Urgent Call to Prevent Civil War in South Sudan: Insights from UNMISS Commander
Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian of UNMISS warned that South Sudan faces a critical risk of civil war. He outlined the urgent need to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid for millions dependent on assistance. The growing issue of misinformation further exacerbates the risks of violence, prompting UNMISS to actively combat false narratives.
Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), provided a concerning assessment of the current situation in South Sudan. He stated that the nation is nearing the brink of civil war, having endured multiple civil conflicts both prior to and subsequent to its independence. Given the painful history, he emphasized the urgent need to prevent further suffering among the populace due to civil strife.
During an interview conducted on April 16, 2025, General Subramanian reiterated UNMISS’s primary mandate, which is to protect innocent civilians trapped in conflict, including internally displaced persons. He has observed that with approximately 9.3 million individuals out of a population of 12-13 million relying on some form of humanitarian assistance, ensuring that aid reaches those in desperate need is critical to their survival.
The general highlighted the strain on resources due to a significant influx of refugees from neighboring countries. He praised South Sudan’s openness to refugees while acknowledging that the nation struggles to meet the needs of its own citizens, let alone the additional 1.1 million refugees. He noted the pressing concern that failure to provide adequate humanitarian support could escalate into security dilemmas, potentially inciting violence.
Furthermore, General Subramanian warned of the dangers of misinformation, which could incite fear and provoke violent reactions among vulnerable communities. He referred specifically to the risks posed by false messages circulating on social media, which could lead to mass panic if not addressed.
In response to this threat, UNMISS has established an information integrity working group tasked with monitoring and countering disinformation. The Force Commander assured that the mission is proactive in clarifying any misinformation to maintain peace and security in the region.
In summary, the current circumstances in South Sudan demand immediate attention to prevent a resurgence of civil war. Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian has articulated the dual priorities of protecting civilians and facilitating critical humanitarian aid. Moreover, the intricacies surrounding misinformation further complicate this fragile situation, requiring vigilant measures from UNMISS to avert potential violence.
Original Source: media.un.org
