UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of a dire situation in South Sudan, calling for immediate action from leaders and the international community to prevent escalating violence and humanitarian crises. He highlights the need for the restoration of peace and the urgency of addressing the suffering of the South Sudanese people.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged South Sudan’s leadership and the global community to act urgently to mitigate the escalating crisis in the country, warning of potential ethnic and political violence spiraling into a regional conflict. He described the situation as a “perfect storm” that has engulfed South Sudan, noting the severe impact of recent airstrikes against civilians.
Tensions have mounted following an armed convoy, led by top security officials in South Sudan, which entered the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba, disarming his guards and placing him under house arrest. The relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir had deteriorated since their peace agreement in August 2018 which ended a violent civil war, yet new outbreaks of violence continue to threaten stability.
The UN has reported the use of barrel bombs against rebels formerly linked to Machar, with Guterres stating, “the peace agreement is in shambles.” He called for the immediate release of detained officials and the reinforcement of the Government of National Unity to ensure movement toward lasting peace. His remarks highlight the dire humanitarian conditions, wherein nearly 75% of the population requires aid amid a cholera outbreak and severe food shortages.
Over one million refugees have fled South Sudan, primarily to Sudan, due to ongoing violence. Guterres expressed concern regarding the nation facing an economic collapse, with inflation soaring and oil revenues dwindling. He warns of a potential return to the civil wars of 2013 and 2016, urging for increased diplomatic efforts and a focus on rebuilding.
Guterres has communicated support for the African Union’s initiative to address the crisis and emphasized the need for unified international action concerning South Sudan’s peace process. He lamented that the plight of the South Sudanese people has faded from international view, asserting, “The people of South Sudan are close to my heart” and urging for renewed commitment to avoid further turmoil in the region.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan is rapidly deteriorating, necessitating immediate action from both national leaders and the international community. The already fragile peace is at risk due to tensions between political figures, leading to increased violence and humanitarian crises. The call for dialogue, restoration of peace, and international support must be prioritized to avert further turmoil and foster stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
