Photo credit: UN News
South Sudan is tethering on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war as violence escalates and political tensions deepen, the head of the UN mission in the country (UNMISS) Nicholas Haysom warned on Monday.
According to the UN website, he warned that “A conflict would erase the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed. It would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region, which simply cannot afford another war.”
The latest wave of violence erupted on 4 March when the so-called White Army – a youth militia – overran South Sudanese army barracks in Nasir, Upper Nile province.
In response, Government forces launched retaliatory aerial bombardment on civilian areas. They used barrel bombs that allegedly contained highly flammable accelerants.
Mr Haysom said, “These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns, including to women and children.” He added that at least 63,000 people have fled the area.
Reports indicate that both the White Army and national forces are mobilizing for further confrontations, with allegations of child recruitment into armed groups.
The deployment of foreign forces at the request of the Government has further heightened tensions, evoking painful memories of the country’s previous civil wars.
Ethnic tensions are also rising while political efforts are being stalled.
Mr Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace deal immediately, respect the ceasefire, release detained officials and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than military confrontation.
