Crisis in South Sudan: Urgent Call for Action Amid Growing Tensions

The security situation in South Sudan has deteriorated, with rising tensions between the SPLM and SPLM-IO potentially leading to civil war. The White Army’s attack on military positions, ensuing aerial bombardments, and increased military mobilization have displaced many civilians. The UN emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace peace and uphold the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement amidst a looming humanitarian crisis.

The security situation in South Sudan has significantly worsened due to escalating tensions between its two primary political factions: the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under First Vice President Riek Machar. This unrest has heightened the risk of the nation reverting to civil war.

On March 4th, the White Army, a youth militia, seized barracks previously held by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). In response, civilian areas in the Upper Nile region faced aerial bombardments, reportedly using incendiary devices. These attacks resulted in numerous casualties and displaced approximately 100,000 people, raising concerns about further violence.

Attempts to escalate military mobilization among the White Army and SSPDF, particularly the alleged recruitment of children, have fueled fears of worsening conflicts in the Upper Nile region. On March 24, fighting also erupted in the capital city of Juba between the SSPDF and SPLM-IO linked forces, intensifying the sense of insecurity and risking the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The political landscape is tumultuous, with several SPLM-IO officials reportedly removed or detained, and Riek Machar placed under house arrest as of March 26. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), emphasized that the nation is on the verge of renewed civil war, calling for adherence to the Peace Agreement as the only resolution to ongoing conflicts.

The UN, alongside regional partners such as the African Union and East Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development, is striving to avert a return to warfare. However, the success of these diplomatic efforts hinges on the willingness of conflicting parties to pursue peace.

UN Secretary-General urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize peace, stating the necessity of disarming and placing the well-being of all citizens above factional interests. Since independence in 2011, South Sudan has endured instability with a civil war erupting just two years post-independence, resulting in a humanitarian crisis.

The Revitalized Peace Agreement of 2018, although initially hopeful, has faltered, and with rising tensions, a resurgence of conflict seems imminent. The country now faces extraordinary humanitarian challenges, with about 75% of the population needing assistance amid an economic crisis, exacerbated by returning refugees and rampant inflation.

In conclusion, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture as escalating political tensions threaten to push the nation back into civil war. Since its indepenence, the country has faced significant challenges, including a humanitarian crisis and stalled peace agreements. With urgent calls for peace and unity from international entities, the need for proactive and collaborative efforts among South Sudan’s leaders is paramount to avert further conflict and foster stability.

Original Source: peacekeeping.un.org