UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged swift action from South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to prevent further devastation in the country. He warned that ethnic and political targeting may lead to broader regional conflict and highlighted the alarming humanitarian crisis, which includes severe food insecurity and a cholera outbreak. Calls for diplomatic support and the urgent restoration of peace efforts were prominently featured in his address.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate action from both the leaders of South Sudan and the international community to avert further devastation in the country. He indicated that ethnic and political targeting by security forces poses a significant risk of escalating into a broader regional conflict. Guterres characterized the situation as a ‘perfect storm’ affecting the world’s newest nation, which is also among its poorest.
Recent tensions have escalated dramatically, exemplified by an armed convoy led by South Sudan’s top security officials, which entered the First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence and placed him under house arrest. This incident has raised alarms, as relationships between Machar and President Salva Kiir have been deteriorating following a peace agreement reached in August 2018 that aimed to resolve a five-year civil war, claiming nearly 400,000 lives.
Since that agreement, ethnic strife and intermittent violence have strained relations further. Machar’s party perceives his detention as a potential collapse of the peace deal. Reportedly, airstrikes conducted this week included the deployment of barrel bombs, intensifying the conflict between the army and Machar’s former rebel group.
In a press briefing, Guterres expressed his concerns about the disarray of the peace agreement, demanding the immediate release of detainees and a restoration of the Government of National Unity as essential steps toward achieving peace. He stressed the dire need for South Sudan to avoid another conflict, which would exacerbate the already turbulent situation in the Horn of Africa.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan remains severe, with approximately 75 percent of the population requiring assistance and a significant portion facing extreme food shortages. The country is also grappling with a cholera outbreak and economic collapse, including a sharp decline in oil revenues and soaring inflation rates.
Guterres implored all parties to cease hostilities and prioritize national reconstruction, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic dialogue. He reiterated the significance of the African Union’s initiatives and support for ongoing diplomatic efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto. Despite the gravity of the situation, Guterres noted a troubling decline in international focus on South Sudan’s plight and urged increased diplomatic and financial support.
The UN leader conveyed a deep empathy for the South Sudanese people, emphasizing their unmet aspirations and the absence of effective leadership. He highlighted the collective international calls for unity regarding the peace process, as the UN, AU, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development continue to push for peace and stability in the region.
In summary, the ongoing crisis in South Sudan has prompted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to advocate for immediate action to prevent a resurgence of conflict. His address emphasizes the need for the restoration of the Government of National Unity and urgent humanitarian assistance for the beleaguered population. As international attention wanes, Guterres has called for renewed diplomatic efforts and support to restore peace and stability in South Sudan, underscoring the dire ramifications for the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
