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NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged both South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to act swiftly to prevent further devastation in the war-torn country, warning that ethnic and political targeting by security forces could spiral into a broader regional conflict.
Referring to the escalating violence in South Sudan, including airstrikes on civilians, Guterres said: “All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country — and one of the poorest.”
On Wednesday, an armed convoy led by the nation’s top security officials, including its defense minister, entered the home of First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba, disarmed his bodyguards and placed him under house arrest.
Tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir had been worsening for several weeks. In August 2018, the two leaders reached a peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war between their forces, which had resulted in almost 400,000 deaths.
However, In the seven years since, their relationship has grown more strained due to ethnic conflicts and occasional outbreaks of violence. Machar’s party said his detention effectively signaled the collapse of the peace deal.
This week, the UN reported that barrel bombs thought to contain highly flammable liquid were used in airstrikes during clashes between the army and a rebel group formerly associated with Machar.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres said that “the peace agreement is in shambles,” and called for the immediate release of all detained officials and the full restoration of the Government of National Unity, which he described as crucial to moving toward peace.
“The Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict,” he warned, “and nor can the people of South Sudan.”
Directly addressing the South Sudanese leadership, Guterres said: “End the politics of confrontation. Release detained military and civilian officials now. Fully restore the Government of National Unity. And vigorously implement the promises you made through your commitments to the peace agreement — which is the only legal framework to peaceful, free and fair elections in December 2026.”
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is alarming, with almost 75 percent of the population requiring aid and at least half facing severe food insecurity. A cholera outbreak is adding to the crisis.
Over 1 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, primarily Sudan, since fighting erupted. Guterres also noted a catastrophic economic collapse, with oil revenues plummeting and inflation soaring to 300 percent.
With the world’s youngest country facing such dire circumstances, the UN secretary-general warned of the potential for a repeat of the civil wars in 2013 and 2016.
Guterres called for renewed diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need for dialogue and de-escalation.
“South Sudan is at a crossroads,” he said. “For the sake of the long-suffering people, it is time for all parties to put down the weapons and focus on rebuilding the country.”
The UN chief said that he had spoken with the chairperson of the African Union Commission and expressed strong support for the AU’s initiative to deploy the “Panel of the Wise” and for continuing efforts by Kenyan President William Ruto’s special envoy.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Guterres lamented that South Sudan has largely faded from international attention. He pleaded for increased diplomatic and financial support to address the mounting crisis.
“The people of South Sudan are close to my heart. They had enormous hopes and aspirations, but sadly, they have not had the leadership they deserve.”
There have been increasing international calls for a unified stance on the peace process in South Sudan, with the UN, AU, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc all urging the restoration of peace and stability.