Regional and international peace partners are calling on South Sudan’s leaders to act urgently to prevent a return to civil war. Key figures, including Ambassadors Ismail Wais and Nicholas Haysom, stress that immediate action is necessary to save the fragile peace maintained since the Revitalized Agreement in 2018. Current tensions, misunderstandings, and military actions pose significant threats to stability. All parties are urged to prioritize dialogue and adherence to the peace agreement.
Regional and international peace partners are urging South Sudan’s leadership to take swift and united action to reduce tensions and avert a potential return to civil war, which would lead to severe humanitarian consequences across the region. This call to action emerged during a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council focused on South Sudan’s troubling situation.
Ambassador Ismail Wais, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic intervention, warning that the peace maintained for the last seven years is at significant risk of collapsing. He noted ongoing clashes, airstrikes, and other escalating tensions as contributory factors to the crisis.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, concurred on the necessity for immediate intervention to preserve peace. He reaffirmed that the peace mechanisms established post-2018 Revitalized Agreement are critical and teetering on the brink of failure. While acknowledging President Kiir’s pledge against returning to war, he insisted on the importance of fully implementing the agreement.
In response, Acting Ambassador Boutrus Thok Deng represented the Government of South Sudan, asserting that recent tensions in Nasir derived from military redeployment misunderstandings. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the peace agreement for national harmony, highlighting President Kiir’s assurances against war.
Moreover, the Head of UNMISS called for renewed commitment to cease hostilities and constructive dialogue between parties to resolve their differences. He urged for the release of detained personnel in accordance with legal norms, emphasizing the need to prioritize dialogue over military action in addressing the tensions in Nasir.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan demands urgent and collaborative efforts from local leaders and international peace partners to prevent a resurgence of conflict. Diplomatic intervention and steadfast adherence to the Revitalized Agreement are essential for safeguarding the hard-won peace and avoiding further humanitarian crises in the region. The call for unity and dialogue is imperative to ensure stability and progress towards democratic governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
