Urgent Call for Peace in South Sudan to Avert Civil War

Regional and international peace partners are alarmed by rising tensions in South Sudan, urging leaders to act collectively to prevent civil war. Key figures emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic intervention, warning of potential unprecedented suffering. The Government assures commitment to peace, stressing the importance of dialogue and the Revitalized Agreement to safeguard stability in the region.

Regional and international peace partners are expressing grave concern regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan, urging its leaders to take immediate united measures to prevent a return to civil war. This plea was articulated during a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council focused on the South Sudan situation.

Ambassador Ismail Wais, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy, warned, “As we gather today, South Sudan is on the cusp of a full-scale conflict.” He emphasized the critical need for urgent diplomatic efforts to avert a potential war that threatens to affect not only South Sudan but the entire region.

Factors such as armed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and White Army in Nasir, airstrikes in the region, rising tensions following the deployment of Ugandan troops, and public discord among rival factions have contributed to the worsening situation. Ambassador Wais stated, “If a conflict breaks out in South Sudan now, it will be like no other. The destruction and suffering will be unprecedented.”

Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan, echoed the urgency for immediate intervention to prevent civil war. He highlighted the precariousness of the peace process established by the Revitalized Agreement of 2018, remarking, “The peace process and its mechanisms remain the key to the restoration of peace, and they are on the verge of collapse.”

Representing the South Sudan Government, Acting Ambassador Boutrus Thok Deng attributed recent tensions in Nasir to a misunderstanding during military redeployment. He reinforced the government’s commitment to the peace agreement and cited President Salva Kiir’s assurances against returning to war, stating, “The Government is firmly committed to the implementation of the peace agreement.”

The Head of UNMISS underscored the necessity for parties to recommit to the cessation of hostilities and the peace agreement. He called for constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and stressed the importance of collective unity in addressing national issues. Haysom poignantly pointed out the risk of conflict, stating, “We need to look no further than across the northern border to Sudan for a stark reminder of how quickly countries can descend into catastrophic war.”

To avoid such a fate, he asserted, “There is only one path out of this cycle of conflict and that is through the Revitalized Agreement,” emphasizing the importance of upholding commitments to peace and advancing towards democratic elections.

In summary, the regional and international peace partners are sounding an alarm regarding the rising tensions in South Sudan, urging collective action to prevent a relapse into civil war. The need for immediate diplomatic intervention is crucial to safeguard the fragile peace established since 2018. All parties involved must recommit to the Revitalized Agreement for the benefit of South Sudan and the broader region to avert catastrophic consequences.

Original Source: www.zawya.com