By Yiep Joseph
Heads of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Mr. Nicholas Haysom, presented the crisis in South Sudan to the UN Security Council and urged for immediate intervention to prevent the breakdown of the peace agreement.
During the Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Haysom highlighted the urgent need to decrease political and security tensions in South Sudan.
He reported that the 2018 peace agreement continues to encounter numerous challenges, including armed confrontations between the parties involved in the agreement and the arrest of opposition leaders, including the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.
“I urge the support of this Council to: a. First, promptly address the tensions in Nasir through dialogue rather than further military confrontations, which could escalate into a broader conflict. The situation in Nasir is primarily the result of political deadlocks and disagreements that have turned into violent clashes,” he stated.
Haysom called on the Council to ensure that South Sudanese leaders respect the ceasefire. He also reiterated the need for the release of political detainees.
“Thirdly, I call for the release of detained military and civilian officials, or for their treatment to align with legal processes. Lastly, I encourage the two principal leaders to exercise restraint, constructively address their differences through public dialogue, and prioritize the interests of the people,” he said.
He emphasized the necessity for a collaborative effort by both national and international stakeholders to achieve a cessation of hostilities and uphold the integrity of the Revitalized Agreement.
“UNMISS is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with all stakeholders, to facilitate a peaceful solution, despite a ‘new low in trust’ between the principal parties,” he noted.
“The immediate priority now is to urgently prevent a return to full-scale conflict, re-focus efforts on accelerating the implementation of the Agreement, and advance the transition towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections,” he concluded.
“Another war is a risk South Sudan cannot afford, nor can the wider region,” he added.
Haysom added that UNMISS continues to protect civilians, enhance human rights and the rule of law, as well as support the peace process within its mandate and capacities.