UN Chief Urges Immediate Action to Address Crisis in South Sudan

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of escalating violence in South Sudan, calling for urgent actions to prevent potential regional conflict. He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation affecting 75% of the population and called for the restoration of the Government of National Unity. Guterres urged for renewed diplomatic engagement and support for peace initiatives, emphasizing the need for stability and reconstruction.

On Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged South Sudan’s leadership and the global community to act quickly to avert further devastation in the conflict-ridden nation. He warned that ethnic and political targeting by security forces could escalate into a larger regional conflict amid rising violence, including airstrikes on civilians. Guterres remarked, “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.”

Recent tensions culminated in an armed convoy entering the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar, leading to his detention under house arrest. The relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir has deteriorated since their 2018 peace agreement, which ended a devastating civil war. Despite the agreement, ethnic conflicts have heightened tensions, and Machar’s party considers his detention as a signal that the peace deal has collapsed.

The UN has reported the use of barrel bombs in recent airstrikes during confrontations between the army and a rebel faction affiliated with Machar. Guterres emphasized that “the peace agreement is in shambles” and called for the immediate release of all detained officials, highlighting that restoring the Government of National Unity is essential for achieving peace. He cautioned that the Horn of Africa, already in upheaval, cannot withstand another conflict.

Presently, nearly 75 percent of South Sudan’s population requires humanitarian assistance, with severe food insecurity affecting approximately half. The situation is exacerbated by a cholera outbreak, and more than one million refugees have fled to neighboring countries due to ongoing violence. Guterres also pointed to a devastating economic collapse, characterized by a 300 percent inflation rate and collapsing oil revenues.

Guterres warned of the looming threat of resurging civil wars reminiscent of those in 2013 and 2016, calling for renewed diplomatic engagement and de-escalation. He stated, “South Sudan is at a crossroads. For the sake of the long-suffering people, it is time for all parties to put down the weapons and focus on rebuilding the country.” He also expressed his support for the African Union’s peace initiatives and emphasized the need for a unified international approach to restore peace in South Sudan.

In conclusion, the Secretary-General of the UN has raised serious concerns about the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The urgent call for action includes restoring peace, ensuring political stability, and enhancing diplomatic efforts to guide the nation away from further conflict. Addressing these issues effectively is crucial for the future of South Sudan and its people.

Original Source: www.arabnews.jp