UN Calls for Restraint Amid Rising Violence in South Sudan

The UN has called for calm as deadly clashes erupted in South Sudan, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries to a peacekeeper. The fighting involved the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed youth in Upper Nile state. Nicholas Haysom condemned the violence and stressed the need for the unification of armed forces to mitigate ongoing tensions in the region.

The United Nations has called for restraint following violent clashes in South Sudan, which reportedly resulted in civilian deaths and injuries to a peacekeeper. The fighting occurred on February 14 and 15 in Nasir, Upper Nile state, between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPSF) and armed youth. The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) disclosed that the conflict led to the use of heavy weaponry, exacerbating the violence and civilian harm.

Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of UNMISS, urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He condemned violence against peacekeepers, emphasizing that such actions violate international law. The UN’s statement highlighted ongoing tensions in Western Equatoria state, indicating instability remains prevalent throughout the country.

South Sudan, an oil-rich nation that gained independence in 2011, continues to struggle with persistent political instability and conflict among its factions. The situation underscores the urgent need for the full deployment of South Sudan’s unified armed forces, as stipulated in the 2018 peace deal designed to stop hostilities between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Ongoing delays in military unification hinder progress towards stability and elections.

The UN’s call for calm amidst recent violence in South Sudan highlights urgent issues regarding civil safety and the effective deployment of unified armed forces. Nicholas Haysom’s comments underscore the necessity for restraint and adherence to international law. The persistent conflict raises concerns about the country’s stability, indicating that substantial efforts are still needed to achieve long-term peace and security in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com