The UN warns of ‘alarming regression’ in South Sudan due to recent clashes threatening the peace process. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar’s forces are rising, emphasized by a recent helicopter attack that resulted in casualties. The AU also condemned the violence, urging an end to hostilities and emphasizing the urgent need for commitment to peace and human rights.
The United Nations has raised alarms regarding South Sudan’s current state, describing it as one of “alarming regression” due to recent clashes threatening peace progress. These skirmishes jeopardize the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, particularly in the Upper Nile State, where allied forces have engaged in conflict.
A recent incident underscored the tension, where a United Nations helicopter on a rescue mission was attacked, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others, alongside the death of an army general. This violence echoes the nation’s ongoing struggles with political instability.
In response to the turmoil, President Kiir urged calm and reaffirmed his commitment to avoiding a return to war. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for leaders to redirect their focus towards the peace process and the human rights of citizens, warning that the current climate threatens years of hard-won progression.
The conflict traces back to historical rivalries, as Kiir’s allies accuse Machar’s forces of instigating unrest together with the White Army, a militia linked to the vice president’s ethnic group. Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the grim reality of returning to destructive power struggles, urging the international community to prioritize peace and stability over conflict and division in a nation that has already suffered immensely.
The African Union also voiced its concerns, condemning the escalation of violence and advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and peace for the South Sudanese people.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan has become increasingly precarious, with recent clashes undermining the fragile peace established by the 2018 power-sharing agreement. The UN and African Union have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the critical need for leaders to prioritize peace and human rights. Without renewed commitment to stability and governance, the nation risks reverting to a cycle of violence.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
