The African Union has been warned that South Sudan is nearing a civil war, as UN mission head Nicholas Haysom emphasizes the need for immediate intervention. Growing tensions, recent violence, and the spread of hate speech necessitate actions to uphold peace and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties. The revitalized agreement remains a crucial pathway toward national stability and the establishment of democratic elections.
The African Union (AU) has been alerted to the precarious situation in South Sudan, with Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations mission in the country, stating that it is “on the brink of relapse into civil war.” South Sudan, which has existed for fourteen years, requires immediate intervention to prevent further conflict, according to Haysom.
Haysom addressed the AU Peace and Security Council, emphasizing that the peace established since the revitalization agreement must be protected. Recent tensions, particularly following a takeover by the White Army in Upper Nile, have escalated, with several military and civilian officials from the SPLA IO being arrested or fleeing.
Haysom also reported on the deployment of foreign forces in South Sudan and the civilian casualties caused by airstrikes in Nasir. The spread of misinformation and hate speech poses serious concerns, potentially leading the conflict towards an ethnic dimension.
While commending President Salva Kiir’s commitment to avoid war, Haysom asserted that tangible steps must be taken to implement the revitalized agreement effectively. He warned the AU Peace and Security Council to take precautionary measures, citing the situation in neighboring Sudan as a cautionary tale against descending into catastrophic war.
To avert further conflict, Haysom urged for a return to consensus decision-making, intensive dialogue to address grievances, and trust-building measures among parties involved. He highlighted that the only viable solution lies in the revitalized agreement, paving the way for the country’s transition towards its first democratic elections.
In summary, the African Union has received a grave warning regarding the dangerous state of South Sudan, where the threat of civil war looms. Urgent measures, such as restoring consensus and fostering dialogue among parties, are critical to prevent the erosion of peace and support the implementation of the revitalized agreement to facilitate democratic elections. The situation demands immediate attention to avert a humanitarian crisis akin to that faced by neighboring Sudan.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
