IGAD diplomats have urged an immediate ceasefire in South Sudan’s Nasir County, where escalating violence has resulted in over 20 deaths and numerous displacements. Tensions have intensified due to government troop deployment plans, raising local concerns. The IGAD statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
On Wednesday, diplomats from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. The envoys, representing Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda, warned that the ongoing clashes could jeopardize a long-desired peace agreement.
The ongoing conflicts, which began in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed civilian groups, have resulted in over 20 casualties and numerous displacements. Heightened tensions arose when the government proposed to deploy new troops to the area, raising fears among locals regarding potential civilian targeting or disarmament initiatives.
The situation has reportedly resulted in significant deterioration in security, as indicated by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, a body tasked with overseeing compliance with the 2018 peace agreement. The IGAD diplomats underscored that the violence in Nasir threatens both the progress made in the peace process and the humanitarian conditions in the region.
In their joint statement, the IGAD diplomats called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to exercise restraint. They highlighted the critical nature of maintaining a permanent ceasefire and adhering to peace agreement stipulations while promoting ongoing dialogue within the revitalized peace framework.
In summary, the recent armed violence in South Sudan’s Nasir County has prompted urgent calls from IGAD diplomats for a ceasefire and restraint among conflicting parties. With over 20 fatalities reported and the humanitarian situation worsening, preserving the peace agreement and fostering dialogue remain paramount for regional stability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.ug
