South Sudan at a Critical Juncture: UN Officials Warn of Civil War Threat

South Sudan faces renewed civil war risks as violence spikes and political tensions escalate, according to UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom. He reported serious attacks on civilians and mass displacement. Haysom urged immediate recommitment to the 2018 peace deal to avoid further disaster.

South Sudan is facing a dire situation, with the United Nations warning that the country could descend into renewed civil war. Nicholas Haysom, leading the UN Mission in South Sudan, raised alarms on Monday about increasing violence and dangerous political strife. Speaking from Juba via videolink to UN Headquarters, he highlighted shocking attacks on civilians, significant displacement, and heightening ethnic tensions across the nation.

The conflict-ridden nation gained independence from Sudan back in 2011, but has since struggled with turmoil and disruption. Civil war ignited in 2013, pitting forces loyal to President Salva Kiir against troops aligned with his former deputy, Riek Machar. A fragile peace deal was reached in 2018, halting a brutal war characterized by ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. However, the implementation of this agreement has faced delays, allowing underlying tensions to fester.

Recent violence is particularly alarming; it intensified when the White Army, a youth militia, attacked government forces on March 4 in Upper Nile province. In retaliation, government forces conducted aerial bombings on civilian areas, unleashing devastation that included the use of barrel bombs said to contain accelerants. Haysom reported that these actions have led to significant casualties and many injuries, especially burns affecting women and children, with around 63,000 individuals fleeing the conflict.

In addition, both the White Army and national forces are preparing for further hostilities, raising concerns about the recruitment of children into armed groups. Tensions are exacerbated by the involvement of foreign troops requested by the government, which brings back painful reminders of past civil wars.

Political instability is also on the rise, as senior officials from the opposition movement, SPLM-IO, face removal, detention, or forced concealment. This increasingly hostile atmosphere has seen a surge in misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, which complicate reconciliation efforts within the country.

In this grim context, Haysom indicated, “South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.” He further remarked that while UNMISS has been involved in diplomatic outreach alongside regional entities like the African Union (AU) and IGAD, efforts recently faced setbacks. A high-level visit by IGAD foreign ministers intended to mediate conflicts was cancelled abruptly by the South Sudanese government, an unexpected move that draws more concern, particularly given the region’s fragile state.

The urgency of the situation calls for immediate action. Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, to uphold the ceasefire, and to engage in genuine dialogue instead of military escalation. He also emphasized the need for collaborative meetings between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, suggesting it is essential they publicly reaffirm their commitment to peace. As he stated, “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”

In summary, South Sudan is on the verge of a potential civil war, with unfolding violence and political challenges threatening the fragile peace established in 2018. With significant humanitarian concerns and ethnic tensions rising, urgent and concerted diplomatic efforts are essential. The call for leaders to recommit to peace has never been more critical as the nation seeks to prevent another devastating chapter in its tumultuous history.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com