The international community has strongly condemned the South Sudan army's threat to "spare no one" in their fight against rebels, sparking fears of potential war crimes and human rights abuses. The warning came in a statement by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the region.
UN and Human Rights Groups Call for Restraint
The UN Secretary-General urged the South Sudanese government to exercise restraint and to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. He also called for an investigation into the situation, saying that "the use of force must be proportionate and must not involve any form of collective punishment or reprisals."
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, also weighed in on the situation, saying that "the threat to 'spare no one' is a chilling reminder of the risks of further violence and human suffering in South Sudan."
South Sudanese Government Defends Actions
The South Sudanese government has defended its actions, saying that they are necessary to maintain order and stability in the region. The government has accused the rebels of being responsible for the violence and has vowed to take action to protect its citizens.
However, human rights groups have expressed concern over the government's response, saying that it is disproportionate and could lead to further human rights abuses. The groups have called for the government to respect the rights of civilians and to ensure that any military action is carried out in accordance with international law.
Regional and International Efforts to Resolve Crisis
Regional and international efforts are underway to resolve the crisis in South Sudan. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have called for a ceasefire and are working to facilitate talks between the government and the rebels.
The United States and other countries have also called for restraint and have offered support for the African Union and IGAD's efforts to resolve the crisis.
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile, with fears of further violence and human rights abuses. The international community will continue to monitor the situation and will call for restraint and respect for human rights and international law.