The European Union has warned South Sudan’s leaders against escalating tensions following violent clashes in Upper Nile. Urging for immediate action, the EU emphasizes the necessity of peace mechanisms to uphold the 2018 peace agreement amid rising conflict and military actions that threaten stability.
The European Union (EU) delegation in South Sudan has issued a grave warning regarding the deteriorating security conditions in the country, particularly following recent violent incidents in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU urged South Sudan’s leaders to undertake immediate actions aimed at averting a return to full-scale conflict, which has emerged as tensions escalate in Juba and other locales, jeopardizing the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Last Tuesday witnessed clashes involving an armed faction and government soldiers in Nasir County, resulting in the detainment of significant allies of Mr. Machar, notably the petroleum minister and a deputy chief of army staff. President Kiir’s faction has accused the White Army, a youth militia in Nasir, of affiliations with Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces; however, this allegation has been firmly rejected by Mr. Machar’s camp. Following the altercations, military forces cordoned off Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without any formal justification.
Supporters of First Vice President Machar cautioned that this military action might jeopardize the 2018 peace accord that concluded a protracted civil war. The tensions intensified last Friday when a United Nations helicopter, tasked with evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, was shot at in Nasir, resulting in fatalities, including an army commander and a UN personnel.
During a workshop facilitated by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, underscored the urgent necessity for peace mechanisms to maintain calm and encourage dialogue among all factions involved in the peace process. Mr. Olkkonen stated, “The recent events in different parts of the country, particularly in Upper Nile, highlight the critical need for mechanisms that uphold peace.”
He acknowledged the existence of varying perspectives on recent events but emphasized the accountability of South Sudan’s leaders in preventing further conflict. He further remarked, “We hope that the responsibility obviously lies with the South Sudan leaders to tackle these issues and also ensure that they do not lead to further conflict.”
Mr. Olkkonen advocated for peace monitors, including CTSAMVM, to take a more proactive stance in addressing ceasefire violations. He reiterated that South Sudanese leaders, particularly signatories of the 2018 peace agreement, must resolve their differences to prevent the nation from slipping back into warfare. The EU ambassador characterized the situation in South Sudan as increasingly intricate, encouraging all peace partners to intensify their efforts to sustain stability.
The European Union has expressed urgent concerns regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan following recent violent clashes. With a call for immediate action from the leadership, the need for effective peace mechanisms and conflict resolution has been highlighted. The ongoing commitment of all stakeholders, particularly those involved in the 2018 peace agreement, is essential to prevent a resurgence of conflict and maintain stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
