UN Chief Urges Immediate Action to Address Crisis in South Sudan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges action to prevent escalation in South Sudan, highlighting severe humanitarian crises, fragile peace agreements, and the risk of renewed conflict. He calls for the restoration of the Government of National Unity and increased international support.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for action from both South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to avert further calamity in the strife-ridden nation. He cautioned that ethnic and political targeting by security forces poses a risk of escalating into a broader regional conflict. Guterres remarked, “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.”
A recent incident saw an armed convoy led by top security officials, including the defense minister, enter First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence in Juba, disarming his bodyguards and placing him under house arrest. The ongoing tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which have been escalating, followed a peace agreement reached in August 2018 that aimed to end a five-year civil war resulting in nearly 400,000 fatalities.
Since the agreement, dependence on ethnic conflicts has exacerbated relations between the two leaders, with Machar’s party claiming that his detention signifies a collapse of the peace accord. The UN reported the use of barrel bombs containing flammable liquid in recent airstrikes, highlighting the grave situation as clashes ensue between the army and a rebellious faction previously allied with Machar.
Guterres described the peace agreement as “in shambles,” calling for the immediate release of all detained officials and a reinstatement of the Government of National Unity for peace to progress. He remarked, “The Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict, and nor can the people of South Sudan.”
Addressing the South Sudanese leaders directly, Guterres urged them to cease confrontation politics, release detained officials, and restore the Government of National Unity. He emphasized the implementation of their commitments toward the peace deal, which serves as the pathway toward peaceful elections in December 2026.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is dire, with about 75 percent of the population in need of assistance, and half facing critical food insecurity amid a cholera outbreak. More than one million refugees have sought sanctuary in neighboring countries since the outbreak of hostilities, adding to the catastrophic economic decline with oil revenues shrinking and inflation soaring to 300 percent.
Amidst these tragedies, Guterres warned against the potential resurgence of civil wars reminiscent of those in 2013 and 2016. He underscored the necessity for renewed diplomatic efforts and dialogue. He declared, “South Sudan is at a crossroads. For the sake of the long-suffering people, it is time for all parties to put down the weapons and focus on rebuilding the country.”
Guterres has indicated support for the African Union’s deployment of the “Panel of the Wise” and recognized ongoing diplomatic efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto’s envoy. Despite the severe urgency, he noted that South Sudan has receded from the global spotlight and pleaded for augmented diplomatic and financial backing to navigate the escalating crisis. He added, “The people of South Sudan are close to my heart. They had enormous hopes and aspirations, but sadly, they have not had the leadership they deserve.” Calls from international bodies, including the UN, AU, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, for a cohesive approach towards restoring peace and stability in South Sudan continue to proliferate.
In summary, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urgently called for immediate action to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan. He highlighted the severe humanitarian situation, political tensions, and the necessary restoration of the Government of National Unity to prevent further conflict. International support and a unified diplomatic effort are critical for the country to navigate its current challenges and rebuild for a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
