South Sudan at Risk of Civil War: UN Officials Issue Urgent Warning
The UN warns that South Sudan may fall back into civil war as violence and political strife intensify. Nicholas Haysom from UNMISS reported on escalating attacks on civilians and ethnic tensions, urging leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace deal. Diplomatic attempts to mediate disputes have been hindered, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.
South Sudan is on the verge of a renewed civil war as violence escalates and political tensions heighten. This warning was issued by Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), during a briefing from Juba, where he highlighted indiscriminate attacks on civilians, widespread displacement, and surging ethnic tensions. Haysom urgently called for all parties to cease hostilities and commit to peace to prevent further conflict’s devastation.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing conflict and instability. A civil war erupted in 2013, pitting forces loyal to President Salva Kiir against those aligned with former deputy, Riek Machar. Despite a fragile peace deal established in 2018, political rivalries and delays in its implementation have perpetuated tensions within the country.
The recent surge of violence began on March 4, when the White Army militia attacked military barracks in Upper Nile. Government forces retaliated with aerial bombardments on civilian areas utilizing barrel bombs, resulting in substantial injuries and the displacement of at least 63,000 individuals. Both national forces and the militia are reportedly preparing for further confrontations, amid claims of child recruitment into armed groups. Additionally, the deployment of foreign troops has exacerbated regional tensions.
Political instability escalates as officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) face removal or threats of violence. Misinformation and hate speech are driving deeper ethnic divisions, complicating reconciliation efforts. Haysom stated, “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion, but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”
UNMISS has pursued vigorous diplomatic efforts with regional and international partners, including the African Union and IGAD, to mediate disputes. However, a scheduled visit by IGAD foreign ministers to promote negotiations was abruptly postponed by the South Sudanese government without justification. Haysom labeled this development as disappointing during a critical period for diplomatic engagement.
Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the 2018 peace agreement, adhere to the ceasefire, and resolve conflicts through dialogue instead of military action. He emphasized the urgent need for President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to convene and publicly commit to peace, warning that “the time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
In conclusion, South Sudan faces an imminent threat of reverting to civil war amid escalating violence and political tensions. The international community, particularly UNMISS, calls for immediate actions and recommitment to the peace process established in 2018. It is vital that South Sudan’s leaders engage in dialogue to stabilize the country and prevent another devastating conflict that would have regional implications.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
