Nicholas Haysom expressed concerns at the AU Peace and Security Council about South Sudan’s potential return to civil war. He highlighted recent tensions following military actions and urged collective intervention to preserve peace. Haysom emphasized the importance of the Revitalized Agreement and proposed specific actions for the Council to foster dialogue and unity among leaders, essential for preventing further conflict and supporting democratic transition.
On March 18, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council concerning the escalating tensions in South Sudan. He expressed profound concern regarding the nation’s precarious situation, emphasizing the urgent need for collective intervention to avert a potential return to civil war, which threatens the achievements made since the Revitalized Agreement’s signing in 2018.
Haysom highlighted recent troubling developments, including the takeover of Nasir barracks by the White Army and the subsequent high tension across South Sudan. Notably, arrests of high-ranking SPLA/IO officials have occurred in Juba, alongside reports of foreign military deployment. The ongoing airstrikes on Nasir have led to civilian casualties, exacerbating public fear and rising ethnic tensions fueled by misinformation and hate speech.
The speaker underscored the necessity of the peace process as a cornerstone for restoring stability, which is currently at risk of collapse. He applauded the IGAD’s Extraordinary Summit held on March 12, which called for de-escalation and engagement with all stakeholders to uphold the Revitalized Agreement’s integrity and facilitate an end to ongoing conflicts.
Haysom detailed his recent engagements with key leaders of the Agreement, emphasizing collaboration with AU and IGAD representatives to foster dialogue and restore trust among parties. He acknowledged President Kiir’s assurance against a return to war but stressed the importance of tangible actions to realize this commitment through adherence to the Revitalized Agreement.
He urged the Council to take specific actions, including:
1. Reaffirmation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and relevant mechanisms.
2. Encouragement of constructive dialogue between leading figures to demonstrate unity.
3. Calls for the humane treatment or release of detained officials.
4. A focus on dialogue over military tactics to resolve tensions in Nasir.
Additionally, Haysom advocated for the establishment of an immediate Ministerial-level sub-committee by IGAD in Juba and emphasized the role of neighboring countries in supporting peace in South Sudan. He cautioned against the potential descent into catastrophic war, as seen in Sudan, underscoring the need for consensus-based decision-making and trust-building among parties.
He concluded with a strong call for immediate actions to de-escalate political tensions, asserting that the only viable path forward lies in a commitment to the Revitalized Agreement, culminating in the nation’s first democratic elections. Haysom remarked that the region cannot afford another conflict and called for united efforts to prevent a recurrence of war in South Sudan.
In summary, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks at the AU Peace and Security Council underscored the urgent need for intervention to prevent South Sudan from reverting to civil war. He highlighted recent tensions, the significance of the peace process, and proposed actionable steps for the Council to take in promoting dialogue and adherence to the Revitalized Agreement. Immediate actions are critical to maintaining peace and preventing further conflict in the region as South Sudan approaches a pivotal moment in its transition to democracy.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
