UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for urgent action in South Sudan as violence escalates and ethnic tensions rise. He emphasizes the necessity of restoring unity and addressing the humanitarian crisis, warning of the potential for broader conflict. Increasing international support is needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged immediate action from both South Sudan’s leaders and the global community to address escalating violence in the country. He warned that targeted ethnic and political violence by security forces risks escalating into a wider regional conflict. Guterres described the situation as a “perfect storm” affecting one of the poorest nations, highlighting recent airstrikes on civilians and tensions between key political figures.
Recent events saw an armed convoy, led by South Sudan’s defense minister, disarm bodyguards and place First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest. The relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir has deteriorated since a 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war, which resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths. Machar’s party claims that this detention signifies the collapse of the peace deal.
Guterres indicated that the peace agreement is in “shambles,” urging the release of detained officials and the restoration of the Government of National Unity, essential for peace progress. He stressed, “The Horn of Africa cannot afford another conflict,” emphasizing the urgent need for action from South Sudan’s leadership.
He specifically called for an end to confrontational politics, urging the release of detained officials and fulfillment of commitments under the peace agreement, which is critical for upcoming elections planned for December 2026. The humanitarian situation in South Sudan reveals 75% of the population requires aid and many are facing severe food insecurity amidst a cholera outbreak.
More than 1 million South Sudanese refugees have fled to neighboring countries since the outbreak of violence, while the economy suffers from plummeting oil revenues and soaring inflation, exacerbating the crisis. Guterres warned of potential escalations reminiscent of the civil wars of 2013 and 2016 and called for renewed diplomatic engagements.
He indicated that South Sudan is at a pivotal moment and urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over conflict. Guterres expressed support for African Union initiatives aimed at fostering peace and highlighted the need for increased diplomatic and financial support. Downplaying the global focus on South Sudan, he stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis and restoring hopes for the nation’s people who, he noted, have been let down by their leadership.
The article emphasizes the urgent need for action in South Sudan following a resurgence of violence and political turmoil. Guterres calls for the release of detained officials and restoration of government unity to stabilize the country. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with a majority of the population needing aid. He also advocates for renewed international focus and support to prevent further conflict, stressing that South Sudan is at a critical crossroads.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
