South Sudan is nearing a return to civil war, as warned by Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan. Increasing violence, political tensions, and rising ethnic strife threaten the hard-won gains since a 2018 peace deal. Urgent action is needed from leaders to recommit to peace and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent catastrophe.
South Sudan is facing imminent risk of a return to civil war, according to Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Addressing journalists via videolink from Juba, he highlighted increasing violence, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, mass displacement, and escalating ethnic tensions. Haysom urged all involved parties to prioritize peace to avoid plunging the country into another catastrophic conflict. He stated, “A conflict would erase all the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed.”
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has endured ongoing conflict. The civil war from 2013 involved President Salva Kiir’s forces and those loyal to former Deputy Riek Machar, leading to mass atrocities and a humanitarian crisis, until a fragile peace agreement was reached in 2018. This peace deal has faced delays in implementation, causing persistent underlying tensions.
Violence surged on March 4, as the youth militia, known as the White Army, captured army barracks in Nasir. Government forces retaliated using aerial bombardments on civilian areas, contributing to grave civilian injuries and fatalities. “These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries,” Haysom remarked, indicating that over 63,000 individuals have fled the region. Both the White Army and national forces are reportedly preparing for further conflict, raising fears of child recruitment into armed groups.
Political dynamics are also deteriorating, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) facing purges and heightened political rivalries. The situation is exacerbated by misinformation and hate speech, further deepening ethnic divisions. Haysom stated, “Given this grim situation, we are left with no other conclusion, but to assess that South Sudan is teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.”
Diplomatic initiatives have been hindered, as highlighted by the postponement of a high-level visit by IGAD foreign ministers aimed at mediation. Haysom criticized this, deeming it disheartening amidst the pressing need for diplomatic engagement. He emphasized, “This is a disappointing development at a time when diplomatic outreach is more important than ever.”
Haysom called on South Sudan’s leadership to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, uphold ceasefires, and resolve conflicts through dialogue. He urged President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to engage in meaningful discussions, asserting, “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
In summary, South Sudan is on the verge of returning to civil war due to rising violence, political tensions, and ethnic divisions. The UN urges immediate action to prevent conflict, emphasizing the need for leaders to recommit to the peace agreement and engage in dialogue. Failure to do so risks erasing the gains made since the fragile peace deal in 2018, causing devastating consequences for the nation and the surrounding region.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
