By Jacob Onuha Nelson
One Citizen Network for Democracy (OCND) has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflicts across the country to immediately cease hostilities that have led to widespread insecurity and distress among citizens.
The call for peace comes amid rising tensions, particularly following a series of violent clashes in various states.
Notable areas of concern include the Upper Nile region—specifically Nasir, Akobo, and Ulang—as well as the Western Equatoria state, where intercommunal violence had erupted between the Azande and Balanda tribes.
Western Bahr el Ghazal had experienced instability in the recent past, and residents in Central Equatoria are living in fear due to the reported house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
OCND in a statement to this outlet, emphasized the urgent need for the release of Dr. Riek Machar, who was detained at his residence on Wednesday.
The organization also called for the release of other political figures belonging to the SPLM-IO who have been held.
OCND stated that such actions are critical for fostering national reconciliation and preventing further exacerbation of conflict across the nation.
It further urged all parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to honor the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) established in 2017.
The organization stressed the importance of reaffirming the R-ARCSS as the guiding governance framework during this transitional phase to avert any political instability that could spiral into a broader conflict.
They further called on the government to deploy regular forces to the most affected areas to ensure enhanced security, protect civilian lives, and facilitate the safe distribution of humanitarian aid.
It also championed the need for all parties to engage in inclusive dialogue, respecting human rights, promoting social cohesion, and building trust among the diverse communities of South Sudan, while also considering local and traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution.
“We cannot afford to stand by while our nation suffers. It is important that we collectively work towards a peaceful resolution and a brighter future for all South Sudanese,” the statement concluded.