UN Chief Urges Action to Combat Crisis in South Sudan

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges immediate action to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan. He warns that political and ethnic targeting by security forces could lead to broader conflict. Guterres calls for the release of detained officials and the restoration of the Government of National Unity, stressing the dire humanitarian situation and the need for renewed diplomatic efforts.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urgently called upon both the leadership of South Sudan and the international community to take decisive action to avert further calamity in the war-torn nation. He expressed concern that the ongoing ethnic and political targeting by security forces may escalate into a wider regional conflict, reflecting on the intense violence currently affecting South Sudan, including aerial attacks on civilians.

Guterres described the alarming situation in South Sudan by stating, “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.” His comments followed a recent incident where an armed convoy led by high-ranking security officials entered the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar, leading to his house arrest.

Rising tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which have been prevalent over the past weeks, led to concerns about the stability of the peace agreement established in August 2018, intended to resolve a previous civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. Machar’s party has characterized his detention as indicative of the collapse of this peace deal.

The UN has reported the use of barrel bombs in airstrikes amid clashes between government forces and a rebel group linked to Machar. Guterres highlighted this worsening crisis by stating that “the peace agreement is in shambles,” urging for the immediate release of detained officials and the full restoration of the Government of National Unity.

He cautioned that the Horn of Africa is already facing significant turmoil, emphasizing that South Sudan cannot endure another conflict. Directly addressing South Sudan’s leadership, he urged them to cease confrontational politics, ensure the release of detained officials, and implement the commitments outlined in the peace agreement, which is essential for upcoming elections scheduled for December 2026.

The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is severe, with nearly 75 percent of the population in need of assistance and half experiencing acute food insecurity. A cholera outbreak further exacerbates the crisis, and over 1 million refugees have fled, primarily to Sudan, since the onset of violence. Meanwhile, economic conditions have deteriorated, with oil revenues dropping and inflation soaring to 300 percent.

Guterres warned of a possible recurrence of civil wars like those seen in 2013 and 2016 and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and de-escalation of tensions. Noting that “South Sudan is at a crossroads,” he urged all parties to prioritize rebuilding efforts instead of continued violence.

He has extended support for the African Union’s initiative to deploy the “Panel of the Wise” and acknowledged the efforts of Kenyan President William Ruto’s envoy. Despite the urgency, Guterres expressed disappointment that South Sudan has been largely overlooked by the international community and called for enhanced diplomatic and financial support to help address the escalating crisis.

In summary, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has alerted the international community to take immediate action regarding the worsening situation in South Sudan. As the humanitarian crisis deepens and peace remains fragile, he has called for the release of detained officials and the restoration of governance as critical steps towards renewed stability. The threats of renewed conflict necessitate urgent diplomatic support and leadership focused on rebuilding the nation and addressing the humanitarian needs of its people.

Original Source: www.arabnews.jp