The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, on Tuesday, while briefing the UN Security Council, called on signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to urgently de-escalate tensions and prevent the deteriorating political and security situation from relapsing into widespread conflict.
The top United Nations official in South Sudan warned that current conditions are reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, where over 400,000 lives were lost. 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,” said Haysom. “Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, nor can the wider region.”
For its part, UNMISS said it 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.