UN Envoy Advocates for De-escalation of Tensions in South Sudan
UN envoy Nicholas Haysom has urged South Sudan leaders to unite and address tensions proactively. He highlighted the need for immediate de-escalation and the importance of the Revitalized Agreement in averting further conflict, especially in light of recent violence that has displaced tens of thousands.
The United Nations envoy to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, is advocating for immediate actions to reduce escalating tensions in the country. He has urged President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to convene and resolve their differences constructively, highlighting the need for a united front in addressing the nation.
During a recent meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council, Haysom emphasized, “The parties must de-escalate the current political tensions now before it is too late. There is only one path out of this cycle of conflict, and that is through the Revitalized Agreement.” He urged the leaders to learn from Sudan’s current crisis to prevent a similar fate in South Sudan.
Haysom also called on the African Union’s High-Level Ad hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) and the Panel of the Wise to initiate dialogue among South Sudanese leaders to mitigate ongoing conflicts. He underscored, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war, support the full implementation of the agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections.”
Heavy fighting erupted in Nasir and Ulang County on March 4, involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army. This violence escalated, with a UN helicopter being fired upon on March 7, resulting in casualties among both soldiers and UN personnel.
As a consequence of the ongoing conflict, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, reported that approximately 50,000 individuals have been displaced, including 10,000 who have fled to neighboring Ethiopia. Such figures reflect the urgent need for intervention and stability in the region to safeguard the populace.
In light of the rising tensions in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom’s calls for dialogue and de-escalation serve as a critical reminder of the potential for conflict in the region. The necessity for President Kiir and Vice President Machar to unite and engage in constructive discussions is paramount to preventing further violence and ensuring the implementation of peace agreements. Immediate action is essential to protect the welfare of displaced individuals and promote a stable, democratic future.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
