UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged swift action from South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to prevent further turmoil and conflict. He highlighted the alarming humanitarian situation and the risk of escalating violence, calling for the restoration of the Government of National Unity and urging dialogue. Guterres emphasized the need for increased diplomatic support, voicing his concerns regarding the further deterioration of peace efforts.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate action from both South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to avert further devastation within the war-torn country. He cautioned that ongoing ethnic and political targeting by security forces risks escalating into a broader regional conflict. Guterres vividly described the current situation, saying, “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.”
The recent situation escalated when an armed convoy, led by top security officials, entered First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence in Juba, disarmed his bodyguards and placed him under house arrest, indicating deteriorating tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Despite a peace agreement reached in August 2018 that ended a five-year civil war, their relationship has faltered in the ensuing years marred by ethnic conflicts. Machar’s party declared his detention as the collapse of the peace deal.
Reports from the UN highlighted the severe violence in South Sudan, including the use of barrel bombs by government forces against rebel groups linked to Machar. Guterres remarked that “the peace agreement is in shambles” and urged for the prompt release of all detained officials, emphasizing the need to restore the Government of National Unity as the pathway to enduring peace.
With humanitarian needs skyrocketing, approximately 75 percent of the population requires aid and at least half are experiencing severe food insecurity. The crisis has worsened with the cholera outbreak and more than a million refugees having fled to neighboring countries since the onset of fighting. Furthermore, South Sudan faces a catastrophic economic downturn, characterized by a steep decline in oil revenues and soaring inflation rates of 300 percent.
Guterres expressed concern over the possibility of civil wars repeating as witnessed in 2013 and 2016 and advocated for renewed diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and de-escalation. He emphasized, “South Sudan is at a crossroads,” urging all parties to cease hostilities and concentrate on national reconstruction.
The Secretary-General lauded the African Union’s initiative to deploy the “Panel of the Wise” and ongoing efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto’s envoy. He lamented the fading international attention on South Sudan and called for greater diplomatic and financial backing to tackle the escalating crisis. Guterres expressed empathy, stating, “The people of South Sudan are close to my heart. They had enormous hopes and aspirations, but sadly, they have not had the leadership they deserve.”
There are increasing calls for a unified international approach to the peace process, with organizations such as the UN, African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development urging a restoration of peace and stability in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the call from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights the urgent need for decisive actions from the South Sudanese leadership and the international community to avert a deepening crisis. The risk of renewed conflict and the dire humanitarian situation necessitate a robust response and collaborative efforts. A unified international stance is imperative to restore peace and support the long-suffering population of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
