Arop Jonchol
By Emmanuel Garjiek
The diplomatic mission in South Sudan expressed concern over the worsening security situation since February, urging the government to release detainees to enable the immediate resumption of dialogue and negotiations to prevent the country from descending into war.
In a press statement dated April 1, seen by Derawet Media, the embassies of France, Germany, Norway, England, the Netherlands, and the United States, along with the European Union delegation, voiced their concerns over ongoing violence and repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement. They criticized the lack of tangible efforts by the government to restore and maintain stability in the country. The diplomats reiterated their call for the release of political detainees to facilitate direct talks between the rival factions.
Additionally, they expressed disappointment over the postponement of the 40th session of peace monitoring and urged its rescheduling without delay to address critical challenges to peace. They emphasized that unilateral actions jeopardizing the revitalized peace agreement must be avoided. The statement stressed the urgency for South Sudan to fulfill its obligations and prioritize peace.
The deteriorating security and political situation has engulfed the country since February, following outbreaks of violence in Upper Nile, Eastern Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Juba’s outskirts. This prompted warnings from regional countries and the United Nations that South Sudan is on the brink of war.
Regional leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Kenyan special envoy Raila Odinga, and the African Union’s Panel of the Wise, visited South Sudan to encourage the conflicting parties to de-escalate tensions and implement the remaining protocols of the peace agreement. However, their mission was unsuccessful.
On April 8, the Juba faction appointed an interim leadership, with Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Far Kuol as party chairperson, deputized by Minister of Federal Affairs Lusoba Wango, and Agok Makur Kur as Secretary-General. However, SPLM-IO Deputy Chairman Oyet Nathaniel condemned the formation of the interim leadership in Juba, accusing them of attempting to violate the peace agreement and plotting to replace Dr. Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest. Nathaniel issued an order last week suspending members of the current interim party leadership.
