Nicholas Haysom, the UNMISS representative, has warned that South Sudan is on the brink of renewed conflict, jeopardizing peace achieved since the 2018 agreement. He urges immediate intervention to de-escalate tensions and advocates for dialogue among leaders, stressing the vital role of peace processes and the potential for ethnic conflicts. Haysom emphasizes the importance of adhering to the revitalized agreement to pave the way for stability and democracy.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, has expressed grave concerns regarding South Sudan’s precarious position, warning that recent progress since the 2018 revitalized peace agreement may be at risk of being undone. He made these remarks during the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting, urging collective action to mitigate escalating tensions and avert a return to civil war.
In his address, Haysom highlighted alarming developments, including the takeover of the Nasir barracks by the White Army, which has escalated tensions nationwide. He noted that several senior SPLA/IO military and civilian officials have either been detained or have fled amid heightened conflict. Haysom remarked, “We are here today because, as partners in peace, we are concerned that South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war.”
Haysom warned of the dangers posed by misinformation and rising hate speech, which could intensify ethnic tensions within South Sudan. He underscored the crucial role of the peace process in restoring stability and cautioned that existing peace mechanisms are on the verge of collapse. He commended the IGAD Extraordinary Summit convened on 12 March for addressing the need to de-escalate tensions.
He indicated ongoing dialogues with various signatories of the peace agreement and stressed the need for trust-building efforts. Haysom praised President Kiir’s assurances against war but emphasized the necessity for all parties to commit to fully implementing the revitalized peace agreement. He urged the Council to support recommitment to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and to encourage constructive dialogue among South Sudanese leaders.
Haysom further appealed for support from the Council in advocating for the release of detained officials and advised that tensions in Nasir should be resolved through dialogue rather than military action. He acknowledged the importance of neighboring states in fostering peace and stability and advocated for the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to facilitate discussions in Juba.
He cautioned that the potential for conflict in South Sudan is reminiscent of the situation in neighboring Sudan, emphasizing the need for consensus-based decision-making and intensive dialogue. Haysom asserted that the path to avoiding war lies in the full implementation of the revitalized agreement and progressing toward democratic elections in South Sudan.
Haysom concluded, stating, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war, support the full implementation of the agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections. This region cannot afford another conflict.”
In summary, Nicholas Haysom has articulated serious concerns regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan, warning of a potential relapse into civil war and emphasizing the need for collective action to avert such a crisis. He calls for adherence to the revitalized peace agreement and stresses the importance of dialogue among leadership to maintain stability and prevent further conflict. Haysom’s insights serve as a critical reminder of the fragility of peace in South Sudan and the urgent need for intervention.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
