South Sudan is experiencing “alarming regression” as recent clashes threaten the peace efforts established in 2018. The UN warns that ongoing violence could reverse significant progress, urging leaders to focus on human rights and a smooth democratic transition. President Kiir and Vice President Machar’s fragile power-sharing agreement is at risk, with the UN helicopter incident illustrating severe instability in the region.
The UN has raised alarms regarding South Sudan’s escalating conflicts that threaten to reverse years of peace advancements. Recent clashes in Upper Nile State jeopardize the tenuous power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. A UN helicopter was attacked while attempting a rescue mission, resulting in one crew member’s death and two injuries, underscoring the country’s ongoing instability.
President Kiir emphasized the need for calm and assured citizens that a return to war is unacceptable. The UN Human Rights Commission’s chair, Yasmin Sooka, highlighted the dangerous regression of South Sudan, stressing that “leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy.”
Since gaining independence and ending civil war through a power-sharing deal in 2018, South Sudan has grappled with ongoing violence, with Kiir’s allies blaming Machar’s forces for inciting unrest in the region. Commissioner Barney Afako noted, “What we are witnessing now is a return to the reckless power struggles that have devastated the country in the past,” pointing out the hardships endured by South Sudanese due to continued rights violations, economic challenges, and insecurity.
In conclusion, South Sudan faces significant challenges with rising conflicts threatening the hard-earned peace it achieved in recent years. The UN warns of a regression in human rights and a return to internal strife if leaders do not prioritize peace and address the needs of the citizens. The ongoing violence highlights the fragile nature of governance in this young nation, necessitating urgent commitment to stability and democracy.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
