Tensions in South Sudan: A Persisting Challenge for Stability

This article discusses the ongoing tensions in South Sudan post-independence, highlighting recent clashes involving armed factions and government forces, which threaten the peace agreement established in 2018. President Kiir has urged citizens to remain calm and assured them that the government will manage the crisis. The underlying issues of political mistrust and ethnic divisions persist, hindering the nation’s stability.

The independence of South Sudan, declared in 2011, was anticipated to mark a significant shift towards freedom from the Arabization and Islamization policies of prior Sudanese administrations. Nevertheless, the nation continues to grapple with deep-seated divisions and political distrust, which impede its advancement toward stability. Recently, violent confrontations between armed factions and government forces have led to internal arrests, exacerbating tensions.

The arrest of a deputy army chief linked to Vice President Riek Machar, alongside the military’s encirclement of Machar’s home, further jeopardizes the fragile peace agreement. According to AP News, South Sudan faced a civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in over 400,000 fatalities, despite the signing of a peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Machar that remains partially unimplemented as of today.

Recent military clashes in Upper Nile State involved the White Army, which previously allied with Machar, in conflict with government forces. The BBC highlights that the 2018 power-sharing agreement, intended to halt hostilities, has not fully materialized, particularly concerning a new constitution, elections, and the formation of a unified national army.

In response to escalating tensions, President Kiir urged the South Sudanese populace to maintain composure, asserting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.” He further stated, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” Overall, both Sudan and South Sudan remain fraught with instability driven by ethnic, political, and military divisions.

In conclusion, South Sudan’s journey since independence has been marred by persistent divisions and political strife, with recent conflicts threatening the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The ongoing challenges underscore the need for a steadfast commitment to peace and a comprehensive approach to the reconstruction of trust and unity within the nation. President Kiir’s call for calm emphasizes the urgency of addressing these tensions to avoid reverting to armed conflict.

Original Source: moderntokyotimes.com