Nicholas Haysom addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council, expressing concerns that South Sudan is on the verge of reverting to civil war. Following a recent armed takeover, he highlighted the need for collective action to preserve the hard-won peace from the Revitalized Agreement of 2018. Haysom urged recommitment to peace agreements and emphasized dialogue and trust-building among leaders.
On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council regarding the precarious situation in South Sudan. He expressed grave concerns over the country’s potential descent back into civil war, which would undermine the achievements made since the 2018 Revitalized Agreement. Immediate collective action is necessary to avert this catastrophe.
Recent turmoil arose after the White Army’s takeover of the Nasir barracks on March 4, escalating tensions nationally. In response, senior SPLA/IO officials faced arrests in Juba, while others sought refuge or fled. The government confirmed the presence of foreign forces, and recent airstrikes on Nasir resulted in civilian casualties. Moreover, misinformation and hate speech proliferate, heightening anxiety about potential ethnic conflict.
Haysom emphasized the importance of maintaining the peace process and its mechanisms, which are in jeopardy. He commended IGAD for convening an Extraordinary Summit on March 12, which aimed to de-escalate tensions and reaffirmed the integrity of the Revitalized Agreement, urging all parties to engage to avoid a repeat of the conflict.
The Special Representative has been actively engaging with various stakeholders to encourage dialogue and trust-building to preempt civil war. While acknowledging President Kiir’s assurances against a return to war, Haysom insisted on the need for commitment to the Revitalized Agreement. He urged the Council to support several measures, including recommitting to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, encouraging the two principal leaders to convene, and resolving the Nasir tensions through dialogue instead of military action.
In highlighting the role of neighboring countries in promoting stability in South Sudan, Haysom recommended the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to expedite peace processes. He warned that the region must avoid the fate of Sudan, stressing that consensus decision-making and extensive dialogue are critical to resolving grievances and restoring trust among factions and their constituents.
The pathway to peace lies solely through the Revitalized Agreement, with urgent actions required to prevent renewed conflict and support the transition to the nation’s inaugural democratic elections. Haysom concluded by emphasizing the imperative to sustain peace for the region’s future.
In summary, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks articulate a critical juncture for South Sudan, advocating for immediate, concerted efforts to maintain stability and prevent a resurgence of civil war. The emphasis on dialogue, adherence to the Revitalized Agreement, and collaboration among regional actors are essential for fostering a peaceful resolution. The international community must remain vigilant in supporting these endeavors to secure a hopeful future for South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
