Ongoing Tensions in South Sudan: Challenges to Peace and Stability

South Sudan, despite gaining independence in 2011, faces persistent divisions and political mistrust, leading to recent violence and arrests connected to the Vice President. A peace agreement signed in 2018 remains unfulfilled, with key elements such as a constitution and election not implemented. President Salva Kiir urges calm and promises that the government will manage the crisis, emphasizing the country’s commitment to peace.

The independence of South Sudan in 2011 was anticipated to bring freedom from the Arabization and Islamization policies of previous Sudanese governments. However, enduring divisions and political mistrust continue to impede the nation’s progress. Recent violence involving an armed group and government forces has led to a series of internal arrests, including that of a deputy army chief associated with Vice President Riek Machar, thereby jeopardizing the peace agreement established in 2018.

Civil conflict plagued South Sudan between 2013 and 2018, resulting in over 400,000 fatalities. Following this, a peace agreement was signed by President Salva Kiir and his rival Machar, yet its implementation remains fraught with challenges. Military confrontations have recurred, particularly in the Upper Nile State, between the White Army, previously allied with Machar, and government forces, underscoring ongoing tensions.

According to reports, critical aspects of the 2018 power-sharing agreement, including the establishment of a new constitution and the unification of armed factions into a single national army, have yet to be fulfilled. In response to the unrest, President Kiir urged citizens to maintain composure, assuaging fears of returning to war. He asserted, “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 reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process, promising effective governance amid escalating crisis. The delicate situation highlights that both Sudan and South Sudan remain marred by ethnic, political, and military conflicts, complicating the pursuit of peace.

In conclusion, the ongoing tensions in South Sudan reveal the complexities that linger post-independence. Despite the establishment of a peace agreement in 2018, the lack of implementation for fundamental components such as a new constitution and unification of armed groups continues to fuel instability. The commitment of President Kiir to maintaining peace is crucial, but the ethnic and political divisions remain significant challenges for achieving lasting harmony in the region.

Original Source: moderntokyotimes.com