By Jenifer James
The human rights activist Edmund Yakani has expressed deep concern over recent violent developments, warning that such actions threaten the fragile political transition.
His remarks underscore the growing concerns about instability in the country and the urgent need for political leaders to recommit to the peace process and dialogue in the country.
In a press statement to the media on Tuesday, Edmund Yakani said parties to the peace agreement need to dialogue to address the misunderstanding.
“We are aware that politicians may have discontented positions among themselves within the spirit of implementing a political transitional peace agreement like R-ARCSS, but normally politicians who opt to use violence as a means of resolving their differences rather than deadly violence,” Yakani said.
Yakani called on the country’s political leaders, particularly those who are signatories to the peace agreement, to step up and take responsibility.
“I am appealing to you, leaders of the parties to R-ARCSS, in particular His Excellency the President, His Excellency the Vice President and other Excellences Vice Presidents . The moment has come for you to quickly and urgently meet and make a decision for this escalation of this deadly violence that is making our common citizens pay a very painful price by facing human rights violations. You still have the chance to make peace prevail. Take responsibilities now; take a decision now to de-escalate this violence and allow the country to transition peacefully from violence to stability,” Yakani said.
Early this year, clashes broke out in part of Upper Nile State, Nasir County, between members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, resulting in the capture of the town’s army barracks by the White Army and the displacement of civilians from the area.