‘Alarming regression’ in path to peace in South Sudan, UN commission warns

New Violence Threatens South Sudan’s Fragile Peace

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is teetering on the brink of chaos once again as fresh violence erupts in the northeastern part of the country. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights for South Sudan has sounded the alarm, warning of an “alarming regression” in the nation’s fragile peace process. Yasmin Sooka, the chairperson of the commission, expressed deep concern over the escalating clashes between government forces and an armed group reportedly linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. These clashes have put the already shaky power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Machar, signed in 2018, at risk of collapse. The agreement was meant to end a brutal civil war that raged from 2013 to 2018, killing over 400,000 people and displacing millions. Now, with tensions rising in Upper Nile state, fears of a full-blown war resurfacing are growing.

The recent violence has not only threatened the peace deal but also raised concerns about the country’s ability to transition to democracy. Sooka urged South Sudan’s leaders to focus on the peace process and uphold the human rights of their citizens, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition to democracy. Her words were echoed by Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, who called for an immediate end to hostilities. The international community is watching closely, knowing that any further escalation could plunge the country back into the darkness of war and suffering.

Recent Clashes and Escalation

The latest wave of violence began in February when fighting broke out in Nasir County, Upper Nile state, between government forces and an armed youth militia. The trigger for the clashes remains unclear, but Human Rights Watch (HRW) has pointed to rumors of forced disarmament as a possible contributing factor. Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides employing heavy weaponry, according to reports from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The fighting has spread to other regions, including Western Equatoria state in the southwest, further destabilizing the country.

The situation took a turn for the worse earlier this week when South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, accused the White Army, a Nuer armed group, of collaborating with Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/IO). The government’s actions have been swift and harsh, with President Kiir ordering the arrest of two officials and several senior military officers allied with Machar. The army has also surrounded Machar’s residence, effectively placing him under house arrest. These moves have sharply escalated tensions between the two leaders, who were supposed to be working together to implement the 2018 peace agreement.

The violence reached a new level on Friday when a UN helicopter on a rescue mission in Upper Nile state came under attack. One crew member was killed, and two others were injured in the incident, which also claimed the life of an army general. The attack has shocked the international community and highlighted the dangers faced by peacekeepers and aid workers in the region. In response, President Kiir called for calm, stating that his government would handle the crisis and remain committed to the path of peace. However, his words have done little to ease the fears of South Sudanese citizens, who have endured years of conflict and instability.

A Reckless Power Struggle

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of struggle, but the young nation has known little peace. The civil war that broke out in 2013, fueled by political and ethnic tensions, left deep scars on the country. While the 2018 peace agreement brought a measure of stability, the promised reforms have yet to materialize. The deal was supposed to unify the warring factions under a single army, draft a new constitution, prepare for general elections, organize a census, and disarm all armed groups. None of these goals have been achieved, leaving the country in a state of limbo.

Barney Afako, a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, has warned that the country is witnessing a return to the reckless power struggles that devastated it in the past. He described the South Sudanese people as having endured “atrocities, rights violations which amount to serious crimes, economic mismanagement, and ever-worsening security.” Afako’s words are a stark reminder of the immense suffering of the South Sudanese people, who have been subjected to endless cycles of violence and political instability. “They deserve respite and peace, not another cycle of war,” he said. The international community must act decisively to prevent South Sudan from slipping back into chaos.

The Humanitarian Toll

As the violence continues, the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan deepens. Thousands of civilians have been displaced, and many more are caught in the crossfire. The fighting has disrupted aid delivery, leaving vulnerable populations without access to food, water, and healthcare. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are stretched to the limit, struggling to reach those in need. The international community has urged the warring parties to allow unimpeded access to affected areas and to protect civilians and aid workers.

For now, the future of South Sudan remains uncertain. The fragile peace that was achieved in 2018 is under threat. The country’s leaders have a choice to make: to continue down the path of conflict and division or to work toward a future marked by peace, justice, and prosperity. The international community can only do so much; the responsibility lies with South Sudan’s leaders to put the interests of their people above their own power struggles.

Calls for Peace and Accountability

As the situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community has stepped up its calls for peace and accountability. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that the ongoing violence and human rights abuses must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. The African Union has also joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to the peace process. For now, the world waits with bated breath, hoping that South Sudan’s leaders will choose the path of peace before it’s too late.

In the end, the people of South Sudan deserve more than just promises of peace; They deserve action, accountability, and a chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. The international community must remain vigilant and continue to push for a resolution to the conflict that prioritizes the rights and well-being of the South Sudanese people.