The European Union (EU) has offered to facilitate a direct dialogue between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to save South Sudan from further violence.
In a statement at the ceasefire monitoring body CTSAMVM Board meeting on Thursday, the EU expressed extreme concern about the current situation in South Sudan and implored both leaders to engage in direct dialogue to resolve the crisis.
“We urge all stakeholders to adopt a more reconciliatory tone in their public statements. Inflammatory rhetoric only fuels hate speech. All parties must publicly renounce the use of violence. There is an urgent need to de-escalate the current crisis,” the EU statement said.
The EU said it agreed with the assessment of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) chairperson, Maj. Gen. George Owino, who described the current situation as the most serious challenge to the peace agreement since its signing.
The Union also aligned itself with the views of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (UNSRSG), Nicholas Haysom, who warned that South Sudan is on the brink of relapsing into civil war.
The EU statement condemned the recent violence in Upper Nile, expressed regret over the loss of lives, and extended condolences to the bereaved, including the family and friends of the UNMISS staff member who lost his life in the line of duty.
The Union noted that credible reports indicate the recent aerial attacks had resulted in significant casualties.
“Reports that attacks continue—conducted partly under the cover of darkness, possibly from high altitudes, and potentially using highly flammable substances, inflicting horror on civilians—are deeply concerning,” the statement said.
The EU called on all parties to refrain from retaliatory actions to break the emerging cycle of revenge. It also appealed for the safe passage of remaining SSPDF survivors from the Nasir garrison and commended those supporting efforts to facilitate this.
“We join the call of the IGAD Heads of State and the UNSRSG for the release of detained military and civilian officials. If necessary, their cases should be addressed in compliance with due legal processes. The functioning of various ceasefire and peace agreement mechanisms must be restored,” the Union stated.
Acknowledging that there are differing interpretations of what led to the current situation, the EU urged all parties to set aside their grievances, at least temporarily.
“The security of the South Sudanese people and the peace and stability of the country must take precedence. CTSAMVM is well-positioned to investigate the tragic events in Upper Nile and other incidents. It should be empowered and allowed to do so,” the EU asserted.