South Sudanese women express alarm over escalating violence and the potential collapse of peace agreements. Activist Grace John Kenyi highlights the dire situation during a Juba press conference, emphasizing the need for immediate action and dialogue. They call on stakeholders, the international community, and local leaders to promote peace and support vulnerable citizens amidst ongoing turmoil.
On Monday, a coalition of South Sudanese women expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions in their country, warning of a potential collapse of the 2018 peace agreement and the Tumaini Initiative. During a press conference in Juba, Grace John Kenyi, a notable peace activist and human rights defender, articulated their fears regarding escalating violence, particularly following the recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
The women extended their condolences to the families affected by the conflict and to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for the loss of a crew member. They called for restraint among warring factions, emphasizing the urgent need to address the nation’s mounting political instability and insecurity.
“We are profoundly alarmed by the growing threats to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Tumaini Initiative, both now seriously at risk of collapse amidst rising instability,” stated Kenyi. She lamented the losses, asserting that the deceased represent not merely statistics but the very fabric of South Sudan’s future.
The activists unitedly urged all stakeholders to expedite steps to end the current conflict and tackle the worsening economic crisis, which predominantly affects vulnerable groups within society. They additionally condemned the misuse of social media to propagate hate speech and misinformation, which exacerbates community tensions.
The women acknowledged the government’s efforts toward maintaining peace and praised citizens committed to humanity. They called for the signatories of the R-ARCSS to engage in de-escalation dialogues, emphasizing dialogue as the primary conflict resolution method. Furthermore, they called on the international community to initiate an independent investigation into the recent violence.
They urged multiple ministries, including those specializing in gender and peacebuilding, to respond promptly to the conflict by prioritizing dialogue, rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable citizens. Additionally, they appealed to the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to fortify peace efforts.
The women also appealed to diplomatic missions in South Sudan for support in advancing peace, ensuring accountability, and providing humanitarian assistance. They implored the White Army to renounce violence and engage in peaceful discussions with government and community representatives.
In response, activist Lilian Sukeji Micheal reaffirmed that they would actively involve women in leadership roles within the government towards achieving peace, stating that they plan to disseminate their statements to women political figures promptly.
In conclusion, South Sudanese women have voiced significant concerns regarding the increasing violence and instability in their country, threatening the integrity of peace agreements. They have called for immediate action from stakeholders, emphasizing dialogue, humanitarian efforts, and accountability measures. The collective appeal underscores the importance of preserving the well-being of vulnerable populations and promoting long-term stability in South Sudan. Their proactive stance aims to mobilize support for peace and reconstruction in the face of escalating crises.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
