UN Secretary-General Urges Dialogue in South Sudan as Tensions Rise
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Synopsis
On March 29, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a worsening crisis in South Sudan, urging for urgent dialogue, the release of detained officials, and commitment to the 2018 peace agreement to prevent further deterioration.
Key Takeaways
- Guterres warns of escalating crisis in South Sudan.
- Calls for urgent dialogue and release of officials.
- Emphasizes commitment to the 2018 peace agreement.
- Half the population faces severe food insecurity.
- Regional conflict and cholera add to the humanitarian crisis.
New York, March 29 (NationPress) The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, issued a grave warning regarding the swift escalation of the crisis in South Sudan on Saturday. He emphasized the necessity for immediate dialogue, the prompt release of detained officials, and a renewed dedication to the 2018 peace agreement.
In addition, he urged the regional and international community to present a united front in advocating for peace in South Sudan.
“The ominous clouds of a perfect storm have gathered over the world’s youngest nation – one of its most impoverished,” Guterres stated during a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.
“Although South Sudan may have slipped from global attention, we must not allow the situation to plunge into despair,” he continued, urging the leaders of South Sudan to “lay down their arms” and “prioritize the welfare of all South Sudanese citizens.”
Guterres advocated for the reinstatement of the Government of National Unity and the comprehensive execution of the peace agreement, which remains the sole legitimate pathway to free and fair elections scheduled for December 2026.
“We wholeheartedly endorse the initiative to deploy the African Union Panel of the Wise,” he remarked, noting his communication with the Chairperson of the AU Commission.
Currently, South Sudan is grappling with what the Secretary-General termed a security emergency, political turmoil, humanitarian disaster, displacement crisis, economic breakdown, and a significant funding deficit all simultaneously.
He cautioned that half of the population is in severe need of food, while three out of four individuals require humanitarian aid.
Additionally, over a million people have crossed the border from Sudan since conflict erupted there last year between opposing military factions, with reports of cholera further exacerbating the crisis.
Coupled with the escalating regional fallout from the turmoil in neighboring Sudan, Guterres portrayed a bleak scenario of a nation teetering on the brink.
“Let’s be clear. What we are witnessing bears a disturbing resemblance to the civil wars of 2013 and 2016, which resulted in 400,000 fatalities,” he stated.
