Urgent Appeal for Action Amid Rising Tensions in South Sudan

Key international agencies have expressed deep concern over rising tensions and violence in Upper Nile State and other regions in South Sudan. They have urged immediate collaboration among local leaders to address these security issues to prevent further deterioration that could undermine the ongoing peace agreement. The statement emphasizes the urgency of deploying unified forces to restore public trust in the government.

The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), alongside the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), has voiced serious concerns regarding escalating tensions in Upper Nile State. In a joint statement released on Thursday, these agencies highlighted their worries over confrontations among forces affiliated with the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal states.

The organizations urged involved parties to collaboratively and urgently address the unrest within the framework established by the R-ARCSS to mitigate the crisis in Upper Nile State. Reports from the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) indicate a notable decline in security conditions, intensified by ongoing troop rotations in Nasir, raising fears of broader hostilities.

The joint statement urged the leadership of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to act collectively and swiftly to resolve ongoing security issues across the three states. It was cautioned that if left unaddressed, the incidents risk undermining the Permanent Ceasefire, a fundamental element of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Additionally, the organizations indicated the necessity for advancing the full integration and prompt deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. This is crucial to restoring public confidence in the RTGoNU’s dedication to achieving enduring peace and stability in South Sudan, particularly as the nation navigates the fourth extension of its ongoing Transitional Period.

In summary, the collective message from AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS, and RJMEC underscores the urgent need for cooperation among South Sudanese leaders to mitigate escalating tensions and enhance security. The call to unify forces and address security concerns reflects a critical step toward ensuring the sustainability of the peace process, particularly during this transitional phase of governance.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org