By Kei Emmanuel and Manas James Okony
A high-level IGAD delegation is expected to land Juba, today
The delegation’s mission, reportedly focused on addressing recent security concerns and fostering dialogue, comes at a critical juncture, as tension simmers Upper Nile, Western Equatorial, and other states.
The timing of the visit is significant, as opposition leaders demand the release of political and military leaders. It also coincides with the current violence in Upper Nile, which has resulted in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the government on civilians.
As the IGAD delegation commences its mission, the nation’s eyes are fixed on Juba, hoping for a breakthrough that will usher in a period of lasting peace and security.
Success of the visit hinges on the delegation’s ability to translate words into action, addressing the concerns of the people and fostering a genuine commitment to de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Civil society groups hope the IGAD delegation’s visit culminates into a dialogue among principal parties involved in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The R-ARCSS was brokered to bring an end to years of civil conflict that has ravaged South Sudan since 2013. The agreement aimed to establish a transitional government and address underlying issues contributing to the conflict.
However, the situation on the ground remains precarious, with significant challenges undermining the peace process.
Since mid-February, the security situation in Nasir and some other areas have deteriorated. Upper Nile has become a flashpoint for violence involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, a militia group that the government has accused of having ties to First Vice President Riek Machar.
The conflict intensified on March 4, when the White Army, primarily composed of Nuer youth, took control of key areas in Nasir. Just a few days later, on March 7, a United Nations evacuation mission came under attack, resulting in the deaths of several individuals, including the commander of the Nasir garrison and a UN staff member.
The situation has taken on a political dimension, as key governmental portfolios that were intended for other parties in the peace agreement have now been occupied by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (S PLM), raising concerns among civil society and political observers about the viability of the R-ARCSS.
in an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, yesterday, Edmund Yakani, the executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), addressed these issues.
He emphasized that the 2018 peace agreement is fragile and highlighted the urgent need for political dialogue.
“The security situation is relatively calm in Upper Nile, except for some reported airstrikes in areas like Ulang and Nasir. This has been compounded by the recent removal of the governors of Upper Nile and Jonglei,” Yakani stated. “The agreement is under threat and there are many violations occurring.”
Yakani identified the lack of dialogue between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar as a significant source of the current political tensions.
However, he expressed optimism about ongoing civil society initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue. “Today, together with the African Union Ambassador in South Sudan, we met with Vice President Bol Mel to push for dialogue. We also reached out to Riek Machar, who expressed readiness for dialogue with Kiir.
Separately, the AU Ambassador met with Kiir, and we hope that a dialogue will occur soon,” he noted.
Yakani reiterated the urgency of initiating discussions to address the rising tensions, cautioning that a continuation of the current conflict trajectory could lead to a resurgence of civil war. He called for restraint from all parties involved and urged collaborative efforts to uphold peace in South Sudan.
As South Sudan grapples with its complex and often violent political landscape, the role of civil society and the commitment to dialogue may prove crucial in preventing further descent into conflict and ensuring a sustainable peace for the nation.