UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged swift action to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan, emphasizing the dangers of ethnic and political targeting by security forces. He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, the urgent need for restoration of the Government of National Unity, and the importance of international support. Guterres warned that South Sudan is on the brink of further conflict and needs to prioritize rebuilding efforts for its long-suffering population.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the escalating crisis in South Sudan. He warned that the ongoing ethnic and political targeting by security forces could provoke a wider regional conflict. Guterres referred to the situation as a “perfect storm” affecting the world’s newest country, which is also one of the poorest.
Tensions have escalated following an armed convoy led by senior security officials that entered the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar, disarming his bodyguards and placing him under house arrest. This incident comes amid a deterioration in relations between Machar and President Salva Kiir, with their 2018 peace agreement hanging by a thread due to ongoing ethnic violence.
According to the UN, recent airstrikes utilized barrel bombs in violent clashes between the army and a former rebel group associated with Machar. Guterres expressed his grave concerns by stating that “the peace agreement is in shambles” and urged the immediate release of detained officials and the restoration of the Government of National Unity, crucial for the path to peace.
The humanitarian conditions are dire, with nearly 75 percent of South Sudan’s populace in need of assistance, and over half facing extreme food insecurity. The country is grappling with a cholera outbreak and has seen more than one million refugees flee to neighboring countries since initial conflicts began. Guterres also highlighted an economic collapse, transformative oil revenue drops, and skyrocketing inflation rates, warning of potential repeats of past civil wars.
In efforts towards resolution, Guterres underscored the necessity for renewed diplomatic engagements and dialogue. He stated, “South Sudan is at a crossroads…it is time for all parties to put down the weapons and focus on rebuilding the country.” He praised the African Union and other efforts aimed at facilitating peace solutions. Guterres lamented the fading international attention on South Sudan and requested enhanced diplomatic and financial aid to alleviate the ongoing crisis. He concluded by expressing his deep concern for the South Sudanese people, reiterating their unfulfilled hopes and aspirations due to inadequate leadership.
The UN Secretary-General’s calls for urgent action reflect the critical situation in South Sudan, highlighting the need for immediate restoration of the Government of National Unity and the release of detained officials. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by economic collapse and ethnic conflicts, necessitates renewed international attention and support. Guterres’ remarks underscore the importance of dialogue and de-escalation, as the country stands at a pivotal moment in its history.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
