South Sudan Clashes Cause 50,000 Displacements; West Offers Mediation

Clashes between rival factions in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 people, prompting Western nations to offer mediation. The ongoing violence threatens the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Significant humanitarian concerns have arisen, with thousands fleeing to safety and vital services being hindered.

Clashes between rival factions in South Sudan have caused the displacement of over 50,000 individuals since February, as Western nations extend mediation offers amid escalating tensions. The conflict involves forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting First Vice President Riek Machar, which jeopardizes their fragile peace-sharing agreement. Recent weeks have seen the detention of more than 20 of Machar’s supporters, including key government and military figures.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with Anita Kiki Gbeho from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighting how the violence exacerbates risks for vulnerable communities and disrupts essential services. In response to the crisis, a coalition of Western embassies, including representatives from the United States and the European Union, has called for constructive dialogue between Kiir and Machar, offering to facilitate these discussions.

Recent military actions have further escalated the violence, particularly an airstrike in Nasir County that resulted in at least 20 fatalities, including children. Additionally, OCHA reported that 10,000 displaced individuals had fled to Ethiopia and noted the departure of 23 humanitarian workers from the area, leading to the closure of a cholera treatment unit in Nasir.

Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed concerns that the country may relapse into civil war, which would reverse years of peace initiatives. He urged all involved parties to reduce tensions promptly to avoid catastrophic outcomes, referencing the destabilizing example of neighboring Sudan.

The ongoing conflict threatens the 2018 peace agreement, which was established to resolve the five-year civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives. Accusations have arisen from Kiir’s supporters claiming that Machar’s forces are instigating chaos in Nasir County alongside the White Army, a militia comprising youths from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group. Tensions escalated earlier this month when White Army fighters overran a military post, resulting in casualties during a UN rescue operation that involved the deaths of a UN crew member and a senior South Sudanese general.

The ongoing clashes in South Sudan highlight the fragility of the peace established between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. With over 50,000 individuals displaced and humanitarian efforts under threat, the need for immediate dialogue and conflict resolution is paramount. The potential resurgence of civil war poses serious risks not only to South Sudan but to regional stability as well.

Original Source: www.newarab.com