Renewed violence in South Sudan threatens fragile peace, prompting calls from faith-based institutions and diplomats for dialogue instead of conflict. The information minister disputes the severity of the situation, while reports indicate SSPDF soldiers are aligning with local militias after recent clashes.
The fragile peace in South Sudan is once again jeopardized due to a resurgence of violence in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal States. In light of this escalating situation, faith-based institutions, along with diplomats and regional organizations, are urging the political leadership to prioritize dialogue over violent conflict, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Despite the unrest, South Sudan’s information minister maintains that conditions in the country are stable. He deems the travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department on March 8 as unwarranted. Meanwhile, reports from Upper Nile State indicate that some soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Force have allied with members of the White Army, as well as local village chiefs, after surviving recent conflicts between the SSPDF and the White Army militia.
The ongoing tensions in South Sudan, highlighted by recent violence and military alliances, underscore the necessity for political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue. Faith-based organizations and regional stakeholders are calling for adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement as a pivotal step towards restoring stability in the country.
Original Source: www.voaafrica.com