The U.N. reports a deterioration of the situation in South Sudan due to increased violence and political tensions, exacerbated by recent arrests of officials linked to Riek Machar. Yasmin Sooka urges leaders to prioritize peace and uphold human rights, warning of a potential regression in peace efforts.
According to a recent statement from a United Nations rights body, the situation in South Sudan is deteriorating rapidly. Increased violence and political tensions threaten the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement, which ended a five-year civil conflict resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths. This alarming trend has been exacerbated by the recent arrests of several officials associated with the country’s vice president, Riek Machar.
The arrests are linked to security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and come amid renewed conflict in the pivotal northern town of Nasir. Officials from Machar’s faction have been accused of colluding with the White Army militia. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei stated that the arrested officials are engaged in unlawful activities, while Machar’s party has denied these allegations.
Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for leaders to prioritize the peace process and protect human rights. She warned that the nation is experiencing a significant regression, which could undo years of hard-won advancements towards stability and democracy.
In another troubling incident, fighting erupted when a U.N. helicopter, tasked with evacuating South Sudanese personnel from Nasir, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a general and numerous soldiers. The National Security Services intelligence agency has reported additional arrests linked to military confrontations in Nasir and nearby regions, although specific details about these individuals remain undisclosed.
The ongoing violence and political conflict in South Sudan, highlighted by recent arrests and military clashes, pose a serious threat to the fragile peace established in 2018. With calls from the U.N. for renewed focus on human rights and democratic processes, it is crucial for leaders to address these challenges effectively to safeguard the future of the nation.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
