Kenya, IGAD warn against escalating tensions in South Sudan

The escalating political crisis in South Sudan, particularly the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar Teny, has raised serious concerns within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The regional body issued a statement on Thursday, warning that such actions threaten to unravel the fragile peace process that was solidified under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

IGAD fears that the country could descend into renewed conflict if tensions are not quickly de-escalated.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stressed the urgency of adhering to the terms of the R-ARCSS.

"All parties must immediately refrain from unilateral actions that violate the spirit and letter of the R-ARCSS," Gebeyehu stated.

He further warned that the current trajectory could lead to the collapse of the transitional government, potentially setting the stage for a devastating return to full-scale war.

"The consequences for the people of South Sudan and the region at large would be catastrophic," Gebeyehu added.

The crisis unfolded after Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, were placed under house arrest on Wednesday night, igniting widespread concern over the stability of the peace agreement.

IGAD’s Executive Secretary emphasized that such actions, if not addressed, could erode the progress made since the 2013 civil war and jeopardize years of peace efforts.

Gebeyehu reiterated IGAD's commitment to supporting mediation and called for maximum restraint from all involved parties to prioritize dialogue over further escalation.

Highlighting the urgency of preserving peace, Gebeyehu said, "The people of South Sudan deserve lasting stability, not a return to conflict."

He also pointed to the role of the international community in reinforcing the need for peace in the region.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) echoed similar concerns, warning that Machar's arrest could push the country back toward civil war.

UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom stressed the need for all leaders to recommit to the peace process, which was initially agreed upon in 2018.

"This is a pivotal moment for South Sudan. The country’s leaders stand on the brink of either plunging back into widespread conflict or advancing towards peace," Haysom said.

He also cautioned that any unilateral changes to the peace agreement would undo the hard-won progress of the past seven years, destabilizing not just South Sudan but the entire region.

On the diplomatic front, Kenya, a key regional player, has also weighed in on the crisis.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed deep concern over the situation, urging all parties to prioritize peace and uphold the R-ARCSS framework.

"The Kenyan government calls on all parties in South Sudan to prioritize peace in the country by giving room to the ongoing peace agreements," Mudavadi stated in a press release issued on Thursday, March 27.

He further called on South Sudanese leaders to exercise restraint and focus on securing a lasting peace for the millions of citizens affected by the turmoil.

Mudavadi's statement reiterated the importance of the peace process in stabilizing South Sudan and ensuring that political disputes are resolved through dialogue.

"We urge all the leaders in South Sudan to exercise utmost restraint, cease hostilities, and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement in the best interests of millions of their people," Mudavadi concluded.