The EU has warned South Sudan’s leaders about rising tensions, particularly following recent clashes in Nasir County that threaten the 2018 peace agreement. The delegation calls for immediate actions to avert conflict and urges diplomatic dialogue among all parties involved. Mr. Olkkonen stressed the responsibility of South Sudanese leaders in resolving these issues and emphasized the need for proactive peace monitoring.
The European Union delegation in South Sudan has issued a serious warning regarding the country’s worsening security conditions, particularly following recent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile. The EU has urged South Sudan’s leadership to take urgent measures to avert a return to full-scale conflict, highlighting the risk to the fragile 2018 peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Recent violence has escalated tensions in Juba and surrounding areas, posing a threat to the peace accord. Notably, clashes in Nasir County resulted in the arrest of significant allies of Mr. Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy army chief. Accusations have emerged from President Kiir’s faction, alleging that the White Army, an armed youth group in Nasir, is linked to Mr. Machar’s SPLA-IO forces, assertions that have been rejected by Mr. Machar’s camp.
Military personnel subsequently surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba following these clashes, yet no official justification for this action has been provided. Mr. Machar’s supporters have expressed concerns that such moves could undermine the 2018 peace agreement, which effectively concluded a five-year civil conflict between forces loyal to both leaders.
Tensions intensified when a United Nations helicopter engaged in evacuating South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) was fired at in Nasir. This attack led to the death of an army commander, a UN crew member, and several others.
During a workshop hosted by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen underscored the immediate necessity for peace mechanisms to foster dialogue and calm amidst the escalating circumstances. He stated, “The recent events in different parts of the country, particularly in Upper Nile, highlight the critical need for mechanisms that uphold peace, keep dialogue channels open, and avoid unilateral actions or language that could further escalate the situation.”
Mr. Olkkonen emphasized the responsibility of South Sudanese leaders in mitigating conflict and addressing the diverse interpretations of recent events. He remarked, “There are different interpretations of what has been transpiring in recent weeks, and we hope that the responsibility obviously lies with the South Sudan leaders to tackle these issues and also make sure that they don’t lead to further conflict.”
He urged peace monitors, including CTSAMVM, to adopt a more proactive stance in managing ceasefire violations, stressing, “We also hope that mechanisms such as CTSAMVM could be utilized in addressing these issues that are raising questions now about what part of it will happen.”
The EU Ambassador reiterated the importance of cooperation among the South Sudanese leaders, particularly those who agreed to the 2018 peace agreement, urging them to reconcile their differences to prevent further warfare. Mr. Olkkonen described the situation in South Sudan as increasingly intricate and called upon all peace partners to intensify their efforts to maintain stability. The European Union remains a significant contributor to South Sudan, offering humanitarian, development, and economic assistance.
In conclusion, the European Union’s call to action regarding South Sudan’s escalating tensions underscores the critical need for immediate diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution. The recent clashes in Upper Nile have highlighted vulnerabilities in the peace process established in 2018. Urging South Sudan’s leaders to address their differences responsibly, the EU emphasizes the importance of establishing peace mechanisms to foster dialogue and prevent a reversion to violence. The involvement of international peace monitors must also be prioritized to enhance ceasefire adherence and ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
