Peace partners are urging South Sudan’s leaders to unite and prevent renewed civil war by addressing escalating tensions. Highlights include warnings from IGAD’s Special Envoy and the UNMISS about the potential consequences of inaction, along with calls for diplomatic interventions and the significant role of the Revitalized Agreement in maintaining peace.
Regional and international peace partners are urgently urging leaders of South Sudan to take decisive action to reduce escalating tensions that could result in a return to civil war, causing widespread suffering across the region. These concerns were raised during a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council addressing South Sudan’s crisis.
Ambassador Ismail Wais, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy, expressed alarm, stating, “As we gather today, South Sudan is on the cusp of a full-scale conflict.” He warned that the established peace, held for seven years, is now under serious threat. He emphasized the immediate need for diplomatic intervention to prevent war that could extend beyond South Sudan.
Ambassador Wais identified key contributors to the deteriorating situation, including military clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army in Nasir, recent airstrikes, and tensions from the deployment of Ugandan troops. He highlighted, “If a conflict breaks out in South Sudan now, it will be like no other. The destruction and suffering will be unprecedented. Now is the right time to act.”
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), concurred on the necessity for immediate collective action to avert war. Haysom indicated concern that South Sudan is nearing a relapse into civil war, jeopardizing the peace achievements made since the 2018 Revitalized Agreement. He reiterated the importance of maintaining the peace process and emphasized the need for the parties to implement the agreement steadfastly.
Acting Ambassador Boutrus Thok Deng, representing the South Sudan government, explained that the Nasir incident was the result of a misunderstanding during a military redeployment. He affirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace, referencing President Salva Kiir’s public assurances against a return to conflict. Deng stated, “The Government is firmly committed to the implementation of the peace agreement in order for our people to continue living in peace and harmony.”
The Head of UNMISS called upon the Council to promote a recommitment to both the cessation of hostilities and the peace agreement. He advocated for constructive dialogue between the involved parties and urged for immediate resolution of tensions in Nasir, stressing the importance of avoiding military confrontation. He also cautioned, “We need to look no further than across the northern border to Sudan for a stark reminder of how quickly countries can descend into catastrophic war.”
In closing, Haysom reiterated the essential path forward lies within the Revitalized Agreement, stating, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war, support the full implementation of the agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections.”
Leaders in South Sudan must act swiftly to prevent escalating tensions from turning into another civil war, which would inflict widespread suffering in the region. The international community supports maintaining the peace process established by the Revitalized Agreement and emphasizes that decisive, collective action is necessary to avert conflict and guide the nation toward democratic elections.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
