The EU has warned South Sudanese leaders about escalating security risks and urges prompt actions to prevent a return to full-scale conflict, especially following recent clashes in Nasir County. The stability of the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is at stake, as tensions continue to rise across the nation. The EU emphasizes the necessity of dialogue and peace mechanisms to manage the ongoing crisis and prevent further violence.
The European Union (EU) delegation in South Sudan has expressed serious concerns regarding the country’s escalating security crisis, particularly following violent confrontations in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU urges South Sudan’s leaders to act urgently to avoid a relapse into outright war. This warning comes amid rising tensions in Juba and surrounding areas that threaten to disrupt the fragile 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Last Tuesday, clashes reportedly ensued between an armed faction and government forces in Nasir County, resulting in the detention of notable associates of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy chief of the army. President Kiir’s faction accuses the White Army, a local armed youth group, of being allied with Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces, an allegation that is vehemently rejected by Machar’s camp.
In the aftermath of the clashes, military personnel encircled Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba without providing any official explanation. His supporters caution that such actions could undermine the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a protracted five-year civil conflict between forces loyal to Mr. Machar and President Kiir.
Tensions intensified further last Friday when a United Nations helicopter, which was in the process of evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, came under fire in Nasir. This incident resulted in the tragic deaths of an army commander, a UN crew member, and several others.
During a workshop organized by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday, EU Ambassador to South Sudan Timo Olkkonen underscored the pressing need for robust peace mechanisms to foster dialogue among parties affiliated with the peace agreement. He highlighted, “The recent events in different parts of the country, particularly in Upper Nile, highlight the critical need for mechanisms that uphold peace, keep dialogue channels open, and avoid unilateral actions or language that could further escalate the situation.”
Mr. Olkkonen acknowledged the varied interpretations surrounding recent events in Upper Nile but insisted that the onus lies with South Sudan’s leadership to work towards conflict prevention. He remarked, “There are different interpretations of what has been transpiring in the recent weeks, and we hope that the responsibility obviously lies with the South Sudan leaders to tackle these issues and also make sure that they don’t lead to further conflict.”
The Ambassador further appealed to peace monitoring bodies, including the CTSAMVM, to enhance their involvement in addressing ceasefire breaches. He stated, “We also hope that mechanisms such as CTSAMVM could be utilized in addressing these issues that are raising questions now about what part of it will happen.”
Mr. Olkkonen reiterated the importance of collaboration among South Sudanese leaders, especially those who endorsed the 2018 peace agreement, in order to navigate their differences and thwart a resurgence of violence. He described the situation as increasingly complex due to ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts towards maintaining stability. The EU continues to be a significant contributor to humanitarian and developmental assistance in South Sudan.
In summary, the European Union has expressed grave concerns regarding the surging tensions and conflict in South Sudan, urging leaders to act swiftly to protect the fragile peace established in 2018. As clashes and incidents escalate, particularly in Upper Nile, it is imperative for South Sudan’s leadership to engage in dialogue and responsibility to avert further conflict. The EU, recognizing its role as a key supporter of South Sudan, emphasizes the importance of cooperation among leaders and the active involvement of peace monitoring mechanisms to sustain stability amid complexities.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
