Nicholas Haysom’s address at the AU Peace and Security Council highlighted the threat of renewed civil war in South Sudan, citing recent military tensions and escalating violence. He emphasized the importance of the Revitalized Agreement and dialogue among stakeholders to restore peace. Haysom urged immediate action to address the crisis, facilitate unity among leaders, and prevent conflict, underscoring the region’s need for stability and cooperation. Calls to action included recommitting to peace agreements and engaging neighboring states in supporting peace efforts.
At the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting on March 18, 2025, Special Representative Nicholas Haysom highlighted South Sudan’s precarious situation, warning that the nation risks plunging back into civil war. This concern stems from recent escalations, including a military takeover by the White Army and subsequent arrests of senior officials in Juba. Haysom stressed the urgent need for collective action to avert further conflict and protect the peace established by the Revitalized Agreement in 2018.
Tensions in South Sudan have surged following the Nasir barracks incident on March 4, coinciding with reports of civilian casualties from government airstrikes. The dissemination of hate speech and misinformation complicates matters, suggesting a potential ethnic conflict. Haysom pointed out that the existing peace frameworks are close to collapsing, necessitating renewed commitment from all stakeholders to maintain peace and stability.
Haysom praised the recent IGAD Extraordinary Summit for calling for de-escalation and cooperation among South Sudanese factions. Collaborative efforts between the AU, IGAD, and other entities have been initiated to encourage dialogue and build trust among leaders, critical for preventing a return to violence. He called on parties to recommit to crucial agreements and engage constructively to unify the nation.
To avoid further deterioration in South Sudan, Haysom urged immediate dialogue to resolve nascent tensions, the release of detained officials, and adherence to existing peace agreements. The involvement of neighboring states is crucial for promoting stability and preventing conflict spillover. Haysom invoked Sudan as a cautionary example, emphasizing that South Sudan must prioritize consensus-building and conflict resolution.
Ultimately, the goal is to prevent renewed war by ensuring full adherence to the Revitalized Agreement, advancing democratic processes, and preparing for the nation’s first democratic elections. Collective effort is essential to steer South Sudan away from a conflict-ridden future and toward sustainable peace.
Nicholas Haysom’s remarks underscore the urgent need for collaborative peace efforts in South Sudan to avert a potential relapse into civil war. The recent escalation of tensions highlights the fragility of peace in the region. The focus must be on recommitting to the Revitalized Agreement, promoting dialogue, and supporting democratic transitions. Immediate action is crucial to ensure stability and prevent further conflict, drawing lessons from regional neighbors like Sudan. Haysom’s call to action emphasizes that the path to enduring peace lies in consensus-based decision-making and trust-building among all parties involved.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
