South Sudan faces imminent civil war risks as UN envoy Nicolas Haysom highlights the government’s postponement of peace efforts. Ethnic tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar worsen, with recent violent incidents illustrating the unrest. The UN is urging diplomatic dialogue to prevent a return to conflict and protect the fragile peace established since 2018.
As of March 2025, South Sudan is on the brink of renewed civil war, according to the UN envoy Nicolas Haysom. The situation is described as “dire” following the government’s unexpected postponement of peace talks. Haysom emphasized that any success in resolving the conflict depends on President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar prioritizing their people’s needs over personal interests.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but descended into civil war in December 2013, fueled by ethnic tensions between Kiir’s Dinka faction and Machar’s Nuer faction. This conflict resulted in over 40,000 deaths. An eventual peace agreement in 2018, which unified Kiir and Machar’s factions, included plans for elections in February 2023, but these have been pushed back to December 2024 and again to 2026.
Recent violent clashes have erupted, particularly in the north between government forces and the White Army rebel militia, alleged to support Machar. A UN helicopter on a mission to evacuate troops from Nasir was attacked, further escalating the conflict. Following the White Army’s takeover of a military garrison, government troops retaliated by surrounding Machar’s residence in Juba and arresting his associates.
Haysom pointed out that political rivalry is intensifying as the election date approaches, undermining the necessary trust between Kiir and Machar to implement the 2018 peace agreement. Misinformation and hate speech are exacerbating tensions and promoting ethnic divisions. He concluded that the situation indicates a looming possibility of civil war.
Haysom, who leads the UN’s 18,000-member peacekeeping force in South Sudan, cautioned that a return to open conflict would revive past atrocities. He stated that the potential for “ethnic transformation” of the conflict is of serious concern. To avert further violence, the UN is promoting diplomatic discussions among international and regional leaders, including the African Union.
The UN’s expressed goal is for Kiir and Machar to meet, adhere to the 2018 peace deal, maintain a ceasefire, release detained officials, and resolve their differences through dialogue instead of military action.
The UN envoy’s warnings highlight the precarious state of peace in South Sudan, with significant historical, ethnic, and political factors at play. The lack of trust between key leaders and the ongoing violence exemplify the challenges ahead. Urgent diplomatic efforts are required to prevent the country from sliding back into civil war. International collaboration remains crucial in fostering dialogue and promoting stability within South Sudan.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
