South Sudan is reportedly on the verge of a renewed civil war, as warned by the UN envoy, following the government’s postponement of peace negotiations. Key leaders, President Kiir and Vice President Machar, must prioritize their citizens’ welfare to promote stability. Rising tensions, including recent clashes and postponed elections, underscore the precarious situation in the nation.
South Sudan is facing the imminent threat of renewed civil war, as warned by the United Nations envoy, Nicolas Haysom. He criticized the South Sudanese government’s abrupt postponement of peace negotiations and emphasized that peace can only be achieved if President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar prioritize the welfare of their citizens over their personal interests.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has encountered significant challenges, devolving into civil war in 2013 due to ethnic conflicts. The war concluded with a peace agreement in 2018, reuniting Kiir and Machar in a national unity government, yet impending elections have been delayed from February 2023 to December 2024 and subsequently to 2026.
Recent unrest is attributed to clashes between government forces and a rebel group known as the White Army, believed to be allied with Machar. This month, a South Sudanese general was killed during a UN evacuation mission in Upper Nile state, leading to heightened tensions and violence, including government troops surrounding Machar’s capital residence.
Haysom pointed out that the political landscape is deteriorating as elections approach, stating that Kiir and Machar’s lack of trust hampers their ability to fulfill the 2018 peace agreement. He also noted that misinformation and hate speech are exacerbating ethnic divisions and fear within the country.
He concluded that the situation in South Sudan is critical, with a significant threat of slipping back into civil conflict that could lead to the devastation experienced in previous years. The UN peacekeeping mission, which consists of nearly 18,000 personnel, is navigating intense diplomatic efforts with both regional and international partners, urging Kiir and Machar to engage in peaceful discussions rather than armed confrontation.
The current state of South Sudan is precarious, with risks of returning to civil war due to political tensions between key leaders. The postponed elections and ongoing violence reflect deep-seated ethnic divisions and distrust. The international community’s call for dialogue and adherence to the peace deal is urgent to prevent a resurgence of conflict and suffering in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
