March 10th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer has urged the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to urgently carry on the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized unity government.
The government of president Salva Kiir and several opposition parties signed the revitalized peace agreement in September 2018 to end the six-year-old civil war.
The agreement provided for the reunification of the rival forces and form a unified and professional national army, police and national security.
In a statement on Monday, Shearer said there was need for the urgent completion of the security arrangements as provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.
“There is also an urgent need to move on transitional security arrangements. Implementation is dangerously lagging, made worse by the absence of the NPTC. New lines of authority need to be set up by the government to lead this process,” Shearer said.
The UN diplomat further said there was also need for urgent appointment of state governors as – according to him – a power vacuum by the absence of state governors since President Salva Kiir Mayardit dissolved the 32 states last month.
“The filling of the governor positions is particularly urgent. The absence of authority at the state level has caused a vacuum of power and decision-making – as we have seen in Jonglei – emboldening those involved in the recent violent inter-communal clashes. I’ll say more about that situation shortly,” he said.
Shearer further said the fighting in Jonglei state “has caused significant casualties and the displacement of thousands of families, particularly in areas around Pibor and the villages of Likuangole, Waat, Manyabol and Anyidi. We have reports that women and children have been abducted by both sides. This is unconscionable. These people must be returned immediately. UNMISS is ready to support efforts by the communities to help calm the situation.”
“I flew into Pibor on Friday to see the situation for myself and to speak to some of those families affected by the violence. I also met with local authorities to understand what they are doing to deal with the conflict and to increase security in the area.”
