UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged swift action to prevent further devastation in South Sudan due to escalating violence and political tensions. He called for the release of detained officials and restoration of unity within the government, highlighting a dire humanitarian crisis as over 75% of the population requires aid. Increased diplomatic support and a unified international approach are crucial for restoring peace and stability.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate action to avert further devastation in South Sudan, identifying the threat of ethnic and political targeting by security forces as a catalyst for regional conflict. He described the dire situation, marked by violence—including airstrikes on civilians—as a ‘perfect storm’ for the nation, which remains one of the poorest globally.
Tensions have significantly escalated between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, with a recent incident highlighting this friction. An armed convoy, including the defense minister, entered Machar’s residence in Juba, disarmed his guards, and placed him under house arrest, signaling severe implications for the fragile peace established in 2018 following a civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives.
The relationship between Machar and Kiir has deteriorated over ethnic conflicts and sporadic violence, leading Machar’s party to assert that his detention signifies the collapse of the peace agreement. The UN reported the use of barrel bombs against civilians during military confrontations with a rebel faction linked to Machar, exacerbating the already precarious situation.
During a press conference in New York, Guterres emphasized the need for releasing all detained officials and restoring the Government of National Unity as crucial steps toward achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. He stated, “the peace agreement is in shambles” and cautioned against the repercussions of further strife in the already tumultuous Horn of Africa region, reiterating the urgent need to adhere to the commitments made in the peace agreement which is essential for conducting peaceful elections in December 2026.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is severe, with 75 percent of the population requiring assistance and half facing critical food shortages, compounded by a cholera outbreak. More than one million refugees have reportedly fled to neighboring countries since the outbreak of violence, amidst a detrimental economic collapse characterized by soaring inflation and plummeting oil revenues.
Guterres warned of the potential resurgence of civil wars reminiscent of those experienced in 2013 and 2016 if the current situation does not improve. He urged renewed diplomatic initiatives, advocating for dialogue to de-escalate tensions, stating, “South Sudan is at a crossroads.” He further expressed the need for collective efforts to rebuild the nation.
In his remarks, Guterres highlighted previous discussions with the African Union Commission chair regarding support for the AU’s initiative and ongoing efforts led by Kenyan President William Ruto’s special envoy. Despite the urgency, he expressed concern that South Sudan has diminished in international focus and called for increased diplomatic and financial backing to resolve the crisis, stressing, “the people of South Sudan are close to my heart.”
He concluded with a plea for a unified international approach to restore peace in South Sudan, aligning the efforts of the UN, AU, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc to support stability and reconciliation in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has underscored the pressing need for immediate action to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan, characterized by ethnic and political tensions that threaten regional stability. He urged for the restoration of the Government of National Unity and advocated for renewed diplomatic efforts to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation. Guterres’s call for international solidarity and focus on rebuilding the nation emphasizes the urgency of collective actions for peace and recovery in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
