The UN urges South Sudan parties to prioritize dialogue over military conflict to prevent a return to war and to fully implement the peace agreement. Haysom expresses concerns about escalating tensions, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue among leaders and the importance of addressing grievances to restore trust.
The United Nations strongly urges factions in South Sudan to prioritize dialogue instead of military conflict. Nicholas Haysom, the UN’s special representative for South Sudan, articulated on March 18 that all parties must prevent a return to war, fully implement the peace agreement, and advance towards the nation’s inaugural democratic elections. Concerns are mounting regarding the imminent threat of civil war, which could undermine the progress made since the Revitalized Agreement was signed in 2018.
Haysom emphasized the necessity of de-escalating current political tensions, asserting that the only viable solution is through the Revitalized Agreement. He warned that mechanisms critical to the peace process are on the verge of collapse and highlighted that South Sudan cannot afford another conflict. Recent escalations, including the takeover of Nasir barracks by the White Army militia, have heightened tensions across the region.
The UN envoy noted the troubling arrests of senior SPLM/A-IO officials in Juba and the subsequent flight or hiding of others, alongside civilian casualties resulting from air strikes on Nasir. He raised alarm over the rising tide of hate speech and disinformation within the public, warning that this might escalate conflicts into an ethnic dimension.
While acknowledging President Salva Kiir’s commitment to preventing a return to war, Haysom emphasized that tangible steps must be taken to implement the Revitalized Agreement earnestly. He urged the African Union Security Council to facilitate a constructive dialogue between President Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, showcasing unity before the nation. Moreover, he called for the release or lawful treatment of detained officials and the prioritization of dialogue over military solutions in addressing tensions in Nasir, advocating for an intensive dialogue to restore trust among all parties.
In conclusion, the United Nations has called upon the South Sudanese factions to engage in dialogue and fulfill their peace agreement obligations to stave off a return to conflict. Haysom’s concerns about the potential slide into civil war highlight the urgency of de-escalation and constructive conversations between leaders. The success of these efforts relies on collaboration, unity, and addressing the grievances that plague the country.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
