Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS, warned that South Sudan risks returning to war, jeopardizing hard-won peace gains since the 2018 agreement. During an African Union meeting, he called for immediate collective action to de-escalate tensions, enforce existing agreements, and initiate dialogue among leaders. Haysom emphasized the need for regional cooperation and warned against ethnic division and miscommunication that could exacerbate conflict.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed grave concerns regarding the heightened tensions in South Sudan, warning that recent progress achieved since the 2018 revitalized peace agreement might be at risk of being completely undone. His remarks were delivered during the African Union Peace and Security Council Meeting, where he called for collective action to de-escalate the precarious situation.
Haysom stated, “We are here today because, as partners in peace, we are concerned that South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war, which threatens to erase the hard-won peace gains since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement in 2018.” He underscored the urgency for intervention, highlighting the aftermath of the White Army’s takeover of Nasir barracks and an atmosphere of increased tension in the country.
In his address, Haysom noted that misinformation is rampant, with hate speech exacerbating the situation and risking an ethnic dimension to the conflict. He reiterated the critical need for the peace process mechanisms emphasizing that their failure could lead to the collapse of peace attempts. His commendation of the IGAD Extraordinary Summit on March 12 reflected a step toward de-escalating tensions.
Continuing his plea, Haysom remarked, “While we commend President Kiir for reassuring citizens that there will be no return to war, to actualize this commitment, the Parties must take necessary steps and remain steadfast in implementing the Revitalized Agreement—both in letter and spirit.” He urged the Security Council to bolster commitments towards the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and encouraged unity among leaders to address national issues collaboratively.
Haysom further sought support for the release of detained officials and for resolving the tensions in Nasir through dialogue instead of military means. He acknowledged the essential role of neighboring states as guarantors of the peace agreement and advocated for the establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee in Juba to facilitate dialogue among South Sudanese leadership. Haysom cautioned against the experiences of neighboring Sudan, stressing the need to prevent a similar descent into war.
He concluded with a stark warning that the current tensions must be addressed swiftly to avoid escalation: “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war, support the full implementation of the agreement, and progress the transition towards the country’s first democratic elections.” Haysom asserted that without immediate action, South Sudan may face dire consequences.
The remarks made by Nicholas Haysom highlight the serious threat of renewed conflict in South Sudan. His appeal for immediate collective action underscores the essential role of dialogue and adherence to the established peace agreements to prevent a relapse into civil war. The ongoing efforts of regional partners, engagement in constructive dialogue, and the commitment to democratic transition will be crucial in averting further violence and ensuring long-lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
