South Sudan on brink of civil war, warns UN official

The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, with the UN's Nicholas Haysom warning that the country is on the verge of renewed civil war due to escalating violence and a stalled peace process. Recent clashes between government troops and the White Army militia, which is aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, have led to significant casualties and the displacement of at least 63,000 people. The political landscape is further complicated by the removal and detention of officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, contributing to fears of ethnic divisions and misinformation. The postponement of elections, initially scheduled for February 2023, now pushed to December 2024 and again to 2026, has intensified tensions between President Salva Kiir and Machar. As international efforts to mediate a resolution continue, Haysom emphasizes the need for both leaders to prioritize the interests of their people to avoid further conflict. Observers are concerned that without urgent intervention, the situation could spiral into widespread violence, undermining the fragile 2018 peace agreement.