Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
UN Chief Warns South Sudan on Brink of Abyss Amidst Political Crisis
UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Secretary-General implored regional and global leaders on Friday to prevent South Sudan from descending into another civil war and to unify in their support for a peaceful resolution. The urgent appeal comes as the fledgling nation faces a deepening political crisis and escalating violence.
Escalating Tensions and Risk of Civil War
Security Emergency and Political Instability
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that South Sudan, the world’s newest and among its most impoverished nations, is grappling with a “security emergency.” This is marked by intensifying clashes and a “political upheaval,” underscored by the government’s recent apprehension of First Vice President Riek Machar.
Echoes of Past Conflicts
“Meanwhile, ethnic and political targeting by security forces — combined with the dissemination of misinformation on social media — is igniting the potential for even greater catastrophe,” Guterres cautioned. “Let us be clear: The current situation bears an unsettling resemblance to the civil conflicts of 2013 and 2016, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 400,000 individuals.”
4K Ultra HD Portable Foldable Projector Screen 100/120 Inch 16:9 with Stand & Carry Bag, Lightweight 1.5 Gain Polyester Material for Indoor Outdoor Home Theater ...
? Coupon price [$42.96]
[Stylish PU Jacket] Stylish Modern Mens Outdoor PU Jacket - Warm Fleece-Lined Motorcycle Coat, Tough Guy
? Coupon price [$34.29]
UNZHUO MAKE Mens High-Top Camouflage Work Boots - Non-Slip, Durable for Hiking, Outdoor & Mountaineering, Nylon Upper, Rubber Sole, EVA Insole
? Coupon price [$48.40]
Fragile Peace Agreement Under Strain
2018 Peace Accord and Unity Government
The previous civil conflicts concluded with the signing of a peace agreement in 2018. This accord established a unity government bringing together President Salva Kiir, representing the Dinka ethnic group, and Machar, from the Nuer ethnic group. The unity government is tasked with steering the nation toward long-delayed national elections, scheduled for December 2026.
Rising Tensions Jeopardize Stability
However, strains between Kiir and Machar’s factions have been on the rise, reaching a critical point in March. The White Army, a militia loyal to Machar, launched an attack on an army base in Upper Nile state and targeted a UN helicopter. The government responded with lethal aerial bombardments.
UN Chief’s Plea for Action
Call for De-escalation and Dialogue
Guterres implored South Sudan’s leadership to “end confrontational politics,” reinstate the national unity government, and release detained military and civilian personnel immediately.
International Community Urged to Support Peace
“I also urge the regional and international community, as guarantors of the 2018 peace accord, to present a united front in support of the peace process and to oppose any efforts to undermine it,” he stated.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
AU and Kenyan Envoy Involvement
Guterres disclosed that he conversed with the chairperson of the African Union Commission on Friday morning and affirmed the UN’s backing for the deployment of the AU’s Panel of the Wise, comprised of five members, and the special envoy of Kenyan President William Ruto to Juba, South Sudan, to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Meetings with Key Leaders Planned
The UN chief indicated that both the Panel of the Wise and Kenyan envoy Raila Odinga are scheduled to meet with both President Kiir and First Vice President Machar.
Kenyan Envoy in Juba Amidst Uncertainty
Odinga, a former Kenyan Prime Minister, was present in Juba on Friday. However, it remained unclear whether he had been able to meet with Machar.
Machar’s Detention and Conflicting Accounts
Government Confirms House Arrest
South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei announced in a statement on Friday that Machar was under house arrest pending an investigation into alleged subversive activities.
Justification for Arrest and Peace Agreement Status
Makuei stated that Machar’s detention was necessary to maintain stability and prevent the nation from relapsing into conflict. He asserted that the 2018 peace agreement with Machar remained valid.
“The agreement has not collapsed,” Makuei affirmed.
Opposition Claims Agreement ‘Abrogated’
Conversely, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, deputy chairperson of the primary opposition party led by Machar, declared on Thursday that the 2018 agreement “has been abrogated.” He argued that Machar’s arrest demonstrated a lack of political will to achieve lasting peace and stability.
UN’s Objective: Peace Agreement Restoration
Focus on Diplomatic Outcomes
Guterres emphasized the United Nations’ desire for the visits by Odinga and the AU Panel of the Wise to yield “the desired outcome.”
Re-establishing Peace in South Sudan
“And the outcome we seek is the re-establishment of the peace agreement and the establishment of conditions conducive to peace in South Sudan,” he concluded.