UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged immediate action to prevent further devastation in South Sudan. He warned of escalating violence and a potential regional conflict due to ethnic targeting by security forces. The humanitarian crisis is alarming, with 75% of the population in need of aid. Guterres called for dialogue, the restoration of unity, and emphasized international support to assist the people of South Sudan.
In a recent address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the urgent need for action in South Sudan to avert further damage caused by escalating violence. He emphasized that ethnic and political targeting by security forces could trigger a wider conflict in the region. Guterres remarked that a “perfect storm” of crises has engulfed the nation, which is one of the world’s newest and poorest countries.
Tensions escalated recently when an armed convoy, led by key security officials including the defense minister, entered First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence in Juba. They disarmed his bodyguards and placed him under house arrest, signaling increasing friction with President Salva Kiir. This deteriorating relationship follows a peace agreement established in August 2018, which previously ended five years of civil war resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities.
The UN has reported the use of barrel bombs during recent clashes between government forces and a rebel group associated with Machar. Guterres indicated that the peace agreement “is in shambles” and demanded the release of all detained officials, emphasizing the vital restoration of the Government of National Unity to facilitate peace.
Additionally, Guterres highlighted the alarming humanitarian crisis, with 75% of the population needing aid and over half experiencing severe food insecurity, compounded by a cholera outbreak. The economic situation is dire, with oil revenues plummeting and inflation soaring to 300%. Over 1 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries following the outbreak of violence.
Amidst these challenges, Guterres affirmed the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts, calling for dialogue and de-escalation. “South Sudan is at a crossroads,” he stated, urging all parties to cease hostilities and prioritize reconstruction efforts. He also expressed support for the African Union’s initiatives to restore stability in South Sudan, emphasizing the need for enhanced international focus and financial support for the country’s recovery.
Recognizing the fading attention on South Sudan from the international community, Guterres stated that the people deserve better leadership, as they carry significant hopes for a peaceful future. There have been growing global calls for a unified approach to the peace process, with various international bodies urging the restoration of stability and peace within the nation.
In summary, the urgent call for action from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights the precarious situation in South Sudan, marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises. His emphasis on diplomatic dialogue and the restoration of the Government of National Unity is critical for achieving lasting peace. The international community’s response will be crucial in addressing the profound needs of the South Sudanese people and preventing a recurrence of past conflicts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
