Nicholas Haysom addressed the UNMISS concerns over South Sudan’s looming civil war. He reported heightened tensions following military confrontations and emphasized the need for peace process adherence. Haysom urged immediate dialogue and collaboration among parties to prevent conflict escalation while highlighting the importance of regional support and unity in leadership.
On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council regarding the precarious situation in South Sudan. Haysom expressed deep concern that the nation is on the verge of a relapse into civil war, undermining the peace achieved since the Revitalized Agreement of 2018, requiring urgent collective intervention to avert conflict.
Haysom reported heightened tensions following the White Army’s takeover of the Nasir barracks earlier in March, which prompted the arrest of several high-ranking SPLA/IO officials. The government’s spokesperson acknowledged the deployment of foreign forces, while airstrikes in Nasir have led to civilian casualties. Widespread disinformation and hate speech further exacerbate the potential for ethnic conflict.
Emphasizing the vital role of the peace process, Haysom commended the Extraordinary Summit held by IGAD on March 12, which called for de-escalation and reaffirmed the importance of the Revitalized Agreement. He has been facilitating dialogues with key agreement stakeholders, alongside the AU and IGAD representatives, to encourage trust-building and commitment to peace.
While Haysom acknowledged President Kiir’s assurance against a return to war, he stressed the need for action to implement the agreement fully. He urged the Council to advocate for the recommitment to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, facilitate constructive dialogues between parties, and ensure the legal treatment of detained officials. Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of addressing rising tensions in Nasir through dialogue instead of military action.
To further support peace efforts, Haysom suggested immediate establishment of a Ministerial-level sub-committee to Juba and emphasized the critical involvement of neighboring countries as guarantors of the agreement. He conveyed the importance of active dialogue among South Sudanese leaders to alleviate conflict and build trust within the nation.
Citing Sudan as an example of rapid descent into war, Haysom insisted on immediate consensus-based decision-making and dialogue to prevent further escalation. He iterated that the Revitalized Agreement is the only viable path forward for South Sudan and urged all involved to prioritize the prevention of conflict, complete implementation of the agreement, and progress towards democratic elections.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s address underscores the critical state of affairs in South Sudan, where the potential for renewed conflict looms large. The urgent need for collective action, dialogue, and recommitment to peace processes is paramount to stave off regression into civil war. Establishing cohesive strategies and fostering unity among leadership will be essential for South Sudan to achieve lasting peace and transition towards democratic governance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
