UN Warns of ‘Alarming Regression’ in South Sudan’s Path to Peace
The UN Commission on Human Rights warned of an alarming regression in South Sudan’s peace process due to recent violence between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This unrest threatens to undo progress made since their power-sharing agreement in 2018. The situation has escalated with violent confrontations in Upper Nile state and calls from leaders for an urgent ceasefire and refocusing on peace initiatives.
Recent violence in South Sudan threatens to derail peace efforts between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, as reported by the UN Commission on Human Rights for South Sudan. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka warned of an alarming regression following clashes in the northeast of the country, which could undo years of progress made since the 2018 power-sharing agreement intended to end a devastating civil war.
This alarming situation stems from violent confrontations primarily involving security forces under President Kiir and an armed group linked to Vice President Machar. As a result, the fragile power-sharing arrangement is now in jeopardy, sparked by recent clashes in Upper Nile state. Sooka emphasized the need for leaders to refocus on the peace process and prioritize the human rights of South Sudanese citizens to facilitate a transition to democracy.
The eruption of violence appears to have begun in February with fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and a group labeled by Human Rights Watch as an armed youth militia. Incidents of armed conflict have escalated, reportedly fueled by rumors of forced disarmament. The UN mission in South Sudan noted uses of heavy weaponry in these confrontations, indicating a dangerous return to conflict within the region.
Tensions have increased as South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, attributed some violence to the White Army, an armed group affiliated with Machar. Following his arrests of two officials linked to Machar, tensions surged, culminating in the army surrounding Machar’s residence. A failed UN helicopter rescue attempt resulted in fatalities, prompting President Kiir to appeal for calm, asserting his government’s commitment to peace.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced instability due to internal conflicts that erupted into a civil war in 2013, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. The Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed in 2018, aimed to unite warring factions but has seen no substantial implementation of its provisions. Observers are witnessing a concerning return to power struggles reminiscent of the nation’s tumultuous past, which has historically brought about devastating consequences for the South Sudanese populace.
South Sudan is currently experiencing a critical regression in its peace efforts, marked by increasing violence and political tensions between key leaders. The UN Commission on Human Rights urges a renewed commitment to the peace process and human rights to avert another cycle of conflict. Without intervention, the fragile strides made toward stability may be irrevocably lost.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
