The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating violence in South Sudan, where recent aerial bombings may lead the nation toward fresh civil war, risking the stability of the region.
UN Warns of Imminent Civil War in South Sudan Amid Aerial Bombardments
UN Warns of Imminent Civil War in South Sudan Amid Aerial Bombardments
Fears escalate as barrel bombs reportedly used in attacks push South Sudan closer to potential conflict.
In the northern town of Nasir, the UN's Nicholas Haysom reported the use of barrel bombs believed to carry highly flammable materials following an assault by the White Army militia on a military base. The ongoing conflict threatens to undo the peace achieved since the 2018 peace deal, which ended a devastating civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives. Haysom highlighted the severe humanitarian repercussions, with many civilians suffering serious injuries from indiscriminate bombings.
The civil tensions are exacerbated by the recent arrest of key allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, further straining an already fragile peace. Local leaders have raised alarms about the bombardment's impact, revealing that governmental forces may be using chemical agents during the strikes. Although the government insists the operations target militia members, civilian casualties have been reported, leading to a humanitarian crisis with approximately 63,000 individuals displaced.
Haysom warns of rising ethnic tensions fueled by misinformation and hate speech, as the nation approaches elections next year. International calls for peacebuilding are intensifying, while Machar accuses Uganda of intervening in the conflict, claiming violations of the UN arms embargo. The situation remains volatile, with concerns mounting about the return to large-scale warfare in the world’s youngest nation.
As diplomatic endeavors by the UN mission continue, the hope is to avert further escalation and protect the achievements in stability made over the past few years since the civil strife's cessation.
The civil tensions are exacerbated by the recent arrest of key allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, further straining an already fragile peace. Local leaders have raised alarms about the bombardment's impact, revealing that governmental forces may be using chemical agents during the strikes. Although the government insists the operations target militia members, civilian casualties have been reported, leading to a humanitarian crisis with approximately 63,000 individuals displaced.
Haysom warns of rising ethnic tensions fueled by misinformation and hate speech, as the nation approaches elections next year. International calls for peacebuilding are intensifying, while Machar accuses Uganda of intervening in the conflict, claiming violations of the UN arms embargo. The situation remains volatile, with concerns mounting about the return to large-scale warfare in the world’s youngest nation.
As diplomatic endeavors by the UN mission continue, the hope is to avert further escalation and protect the achievements in stability made over the past few years since the civil strife's cessation.
