South Sudan on the Brink of Conflict: Urgent Calls for Peace and Reform

South Sudan faces a severe threat of returning to conflict, with escalating violence and political tensions jeopardizing the peace process. A recent attack on a UN helicopter has intensified this crisis, with calls for international intervention and urgent dialogue among leadership to stabilize the nation and uphold human rights.

South Sudan is on the verge of another conflict, with escalating violence and political tensions threatening the fragile peace process, according to warnings from the United Nations. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted that recent hostilities, especially in Upper Nile State, could jeopardize the Revitalized Peace Agreement and escalate the humanitarian crisis.

The attack on a United Nations helicopter in Nasir, which resulted in the deaths of several UN personnel and high-ranking South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officers, has elicited strong condemnation from the UN Commission. This incident is being classified as a potential war crime under international law and casts a shadow over UNMISS’s efforts to alleviate tensions in the region.

The Commission attributed these violent occurrences to political mismanagement, particularly citing delays in the unification of armed forces mandated by the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Furthermore, internal divisions and targeted dismissals of opposition members have significantly destabilized South Sudan, exacerbating tensions and military confrontations.

Recent arrests of key opposition figures, including SPLA-IO Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, as well as the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, have contributed to rising hostilities and fears of renewed conflict. Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, expressed concern, stating that South Sudan should prioritize advancing the peace process and establishing democratic foundations rather than succumbing to division.

The ongoing struggle for control in Nasir, notably involving the Nuer youth militia, the White Army, has intensified political uncertainty in the capital, Juba. The government has accused SPLA-IO of orchestrating this offensive, which has led to the swift arrest of high-ranking opposition figures and further crackdowns, posing a significant threat to the tenuous peace agreement.

The UN Commission cautioned that the current situation mirrors previous power struggles that brought about civil war, leading to severe humanitarian crises. Commissioner Barney Afako lamented the continued suffering endured by the South Sudanese people and emphasized the necessity for peace rather than further conflict.

Diplomatic efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto to mediate between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar aim to de-escalate tensions. However, the Commission insists that true change requires South Sudan’s leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue to avert a return to war.

The UN Commission has called for urgent international intervention from regional states and organizations, alongside a reminder of the legal responsibilities under the Revitalized Peace Agreement. They highlighted that necessary reforms, such as establishing the Truth Commission and the Hybrid Court, have not been implemented, risking a descent back into chaos if left unaddressed. The Commission stressed the imperative for South Sudan to push forward towards stability and peace.

In conclusion, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture as rising violence and political discord threaten to dismantle the tenuous peace established in previous years. The international community and internal leaders must prioritize dialogue and reform to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and ensure the nation’s path toward stability and democratic governance.

Original Source: chimpreports.com