The AU warns that South Sudan is close to civil war, according to Nicholas Haysom of the UN. Immediate intervention is needed following increased tensions and military unrest. Widespread disinformation and ethnic conflicts threaten stability. Commitment to the revitalised agreement and consensus-based decision-making are essential for peace and transition to democratic elections.
The African Union (AU) receives urgent warnings regarding South Sudan’s precarious situation as Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission, states that the nation is “on the brink of relapse into civil war.” In its fourteenth year, South Sudan’s need for immediate collective intervention is critical to prevent an outbreak of conflict, following years of fragile peace following the revitalised agreement.
Haysom reported that the recent takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army has escalated national tensions significantly, with arrests of senior military and civilian officials and instances of individuals fleeing or hiding. He highlighted the deployment of foreign forces, amidst civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes on Nasir, exacerbated by widespread disinformation and hate speech that heighten ethnic tensions.
While acknowledging President Salva Kiir’s commitment to peace, Haysom stressed that true assurance of stability hinges on the implementation of the revitalised agreement. He advised that witnessing the turmoil in neighboring Sudan should emphasize the urgent need to adopt consensus-based decision-making in South Sudan, engaging in meaningful dialogue to rebuild trust among conflicting parties.
Haysom emphasized that the way forward lies in adhering to the revitalised agreement, denoting that all efforts should focus on preventing war, ensuring full agreement implementation, and facilitating the transition towards democratic elections.
In summary, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture where immediate intervention is essential to avert relapse into civil war. With heightened tensions and ethnic unrest, the commitment to the revitalised agreement is paramount for restoring stability. Leaders must prioritize consensus and dialogue, drawing important lessons from regional conflicts to navigate the path toward peace and democracy.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
