The African Union has been warned by UN Mission head Nicholas Haysom that South Sudan is nearing a potential civil war. Urgent intervention is necessary to prevent a relapse into conflict, especially following recent violence. Haysom emphasized adherence to the revitalised agreement and the importance of dialogue among conflicting parties to rebuild trust and confidence.
The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has been alerted about South Sudan’s precarious situation by Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations (UN) mission there. Haysom stated that South Sudan is on the brink of relapsing into civil war, calling for immediate and collective intervention to avert conflict. The nation, marking its fourteenth year of independence, is situated among several neighboring countries, and requires urgent support to maintain peace.
During a recent PSC meeting on March 18, Haysom expressed concerns that the significant peace gains achieved since the revitalised agreement were at risk. Following recent violence in Upper Nile, tensions have surged across the nation. The government has confirmed deployments of foreign forces in the region, and military actions have led to civilian casualties, aggravating the situation. Haysom noted a rise in hate speech and misinformation, potentially igniting ethnic conflict.
Haysom praised President Salva Kiir for his commitment to preventing war but emphasized that actualizing this commitment necessitates collective adherence to the revitalised agreement. He urged the AU PSC to recognize the swift descent into conflict seen in neighboring Sudan as a cautionary example. He stressed the need for consensus-based decision-making and intensive dialogue to foster trust among conflicting parties.
Moreover, Haysom highlighted that the only viable solution lies in the revitalised agreement itself. He underscored the importance of focusing efforts on preventing renewed conflict, fully implementing the agreement, and progressing towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections.
The warning from Nicholas Haysom to the African Union regarding South Sudan underscores the pressing need for immediate intervention to maintain peace. The escalation of tensions, alongside the government’s military actions, indicates a critical juncture for the country. A commitment to the revitalised agreement and effective dialogue is essential to prevent further descent into conflict and to ensure a democratic future for South Sudan.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
