South Sudan is facing an imminent risk of civil war as violence and political tensions escalate. The UN highlights indiscriminate attacks on civilians and increased ethnic division. Urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to reaffirm commitments to the 2018 peace agreement and prevent further conflict.
South Sudan is perilously close to a resurgence of civil war, as indicated by Nicholas Haysom, Chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). During a briefing from Juba, Haysom highlighted increasing violence, political strife, and the targeting of civilians, urging all factions to de-escalate and reaffirm their commitment to peace to prevent further conflict.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced persistent instability, culminating in a civil war in 2013 involving President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar. Despite the implementation of a fragile peace agreement in 2018, ongoing political tensions and delays have contributed to an unstable environment, exacerbated by recent violence.
The latest outbreak of conflict began on March 4, 2023, when the White Army militia attacked army barracks in Nasir, prompting retaliatory strikes from government forces that targeted civilian areas. Haysom noted the indiscriminate nature of these attacks, resulting in over 63,000 individuals displaced and countless casualties due to severe injuries, especially among women and children.
Political tensions further complicate the situation, with senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition facing removal and repression. The spread of misinformation and hate speech has heightened ethnic divisions, making the potential for reconciliation even more challenging.
Haysom reported ongoing efforts by UNMISS, in collaboration with regional bodies like the African Union and IGAD, to mediate the situation. However, a critical diplomatic mission was postponed by the South Sudanese government without explanation. Haysom deemed this postponement disheartening during such a crucial moment for diplomatic engagement.
He reiterated the urgent need for South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace accord, maintain the ceasefire, and settle disputes through dialogue. Haysom specifically called for President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to meet and publicly present their commitment to peace, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction.
In conclusion, South Sudan is on the verge of falling back into civil war due to escalated violence and political instability. UN officials underscore the critical need for leaders to recommit to existing peace agreements and to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further conflict. The situation remains tense, and diplomatic efforts are crucial to avert a humanitarian disaster.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
