South Sudanese women have raised alarm over escalating violence and the potential collapse of peace agreements. Activist Grace John Kenyi voiced concerns about rising instability and the impact of social media abuse. They urged immediate action from stakeholders and called for support from the international community to restore peace and stability in the country.
A group of South Sudanese women expressed significant concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in their country during a press conference in Juba. Grace John Kenyi, a peace activist and human rights defender, highlighted escalating violence, specifically referencing clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State. She articulated fears that both the 2018 peace agreement and the Tumaini Initiative are in jeopardy, as political instability and insecurity grow.
The women conveyed condolences to UNMISS for the loss of a crew member and to families affected by recent violence, calling for immediate restraint. Kenyi emphasized, “We are profoundly alarmed by the growing threats to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Tumaini Initiative, both are now at serious risk of collapsing amidst rising political instability and insecurity.”
Additionally, the activists united in urging all stakeholders to halt the ongoing conflict and address the worsening economic crisis impacting the nation’s vulnerable populations. They condemned the misuse of social media to spread hatred and misinformation, which exacerbates community tensions.
The group acknowledged the government’s efforts to maintain peace amidst the conflict and commended citizens advocating for humanitarian values. They called on signatories of the R-ARCSS to engage in dialogue as a method of resolving conflicts and to expedite military unification for ensuring security.
Kenyi appealed to the international community for support in investigating the violence and holding perpetrators accountable. Furthermore, she called upon various ministries to prioritize dialogue, enforce the rule of law, and fast-track peace agreement implementations.
The activists urged organizations such as CTSAMVM, AU, and IGAD to enforce ceasefire adherence and focus on civilian protection. They requested diplomatic missions to leverage their influence for accountability, humanitarian support, and collaboration for enduring peace.
The women specifically called on the White Army to reject violence and pursue peaceful dialogue instead. Activist Lilian Sukeji Micheal confirmed their plans to engage female leaders in the government’s peace efforts, stating, “We are going to distribute the statement from office to office, especially to women political figures at the high level to involve them from today.”
In summary, South Sudanese women are increasingly concerned about the escalation of violence and the potential collapse of peace initiatives. Their united call for dialogue, accountability, and urgent action from stakeholders highlights the dire need for effective conflict resolution strategies. The emphasis on community cohesion and the importance of women in leadership roles reflect a collective hope for peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
