South Sudan is nearing a return to civil war as violence escalates and political tensions rise, warns UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom. Reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and mass displacements highlight a critical situation threatening the fragile peace established since the 2018 agreement. Haysom urges leaders to commit to dialogue and peace to avoid disastrous conflict.
South Sudan is facing the imminent threat of a return to full-scale civil war as violence and political tensions escalate, according to Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Speaking from Juba during a recent briefing, Haysom highlighted issues such as indiscriminate attacks on civilians, mass displacements, and rising ethnic tensions. He called for all parties to prioritize peace to avoid another devastating conflict that would negate the progress made since the 2018 peace deal.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing conflicts, especially following the outbreak of civil war in 2013 between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and former Deputy Riek Machar. This civil war resulted in significant humanitarian crises and widespread ethnic violence. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, delays in its execution and continuous political rivalries have prevented lasting stability.
Recent violence, particularly since March 4, stemmed from clashes when the White Army militia attacked army barracks in Nasir. The government’s retaliatory aerial bombings, which targeted civilian areas, have caused high casualties, notably among women and children, with reports indicating over 63,000 people displaced. Allegations of child recruitment into armed groups and the deployment of foreign forces at the government’s request have intensified the situation, evoking memories of past civil wars.
Political conflicts are intensifying as officials from the main rival militia, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), have faced removals or detentions. The use of misinformation and hate speech further exacerbates ethnic divisions and complicates reconciliation efforts. “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war,” Haysom stated.
Diplomatic initiatives are reportedly stalling; Haysom noted that UNMISS has worked alongside partners like the African Union and IGAD. However, a significant visit by IGAD’s foreign ministers to Juba to facilitate mediation was postponed unexpectedly by the South Sudanese government. Haysom expressed disappointment with this development, emphasizing that “this is a disappointing development at a time when diplomatic outreach is more important than ever.”
Haysom urged South Sudan’s leadership to recommit to the 2018 peace deal, respect the ceasefire, release detained officials, and engage in dialogue rather than military confrontations. He strongly encouraged President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to meet and publicly reaffirm their commitment to peace, stating, “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating, with risk factors contributing to a potential civil war. Heightened violence, political rivalries, and ethnic tensions threaten the progress made since the 2018 peace agreement. Urgent actions are needed from leadership to recommit to peace and prevent a relapse into conflict that would have severe consequences both locally and regionally. Diplomatic efforts remain crucial at this critical juncture.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
