SPLM-IO’s withdrawal from security mechanisms “worrying”: Haysom
March 25, 2022 (JUBA) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom has urged all signatories to the revitalized peace deal to respect provisions of the accord that ended the civil war.
The call comes days after the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) suspended participation in the security mechanisms in protest of attacks allegedly carried out by government forces on its positions in Upper Nile and Equatoria regions.
“The decision by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) to suspend its participation in the security mechanisms of the peace agreement is deeply worrying,” said Haysom in a statement.
“However, we acknowledge some of the concerns raised by the SPLM-IO, especially the alarming spike in violent conflict in Upper Nile and the Unity States, that has directly impacted their cantonment sites as well as innocent civilians,” he added.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) also expressed concerns over the consequential violence regarding ongoing defections among the ranks of stakeholders, calling on all parties to comply fully with the letter and spirit of the revitalized peace agreement.
“Less than 12 months of the transitional period remain; it is crucial that all parties continue their best efforts to sustain the ceasefire and work towards implementing all outstanding benchmarks so that free and fair elections can take place,” stressed Haysom.
He added, “There is no military solution to the conflict in South Sudan. I encourage all political parties to put aside their differences in the larger interest of peace, progress, and prosperity. UNMISS stands ready to extend its full support in this regard”.
The UN mission, Haysom further said, continues to engage with communities and authorities in all volatile locations to prevent further escalation, and to support humanitarian partners in delivering aid to the conflict-affected.
(ST)