South Sudan Faces Renewed Civil War Threat, Warns UN
The UN warns South Sudan is on the brink of renewed civil war due to escalating violence between factions loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Tensions are heightened by disinformation and ethnic divisions. Immediate diplomatic efforts are necessary to avert further deterioration of the situation.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding South Sudan’s escalating violence, indicating that the country is on the verge of igniting another civil war. Tensions are rising sharply between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Vice President Riek Machar. Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), described the current situation as dire.
Haysom emphasized that any potential negotiations for a peace deal hinge on Kiir and Machar prioritizing the welfare of their people over personal interests. He pointed out that disinformation and incendiary rhetoric are exacerbating ethnic tensions, leading to substantial violence that has displaced tens of thousands.
Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced significant turmoil, descending into a brutal civil war shortly afterward. This conflict primarily involves clashes between Dinka forces loyal to Kiir and Nuer troops supporting Machar, resulting in over 40,000 deaths. Though a peace accord in 2018 briefly unified their government, recent hostilities have rekindled longstanding grievances.
Recently, the White Army, a faction loyal to Machar, attacked a military installation in Nasir County, prompting retaliation from government forces, which included the siege of Machar’s residence and the arrest of multiple associates. Additionally, military actions in the Upper Nile region have involved aerial strikes targeting civilians, leading to substantial casualties and displacements of around 63,000 individuals
Haysom’s assessment suggests that South Sudan is precariously close to a resurgence of civil war. Trust appears minimal between Kiir and Machar regarding adherence to their peace agreement. Furthermore, the anticipated elections, originally set for 2023, face significant delays, now postponed until 2026.
In light of these challenges, UNMISS is proactively working to avert a new civil conflict through immersive diplomatic efforts with regional partners, including the African Union, to stabilize the situation in South Sudan.
In summary, South Sudan is experiencing heightened tensions that threaten to escalate into renewed civil war, as emphasized by UN officials. The power struggle between President Kiir and Vice President Machar continues to evoke violence and instability, impacting the civilian population severely. The international community is urged to act swiftly to mitigate these escalating hostilities and support lasting peace efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
Post Comment