Urgent Call for Peace and Stability in South Sudan: Remarks by Nicholas Haysom

Nicholas Haysom’s address at the AU Peace and Security Council expressed concern over South Sudan’s risk of returning to civil war. Key points included recent violent incidents, the necessity for collective intervention, and the importance of the Revitalized Agreement for restoring peace. Haysom urged the recommitment of all parties to peace mechanisms, direct dialogue among leaders, and regional support to prevent further conflict and promote democratic elections.

On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council regarding the precarious situation in South Sudan. He emphasized the imminent danger of a relapse into civil war, jeopardizing the achievements made since the Revitalized Agreement of 2018, and called for immediate, collective intervention to prevent further conflict.

Haysom highlighted the volatile environment following the takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army, which has heightened tensions nationwide. The arrests of several senior military and civilian officials in Juba have led to increased fears, with the Government confirming foreign troop deployments. Additionally, ongoing airstrikes in Nasir have resulted in civilian casualties, and rampant misinformation and hate speech threaten to escalate ethnic divisions.

Despite these challenges, Haysom reinforced that the peace process is vital for restoring stability and is at risk of collapse. He commended the recent IGAD Extraordinary Summit that took place on March 12, which emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and uphold the Revitalized Agreement. The summit highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to prevent further political strife.

In partnership with the AU’s Special Representative and other key stakeholders, Haysom has engaged with various principals involved in the Agreement, urging them to foster dialogue, trust, and unity to avert civil war’s resurgence. Although President Kiir has affirmed there will be no return to armed conflict, Haysom emphasized the necessity for all parties to adhere to the Revitalized Agreement’s principles.

Haysom proposed several actions to the Council, including urging all parties to recommit to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the Revitalized Agreement; encouraging direct dialogue between the two principal leaders to resolve differences; and calling for the release or proper treatment of detained officials. He also emphasized the need to address tensions in Nasir through peaceful dialogue rather than military action.

The establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee in Juba, as advised by the IGAD Extraordinary Summit, was also supported. Moreover, the role of neighboring states as peace guarantors was underscored, alongside a call for the AU C5 and the Panel of the Wise to facilitate dialogue among South Sudanese leaders to assist in conflict resolution.

Drawing parallels with the destabilizing situation in Sudan, Haysom warned against potential catastrophic war in South Sudan. He called for renewed consensus-based decision-making among parties, intensive dialogue, and a joint effort to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement. He asserted that the only way forward to prevent conflict is through adhering to the Agreement and progressing towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections.

Haysom concluded by reiterating the urgent need to prevent another conflict in the region, underlining the significant dangers that lie ahead if the current tensions remain unaddressed.

In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks at the AU Peace and Security Council highlighted the precarious situation in South Sudan. Immediate intervention is critical to prevent a relapse into civil war. The commitment to the Revitalized Agreement and constructive dialogue among leaders are essential for fostering stability. Haysom’s emphasis on collaboration, regional support, and peace mechanisms, including the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee, demonstrates the comprehensive approach required to avert further conflict and promote democratic progress in South Sudan.

Original Source: reliefweb.int