On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council regarding concerns for South Sudan, citing rising tensions and potential relapse into civil war. He called for immediate intervention and action to uphold the Revitalized Agreement following recent escalations in violence and ethnic tensions. Haysom proposed specific measures for peace, emphasizing dialogue, unity, and the critical role of regional partners in promoting stability.
On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed significant concern during an African Union Peace and Security Council meeting regarding South Sudan’s potential relapse into civil war. He emphasized the urgent need for collective intervention to safeguard the peace established by the Revitalized Agreement in 2018, which is now at risk due to escalating tensions following the March 4 takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army.
The situation has worsened, marked by arrests of SPLA/IO officials and the deployment of foreign forces within the country. Civilian casualties have resulted from recent airstrikes, and a concerning increase in hate speech and misinformation has emerged, threatening to exacerbate ethnic tensions. Haysom reiterated that the peace process mechanisms are nearing collapse and called attention to the efforts made by IGAD during an Extraordinary Summit aimed at de-escalating tensions in South Sudan.
During his address, Haysom highlighted the Quartet mechanism’s engagement involving key representatives from the AU and IGAD, who have urged party leaders to initiate dialogue and build trust. He acknowledged President Kiir’s assurances of peace but stressed that tangible actions must be executed to uphold the Revitalized Agreement.
Haysom proposed specific actions for Peace and Security Council members, which include: urging parties to recommit to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, promoting constructive meetings between leadership to foster unity, advocating for the legal treatment of detained officials, and promoting dialogue to resolve the Nasir tensions peacefully.
He also welcomed the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to Juba to facilitate this dialogue, highlighting the vital role of neighboring states in maintaining regional stability. Referring to the turmoil in Sudan as a cautionary example, Haysom emphasized the importance of consensus-based decision-making and the need for immediate dialogue to avoid conflict recurrence.
He concluded by asserting that all efforts must focus on preventing renewed war in South Sudan while supporting the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and paving the way for democratic elections, underscoring the imperative of maintaining peace in the region.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks at the African Union Peace and Security Council underscore the dire situation in South Sudan, where risk factors for civil war are increasing. Immediate and collective action is necessary to uphold the Revitalized Agreement, encourage dialogue among all parties, and prevent the severe consequences of further conflict. Fostering unity and trust is crucial for political stability and the future of South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
