Nicholas Haysom of UNMISS cautions that South Sudan risks reverting to civil war, threatening progress made since the 2018 peace agreement. Urging collective efforts and dialogue to resolve rising tensions, he highlights the role of neighboring states in maintaining stability, emphasizing the urgent need for commitment to peace mechanisms.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, warned that South Sudan is on the verge of relapsing into civil war, jeopardizing the gains achieved since the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Haysom addressed these concerns at the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to avert conflict.
He stated, “We are here today because, as partners in peace, we are concerned that South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war,” highlighting the urgency for intervention. Following recent violence, including the takeover of Nasir barracks in Upper Nile and increased tensions leading to arrests of senior military officials, the fragile peace appears at risk.
Haysom also noted the dangers posed by the rise of mis- and disinformation, with hate speech potentially engendering ethnic divisions within the conflict. He reiterated the importance of the peace process, cautioning that the mechanisms supporting it are approaching collapse. Positive steps, such as the commendation of the IGAD Extraordinary Summit on March 12, which called for de-escalation, were mentioned.
He engaged in discussions with principal parties, alongside representatives from the African Union and IGAD, advocating for dialogue and trust-building to prevent civil strife. While acknowledging President Kiir’s assurance against war, Haysom stressed the need for all parties to uphold the Revitalized Agreement. He urged the Council to endorse commitment to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and empower principals to collaboratively address their disputes.
Additionally, Haysom sought support for the release of detained officials and insisted on dialogue rather than military action to address rising tensions. He highlighted the critical role of neighboring states as guarantors of the peace agreement, advocating for an active dialogue facilitated by the AU and other entities involved.
Finally, he cautioned against inaction by referencing the situation in Sudan, emphasizing that South Sudan must engage in consensus-driven decision-making to avoid conflict. Haysom concluded by asserting the imperative to foster collaborative efforts toward the full implementation of the peace agreement and to move forward towards the nation’s first democratic elections, stating, “This region cannot afford another conflict.”
In summary, Nicholas Haysom has articulated a grave warning regarding the precarious state of peace in South Sudan. With the threat of civil war looming, he underscores the immediate need for united intervention and dialogue among political leaders. Reinforcement of the Revitalized Agreement and commitment to peaceful resolutions are essential to prevent further escalation and establish a pathway towards democratic governance.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
