By Alfred Soka – Juba
Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, urged all signatories to the Revitalized Agreement to respect this vital document.
“The decision by the SPLM-IO to suspend its participation in the security mechanisms of the peace agreement is deeply worrying”, he said on Thursday.
He acknowledged some concerns raised by the SPLM-IO, especially the alarming spike in violent conflict in Upper Nile and Unity States, which directly impacted their cantonment sites and innocent civilians.
“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”, Haysom said.
“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,” he pointed out.
The Mission 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.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission noted the concerns and consequential violence regarding ongoing defections among stakeholders.
It is calling on all parties to comply fully with the letter and spirit of the Peace Agreement.