The UN reported deadly clashes in northern South Sudan, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries to a peacekeeper. Fighting occurred between the SSPDF and armed youth in Nassir, with heavy weaponry used. Nicholas Haysom condemned violence against UN forces and emphasized the need for fully unified armed forces, following a five-year civil war and an unfulfilled 2018 peace deal.
The United Nations has confirmed incidents of deadly violence in northern South Sudan, resulting in civilian casualties and the injury of a peacekeeper. The nation, rich in oil yet mired in poverty, has faced ongoing instability since gaining independence in 2011, characterized by frequent clashes and political strife.
Clashes erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and unidentified armed groups in Nassir, Upper Nile state, on February 14 and 15. UNMISS, the UN mission in South Sudan, reported that combatants employed heavy weaponry, leading to civilian injuries and fatalities. While details on casualties were not specified, a peacekeeper was wounded during mortar fire while on patrol.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, called for restraint and denounced attacks on UN forces. The UN’s statement also addressed ongoing tensions in Western Equatoria, mentioning organized forces but lacking further specifics. Haysom emphasized the urgent need for the complete deployment of unified armed forces in South Sudan.
Since the end of a brutal five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, the country has struggled to achieve political stability. A peace agreement from 2018 mandated the consolidation of armed forces, a task that has faced multiple delays ahead of anticipated elections. UNMISS has indicated that this vital unification remains incomplete.
In summary, deadly clashes in South Sudan have resulted in both civilian casualties and injuries to peacekeeping personnel, signaling a concerning situation of ongoing violence. The UN highlights the urgent need for complete military unification to stabilize the country following a history of civil conflict and political unrest. Despite the 2018 peace accord aiming to unify armed forces, this goal has not yet been realized, further complicating the security landscape in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
