By Jacob Onuha Nelson
United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has called on all parties to adhere to the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Earlier this month, conflict erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and the white army in Nasir County of Upper Nile State resulting in loss of lives and widespread displacement.
The UN Commission condemned the war crime, which it said is a consequence of political mismanagement, delays in the unification of armed forces, and the dismissal of opposition figureheads that contributed to the destabilization and escalation of violence.
MS. Yasmin Sooka, the Chair of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, said South Sudan should be moving forward, implementing the provisions of the peace agreement, strengthening institutions and building a foundation for democracy.
“Instead, we are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress. Rather than fuelling division and conflict, leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy”, she added.
Mr. Barney Afako, a commissioner at United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reiterated that what they are witnessing now is a return to the reckless power struggles that have devastated the country in the past.
“South Sudanese have suffered enough. They have endured atrocities, and rights violations which amount to serious crimes, economic mismanagement, and ever-worsening security. They deserve respite and peace, not another cycle of war,” he stressed.
The Commission reminds all parties to obey the Revitalized Agreement as well as other South Sudanese stakeholders of their obligations and responsibilities to respect human rights and to invest in completing the transitional processes.
“These include constitutional reforms, the establishment of the Truth Commission, the Reparation Authority and the Hybrid Court—critical mechanisms intended to address the root causes of conflict and break the recurring cycles of political crises and human rights violation,” partly read statement.
The commission appealed to government officials to act responsibly and ensure South Sudan should continue to move forward with the transition – towards stability, democracy and lasting peace.
Dr. Carlos Castresana Fernández, a practising attorney, magistrate, investigating judge, and prosecutor for over 30 years and who is also the UN Commissioner for Human Rights in South Sudan reaffirmed that tension in Upper Nile should be resolved through “dialogue” not armed confrontation that will destabilize the entire nation and the region.
He said the current trajectory of instability, repression and renewed conflict must not be allowed to continue.
“The tension in Upper Nile must be resolved through dialogue, not through armed confrontation that will destabilize the entire nation and the region. The current trajectory of instability, repression, and renewed conflict must not be allowed to continue. Confrontation that will destabilize the entire nation and the region. The current trajectory of instability, repression, and renewed conflict must not be allowed to continue,” said Commissioner.
The commission is deeply fearful and desperate for peace and now calls upon regional and international actors—particularly neighbouring states and other guarantors of the Peace Agreement—to urgently re-engage with South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate the conflict.