Urgent Call to Prevent Conflict in South Sudan, Warns UNMISS Chief Haysom

Nicholas Haysom, UNMISS Chief, warns that South Sudan is on the brink of returning to war, potentially undoing the progress made since the 2018 peace agreement. He calls for immediate collective action to de-escalate tensions, urging all parties to recommit to peace and prioritize dialogue to prevent conflict.

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, stated that South Sudan is on the verge of returning to war, which could obliterate the progress made since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. He made these remarks during an address to the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting, highlighting the need for urgent collective action to prevent escalation.

Tensions have risen sharply following the takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army on March 4, resulting in arrests of senior SPLA/IO officials and increased civil unrest. Haysom mentioned that the deployment of foreign forces has been confirmed, and recent airstrikes have caused civilian casualties.

The proliferation of misinformation and hate speech poses a significant risk, suggesting potential ethnic dimensions to the conflict. Haysom emphasized that the peace process remains crucial for restoring stability and warned of its potential collapse if immediate measures are not taken.

He expressed support for the IGAD’s call to de-escalate tensions in South Sudan and urged parties to engage in constructive dialogue. While commending efforts by President Kiir to reassure the public, Haysom insisted that tangible actions are required to implement the Revitalized Agreement.

Furthermore, Haysom called on the Peace and Security Council to encourage the recommitment to the Cessation of Hostilities and advocate for the release of detained officials. He also emphasized the importance of addressing tensions in Nasir through dialogue rather than military means.

Haysom highlighted the critical role of neighboring countries in ensuring peace and stability and called for the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to support conflict resolution. He stressed the necessity for consensus-based decision-making and continuous dialogue among leadership to prevent catastrophe.

He concluded by underscoring that all efforts must be directed toward avoiding a relapse into war, fully implementing the agreement, and progressing towards democratic elections. He cautioned that another conflict would have devastating consequences for the region.

In summary, Nicholas Haysom warns of an imminent risk of conflict in South Sudan, highlighting the fragile nature of the peace achieved since 2018. He advocates for immediate collective efforts to restore dialogue and trust among the parties involved. The emphasis lies on the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Peace Agreement in order to avert a return to civil war, with an urgent call for regional cooperation to foster stability and peace.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org