South Sudan peace monitors demand investigations into violence in Upper Nile and a UN helicopter attack, urging the cessation of hostilities and dialogue among warring parties to restore peace.
Peace monitors from South Sudan have urged for prompt investigations into recent violence in Upper Nile State and an incident involving a UN helicopter, which resulted in fatalities among UN personnel and soldiers. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) condemned these acts and emphasized the necessity for the warring factions to halt hostilities and pursue dialogue to enhance national peace.
In a statement issued in Juba, the RJMEC stressed the urgency for all involved parties to cease further conflicts, allow dialogue to flourish, and restore calm without delay. The ongoing clashes in Nasir, a strategically significant town, have heightened tensions since March 3, with notable arrests of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
The international community has expressed serious apprehensions regarding these recent events in Juba, highlighting their potential threat to the fragile unity government established by a 2018 peace agreement that concluded South Sudan’s five-year civil war. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have been killed, with many others injured in areas surrounding Nasir, which has seen significant displacement of residents near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border, according to Xinhua news agency.
The RJMEC has called on the unity government to implement all necessary measures aimed at de-escalating the prevailing situation. Furthermore, it has urged the Joint Defence Board—responsible for command over organized forces— to perform its duties diligently. The RJMEC also recommended that the National Transitional Committee expedite the unification and deployment of all forces in order to ensure peace and prevent future incidents.
In summary, the RJMEC has underscored the urgent need for investigations into violence in Upper Nile State and the attack on the UN helicopter. They have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the restoration of dialogue, and prompt actions by the unity government to ensure stability and avoid future unrest. The emphasis on cooperation from various governmental bodies remains crucial for maintaining peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.siasat.com
