Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS, warned that South Sudan risks reverting to war. At the African Union Peace and Security Council, he highlighted the dangers following military escalations and the proliferation of hate speech. Urging for collective efforts to support peace mechanisms, he emphasized the necessity for dialogue and adherence to the Revitalized Agreement to prevent a descent into conflict.
The Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, has expressed deep concern regarding the potential for South Sudan to revert to armed conflict. During a recent address to the African Union Peace and Security Council, he emphasized that the progress made since the 2018 revitalized peace agreement is at risk of being undone. Haysom stated, “We are here today because, as partners in peace, we are concerned that South Sudan is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war.”
Haysom cited intense tensions following the takeover of military barracks by the White Army, reporting increased arrests of senior officials and hints of a deteriorating security situation across the nation. The confirmation of foreign troop deployments and airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties further exacerbates concerns. He warned that rampant misinformation and hate speech could escalate the situation into an ethnic conflict.
To prevent a complete collapse of the peace process, Haysom asserted the necessity of dialogue and trust-building among all parties involved. He lauded the IGAD Extraordinary Summit’s recent efforts to mitigate tensions, urging leaders to commit to the Revitalized Agreement. He remarked, “While we commend President Kiir for reassuring citizens that there will be no return to war, to actualize this commitment, the Parties must take necessary steps.”
Moreover, Haysom called for the support of the Council to facilitate the release of detained officials and to prioritize dialogue in addressing current tensions. He indicated that the cooperation of neighboring states is essential as they play a vital role in maintaining peace. He implored that to avert a descent into catastrophic conflict, earnest dialogue must be prioritized to rebuild trust among leaders.
Haysom emphasized the necessity of all parties to de-escalate political tensions urgently, reiterating that the only solution to avoid further conflict is adherence to the Revitalized Agreement. He concluded with a grave warning about the potential consequences of neglecting these efforts, stating, “The overriding imperative now is to direct all our efforts to prevent a relapse into war.”
Nicholas Haysom’s remarks indicate that South Sudan stands at a critical juncture. The potential relapse into civil war looms as key political tensions remain unresolved. There is an urgent need for dialogue, trust-building, and adherence to existing agreements to avert further conflict and facilitate the country’s transition towards democratic elections. Strengthening relationships among all stakeholders, including neighboring countries, remains essential for stability.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
