South Sudan is facing a looming civil war as violence and political tensions escalate. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom warns of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and rising ethnic divisions. He calls for immediate commitment to the 2018 peace deal and emphasizes diplomatic efforts to mediate the crisis. The situation remains precarious, with urgent action required from South Sudanese leaders to prevent further conflict.
South Sudan is perilously close to a renewed civil war as violence and political strife intensify, according to Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Speaking via videoconference from Juba, he detailed incidences of indiscriminate attacks on civilians, significant mass displacement, and a surge in ethnic tensions. Haysom emphasized the urgent need for all parties to disengage from hostility and recommit to peace before the situation escalates further.
The nation, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has endured persistent conflict since its inception. A civil war ignited in 2013 due to factional disputes between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those led by former Deputy Riek Machar, leading to ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. A fragile peace agreement was established in 2018, but failures to implement it fully and ongoing political rivalries have kept undercurrents of tension alive.
Violence surged significantly on March 4 when the White Army, a youth militia, attacked military barracks in the Upper Nile province. This prompted government forces to retaliate with aerial bombings, leading to civilian casualties and the displacement of at least 63,000 individuals. Reports indicate that both factions are preparing for further combat, raising concerns over the recruitment of children into armed groups and the troubling deployment of foreign forces by the government, reminiscent of past civil wars.
Moreover, political instability is compounded by the removal and detention of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), the principal opposing faction. The rise of misinformation and incitement has exacerbated fear and division among ethnic groups, hindering reconciliation efforts. Haysom stated, “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”
Despite UNMISS’s extensive diplomatic efforts in partnership with regional entities such as the African Union (AU) and IGAD, efforts to mediate were thwarted when the South Sudanese government postponed a planned high-level visit from foreign ministers without explanation. Haysom expressed disappointment, noting, “This is a disappointing development at a time when diplomatic outreach is more important than ever.”
In conclusion, Haysom urged South Sudanese leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, adhere to ceasefire agreements, and seek resolution to disputes through peaceful dialogue, rather than armed conflict. He called for a meeting between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to publicly reinforce their commitment to peace, stressing that “the time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
In summary, South Sudan stands on the verge of a potential civil war, with escalating violence and political tensions threatening the stability achieved since the 2018 peace agreement. UN officials have highlighted the urgency for political leaders to recommit to peace efforts, engage in dialogue, and avoid military confrontation. A collaborative approach is essential to avert a return to conflict, emphasizing the necessity of immediate action by all stakeholders.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
