collapse of the peace agreement. Additionally, the UN reported that airstrikes included barrels potentially filled with flammable liquids during military clashes with a rebel faction previously allied with Machar.
Guterres remarked to reporters that “the peace agreement is in shambles” and insisted on the immediate release of all detained officials, emphasizing the need to restore the Government of National Unity for the peace process to move forward. He noted that “the Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict” and urged for collective efforts to avert disaster.
He directly implored South Sudan’s leaders to cease confrontational politics, release detained officials, fully restore governance, and adhere to commitments made in the peace agreement. The humanitarian crisis is dire, with nearly 75% of the population needing aid and significant food insecurity affecting half of the populace, compounded by a cholera outbreak.
Economic turmoil continues, with oil revenues plummeting and inflation soaring to 300%. Guterres fears that the nation may repeat its civil wars from 2013 and 2016 if no immediate actions are taken. He advocated for renewed diplomatic endeavours, calling for a focus on dialogue and de-escalation to assist in rebuilding South Sudan.
He expressed support for the African Union’s initiative to deploy a “Panel of the Wise” and endorsed efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto’s special envoy. Despite the serious nature of the situation, he noted that South Sudan has regressed to a state of diminished international attention and called for heightened diplomatic and financial backing to resolve the escalating crisis.
Guterres expressed sympathy for the South Sudanese people, acknowledging their ambitions and aspirations have been thwarted by inadequate leadership. He remarked on the increasing international plea for a united approach toward restoring peace, with organizations such as the UN, AU, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development advocating for a stable peace process in South Sudan.
In conclusion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate actions from South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to address the alarming situation in the country. The escalating violence, humanitarian crisis, and economic collapse pose significant threats, prompting Guterres to urge a restoration of peace, governance, and diplomatic support. He emphasized the urgency of dialogue and cooperation to prevent further conflict, reflecting the deep concern for the well-being of the long-suffering South Sudanese populace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
