Communal risks turning South Sudan into failed state

The intermittent communal violence risks turning South Sudan into failed state, according to Mission the United Nations Mission in South Sudan

Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS and representative of the Secretary General, noted on Thursday that sporadic violence in Eastern and Central Equatoria, Unity, Warrap and Jonglei states is undermining efforts to implement the 2018 revitalized peace agreement

He disclosed that militias and other armed civilians were responsible for 80 percent of the killings.

He said that he is deeply troubled about reports that sexual and gender-based violence have surged exponentially, on some accounts rising by as much as 500 per cent since the last time we reported. 

“This impacts most severely on the women and girls who are the mothers, daughters and sisters of this young nation,” Haysom said.

Haysom urged the transitional unity government to prosecute perpetrators of w crimes.

“The gravity of the situation requires South Sudan’s leaders to galvanize their efforts towards peace, development, and prosperity. As ever the UN stands ready and willing to support upon the invitation of and in partnership with the government,” Haysom revealed.

He urged South Sudan leaders in transitional unity government to manage the transition toward elections in 2023.

“With barely eight months remaining in the transitional period agreed upon by South Sudan’s political parties, I am urging south Sudanese l,eaders to do everything necessary to move the country out of transition and conduct free, fair, creditable and peaceful election,” Haysom said.

Haysom called upon all parties to the peace agreement to demonstrate collective common purpose. 

He outlined four key areas that must be prioritized to help move South Sudan from war to lasting peace. 

“Firstly, the legislature should resume sittings and pass the Constitution Making Process Bill, which will govern the drafting of a permanent constitution, a vital measure in tackling root causes of the protracted crisis in South Sudan, by addressing issues of governance, as well as federal power and revenue sharing, second priority area touched on the long-delayed graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces,” Haysom. 

Haysom added that the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement must work with the National Constitutional Amendment Committee to review the National Elections Act of 2012.

He noted that this will pave the way for a formal electoral timetable which must take into account the need for inclusive and free political space for communities to be able to cast their votes safely and secure.