After the escalation of the conflict, do the crises in Sudan cast their dark shadow on the fragile South?

Nicholas Haysom, the Senior United Nations Envoy in South Sudan, stated that the effects of the Sudanese crisis are unfolding on multiple fronts in South Sudan.

Speaking to the United Nations Security Council, he revealed that since mid-April, when the conflict erupted in Sudan, over 117,000 people have crossed into South Sudan from Sudan, with 93% of them being returnees from South Sudan, as reported by the Chinese news agency “Xinhua”.

The tragedy of South Sudan

Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, emphasized that South Sudan’s absorptive capacity is under pressure, and the economic impact of the conflict has further worsened the already fragile situation in the country.

He added that the sudden cessation of imports from Sudan has led to a “lack of access” to essential goods for the general population in South Sudan.

On the political side, the envoy warned that the conflict in Sudan reduces the bandwidth needed, both locally and internationally, to focus on South Sudan, which is going through a critical transitional phase.

Haysom stated, “Now is not the time to take our eyes off the ball in South Sudan. What we can learn from Sudan is how quickly hard-won peace gains can unravel.”

He pointed out that the crisis in Sudan has implications for the implementation of the peace agreement that was revitalized in South Sudan.

Haysom said, “As things stand today, South Sudan is not ready for an electoral process,” adding that all stakeholders recognize the urgent need to address this issue. “We also believe that through unified efforts among all parties, it may be possible for South Sudan to bridge the gap.”

He expressed hope that through cooperation, partnership, and ongoing leadership, “positive change can be achieved in the lives of the South Sudanese people.”