The EU warns South Sudan leaders to prevent a return to war following recent clashes in Upper Nile. Escalating tensions threaten the 2018 peace agreement, with significant arrests and military presence around opposition leaders. EU Ambassador Olkkonen calls for dialogue, peace mechanisms, and active monitoring to sustain stability amid worsening conflicts.
The European Union (EU) has raised alarms regarding South Sudan’s deteriorating security, particularly following recent violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The call to action urges South Sudan’s leadership to prevent a resurgence of all-out conflict, especially as tensions escalate in Juba, risking the already fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar.
Violent clashes last Tuesday resulted in significant arrests, notably of allies associated with Riek Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. Accusations have emerged from President Kiir’s faction, claiming the White Army has connections to Machar’s SPLA-IO, which Machar’s camp denies. In response, military forces were deployed around Machar’s Juba residence, causing alarm among his supporters over the potential breach of the 2018 peace deal.
Further violence ensued when a UN helicopter was targeted while evacuating SSPDF soldiers, resulting in multiple fatalities, including an army commander and a UN crew member. In light of these incidents, EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen, at a recent monitoring workshop, emphasized the pressing need for peace mechanisms to encourage dialogue among the parties to the peace agreement.
Olkkonen stresses that recent conflicts highlight the significance of maintaining peace channels and the need for responsible leadership to avert deeper conflict. He acknowledged differing narratives surrounding the Upper Nile events but underlined the necessity for South Sudan’s leaders to address ongoing tensions.
He also urged peace monitors such as CTSAMVM to more actively engage in resolving ceasefire violations and reducing escalating tensions. The EU diplomat called for collaboration among peace partners to sustain stability amid ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states. The EU plays a vital role in supporting South Sudan with humanitarian, developmental, and economic aid.
The European Union has emphasized the urgent need for South Sudan’s leaders to collaborate and prevent a return to conflict, underscoring the fragility of the peace agreement established in 2018. Recent skirmishes and accusations of ties between armed groups and political factions demonstrate the complex security landscape. The role of effective monitoring and engagement from peacekeeping organizations is also crucial in addressing challenges and fostering stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
