Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing internal divisions and political mistrust, exacerbated by a recent armed clash leading to arrests of key military figures. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, its crucial components remain unimplemented, raising concerns for the nation’s future stability. President Kiir urges calm while reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace.
The independence of South Sudan in 2011 symbolized a significant transition, moving away from the Arabization and Islamization that characterized prior Sudanese administrations. Unfortunately, persistent internal divisions and political mistrust continue to obstruct progress within the nation. In recent developments, clashes between government forces and an armed faction resulted in the arrest of a deputy army chief associated with Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the peace agreement.
Civil conflict plagued South Sudan from 2013 to 2018, culminating in the deaths of over 400,000 individuals, according to AP News. A peace agreement was signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and his rival Machar, yet efforts to fully implement this accord remain ongoing. Recent military confrontations in the Upper Nile State have involved the White Army, previously allied with Machar, resulting in further violence against government troops.
The BBC reported that despite a power-sharing agreement established in 2018 that was intended to cease hostilities, significant facets of the agreement, such as the establishment of a new constitution, elections, and the merger of armed factions into a unified military, remain unfulfilled. In response to the unrest, President Kiir urged citizens to maintain peace, stating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.”
President Kiir emphasized that his administration is committed to addressing the current crisis, asserting, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” Both Sudan and South Sudan are still grappling with instability rooted in ethnic divisions and political strife, complicating the pursuit of lasting peace.
The ongoing tensions in South Sudan underscore the fragility of its post-independence stability. While leaders express a commitment to peace and governance, the lack of implementation of previous agreements poses a significant threat to national cohesion. The situation remains precarious, with ethnic and political divisions deeply entrenched. The commitment of leadership towards maintaining peace will be critical in navigating these turbulent times.
Original Source: moderntokyotimes.com
