UN Urges South Sudan Leaders to Preserve Failing Peace Agreement
The UN warns that escalating violence in South Sudan threatens the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Political tensions have led to arrests of key officials and armed confrontations, jeopardizing the peace process. The UN Commission emphasizes the need for commitment to human rights and transitional reforms to stabilize the region amid potential regression.
The United Nations has issued a warning regarding the deteriorating conditions in South Sudan, particularly in Upper Nile State, where escalating violence and political tensions threaten the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The agreement, brokered between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, is facing critical challenges with the integration of armed groups into a national army. President Kiir and Dr. Machar’s leadership roles within their respective factions, the SPLM and SPLM-IO, are pivotal in navigating these tumultuous times.
Recent political strife has led to the arrests of senior officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, amid increasing tensions between the two leaders. These arrests have not been officially justified, occurring against the backdrop of violent clashes in Nasir involving the army and a youth militia known as the White Army, further jeopardizing the fragile peace.
The situation worsened when a United Nations helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate personnel, resulting in casualties. The UN Commission on Human Rights expressed condemnation of these armed conflicts, labeling the attack on the aircraft as a war crime. They emphasized that such events stem from political mismanagement and delays in the disbanding of military factions, which escalate violence.
Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka urged that South Sudan must progress by adhering to the peace agreement. Sooka articulated the need for leaders to emphasize democratic processes and human rights, warning of a dangerous regression that threatens recent advancements. Commissioner Barney Afako echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the cyclical nature of power struggles and the human toll suffered by the South Sudanese people, thus calling for urgent attention to peace and stability.
The Commission reiterated the need for all parties involved in the Revitalized Agreement and other stakeholders to commit to human rights obligations and complete transitional processes, including vital constitutional reforms and the establishment of justice mechanisms intended to address the roots of conflict. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, an independent entity upheld by the UN Human Rights Council, has been advocating for these issues since its inception in March 2016.
In summary, the ongoing violence and political instability in South Sudan pose significant risks to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite its original intent, developments, including arrests and armed confrontations, highlight a critical regression. The UN urges all parties to commit to their responsibilities, prioritize human rights, and take necessary steps to avert further humanitarian crises and ensure a peaceful transition.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
