SPLM-IO withdrawal from security mechanisms ‘deeply worrying’ – diplomat

JUBA – The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicolas Haysom has said that the world mission in the country acknowledges SPLM-IO concerns over attacks on its bases, but then said it is deeply worried by SPLM-IO decision to withdraw from security mechanisms.

On Monday, South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny suspended its participation in various security mechanisms overseeing the implementation of chapter two of the revitalized peace agreement.

The SPLA-IO said it had to do so over continued attacks on several SPLA-IO positions by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Unity and Upper Nile states where escalating political violence continued to displace citizens and threaten to disrupt the shaky implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

In a statement, the top United Nations official urged all the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to respect the process and said that while it is concerned by the attacks on SPLA-IO positions, it is deeply worried by the SPLM-IO withdrawal from security mechanisms.

“The decision by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) to suspend its participation in the security mechanisms of the peace agreement is deeply worrying,” Haysom said.

“However, we acknowledge some of the concerns raised by the SPLM-IO, especially the alarming spike in violent conflict in Upper Nile and Unity States, that has directly impacted their cantonment sites as well as innocent civilians,” added the top UN envoy.

The South African lawyer and diplomat said “Less than 12 months of the transitional period remain; it is crucial that all parties continue their best efforts to sustain the ceasefire and work towards implementing all outstanding benchmarks so that free and fair elections can take place.”

“There is no military solution to the conflict in South Sudan. I encourage all political parties to put aside their differences in the larger interest of peace, progress, and prosperity. UNMISS stands ready to extend its full support in this regard.”