UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency on Wednesday called on South Sudan’s leaders to reinvigorate efforts to establish lasting peace and bring an end to Africa’s largest displacement crisis.

Tomorrow July 9, marks nine years of South Sudan's independence from Sudan in 2011. The country two years after independence plunged into civil war and it was until September 2018 that a peace agreement was signed.

“It’s crucial that South Sudan continues on the road to lasting peace,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “After years of conflict, the South Sudanese people deserve the chance to return to their homes, to live in safety in their communities and to focus on building a bright and prosperous future.”

In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, the UN refugee agency said notable steps forward have been made and deserve recognition, including the September 2018 peace deal, and the formation of the unity government in February 2020.  

It added that South Sudan has also shown a commendable commitment to welcoming people fleeing war and persecution, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when hundreds of refugees have arrived in the country from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic (CAR).

UNHCR, however, said increasing violence in 2020, particularly in Jonglei, and Central Equatoria, threaten to destabilize these hard-won efforts.

“Tens of thousands of people have become newly displaced and hundreds more have lost their lives. Women and children have been particularly affected. Sexual violence remains widespread, as well as abductions, and the destruction of people’s properties,” the statement reads in part.

It added, “Ending violence has never been more urgently needed as the impacts of fighting are further compounded by COVID-19. Restrictions on movement due to the lockdown are hampering the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver aid.”

UNHCR called on all parties to the violence to urgently implement a ceasefire, particularly as the pandemic is expected to reach its peak in the coming months.

The UN agency vowed to stand in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and support the government with its humanitarian needs and building capacity, including in relation to the pandemic response.