UNMISS boss in South Sudan has presented South Sudan crisis at UN security Council and called for immediate intervention to rescue the 2018 peace agreement from collapsing.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Mr. Nicholas Haysom made the call on Wednesday during UN Security council.
Haysom briefed the Security Council on urgent need to reduce political and security tensions in South Sudan.
He added that the 2018 peace agreement continue to face several challenges such as armed confrontation between parties to the peace agreement and arrest of opposition leaders including the first Vice president Dr. Riek Machar.
“I seek the support of this Council to: a. Firstly, immediately address the Nasir tensions through dialogue rather than further military confrontation, which risks tipping the country into a broader conflict. The situation in Nasir is, above all, the result of political deadlocks and disagreements that have escalated into violent clashes” he said
Haysom called on the Council to intervene in ensuring that the South Sudanese respect the ceasefire.
The UNMISS head reiterated a call for release of political detainees.
“Thirdly, call for the release of detained military and civilian officials or their treatment in accordance with legal process. d. Lastly, encourage the two principals to exercise restraint, address their differences constructively and through public dialogue, and manifestly put the interests of the people first” he said
He underscored the need for a collective effort by national and international stakeholders to secure a cessation of hostilities and preserve the integrity of the Revitalized Agreement.
“UNMISS is engaging in intensive diplomatic efforts, jointly with all stakeholders, to broker a peaceful solution, despite a “new low in trust” between the principal parties” he stated.
“The overriding imperative now is to urgently avert a relapse into full-scale conflict, refocus efforts on accelerating the implementation of the Agreement, and advance the transition towards South Sudan’s first democratic elections,” he added
“Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, nor can the wider region,” he concluded.
He added that UNMISS is continuing to robustly protect civilians, enhance human rights and the rule of law, as well as support the peace process, within its mandate and capacities.
