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Escalating Tensions in South Sudan Raise Alarms
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, expressed grave concerns regarding an escalating political standoff between President Salva Kiir and former First Vice President Riek Machar, the main figures behind the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. This standoff has alarming implications, as it risks spiraling into outright military conflict.
The situation has intensified, with reports indicating new mobilizations of the White Army militia and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Upper Nile state, alongside serious allegations of child recruitment. Additionally, Ugandan military forces have been deployed at the request of the South Sudanese government, further complicating matters.
Political discord is being exacerbated by the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which contribute to rising ethnic and political tensions within the country.
During a recent briefing to the Security Council, Mr. Haysom remarked, “This situation is darkly reminiscent of the conflicts of 2013 and 2016, which cost over 400,000 lives.” He emphasized the urgent need to prevent a regression to full-scale conflict, urging for a renewed focus on implementing the Peace Agreement and working towards South Sudan’s inaugural democratic elections.
The Threat of Regional Instability
Haysom called for a united approach from national and international entities to cease hostilities, reaffirm the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and break the cycle of incomplete transitions that has plagued the nation. He stressed that the opposing factions must engage in dialogue to build trust and foster a consensus-driven approach to governance.
He further warned, “We need look no further than across the northern border to Sudan for a stark reminder of how quickly a country can descend into catastrophic conflict. This region cannot afford another crisis that could further destabilise an already fragile landscape.”
UN’s Call for Engagement
As the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Mr. Haysom highlighted the mission’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with the African Union, the regional body IGAD, and various international leaders, including Pope Francis, to advocate for restraint and the revitalization of dialogue.
He urged the Security Council to facilitate steps aimed at de-escalation, particularly in the Nasir area of Upper Nile state, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to ceasefire agreements, the release of detained officials, and a commitment from South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
UNMISS continues to work in areas such as civic engagement, rule of law, and civilian protection, while also striving to support humanitarian efforts and monitor human rights. However, the mission faces significant obstacles, particularly amidst broader conflict dynamics that hinder operational effectiveness.
“UNMISS is a peacekeeping mission – not an army – and cannot be everywhere, all at once,” Mr. Haysom remarked.
Deteriorating Humanitarian Conditions
Compounding this volatile political situation is what the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has termed a burgeoning humanitarian crisis. Edem Wosornu, OCHA’s Director of Operations, reported a dramatic decline in living conditions over the past eight months, noting that over 9.3 million people – approximately three-quarters of the population – are in need of humanitarian assistance, half of whom are children.
Since February, insecurity in Upper Nile has led to the displacement of 130,000 individuals, with many fleeing into Ethiopia as refugees. Healthcare facilities are closing due to violence, and nearly 7.7 million people face severe food insecurity.
The impending rainy season raises the specter of worsening conditions, with last year’s severe flooding affecting around 1.4 million people, resulting in community displacements and disrupted food production, which has fueled local conflicts.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Despite extensive relief efforts, both UN officials emphasized that humanitarian aid alone cannot remedy the underlying issues; political commitment is crucial. The necessity for immediate, coordinated action from national leaders, regional partners, and the international community cannot be overstated if South Sudan is to prevent further deterioration.
“Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, nor can the wider region,” Mr. Haysom warned. He reiterated that “The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework to break this cycle of violence in South Sudan.”
Source
news.un.org