The UN reports a rapid deterioration in South Sudan’s stability due to increased violence and political tension, highlighted by recent arrests of officials linked to Vice President Machar. U.N. Commission chair Yasmin Sooka emphasizes the need for leaders to focus on the peace process and human rights. Ongoing clashes in Nasir and a reported attack on a U.N. evacuation aid deepen concerns for the nation’s future.
The situation in South Sudan is rapidly deteriorating, threatening the fragile peace established by the 2018 peace deal, according to a recent statement from a United Nations body. This warning comes following the arrests of key officials associated with Vice President Riek Machar by security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. The ongoing violence and political tension significantly heighten concerns about the future stability of the nation after a tumultuous civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths.
Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, stressed the urgent need for leadership to prioritize the peace process. She stated, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress. Rather than fuelling division and conflict, leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy.”
The recent arrests coincide with ongoing and significant clashes in Nasir, a strategic town, particularly between national forces and a militia group known as the White Army, primarily made up of members of the Nuer ethnic group linked to Machar. Spokesperson Michael Makuei claimed the arrests were warranted due to the officials being implicated in conflicts with the law, also addressing allegations of collusion between Machar’s forces and the militia.
The National Security Services intelligence agency has also detained additional individuals believed to be associated with recent military confrontations in Nasir and a neighboring town, although exact details and total numbers of arrests remain undisclosed. Additionally, a tragic incident reported the killing of a South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers during a U.N. helicopter evacuation attempt that was attacked.
The unfolding circumstances pose grave threats to the established peace and could potentially reverse the progress made since the end of the civil war, necessitating immediate actions towards restoring stability and human rights in the region.
The recent developments in South Sudan emphasize a critical moment for the nation, with escalating violence and political tensions endangering the fragile peace. Arrests of officials linked to Vice President Machar raise serious concerns about the continuation of the peace process established after years of conflict. U.N. officials urge leaders to recommit to upholding human rights and facilitating a smooth transition to democracy to avert further regression.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
