UN envoy Nicholas Haysom urges South Sudan’s leaders to urgently meet to reduce tensions and adopt consensus-based decision-making. He warns of potential conflict escalation, referencing Sudan’s turmoil, and calls for full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement to prevent war and progress towards democratic elections. Violence has displaced thousands, highlighting the need for immediate intervention.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has expressed an urgent need for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to meet and resolve their differences in a constructive manner. This call aims to alleviate the growing tensions within the country, emphasizing the importance of unity as both leaders should address the nation together.
During a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Haysom asserted, “The parties must de-escalate the current political tensions now before it is too late.” He emphasized that the Revitalized Agreement is the only viable solution to break the cycle of conflict, referencing the deteriorating situation in Sudan as a cautionary example of rapid conflict escalation.
In addition, Haysom urged the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5) and the Panel of the Wise to promote dialogue among South Sudanese leaders, a necessary step for effective conflict mitigation. He highlighted the dire necessity of preventing a relapse into war, fully implementing the peace agreement, and advancing towards the nation’s first democratic elections.
The situation remains critical as hostilities have surged in Nasir and Ulang County following skirmishes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army since March 4. Notably, on March 7, a UN helicopter was targeted by the White Army, leading to fatalities among SSPDF personnel, including a general, and UN staff.
The ongoing violence has also caused significant displacement, with 50,000 individuals affected, including 10,000 who have sought refuge in neighboring Ethiopia, according to UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho.
In summary, the UN envoy Nicholas Haysom has urgently called for South Sudan’s leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to reduce escalating tensions, drawing parallels to the situation in neighboring Sudan. Haysom stressed the necessity of consensus-based decision-making to avert further conflict. The call to action comes amidst rising violence that has displaced thousands, underscoring the critical need for immediate intervention and the full implementation of the peace agreement to move towards democratic elections.
Original Source: africa.cgtn.com
