UNITED NATIONS, March 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged South Sudanese leaders to end political confrontation, release detained officials and fully implement the 2018 peace agreement.

"All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world's newest country, and one of the poorest," Guterres said at a press conference. "What we are seeing is darkly reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, which killed 400,000 people."

His remarks came following the recent escalating crisis in the country, as South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in the capital of Juba on Wednesday, coupled with intensified clashes and reported attacks on civilian populations.

South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but war erupted in December 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition troops led by Machar, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. The 2018 peace agreement ended the fighting and established a unity government.

Noting that it is time for dialogue and de-escalation for the sake of the long-suffering people of South Sudan, Guterres said, "The Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict, nor can the people of South Sudan."

He called for the leaders of South Sudan to end political confrontation, release detained military and civilian officials, and fully restore the government, as well as implement commitments to the 2018 peace agreement.

The UN chief also urged the regional and international community, as guarantors of the peace agreement, to "speak with one voice" in support of the peace process and against any attempts to undermine it.

"South Sudan may have fallen off the world's radar, but we cannot let the situation fall over the abyss," he said.

Guterres told reporters that the United Nations will be working in close cooperation with the African Union and with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

"Now more than ever, the leaders of South Sudan must hear a clear, unified and resounding message: Put down the weapons. Put all the people of South Sudan first," he stressed. Enditem

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