Urgent Call for Action to Avert Conflict in South Sudan
Peace partners, including IGAD and UN officials, urgently call for collective action among South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate tensions and prevent a potential civil war. Key figures expressed that the country’s peace is on the brink of collapse due to various conflicts. There is an emphasis on the importance of the Revitalized Agreement and the need for immediate diplomatic interventions to avoid unprecedented suffering.
Regional and international peace partners have expressed urgent concern regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan, emphasizing the need for leaders to act collectively to prevent a potential relapse into civil war. This call for action was made during a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, highlighting the grave situation at hand.
Ambassador Ismail Wais, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan, stated, “As we gather today, South Sudan is on the cusp of a full-scale conflict.” He warned that the peace maintained over the past seven years is in jeopardy and called for immediate diplomatic interventions.
Ambassador Wais identified several factors contributing to the unrest, including clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, recent airstrikes in Nasir, increased tensions due to the deployment of Ugandan troops, and internal disagreements among political factions. He cautioned that any conflict would lead to unprecedented destruction and suffering.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), supported the call for prompt action, stating, “As partners in peace, we are concerned that South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Agreement to maintain peace and urged the parties to take necessary measures to avoid further conflict.
Boutrus Thok Deng, Acting Ambassador of the Government of South Sudan, remarked that the recent incident in Nasir was due to a misunderstanding amid military redeployment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and order and highlighted President Kiir’s commitment to avoiding a return to war.
The Head of UNMISS encouraged the Council to support efforts aimed at recommitting to the cessation of hostilities and resolving differences constructively. He emphasized the need for dialogue to address the tensions in Nasir and called for unity among the political leaders to avoid the potential domestic turmoil that could mirror the situation in Sudan. “There is only one path out of this cycle of conflict and that is through the Revitalized Agreement,” he reinforced.
This situation underscores the regional need for stability and the importance of maintaining peace agreements to foster democratic transitions in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the ongoing situation in South Sudan necessitates immediate action from its leadership and regional partners to avert a descent into civil war. With peace already endangered, the urgent call for diplomacy and adherence to established peace agreements is paramount to prevent widespread suffering. The leadership must prioritize unity and constructive dialogue to ensure a peaceful future and uphold gains achieved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
