International Concern Over Rapid Deterioration of the Security Situation in South Sudan
Juba – Sudanhorizon – Agencies
The international Quartet, comprising the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AMIS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), expressed its growing concern over the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation across South Sudan.
The Quartet called on the country’s leaders to immediately cease hostilities and return to dialogue to advance the comprehensive implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement to resolve the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Quartet noted that the ongoing air and ground attacks are resulting in horrific loss of life and property and the displacement of civilians, coupled with an escalation in inflammatory ethnic and hate speech. It also emphasized that targeting humanitarian facilities is unacceptable and must stop.
The statement emphasized that these escalations are rapidly undermining the confidence of communities and peace partners in the sincerity of the parties’ pledge not to return the country to war.
On the other hand, the Quartet commended the recent joint high-level visit to South Sudan by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), emphasizing that their continued engagement not only reaffirms regional and continental solidarity in support of lasting peace and stability in South Sudan but also underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating crisis.
The Quartet also expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for initiating and facilitating this visit, which it hopes will lead to outcomes that prioritize peace.
The Quartet urged the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, verify, and report on the recent violence.
They emphasized the need to hold those responsible for these incidents accountable to restore public confidence and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. They called on all stakeholders in South Sudan to cooperate fully with the CTSAMM in facilitating impartial and comprehensive investigations.
The Quartet strongly emphasized that there is no military solution to the country’s conflict and encouraged the leadership to recommit to a transparent, consensus-based, and collaborative approach to achieving lasting peace. She called for revitalizing the stalled peace implementation process by addressing all grievances through comprehensive political dialogue.
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