UN Urges South Sudan Leaders to Uphold Peace Agreement Amid Rising Violence

The UN warns of escalating violence in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, which threatens the Revitalized Peace Agreement signed in 2018. Political tensions lead to arrests of military officials, and hostilities include attacks on UN personnel. The Commission on Human Rights emphasizes the need for adherence to peace provisions and human rights, urging leaders to refocus on reconciliation and stability.

The UN has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating violence in Upper Nile State, which threatens to undermine the Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan. This agreement, signed in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, faces significant challenges, particularly in unifying armed groups into a national army, which is crucial for enduring peace.

Political tensions have intensified, leading to the arrest of various senior military officers and officials linked to the SPLA-IO, especially amid the clashes involving armed youth groups in Nasir. Notably, these arrests have occurred without formal explanation, contributing to the fragility of the already precarious peace situation.

The recent attack on a UN helicopter during a personnel evacuation further escalated hostilities, resulting in casualties among military ranks. The UN Commission condemned these actions as war crimes, emphasizing that they are direct results of political mismanagement and delays in implementing the peace agreement’s requirements.

Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka articulated the urgent need for South Sudan to progress with the peace agreement’s provisions, stating that the current situation represents a dangerous regression that threatens to reverse years of progress. She urged leaders to focus on reconciliation rather than division, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human rights.

Commissioner Barney Afako echoed Sooka’s sentiments, condemning the country’s drift back to destructive power struggles that have previously caused immense suffering. He asserted that the South Sudanese people deserve peace and stability, not a renewal of hostilities.

The Commission has reminded all stakeholders involved in the Revitalized Agreement of their obligations to promote human rights and complete transitional processes designed to tackle the root causes of longstanding conflict. These processes include the establishment of crucial institutions such as the Truth Commission and Hybrid Court, which are vital for the nation’s recovery.

Established in March 2016, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan operates independently under the UN Human Rights Council, with its mandate renewed annually to oversee the human rights landscape in the region.

The urgent call by the UN highlights the critical need for South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peace and stability by upholding the Revitalized Peace Agreement. With increasing violence and political tension, there is an essential demand for unity and the protection of human rights. The establishment of necessary transitional mechanisms is crucial to address ongoing conflicts and foster a sustainable democratic transition.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org