Gov’t rubbishes UN report on security situation in S. Sudan

The Government has rubbished the United Nations report of deteriorating security situation in the country.

On Monday, UN human rights experts warned that security situation would get worse if no measures are taken to prevent violence from escalating further.

But in response, Michael Makuei, national government spokesperson termed the report as fabricated.

“Most of this violence (claims) are their own making so that they make sure that South Sudan continues to be in crisis.”

“And their intention is to extend their stay, and make sure they do not pull out from here because for them it is another source of employment,” Makuei said.

He said, such utterances, should be avoided now that the nation is working to address its own issues.

According to Makuei, President Salva Kiir’s administration is working hard to handle the inter-community violence, which he believes will not interfere with the peace process.

“The government all the time addresses its issues and there is nothing that the situation will worsen like what the so-called experts claimed.’’  

Over the weekend, the United Nations’ Human Rights experts warned that South Sudan’s peace process needs urgent attention to prevent violence from escalating.

They warned that if the international community did not pay more attention to the rising local violence; things could get worse.

“Without these steps, we are likely to see millions more South Sudanese displaced or crossing borders, creating havoc for neighbouring countries and aid agencies,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

UN warns

Sooka, who spoke during the recent 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York last weekend, further advised that the world should pay attention to the escalating violence proliferating in some parts of the country.

“We tried to get across the message that it is critical donors and member states continue to monitor the peace agreement, security sector reform, and ensure constitutional legislation is pushed through before elections.”

Even though parties to the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement for South Sudan agreed to a two-year extension of the transitional governance arrangements, elections will not be held until late 2024. The UN experts said the shape of the electoral system remains undefined.

In recent days, there have been reported renewed clashes between the Twic and Ngok Dinka communities in Agok.

A UNISFA report indicates that the clashes between the two groups started at about 1630 hours on  September 23, 2022, leading to an influx of over 223 people seeking protection at Agok COB.

UNISFA’S Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, condemned the attack, saying it could only contribute to more tension and the chances of renewed violence in the area​​.