By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Mission in South Sudan on Wednesday called for an immediate end to hostilities and urgent dialogue between the country’s leaders to prevent a relapse into civil war, as violence escalates around the capital city.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative and Head of UNMISS said “To prevent a relapse into civil war, the Parties must recommit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement by ceasing all hostilities and strictly adhering to the ceasefire, resolving grievances through dialogue, and reconvening as a truly unified government”.
South Sudan got its independence from Sudan in 2011, the fighting between Government forces led by President Salva Kiir, and fighters loyal to his rival Riek Machar, who has served as First Vice President since 2020 in a broad-based governing coalition.
the fighting has escalated over the past 24 hours, with clashes reported between Government troops of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition near Rejaf, south of the capital Juba, and in Wunaliet, to the west, UNMISS stated.
UN mission noted that the situation in Upper Nile, in the north of the country remains volatile.
White Army a youth militia overran South Sudanese army barracks in Nasir.
Government forces launched retaliatory aerial bombardments on civilian areas, using barrel bombs that allegedly contained highly flammable accelerants.
UNMISS helicopter attempting to evacuate wounded SSPDF soldiers in Nasir, region was also attacked this month, killing a crew member as well as several South Sudanese soldiers, including an injured General, UNMISS reported
Virginia Gamba, Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict warned that the surge in fighting is putting children at grave risk of violations, including killing, sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups.
“I am deeply concerned over the escalating violence, particularly in the Upper Nile province, and I urge all parties to silence their weapons and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law,” she said.
“The stability of the country and a lasting peace for all, including new generations, is at stake.”
Mr. Haysom warned that South Sudan was “teetering on the brink of civil war,” cited indiscriminate attacks on civilians, forced displacement and ethnic tensions.
The renewed fighting “would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region, which simply cannot afford another war,” he said.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, with over 9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, including two million internally displaced persons.
Comments are closed.