Professor Jok Madut Jok cautions that South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement is collapsing, risking a return to civil war amid tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. He emphasizes urgent decisions required from the SPLM/A-IO and the increasing threats posed by communal violence and economic instability. Jok urges accountability from leaders and warns of potential international disengagement.
Professor Jok Madut Jok, a prominent South Sudanese political analyst at Syracuse University, cautioned that South Sudan risks reverting to civil war as the 2018 peace agreement deteriorates. He discussed the escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, highlighting a critical decision the SPLM/A-IO faces: accept the current political situation or resort to armed conflict.
Prof. Jok stated, “The peace agreement is collapsing. The SPLA-IO must decide whether to swallow their pride or go back to the bush to fight. This is a detrimental decision for the country.” He pointed out that Machar’s position is precarious, likening it to house arrest, with the SPLM-IG, the ruling party, encroaching on positions allocated to other parties, exemplified by the governorship of Jonglei being seized.
He warned that if the situation does not change, the peace agreement will fail completely. “The SPLM-IG will consolidate power, exclude others, and the agreement will no longer hold. The opposition will then have to choose between submission or rebellion. The future of the peace deal hangs in the balance.”
In discussing communal conflicts, Prof. Jok noted the increase in violent incidents across the country, exacerbated by political struggles in Juba. He emphasized, “Conflicts are increasing and becoming more lethal,” citing rising tensions between various ethnic groups fueled by the political climate.
Prof. Jok criticized the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for failing to address the root causes of violence, stating that although it silenced some guns, it did not bring peace to the everyday lives of citizens struggling with communal conflicts.
He painted a bleak view of the nation’s economic conditions, marked by failed harvests and unstable markets. “If South Sudan returns to full-scale war, it will be a disaster,” he asserted, emphasizing the political leaders’ negligence towards the citizens’ welfare amid the ongoing crisis.
The professor condemned the government’s choice to prioritize foreign military assistance over compensating its national army, which has not been paid for over a year, causing growing discontent. He remarked, “Neglecting the national army in favor of foreign troops undermines the country’s unity and sovereignty.”
Furthermore, Prof. Jok encouraged South Sudanese citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. He stated, “What happens in Upper Nile affects all of us. We must speak with one voice against injustice.” He warned that international support may wane if undemocratic practices prevail.
Prof. Jok concluded with a dire warning about South Sudan’s future, noting that the coming weeks and months would be crucial in determining the nation’s potential for peace or chaos.
In summary, Professor Jok Madut Jok has expressed grave concerns regarding the fragile state of South Sudan’s peace agreement, emphasizing the critical choices facing the SPLM/A-IO amid escalating tensions and potential civil strife. He highlighted the interconnectedness of political decisions, communal conflicts, and economic crises, urging unity among citizens to demand accountability. The future stability of South Sudan hinges on the leadership’s actions and the timely response from its populace and the international community.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
