Nicholas Haysom of the UN has warned the AU that South Sudan is on the brink of civil war, highlighting tensions after recent violent events. He called for immediate intervention to prevent relapse into conflict, insisting on the need for consensus and dialogue among stakeholders. The situation requires commitment to the revitalized peace agreement to ensure stability and the progression towards democratic elections.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has received a grave warning regarding South Sudan, stating that the country is approaching a critical juncture towards potential civil war. Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), emphasized the urgent need for collective intervention to prevent escalating conflict in the nation during a recent meeting.
South Sudan, which has been independent for fourteen years, is situated in East Africa and shares borders with several countries. Haysom highlighted that the peace achieved since the revitalized agreement was signed eight years ago is at risk, underscoring the dire necessity for immediate action to safeguard these gains.
Rising tensions were noted following a takeover of a military barracks by the White Army earlier this month, leading to significant unrest across the country. Many military and civilian officials from the opposition have been detained in Juba, while others have either hidden or fled the nation. Haysom further reported civilian casualties due to airstrikes in Nasir, along with growing concerns stemming from rampant misinformation and hate speech that threaten to escalate the conflict along ethnic lines.
Despite these alarming developments, Haysom acknowledged President Salva Kiir’s efforts to reassure the population that war would not return. However, he cautioned that this assurance can only become a reality if all parties commit to the effective implementation of the revived agreement.
Haysom urged the AU PSC to keep in mind the unrest in Sudan as a stark warning against complacency. He proposed that immediate consensus-based discussions must occur to resolve current grievances and foster trust among different factions within South Sudan.
He reiterated that the revitalized agreement remains the sole pathway towards peace, urging all involved constituents to act decisively to avert a return to conflict. The focus must be on supporting the full enactment of the agreement and facilitating the transition to democratic elections in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the warning from the African Union, as articulated by Nicholas Haysom, underscores the fragility of peace in South Sudan, emphasizing the impending threat of civil war. The necessity for urgent, collective intervention is paramount to preserving the progress made since the revitalized agreement. Through attention to dialogue and commitment to peace processes, South Sudan can hope to stabilize and conduct its first democratic elections.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
