UN Warns of Alarming Regression in South Sudan Amid Renewed Violence

The UN warns South Sudan is experiencing alarming regression due to renewed clashes threatening peace progress. A fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar is at risk, exemplified by a recent attack on a UN helicopter. Calls for urgent focus on peace and human rights are emphasized by Yasmin Sooka and other UN officials, highlighting the need to prevent further conflict and secure a stable future for South Sudan.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the current state of South Sudan, indicating the country is experiencing significant setbacks as recent clashes threaten to undermine progress toward peace. The fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar faces serious risks due to ongoing conflicts involving their allied forces in Upper Nile State.

One incident underscoring these tensions occurred on Friday, when a UN helicopter, tasked with rescuing soldiers, came under attack, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Additionally, an army general was killed during the operation, heightening fears within a nation already grappling with political chaos and violence.

President Kiir has called for calm and emphasized his commitment to avoid a return to war. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN commission on human rights, stated that the situation reflects an alarming regression that threatens to negate years of hard-won achievements in peace.

She urged leaders to prioritize the peace process, emphasizing the importance of upholding South Sudanese citizens’ human rights and facilitating a seamless transition to democracy. Having achieved a power-sharing agreement to end a five-year civil war in 2018, South Sudan’s progress is now jeopardized by accusations from Kiir’s allies that Machar’s forces are inciting unrest in Upper Nile State.

Commissioner Barney Afako expressed that South Sudanese people have suffered from severe atrocities, rights violations, and economic mismanagement, calling for an end to the cycle of conflict and a restoration of peace and security. The urgency for a renewed focus on peaceful governance and human rights is paramount for South Sudan’s future.

In conclusion, South Sudan faces critical challenges as recent violence threatens to reverse progress made in peace and stability since the end of the civil war in 2018. The UN has called for immediate attention to the deteriorating situation, urging leaders to prioritize peace and uphold human rights. The country’s future relies on resolving internal conflicts and preventing a relapse into past power struggles, ensuring that the South Sudanese populace can attain peace and security.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com