Peace Monitors Demand Swift Investigation into Violence in South Sudan

South Sudan peace monitors have called for immediate investigations into violence in Upper Nile State and an attack on a UN helicopter, urging all warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue. Concerns over the impact on the unity government under the 2018 peace deal have been voiced by the international community, as tensions escalate with reported deaths and injuries in Nasir. The RJMEC emphasizes the importance of de-escalation and rapid force unification to maintain peace.

Peace monitors in South Sudan have called for prompt investigations into recent violence in Upper Nile State, including an assault on a UN helicopter that resulted in the death of a UN personnel and numerous soldiers. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has condemned these acts and urged conflicting parties to halt hostilities while prioritizing dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the nation.

The monitors stated, “RJMEC calls upon all the parties involved to immediately cease any further hostilities, give dialogue a chance, and ensure calm is quickly restored,” emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue. Violence in Nasir, a key strategic location, has exacerbated tensions since March 3, leading to the detention of important government and military leaders from the SPLM/A-IO, headed by First Vice President Riek Machar.

The international community has expressed significant concern regarding the escalating situation in Juba, indicating that it undermines the fragile unity government established under the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded a protracted civil conflict. Reports indicate that over 20 fatalities have occurred, and many others have been wounded in the now-deserted outskirts of Nasir, a region bordering Ethiopia, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

The RJMEC has urged the unity government to implement all necessary measures to de-escalate tensions, calling on the Joint Defence Board to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the organized forces effectively. Furthermore, the RJMEC requested that the National Transitional Committee actions be accelerated to unify and deploy all military forces. This step is essential to maintain peace throughout South Sudan and prevent future incidents.

The need for urgent investigations into violence in South Sudan underscores the fragile nature of the current peace agreement. The RJMEC’s call for dialogue and cessation of hostilities reflects the international community’s concern about potential setbacks to the unity government. Timely actions by the government and transitional committees are essential to restore peace and stability in the region, preventing further violence and ensuring the protection of all civilians.

Original Source: www.siasat.com