South Sudan is approaching a potential war due to rising violence and political discord. The UN has warned that the ongoing crisis, highlighted by attacks on UN personnel and government repression of opposition, jeopardizes the fragile peace process. Urgent international intervention and commitment to the peace agreement are necessary to avert a humanitarian disaster.
South Sudan is nearing another cycle of war due to escalating violence, political tensions, and military clashes that threaten the delicate peace process, according to a United Nations report. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed concerns about the recent increase in hostilities, especially in Upper Nile State, which could derail the Revitalized Peace Agreement and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
The Commission condemned the attack on a United Nations helicopter in Nasir that resulted in the deaths of UN personnel and senior officers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), labeling it a war crime. This incident occurred amidst efforts by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to reduce tensions but underscores a troubling trend of increasing instability attributed to political mismanagement, such as delays in unifying armed forces as required by the peace agreement.
Moreover, divisions within the government and targeted dismissals of opposition members have destabilized the situation further. Tensions escalated due to the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, along with ongoing military confrontations and militia mobilization, heightening fears of large-scale conflict.
Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, stated, “South Sudan should be moving forward, implementing the provisions of the peace agreement, strengthening institutions, and building a foundation for democracy.” She voiced concern over the regression into conflict, urging leaders to refocus on the peace process and human rights to ensure a democratic transition.
The recent violence in Nasir, where the White Army militia attacked SSPDF positions, has deepened political uncertainty. The government has accused the SPLA-IO of inciting this offensive, leading to a stringent response including the arrest of high-ranking opposition figures, risking further violence.
Patterns of power struggles in South Sudan remind observers of the civil war that previously devastated the nation, triggering atrocities, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises. “What we are witnessing now is a return to the reckless power struggles that have devastated the country in the past,” noted Commissioner Barney Afako.
Diplomatic efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto to engage South Sudan’s leadership, including President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, aim to de-escalate tensions. However, the Commission warned that meaningful dialogue is essential to prevent renewed warfare, stating, “The current instability, repression, and renewed conflict must not be allowed to continue.”
The UN Commission calls for urgent action from international actors, including neighboring nations and the African Union, to uphold human rights and advance the transitional process outlined in the peace agreement. Key reforms, such as the Truth Commission and Hybrid Court, remain unfulfilled, threatening a regression into chaos that civilians dread. The Commission stressed the need for leadership accountability, emphasizing, “It is time for leaders to act responsibly,” to secure stability and lasting peace in South Sudan.
The article highlights the precarious state of peace in South Sudan, underscoring the concerns raised by the UN Commission regarding escalating tensions, military confrontations, and political mismanagement. The recent violence and arrests of opposition leaders threaten to unravel the Revitalized Peace Agreement, risking a return to the civil conflict that has historically plagued the nation. Immediate action and meaningful dialogue from both domestic leadership and international actors are crucial to prevent further chaos and ensure a stable transition towards democracy.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
