UN Calls for Urgent Action Amid Crisis in South Sudan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged South Sudan’s leaders and the international community to take immediate action to prevent escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis. He warned of impending regional conflict if ethnic targeting by security forces continues. Guterres emphasized the necessity to restore the Government of National Unity and address the alarming humanitarian situation affecting 75% of the population.
On Friday, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the pressing need for both South Sudan’s leaders and the international community to take decisive action to mitigate the escalating crisis in the nation. He specifically warned that the ongoing ethnic and political targeting by security forces could lead to a wider regional conflict, particularly given the intense violence currently affecting civilians.
Guterres’s comments came in light of troubling developments, including airstrikes targeting civilians and an armed convoy led by high-ranking officials that besieged First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence. The escalating tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir have increased since the 2018 peace agreement, which officially ended a prolonged civil war but did not eliminate underlying ethnic divisions and violent outbreaks. Machar’s party has stated his recent detention might signal the disintegration of this fragile peace deal.
Recent reports indicated the use of barrel bombs containing highly flammable substances in military attacks against a rebel faction formerly linked to Machar. In addressing reporters, Guterres lamented the current state of the peace agreement, acknowledging that it is “in shambles.” He insisted on the necessity for the immediate release of all detained officials and emphasized the importance of reinstating the Government of National Unity as a vital step towards achieving peace.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is severe, with an alarming 75 percent of the population in need of aid and half facing acute food insecurity, compounded by an ongoing cholera outbreak. Guterres reported that over one million refugees have fled the country since hostilities resumed, with devastating economic metrics including crippling oil revenue losses and an inflation rate soaring to 300 percent.
In light of these dire conditions, Guterres spoke of the risk of recurrence of the civil wars seen in 2013 and 2016, urging for renewed diplomatic efforts and emphasizing the importance of dialogue in de-escalation. He stated, “South Sudan is at a crossroads,” and urged all factions to cease hostilities and commit to rebuilding the nation. Guterres also commended the African Union’s support for deploying the “Panel of the Wise.”
Despite the critical nature of the situation, Guterres expressed concern over waning international attention towards South Sudan. He called for enhanced diplomatic and financial backing to combat the escalating crisis, spotlighting the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for better leadership. An increasing number of international entities, including the UN and African Union, have begun advocating for a cohesive approach to peace in South Sudan.
In conclusion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has rallied a call to action for both the leadership of South Sudan and the international community, highlighting the existential threats posed by escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the nation. With a history of civil war and the ongoing collapse of the peace process, proactive measures including diplomatic engagement, immediate action to release detained officials, and restoration of government unity are vital. The plight of the South Sudanese people necessitates urgent attention and a unified international commitment towards restoring peace and stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
