The UN warns that South Sudan is experiencing alarming regression due to recent clashes threatening peace progress. Attacks on UN missions and accusations between President Kiir and Vice President Machar exacerbate tensions. Significant calls for peace and a redirection of focus towards stability are emphasized by UN officials and the African Union.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning concerning the state of South Sudan, describing it as experiencing alarming regression due to recent clashes in the northeast that threaten to undermine years of progress towards peace. The current state of affairs poses a significant risk to the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, particularly with ongoing violence among their allied forces in Upper Nile State.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to rescue soldiers in Upper Nile State, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Additionally, an army general was killed in this ill-fated mission, marking a troubling development for a nation already mired in political instability and violence. Following the incidents, President Kiir called for calm and reaffirmed a commitment to avoiding a return to war.
Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN commission, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that South Sudan is witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress. She urged leaders to redirect their focus towards the peace process and safeguard the human rights of the South Sudanese citizens while aiming for a smooth transition to democracy.
Since ending a five-year civil war in 2018, which culminated in a power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar, the situation has become precarious. Kiir’s allies blame Machar’s forces for instigating unrest in Nasir County, aligning with the White Army, a loose coalition of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic community.
Commissioner Barney Afako articulated the grave implications of the current power struggles, noting that South Sudan has been ravaged by atrocities, rights violations, economic mismanagement, and deteriorating security. He underscored that the South Sudanese population deserves a respite from violence and a chance for peace rather than another cycle of war. The African Union has also voiced its concerns, condemning the escalation of violence and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan is critical, with the United Nations highlighting an alarming regression in peace efforts due to recent violent clashes. The power-sharing agreement between the leaders is under serious strain, raising fears of a return to the past turmoil. Calls for immediate intervention and commitment to the peace process are paramount to safeguard the rights and future of the South Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
