The European Union has warned South Sudan’s leaders about the threatening security situation following clashes in Nasir County. It urged immediate action to prevent a return to conflict, especially in light of escalating tensions in Juba. The EU emphasized the need for peace mechanisms, accountability among leaders, and an active role for peace monitors to mitigate violence and sustain peace.
The European Union (EU) delegation in South Sudan has urgently warned about the country’s worsening security situation following recent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU has called on national leaders to take prompt actions to prevent a relapse into widespread conflict, particularly as tensions mount in Juba and elsewhere, posing a threat to the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Clashes last Tuesday between an armed group and government forces in Nasir County resulted in the arrests of significant allies of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. Subsequently, President Kiir’s faction accused the White Army, a youth militia in Nasir, of being linked to Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces—a claim that Mr. Machar’s camp vehemently denies. Following these events, military personnel encircled Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without providing an official explanation.
Supporters of Mr. Machar have communicated their concern that such military actions could endanger the 2018 peace deal, which concluded a five-year civil war. The situation further deteriorated last Friday when a United Nations helicopter, tasked with evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, came under fire in Nasir, resulting in casualties including an army commander and a UN crew member.
At a workshop conducted by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, highlighted the urgent necessity of peace mechanisms to facilitate dialogue and maintain calm among all signatories of the peace agreement. “The recent events in different parts of the country, particularly in Upper Nile, highlight the critical need for mechanisms that uphold peace,” Mr. Olkkonen expressed.
He acknowledged various interpretations regarding the events in Upper Nile, yet emphasized the responsibility of South Sudan’s leaders in mitigating further conflict. “We hope that the responsibility obviously lies with the South Sudan leaders to tackle these issues,” he reiterated. Furthermore, Mr. Olkkonen urged peace monitors, including CTSAMVM, to take a more proactive stance in managing ceasefire violations.
Emphasizing the complexity of the situation in South Sudan, particularly regarding conflicts in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states, Mr. Olkkonen called upon all peace partners to intensify their efforts toward maintaining stability. The European Union remains a significant donor to South Sudan, providing vital humanitarian, development, and economic assistance.
In conclusion, the EU has expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan, urging the nation’s leaders to avert a return to civil conflict. As tensions mount following recent clashes, the EU stresses the need for peace mechanisms and a collaborative dialogue among all parties involved. The situation remains intricate, with ongoing conflicts posing significant challenges to stability, thereby necessitating concerted efforts from all stakeholders and enhanced roles for peace monitors.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
