South Sudan faces an imminent threat of renewed civil war, according to U.N. envoy Nicolas Haysom, due to the government’s postponement of peace talks. The ongoing ethnic tensions and political competition between President Kiir and Vice President Machar complicate the situation. Efforts to encourage dialogue and adherence to peace agreements are essential to prevent a resurgence of conflict.
The situation in South Sudan is precarious, with renewed civil war looming, as reported by Nicolas Haysom, the head of the U.N. mission in the country. He expressed concerns over the government’s abrupt delay in peace negotiations, emphasizing that progress can only occur if President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal interests.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, faced a devastating civil war in late 2013, predominantly due to ethnic strife between Dinka forces supporting Kiir and Nuer forces backing Machar. This conflict resulted in over 40,000 casualties. Although a peace agreement was established in 2018, intended elections have been postponed multiple times, creating further instability.
Current tensions are exacerbated by recent conflicts in northern regions, particularly between government forces and the rebel militia known as the White Army, believed to be allied with Machar. Clashes led to casualties during a U.N. evacuation mission, heightening fears of imminent escalation.
Haysom noted that increasing political competition ahead of upcoming elections is intensifying tensions between Kiir and Machar. Distrust persists between the two leaders, hampering effective collaboration on the 2018 peace agreement and jeopardizing the possibility of a democratic future for South Sudan.
The U.N. envoy called attention to the dangers posed by prevalent misinformation, which stirs ethnic divisions and fear among the populace. He stated that the current conditions imply a serious risk of returning to civil war, reminiscent of the violence that occurred in 2013 and 2016.
In response, Haysom highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the U.N. peacekeeping mission to coordinate with international partners, urging Kiir and Machar to engage in dialogue. The collective request from the international community stresses the need for these leaders to return to the peace agreement, maintain the ceasefire, and resolve disputes through non-violent means.
In conclusion, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture, facing the possibility of renewed civil conflict. The importance of dialogue and cooperation between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar cannot be overstated, as the stability and future of the nation depend on their ability to address ethnic divisions and adhere to earlier peace agreements. Continuous international diplomatic efforts remain essential to avert a return to violence and foster a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
