UN Chief's Urgent Plea for Peace in South Sudan Amidst Deepening Crisis

Dire Situation in South Sudan

• ⚠️ The UN Secretary-General describes a "perfect storm" descending upon South Sudan, characterized by a security emergency, political upheaval, humanitarian nightmare, displacement crisis, economic meltdown, and funding crisis.
• 💥 Intensifying clashes, aerial bombing of civilians, external forces, and the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar indicate the peace agreement is "in shambles."
• 💔 The current situation is "darkly reminiscent" of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, which resulted in 400,000 deaths.

Humanitarian and Economic Crisis

• 🆘 Approximately three out of four South Sudanese require assistance, with half the population severely food insecure and cholera outbreaks occurring.
• 📈 The country faces a significant displacement crisis, with over one million people fleeing Sudan since the conflict began there.
• 📉 An economic meltdown is evident, with oil revenue plummeting and inflation skyrocketing to 300%.

Call for Dialogue and De-escalation

• 🗣️ The UN Mission in South Sudan is working to ease tensions and protect civilians but faces operational limitations.
• 🕊️ The Secretary-General urges leaders to end the politics of confrontation, release detained officials, restore the Government of National Unity, and implement the peace agreement.
• 🌍 The Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict, nor can the people of South Sudan.

International and Regional Support

• 🤝 Regional and international communities, as guarantors of the peace agreement, are urged to speak with one voice in support of the peace process.
• 🌍 The UN fully supports the African Union's initiative to deploy the Panel of the Wise and cooperates with IGAD and the AU.
• 💰 The people of South Sudan need diplomatic, political, and financial support for life-saving aid.

Earthquake Response in Southeast Asia

• 🌏 The UN is mobilizing to help those affected by a "terrible earthquake" in parts of Southeast Asia, with a focus on Myanmar.
• 🤝 The government of Myanmar has requested international support, and the UN team there is in contact to mobilize resources.