Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A civil society group, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), has expressed deep concern over renewed fighting between government and opposition forces in parts of the country.
The warning comes amid reports of fresh clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), alongside allied White Army forces, in parts of Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Unity states in recent weeks.
There have also been reports of civilian casualties resulting from the fighting.
In a statement extended to the Eye Radio newsroom yesterday, CPA urged the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to the 2017 Ceasefire Agreement between the government and the SPLA-IO.
The group warned that the escalating violence threatens the fragile peace that has provided relative stability in the country for the past seven years.
CPA said continued fighting not only puts civilian lives at risk but also undermines confidence among international partners in South Sudan’s peace process.
“CPA is alarmed by reports of escalating violence in Jonglei State and other parts of the country, which gravely threatens the fragile peace and relative stability South Sudan has enjoyed over the past seven years. Continued fighting not only endangers civilian lives but also undermines the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and erodes national and international confidence in the peace process,” he said.
The group strongly urged all armed actors to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians.
CPA further reiterated that there is no military solution to South Sudan’s political crisis, stressing that only dialogue can address grievances between the parties.
The advocacy group also called on the leadership of the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO to demonstrate political will, accountability and genuine commitment to peace for the sake of the people of South Sudan.
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