The African Diplomatic Corps and UNMISS have called for dialogue among conflicting parties in South Sudan to tackle rising security issues, especially in Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile. They emphasized the need for restraint and reiterated their dedication to civilian safety amid ongoing tensions and recent military actions in Nasir.
The African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have jointly urged the conflicting parties in South Sudan to engage in dialogue and mediation as a means to address the escalating security complications. Both entities emphasized the importance of restraint and de-escalation, particularly in the states of Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile.
In their statement issued from Juba, the ADC and UNMISS stated their commitment to the safety of citizens affected by the ongoing conflicts. They called for all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize civilian welfare and security, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing human life and property amidst the turmoil.
The statement was prompted by recent reports of airstrikes in the troubled town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, as South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Ugandan Peoples’ Defense Force reportedly escalated military action in the region. The UN reported that these airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, raising alarms over the potential ethnic ramifications of the conflict, exacerbated by the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
Tensions have further escalated between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition announcing their withdrawal from key security mechanisms until their detained members are released. Meanwhile, the ADC and UNMISS praised President Kiir’s public commitment to prevent a return to war and urged the unity government to take swift actions to avert further violence.
In conclusion, the ADC and UNMISS’s calls for dialogue and restraint highlight the urgent need for conflict resolution in South Sudan. With persistent military actions and rising tensions between key political figures, there is a pressing necessity for all parties to prioritize civilian safety and strive towards peace. The recent statements reflect a collective desire for stability and unity as South Sudan navigates its intricate security landscape.
Original Source: www.independent.co.ug
