IGAD Urges Ceasefire Amid Escalating Violence in South Sudan

IGAD diplomats express serious concern over the escalating violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, following clashes that resulted in over 20 fatalities. They urge an immediate ceasefire and adherence to peace agreement provisions due to the risks posed to regional stability and humanitarian conditions.

On Wednesday, diplomats from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), representing nations such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda, voiced significant concern regarding the escalation of armed violence in Nasir County, located in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State. They highlighted that the recent fighting, which has resulted in over 20 fatalities and widespread displacement, poses a threat to the enduring peace process within the region.

The conflict erupted in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed civilian groups. Tensions heightened when the government proposed deploying new military forces to Nasir County, potentially aimed at rotation but feared by local communities to raise the risk of targeting civilians or initiating disarmament.

Recent reports indicate that at least 20 individuals have lost their lives, with further injuries occurring on the outskirts of the now-deserted town of Nasir, which lies near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border. The situation in Upper Nile State has markedly worsened in recent weeks, according to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, which oversees adherence to the 2018 peace agreement.

The IGAD representatives warned that the volatile security situation in Nasir County could jeopardize the significant progress made towards the peace agreement and worsen the region’s prevailing humanitarian crises. They reiterated, “We emphasize the paramount importance of upholding the permanent ceasefire and adhering to the provisions of the peace agreement” while advocating for continuous dialogue and consultations.

The IGAD diplomats have effectively raised alarms regarding the escalating violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, and its implications for the peace agreement. With alarming fatalities and fears of further instability, the call for an immediate ceasefire and continued dialogue is essential for ensuring a durable peace and addressing humanitarian needs in the area.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug