Crisis in South Sudan: Urgent Need for Action Amid Escalating Violence

The security situation in South Sudan has deteriorated, with rising tensions between the SPLM and SPLM-IO posing risks of renewed civil war. Acts of violence, including militia attacks and retaliatory strikes on civilians, have resulted in significant humanitarian crises. Key political figures being detained exacerbate instability, while the UN and international partners call for adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to prevent further conflict.

The security situation in South Sudan has intensified as tensions between the two major 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) overseen by First Vice President Riek Machar—grow perilously close to igniting renewed civil war.

On March 4th, the White Army militia seized control of barracks from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), prompting retaliatory aerial bombardments in the Upper Nile region that allegedly included highly flammable munitions. These attacks have led to significant civilian casualties, displacing an estimated 100,000 people amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Concerns are rising regarding further escalated violence in Upper Nile, notably due to reported mobilization of the White Army and SSPDF, with allegations of child recruitment into combat roles potentially exacerbating the conflict’s severity.

The situation escalated on March 24 when clashes emerged in the capital, Juba, between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces. Such clashes stoke fear of a broader conflict reminiscent of past civil wars in 2013 and 2016, jeopardizing the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement’s sustainability.

Politically, significant SPLM-IO officials have faced detainment, removal from their positions, or have gone into hiding. Reports also indicated that Riek Machar was placed under house arrest on March 26, further destabilizing the political landscape.

Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), stated, “South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.” He emphasized the urgent need to adhere to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which seeks to break the unending cycle of conflict.

Internationally, the UN, along with regional partners, is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to avert a potential war that would devastate South Sudan and neighboring regions. Key organizations, including UNMISS and the African Union, strive to uphold the hard-won advancements secured since the peace agreement’s inception.

For these diplomatic efforts to succeed, however, all parties must demonstrate a commitment to peace. The UN Secretary-General echoed this sentiment, urging South Sudanese leaders to prioritize their people over conflict, stating, “Put down the weapons. Put all the people of South Sudan first.”

South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, but political strife rapidly led to civil war and humanitarian devastation. The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement raised hope for peace, but its stalled implementation poses significant risks of conflict resurgence. With over nine million citizens requiring humanitarian aid this year, the situation remains critical, particularly with a new wave of returnees and refugees straining resources. Amid a cholera outbreak and soaring inflation, the country experiences an economic crisis that further complicates its path towards stability and recovery.

In summary, South Sudan is facing a critical juncture with escalating tensions between political factions threatening to plunge the nation back into civil war. The recent violence and humanitarian challenges underscore the need for immediate diplomatic engagement and adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. With regional and international support, there remains a glimmer of hope for peace, provided that leaders prioritize reconciliation and the well-being of their citizens over conflict.

Original Source: peacekeeping.un.org