By James Chatim
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has called for de-escalation and respect for the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan was signed on September 12, 2018, between the incumbent government under the leadership of President Salva Kiir and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by Riek Machar.
Other key signatories included the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), SPLM-Former Detainees (SPLM-FDs), and Other Political Parties (OPP).
In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed deep concern over what he called as the deteriorating security situation in some parts of the country, particularly the recent reports of escalating tensions and violence in Jonglei State which have led to the displacement of large numbers of civilians.
Youssouf said he was gravely alarmed by the reports of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that risk further violence and placing civilian populations including women and children at heightened risk.
He said that such developments undermines the implementation of the R-ARCSS in letter and spirit.
The commission Chairperson strongly condemns any calls and acts of violence against civilians and reiterates that the protection of civilians remains a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict.
Also, Youssouf expressed serious concern over ongoing violations of the Permanent Ceasefire and their adverse humanitarian impact.
He called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions while fully comply with their obligations under the R-ARCSS which includes strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements, respect for agreed power-sharing mechanisms and a return to inclusive, consensus-based decision-making.
The Chairperson further urged South Sudanese stakeholders to place the interests of the people of South Sudan above all other considerations and to resolve outstanding differences through dialogue and peaceful means, with a view to ensuring the successful completion of the Transitional Period.
However, the African Union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the people and Government of South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability and national reconciliation, and will continue to work closely with IGAD, the United Nations and international partners toward this objective.