Clashes in South Sudan threaten to reverse peace progress, warns the UN. A power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar is endangered, following an attack on a UN helicopter. Leaders are urged to focus on peace and human rights to avoid further violence.
The recent escalation of violence in South Sudan has raised alarm bells, according to the UN commission on human rights. Ongoing clashes in the northeast threaten to reverse the strides made towards peace over recent years. A tenuous power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is at risk due to conflicts involving their allied factions in Upper Nile State.
On Friday, a UN helicopter was attacked while attempting to rescue soldiers, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Additionally, an army general lost his life during this ill-fated rescue operation. Such incidents heighten concerns within South Sudan, a nation already grappling with political turmoil and violence.
Following the recent violence, President Kiir called for calm and promised that war would not resurge. However, according to Yasmin Sooka, the chair of the UN commission, South Sudan is experiencing a significant regression that could jeopardize years of progress toward stability. She asserted that leaders must redirect their focus towards the peace process and uphold the human rights of their citizens.
Since concluding a five-year civil war in 2018, South Sudan has been navigating a complex political landscape. Nevertheless, accusations have emerged from Kiir’s associates alleging that Machar’s forces are inciting unrest, particularly in Nasir County, alongside the White Army – a group of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic community.
Commissioner Barney Afako underscored the severity of the situation, noting that the current environment mirrors past destructive power struggles. He emphasized that the South Sudanese people have faced numerous atrocities, rights violations, and economic mismanagement. He highlighted the urgent need for peace, stating that they “deserve respite and peace, not another cycle of war.”
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan is precarious, as recent violent clashes threaten the fragile peace within the nation. The UN warns that such regression could undo years of hard-won progress. It is essential for leadership to prioritize peace and human rights to prevent a recurrence of past conflicts, as the South Sudanese people deserve stability and security.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
