UN and AU Initiate Diplomatic Efforts to Prevent Conflict in South Sudan
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Synopsis
On March 25, 2023, the UN and AU commenced shuttle diplomacy in South Sudan, aiming to prevent a return to civil war amidst escalating tensions and violence. UN officials emphasize the need for adherence to peace agreements and dialogue to safeguard the hard-won progress since 2018.
Key Takeaways
- Intense shuttle diplomacy is underway to prevent civil war in South Sudan.
- UNMISS and AU stress the importance of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
- Escalation of violence has displaced over 63,000 people in Upper Nile.
- Misinformation is exacerbating ethnic tensions.
- Immediate action is needed to avert conflict.
Juba, March 25 (NationPress) The United Nations missions in South Sudan, the African Union, and various peace collaborators are actively pursuing vigorous shuttle diplomacy to avert a potential slide back into civil war, as stated by a UN official.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission convened in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to discuss strategies aimed at persuading the involved parties to step back from the brink of conflict.
"The unified message from the region and the global community is clear. We firmly believe that the only pathway out of this cycle of violence is to return to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, both in its letter and spirit," declared Nicholas Haysom, special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, in a joint statement released in Juba.
He noted that the political and security landscape in South Sudan has markedly worsened since the White Army, a militia supporting the opposition, seized control of the Nasir barracks in Upper Nile State, previously held by the South Sudan People's Defense Forces on March 4.
In response, Haysom reported that communities throughout Upper Nile are experiencing relentless aerial attacks, resulting in numerous casualties and devastating injuries. Humanitarian organizations estimate that over 63,000 individuals have fled the region.
The UN representative highlighted that rampant misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are further escalating tensions and fostering ethnic rifts and fear, according to the Xinhua news agency.
"In light of this dire situation, we can only conclude that South Sudan is on the verge of a return to civil war," Haysom emphasized, calling for immediate and collective action to prevent such an outcome.
He remarked that the international community's efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution can only bear fruit if the involved parties are willing to engage and prioritize the welfare of their populace over personal interests, as the alternative is a descent into conflict that would erase the substantial progress made since the 2018 peace agreement.
To avert a return to war, Haysom urged the parties to faithfully adhere to the ceasefire, release detained officials or process them legally, promptly return to consensus-driven decision-making, and settle disputes through dialogue rather than military means.
He encouraged President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to convene and resolve their differences constructively, making a joint public statement that reassures all citizens of South Sudan of their united and unwavering commitment to peace.
