Precarious peace in South Sudan
South Sudan’s President Sylva Kiir last week signed a peace deal to end nearly two years of conflict with rebels, but he only did so after the United Nations threatened to impose sanctions on his regime. The agreement was signed at a public ceremony in Juba, the capital. It was the first time Kiir and […]
South Sudan’s President Sylva Kiir last week signed a peace deal to end nearly two years of conflict with rebels, but he only did so after the United Nations threatened to impose sanctions on his regime. The agreement was signed at a public ceremony in Juba, the capital. It was the first time Kiir and his former deputy Reik Machar were meeting face-to-face in almost two years.
For about 20 months, loyalists of President Kiir and supporters of former Vice President Riek Machar have been engaged in battle. While signing the agreement last week, Kiir expressed some reservations. Under the agreement, Juba is to be demilitarised and the government and rebels are to share control over South Sudan’s oil fields. The deal further outlines a process that would ensure return of Riek Machar as Vice President. Also, Ugandan troops are expected to leave the country within 45 days.
We congratulate the South Sudanese people on the agreement signed and express hope that it does not go the way of the other seven which were signed only to be broken within days. The situation in South Sudan has been very disappointing to all Africans and the world. Its people fought bitter wars for separation from mainly Arab Sudan. It is therefore sad that this country with less than 13 million people has not been able to manage that freedom which it fought for. South Sudan has not known peace since it freed itself from Sudan. In 2013, about two years after it broke away from Sudan, clashes broke out between the president’s supporters and forces loyal to Machar, whom Kiir accused of mounting an attempted coup.
The crisis which started as political rivalry later snowballed into a full-fledged war with ethnic colorations. While Kiir has the support of the majority Dinka tribe, the minority Nuer ethnic group supports Machar. So far, thousands of people have been killed and about four million displaced. Women and children are the worst affected. Several efforts by international bodies to intervene were thwarted by the two men’s egos. Kiir and Machar must understand that the country is bigger than both of them and it is time to consider the impact of the mindless war on citizens.
After several years of seeking independence, what the people need now is to start enjoying the benefits that come with freedom and a war cannot provide that. While signing the agreement, President Kiir said, “With all those reservations that we have, we will sign this document”. He added, “The current peace we are signing today has so many things we have to reject”. That kind of statement portends failure because implementation of the agreement demands serious commitment by all sides. It was not surprising that hours after the agreement was signed, fresh fighting broke out between the two sides.
We urge President Kiir to set aside his reservations and ensure full implementation of the agreement. Machar should also keep his part of the bargain. In whatever they do, the interest of the South Sudanese people should come first. We also call on the United Nations to immediately clamp an arms embargo on both sides. There is no need to wait untill September, as the UN is proposing. Furthermore, the agreement requires Ugandan troops to leave the country within 45 days. If the Ugandans took sides, they should be replaced by an independent pan-African force. Such a force is needed to intervene swiftly and protect civilians in case fighting breaks out again.
Furthermore, we commend all individuals, countries and groups who have been supporting this country in terms of aid and urge them to do more to reduce the hunger currently visiting displaced persons. Efforts at rebuilding the country should also be intensified so that displaced persons can return to their homes. It is our hope that this agreement serves as a spring board for permanent peace in South Sudan.