The UN Mission in South Sudan urged restraint following violent clashes in Nassir, which injured a peacekeeper. Concerns about tensions in Western Equatoria were also raised. SRSG Nicholas Haysom condemned violence against peacekeepers and highlighted the importance of implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement for long-term peace. South Sudan has not held elections since its 2011 independence, complicating the political landscape.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), led by its special representative Nicholas Haysom, has called for all parties to exercise restraint and restore calm after violence erupted in the northeastern town of Nassir. Clashes between the South Sudanese army and armed youth injured a UN peacekeeper, prompting UNMISS to express deep concern regarding escalating tensions in both Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states, which have led to fatalities and displacement.
Haysom condemned violence against UN personnel, asserting that such acts violate international law. He emphasized the urgent need for deploying the Necessary Unified Forces in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stressing its significance for long-term stability in the region. He urged all parties engaged in the conflict to adhere to the peace deal and enhance efforts toward its implementation.
The peace deal, established between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar in 2018, established a transitional government formed in 2020, allowing for a unity government to foster collaboration among political factions. Despite this progress, South Sudan has not conducted national elections since its independence in 2011, underscoring the challenges that persist in achieving a stable governance structure.
The UNMISS’s call for compliance with the peace agreement highlights the urgent need for dialogue and restraint among conflicting parties in South Sudan. The ongoing violence and unrest, particularly in Nasir and Western Equatoria, threaten the fragile peace established in recent years. The lack of national elections since independence continues to hinder the political evolution of South Sudan, making adherence to the peace agreement paramount for lasting stability.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
