South Sudan is at risk of renewed civil war, as indicated by U.N. envoy Nicolas Haysom. The government has postponed peace efforts, exacerbating existing tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Ethnic divisions and misinformation further complicate the situation, necessitating international diplomatic efforts to restore stability.
The United Nations has issued a warning regarding South Sudan’s precarious situation, indicating that the nation stands on the brink of renewed civil war. Nicolas Haysom, the U.N. envoy, criticized the South Sudanese government for suddenly postponing a peace initiative, describing the current circumstances as “dire.” He asserted that a peaceful resolution requires active engagement from President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, stressing the necessity for them to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over personal interests.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with internal conflict, descending into civil war by December 2013 largely due to ethnic tensions. The fighting predominantly involved Kiir’s Dinka ethnic group and Machar’s Nuer faction, resulting in over 40,000 casualties. Despite a peace agreement in 2018 that aimed to foster a unity government, planned elections set for February 2023 have faced multiple delays, now pushed to December 2024 and again to 2026.
Recent hostilities have reignited in northern South Sudan, particularly between government forces and the rebel White Army, associated with Machar. Tensions intensified following an incident involving a United Nations helicopter that was fired upon while attempting to evacuate troops from Nasir, leading to casualties. On March 4, armed conflicts in Nasir resulted in a military garrison being overrun, and governmental actions subsequently targeted Machar’s associates in the capital, Juba.
Ambassador Haysom recognized an alarming escalation of violence as elections approach, attributing this to deepening political competition. He pointed out the lack of trust between Kiir and Machar, which undermines the necessary cooperation to uphold the 2018 peace agreement. Furthermore, he noted that rampant misinformation and hate speech are exacerbating the situation by amplifying ethnic divisions and fear among the populace.
Asserting that South Sudan is on the verge of reverting to civil war, Haysom expressed grave concerns about the potential resurgence of violence reminiscent of past conflicts. He emphasized that the U.N. must address the risks of ethnic transformations in the conflict. In response to prevent further escalation, the U.N. is conducting extensive diplomatic efforts alongside international and regional partners, including the African Union.
The warning from the United Nations regarding South Sudan’s precarious state emphasizes urgent attention to mitigate the risk of renewed civil war. With trust issues between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, and the ongoing violence instigated by ethnic divisions, the situation remains critical. Diplomatic engagement and dialogue are essential to rekindle adherence to the 2018 peace agreement and to strive for stability in the region.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
