South Sudan on the Brink of Civil War: UN Official’s Urgent Warning

South Sudan is nearing the brink of civil war, with escalating violence, rising ethnic tensions, and stalled diplomatic efforts, according to UNMISS leader Nicholas Haysom. The warning comes amidst attacks on civilians, mass displacements, and political unrest, emphasizing the urgent need for leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement to prevent further conflict.

Recent warnings from Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), indicate that the nation is perilously close to a return to civil war. In a briefing from Juba, Haysom highlighted the worsening violence against civilians, significant displacement, and increasing ethnic tensions, calling for a collective commitment to peace to avert further conflict.

Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with ongoing instability. The civil war that began in 2013 saw the emergence of conflict between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those loyal to former deputy Riek Machar, marked by horrific ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. Despite the 2018 peace agreement providing some stability, ongoing political rivalries have perpetuated tension.

The recent upsurge in violence was sparked by the White Army militia’s assault on army barracks in Nasir, leading to retaliatory aerial attacks by government forces on civilian sectors. Haysom noted that such indiscriminate attacks have resulted in severe injuries and significant casualties, prompting the displacement of over 63,000 individuals from affected areas. There are alarming reports of both the militia and national forces preparing for additional confrontations, alongside troubling indications of child recruitment into armed factions.

Political unrest continues as senior officials from the opposition party, SPLM-IO, face removal or detention, while misinformation is fostering ethnic fears and divisions, complicating reconciliation efforts. Haysom stated, “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion, but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”

Despite UNMISS’s active diplomatic efforts in collaboration with regional partners such as the African Union and IGAD, a planned visit by IGAD foreign ministers for mediation was unexpectedly postponed by the South Sudanese government. Haysom expressed disappointment, remarking, “This is a disappointing development at a time when diplomatic outreach is more important than ever.”

He urged South Sudan’s leadership to reaffirm their commitment to the 2018 peace agreement, respect ceasefires, release detained officials, and prioritize dialogue over military actions. Emphasizing the urgent need for action, he stated, “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.

In conclusion, South Sudan is on the brink of civil war due to escalating violence, political tensions, and ethnic divisions. The UN official’s warnings highlight the dire need for renewed commitment to peace and diplomatic engagement to avoid another catastrophic conflict. It is imperative for leadership to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation to uphold the gains made since the 2018 peace deal.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com