South Sudan Faces Risk of Renewed Civil War Amid Political Tensions

South Sudan is on the brink of renewed civil war, according to U.N. envoy Nicolas Haysom, following the government’s cancellation of a peace plan. The volatile climate, exacerbated by ethnic divisions and postponed elections, calls for immediate political engagement from leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar to prevent further violence and uphold peace agreements.

South Sudan stands on the precipice of renewed civil conflict, as emphasized by the United Nations envoy, Nicolas Haysom, who lamented the government’s abrupt cancellation of a peace initiative. Haysom characterized the circumstances in South Sudan as “dire,” asserting that a successful international mediation relies on the willingness of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to prioritize their citizens’ welfare above their own ambitions.

Following its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan experienced hopes of stability which quickly deteriorated into civil war in December 2013, largely due to ethnic tensions. The conflict resulted in over 40,000 fatalities and concluded with a peace agreement in 2018 meant to unify the leadership of Kiir and Machar. However, the much-anticipated elections scheduled for February 2023 have been postponed to December 2024 and potentially to 2026.

Recent escalations in violence have emerged from clashes in northern South Sudan between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army, thought to support Machar. Tensions worsened after a UN helicopter was attacked while attempting to assist government troops, and subsequent military actions led to the surrounding of Machar’s residence in Juba.

Haysom noted that as electoral processes near, competition intensifies, exacerbating distrust between Kiir and Machar and hindering the implementation of the peace agreement. He indicated that misinformation and heightened rhetoric contribute to escalating ethnic divisions and fear among the populace.

Describing the gravity of the situation, Haysom stated that South Sudan is at risk of slipping back into civil war, recalling the brutal conflicts of 2013 and 2016. He affirmed the U.N. peacekeeping mission’s commitment to engaging in diplomatic efforts alongside international and regional partners to avert such a crisis.

The U.N. envoy urged both leaders to adhere to their commitments under the 2018 agreement, emphasizing the need for dialogue over military solutions to resolve their differences. The unified message from the international community is clear: it is imperative that Kiir and Machar collaborate to ensure South Sudan’s stability and avert further bloodshed.

In summary, the situation in South Sudan is critical as concerns grow regarding the potential return to civil conflict. The international community remains focused on fostering negotiation between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, emphasizing dialogue as the essential path forward. The urgency of addressing ethnic tensions and adhering to the previously established peace agreements cannot be overstated, as South Sudan continues to grapple with the repercussions of its troubled past.

Original Source: apnews.com