South Sudan is at risk of renewed civil war due to government failures in peace negotiations and rising violence, particularly involving the White Army militia. U.N. envoy Nicolas Haysom emphasizes the need for President Kiir and Vice President Machar to prioritize peace and the welfare of their citizens, as tensions escalate ahead of postponed elections, with dire implications for stability.
South Sudan is facing a precarious situation with the risk of renewed civil war, as highlighted by the U.N. envoy, Nicolas Haysom. His remarks followed the government’s abrupt postponement of peace negotiations, which he described as dangerous. He emphasized that a peaceful solution can only materialize if President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar prioritize their citizens’ interests above their own agendas.
The hopes for stability came with South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011, but internal conflict erupted in December 2013, primarily due to ethnic rivalries between Kiir’s Dinka forces and Machar’s Nuer allies. The civil war resulted in over 40,000 deaths, concluding with a peace agreement in 2018 that established a government of national unity. Elections, initially set for February 2023, have been delayed to December 2024 and possibly to 2026.
Current tensions are exacerbated by fighting in the northern regions involving government troops and the White Army militia, believed to be allied with Machar. A recent incident in Upper Nile state saw a U.N. helicopter come under fire during an evacuation mission, resulting in fatalities, including a South Sudanese general. In response to escalating violence, government forces have surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, leading to the detention of key allies.
As political competition intensifies, Haysom noted an increase in tensions and violence. He remarked that mutual distrust between Kiir and Machar hinders the execution of the 2018 peace agreement and the potential for a stable future. Misinformation and ethnic divisions are exacerbating the situation, leading to fears among the populace.
Given the serious conditions, Haysom concluded that South Sudan is on the brink of relapsing into civil war, with potential horrors reminiscent of earlier conflicts in 2013 and 2016. He stressed the U.N.’s commitment to mitigating ethnic conflict and indicated ongoing diplomatic efforts with international and regional partners to foster resolution. The U.N.’s collective stance urges Kiir and Machar to engage in dialogue, adhere to the ceasefire, and resolve their differences peacefully.
The situation in South Sudan remains critical, with heightened risks of civil war prompted by political division and violent clashes. Effective resolution hinges on the cooperation of President Kiir and Vice President Machar to prioritize peace and embrace dialogue. The international community’s involvement through the U.N. aims to avert further conflict, underscoring the importance of adherence to previous peace agreements.
Original Source: apnews.com
