EU Urges South Sudan Leaders to Prevent Resurgence of Conflict

The EU has cautioned South Sudan’s leaders about the deteriorating security situation following recent violence in Nasir County, urging immediate action to uphold the fragile 2018 peace agreement. Tensions escalated after clashes resulted in arrests of key political figures, and military personnel surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence. The situation is exacerbated by attacks on UN missions. The EU emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and peace monitoring to prevent further conflict.

The European Union (EU) delegation has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating security challenges in South Sudan, particularly following the recent violent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU is urging South Sudan’s leaders to take decisive measures to avert a return to full-scale conflict amidst rising tensions that threaten the fragile 2018 peace accord between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.

Recent hostilities included clashes between government forces and an armed group in Nasir County, resulting in the detention of significant allies of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. President Kiir’s faction has implicated the White Army—an armed youth group in Nasir—as being affiliated with Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces, a claim that has been firmly denied by Mr. Machar’s camp.

In the wake of these confrontations, military personnel have surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without any official reasoning provided. His supporters caution that such actions may jeopardize the delicate peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war. Additionally, tensions escalated following an attack on a UN helicopter evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, resulting in multiple casualties.

During a workshop by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, emphasized the need for effective peace mechanisms to foster dialogue among all parties involved in the peace agreement. He remarked that recent developments underline the necessity of maintaining peace and preventing actions that might exacerbate the situation.

Mr. Olkkonen acknowledged the differing perspectives on the recent events but asserted that the onus lies on South Sudan’s leaders to mitigate potential conflict. He urged peace monitors, such as CTSAMVM, to adopt a more proactive stance in addressing violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Highlighting the complexities of the ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states, Mr. Olkkonen called on all peace partners to intensify their efforts to maintain stability within the nation. The European Union remains committed as a significant donor to South Sudan, providing vital humanitarian, developmental, and economic assistance.

The EU’s warnings regarding the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan underscore the critical need for the nation’s leaders to engage in effective dialogue and uphold peace agreements. The recent clashes and rising tensions pose significant risks of reverting to conflict. By prioritizing collaboration through peace mechanisms and addressing ceasefire violations, South Sudan’s leadership can work toward maintaining stability and fostering reconciliation.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org