Violence in South Sudan Displaces Thousands Amid Calls for Mediation
Clashes in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 since February, with the UN and Western embassies offering to mediate. The violence threatens a fragile peace accord between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Recent airstrikes have worsened the humanitarian situation, prompting fears of a return to civil war, with urgent calls for dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
Clashes in South Sudan have resulted in the displacement of over 50,000 people since February, prompting Western nations to propose mediation to avert a potential civil war. The ongoing conflicts in the northeastern Upper Nile State involve forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, risking the fragile peace-sharing agreement currently in place. Reports indicate that the recent unrest has led to the arrest of more than 20 of Machar’s allies, including prominent military and government officials.
Anita Kiki Gbeho from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern over the violence, stating it heightens risks for vulnerable communities and disrupts essential services. In response, a coalition of Western embassies, including representatives from the United States and the European Union, urged a return to dialogue and expressed willingness to facilitate discussions between the feuding leaders.
An airstrike conducted by the South Sudanese government in Nasir County claimed at least 20 lives, including children, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation. OCHA reported that approximately 10,000 displaced individuals have fled to Ethiopia, while 23 humanitarian workers have evacuated the region, leading to the closure of a cholera treatment center.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), warned that the country is on the verge of slipping back into civil war, emphasizing the urgency for de-escalation to prevent further conflict. He noted that the recent turmoil poses a significant threat to the 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, who previously endured a brutal civil war that resulted in around 400,000 deaths.
Tensions have been further fueled by accusations from Kiir’s allies that Machar’s forces are inciting violence in Nasir County alongside the White Army, composed of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group. The situation escalated when approximately 6,000 White Army fighters overwhelmed a military base in the area, leading to fatalities during a subsequent UN rescue operation. Western embassies voiced their concern regarding the safety of survivors who remain unable to find secure shelter.
The situation in South Sudan remains perilous, with clashes leading to significant displacement and the potential for renewed civil war. The international community’s offer to mediate reflects growing concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis. Urging dialogue between President Kiir and Vice President Machar is crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the region, as the consequences of neglecting these tensions could mirror the disastrous outcomes seen in neighboring Sudan. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard vulnerable populations and uphold existing peace agreements.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
