African Diplomats and UN Urge Dialogue to Address Security Challenges in South Sudan

The ADC and UNMISS have urged dialogue among South Sudan conflict parties to address rising security challenges and protect civilians. They called for restraint amid recent military actions and rising tensions between political leaders, particularly due to the withdrawal of the SPLM/A-IO from key security provisions.

The African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) along with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have urged conflicting parties in South Sudan to pursue dialogue and mediation to tackle surging security issues. These officials stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation of hostilities, especially in the Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile states.

In a joint statement issued in Juba, they emphasized the significance of protecting civilian lives and properties, stating, “The ADC and UNMISS value the lives and property of citizens caught in these conflicts and urge all parties to desist from any action that will undermine civilian safety and security.”

Their statement follows reports of airstrikes in the town of Nasir, Upper Nile State, which have caused civilian casualties. Additionally, there are growing concerns regarding intensified hate speech and misinformation potentially exacerbating the conflict into an ethnic struggle.

The political tension between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar remains high, particularly as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition announced their withdrawal from critical security mechanisms until detained members are released. The ADC and UNMISS commended Kiir’s public appeal against war and urged the unity government to act swiftly to avert a resurgence of violence.

In summary, the African Diplomatic Corps and UNMISS have called for dialogue and mediation among the conflicting parties in South Sudan, urging restraint to protect civilians. Recent military actions in Nasir have raised serious concerns regarding the potential ethnic nature of the conflict. Furthermore, the withdrawal of a significant political party from security mechanisms highlights ongoing tensions in the leadership, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to restore peace.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug