UN Warns South Sudan at Risk of Civil War Amid Escalating Violence
The lead UN official in South Sudan warns that the nation is on the brink of civil war due to escalating violence and political strife. Nicholas Haysom calls for immediate peace commitments from leaders, highlighting the dangers of renewed conflict and the need to uphold the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
South Sudan faces an alarming resurgence of violence that could result in full-blown civil war, according to a stark warning from the chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom. Speaking via video link from Juba at a briefing for journalists in New York, Haysom described a worrying escalation of attacks on civilians, widespread displacement, and increased ethnic tensions.
Haysom emphasized the urgent need for all involved parties to pull back from the edge of conflict, advocating for a commitment to peace to prevent another catastrophic war. He stated, “A conflict would erase all the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed. It would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region, which simply cannot afford another war.”
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has struggled with instability and violence since its inception. A civil war broke out in 2013, pitting forces loyal to President Salva Kiir against those of his former deputy, Riek Machar. This brutal conflict, which saw horrific human rights abuses, was stemmed by a fragile peace agreement in 2018. However, persistent political rivalries and delays in executing the peace accord have resulted in continued instability.
Violence significantly worsened on March 4 when the White Army, a youth militia, attacked army barracks in Nasir, Upper Nile province. The government countered this with airstrikes on civilian areas, reportedly using barrel bombs that caused extensive casualties and severe burns, impacting women and children disproportionately. Haysom noted that upwards of 63,000 individuals have fled the violence.
Notably, both the White Army and national forces are preparing for further conflict, with alarming reports of child recruitment into military groups. Tensions have intensified with the deployment of foreign military units by the government, rekindling memories of the nation’s past conflicts.
At the same time, political dynamics are shifting unfavorably, according to Haysom. Officials linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) have faced removal, detention, or forced concealment. The current climate has also seen an upsurge in misinformation and hate speech that exacerbate ethnic divides and complicate potential reconciliation.
“Given this grim situation, we have no alternative but to conclude that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war,” he warned, highlighting the precarious state of affairs.
Furthermore, Haysom detailed the challenges faced by UNMISS in its diplomatic initiatives with regional and international partners, including the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He criticized the South Sudanese government’s unexpected postponement of a high-level visit by IGAD foreign ministers intended for mediation, calling it a disappointing setback for ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Haysom urged leaders in South Sudan to reengage with the 2018 peace deal, cautioning the need to uphold ceasefire agreements, free detained leaders, and prioritize dialogue over military solutions. He expressed hope that President Kiir and First Vice President Machar would meet to collectively affirm their commitment to peace. He concluded by stating, “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
In summary, the situation in South Sudan is growing dangerously unstable, with warnings from UNMISS about the risk of civil war looming. Continued violence, political infighting, and the potential for ethnic conflict present an urgent challenge. The appeal from UN officials for leaders to reaffirm their commitment to peace is crucial if the country is to avoid further devastation. As tensions rise and diplomatic channels stall, the necessity for immediate and effective action has never been more evident.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
