The African Union Mission in South Sudan and other agencies have expressed serious concerns over the rising tensions in Upper Nile State and related clashes in other regions. They called for immediate collaborative efforts to address security issues to avoid undermining the Permanent Ceasefire. The agencies emphasized the importance of deploying Necessary Unified Forces to restore public confidence in the transitional government’s commitment to peace.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), alongside the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), has raised alarm over escalating tensions in Upper Nile State. In a joint statement released on Thursday, these organizations also expressed concern regarding clashes between signatory forces of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) occurring in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal states.
These agencies have urgently called on the involved parties to engage collaboratively within the framework of the R-ARCSS to mitigate the rising tensions in Upper Nile State. The ongoing rotations of forces in Nasir have significantly deteriorated the security situation, raising alarms about the likelihood of widespread violence in the region.
AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS, and RJMEC cautioned the leadership of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to work together effectively and promptly to address these security challenges across the three states. They warned that failure to resolve these issues could jeopardize the Permanent Ceasefire, which serves as a vital component of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Moreover, the joint statement highlighted the importance of expediently advancing the full unification and urgent deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. This action is deemed essential to restore public confidence in the RTGoNU’s dedication to achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan, particularly as the nation enters the fourth extension of its ongoing Transitional Period.
The escalating tensions in Upper Nile State prompt urgent calls for collaboration among South Sudanese parties to prevent further deterioration of security. A united effort within the R-ARCSS framework is crucial to maintaining peace and stability. The deployment of Necessary Unified Forces is imperative for reinforcing public trust in the government’s commitment to resolution and enduring peace.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
