EU Urges South Sudan Leaders to Prevent Return to Violent Conflict

The European Union has warned South Sudan’s leaders to take swift action to prevent a return to war, particularly in light of recent violence in Nasir County. Rising tensions threaten the 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, with significant clashes and attacks raising concerns over security and stability in the country. EU Ambassador Olkkonen emphasized the need for effective peace mechanisms and dialogue among all parties involved.

The European Union (EU) delegation in South Sudan has expressed grave concern over the worsening security conditions, particularly following violent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU has urgently called on the country’s leadership to act decisively to avert a return to widespread violence, especially amidst rising tensions in Juba that may undermine the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.

Tensions intensified last Tuesday when confrontations between an armed group and government forces in Nasir County resulted in the detention of significant allies of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. The faction loyal to President Kiir accused the White Army, an armed youth group in Nasir, of being affiliated with Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces, a claim that has been denied by Mr. Machar’s contingent.

After the clashes, military forces encircled Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without providing an official rationale, raising alarms among his supporters that such actions could threaten the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil conflict between the opposing factions. Tensions escalated further when a United Nations helicopter was attacked while evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops, resulting in multiple fatalities, including that of an army commander and a UN crew member.

At a recent workshop conducted by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, highlighted the immediate necessity for effective peace mechanisms to foster calm and promote dialogue among all signatories of the peace agreement. He noted that recent incidents, especially those occurring in Upper Nile, showcase the urgent need for strategies that maintain peace and prevent further escalation through coercive measures.

Mr. Olkkonen recognized the varying perspectives regarding recent events but reiterated that it is the responsibility of South Sudan’s leaders to ensure the avoidance of additional conflict. Furthermore, he urged peace monitoring bodies, including CTSAMVM, to become more proactive in tackling ceasefire violations and in seeking resolutions to emerging challenges. The EU diplomat emphasized that the signatories of the 2018 peace agreement must reconcile their differences to prevent a relapse into violence.

The European Union has urged the leaders of South Sudan to act swiftly to prevent a resurgence of conflict, emphasizing the importance of peace mechanisms and dialogue. With tensions rising following recent clashes and UN attacks, South Sudan’s leadership is urged to take responsibility in maintaining stability and upholding the fragile peace established in 2018. The situation remains intricate, necessitating collaborative efforts from all peace partners to avert further escalation.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org