South Sudan talks aim to avert further escalation

High-level talks are underway in South Sudan to try and prevent further escalation between forces aligned with the two main parties to the 2018 peace deal, the UN reported on Thursday.

Meetings are being held in the capital, Juba, between South Sudan’s political leaders and regional Heads of States as well as the African Union Panel of the Wise, comprising highly respected personalities who have contributed to peace, security and development on the continent.

During a discussion with the Panel, the Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, stressed the importance of urgent collective engagement by regional and international partners to help end the hostilities, prevent a relapse into widespread violence and secure a return to the peace agreement.

He also highlighted the need for political detainees to be released and for new measures to build trust and confidence between the parties.

South Sudan is the world’s youngest country, having gained independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011. Conflict broke out in December 2013 between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition forces led by his rival Riek Machar, leaving hundreds of thousands dead.

The 2018 peace agreement ended the fighting, but the current crisis threatens to tip the country back into civil war.

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