UN envoy Nicholas Haysom urges South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to ease rising tensions and prevent conflict. He emphasizes the importance of unity and consensus decision-making to avert a situation similar to that in Sudan. The ongoing violence has displaced thousands, highlighting the urgent need for interventions and support.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has called for immediate measures to ease rising tensions in South Sudan. He urged President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to convene urgently and engage in constructive dialogue to address their differences. Haysom emphasized that a united front is essential and called for the leaders to jointly address the nation.
In a statement made during a meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council, Haysom warned, “The parties must de-escalate the current political tensions now before it is too late. There is only one path out of this cycle of conflict, and that is through the Revitalized Agreement.” He highlighted the pressing need for consensus-based decision-making to avert a descent into conflict similar to the situation in Sudan.
Haysom further requested the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) and the Panel of the Wise to facilitate robust dialogue among South Sudanese leaders for conflict mitigation. He stated, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war, support the full implementation of the agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections.”
Tensions have escalated in regions such as Nasir and Ulang County, following confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army. On March 7, a UN helicopter was attacked by the White Army, leading to the deaths of multiple soldiers from the SSPDF, including a general, and one UN personnel.
The ongoing violence has displaced approximately 50,000 individuals, with around 10,000 seeking refuge in neighboring Ethiopia, according to UN Humanitarian Coordinator Anita Kiki Gbeho. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to mitigate violence and support those affected.
In summary, UN envoy Nicholas Haysom has called for urgent actions to de-escalate tensions in South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. He has urged a collective national address to foster unity and pointed out the critical need for consensus-based decision-making to prevent further violence. The situation remains dire, with thousands displaced and soaring violence requiring immediate attention to avert a deeper crisis.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
