The UN warns about escalating violence in South Sudan jeopardizing the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Arrests of key officials and military confrontations are straining the accord, prompting the UN Commission to urge adherence to human rights and peace processes to avoid regression.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan raised alarms regarding the deteriorating conditions surrounding the Revitalized Peace Agreement amid escalating violence in Upper Nile State and political unrest in Juba. The 2018 peace accord, which aims to resolve conflicts between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, faces severe difficulties, particularly regarding the unification of armed groups into a cohesive national army.
Political tensions have intensified, highlighted by the arrests of senior SPLA-IO military officials and government personnel, including the Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. The government has not clarified these arrests, which coincide with violent clashes between the army and armed factions in Nasir, also termed the White Army, worsening the fragile peace accord.
A UN helicopter faced gunfire while attempting to evacuate troops from Nasir, resulting in fatalities, including that of a general. The UN Commission condemned these confrontations as war crimes, attributing them to political mismanagement and delays in implementing the unification of armed forces.
Committee Chair Yasmin Sooka highlighted the need for South Sudan to adhere to the peace deal provisions to progress towards democracy, stressing the risk of regression that could undo previous achievements. “Instead, we are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress” – Yasmin Sooka.
Commissioner Barney Afako emphasized the devastating impact power struggles have on citizens, stating, “South Sudanese have suffered enough” and deserve peace rather than renewed conflict. The Commission called on all parties to the Revitalized Agreement to adhere to human rights and complete necessary transitional processes, including constitutional reforms and the establishment of key legal bodies.
In summary, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is urging leaders to recommit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement amidst escalating violence and political tensions. The situation calls for immediate action to stabilize the country and uphold human rights, as the risks of regression endanger the hard-fought progress made towards peace and democracy.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
