Conflicts in South Sudan

Conflicts in South Sudan

Africa's vast and diverse continent has a cultural heritage and abundant resources. Within this continent lies South Sudan, a relatively young nation in the East African region. 2011 South Sudan gained independence after a historic vote to secede from Sudan, marking its place on the world map.

However, the country has faced significant challenges, including conflict and hardship dating back to 1955. As a result, the people of South Sudan have endured considerable suffering. Addressing the root causes of these conflicts and striving to create the stable and peaceful nation that the South Sudanese people desire are essential.

History of the struggle

The initial phase of the war, which commenced in 1955 and concluded in 1972 through the Addis Ababa Agreement, predominantly involved the Sudanese and South Sudanese factions vying for governance. The subsequent phase witnessed conflict erupting between South Sudanese battalions and the Sudanese army, primarily in the towns of Bor and Ayod. These battalions eventually amalgamated to form the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), aiming to reshape Sudan's political landscape and eventually realize the concept of the New Sudan. The SPLM's influence was primarily concentrated in South Sudan but extended to other regions of Sudan. The military swiftly intervened to thwart the movement's attempt at establishing a presence in Darfur.

In 1994, the SPLM expanded its ambitions to include creating 'South Sudan, leading to further conflicts with the ruling government. The culmination of these conflicts resulted in the peaceful establishment of South Sudan as a new state in 2005, subsequently leading to internal power struggles. President Salva Kiir's government and the opposition forces led by Riek Machar have been embroiled in ongoing conflicts and failed peace agreements. The deteriorating situation has given rise to multiple armed factions opposing the ruling government, perpetuating a dire humanitarian crisis. South Sudan is grappling with famine, with an estimated five million people at risk of starvation, exacerbated by artificial circumstances. The situation has led to over 1.5 million displaced individuals seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including government officials and civil servants.

Implications of the War

War ravages a country, creating both victims and beneficiaries. In South Sudan, the war's implications go far beyond just benefits. One notable consequence is the rise in inter-community conflicts. In addition to the larger national war, more minor conflicts have emerged between different communities. These tensions have escalated recently, with the national war spilling into community disputes. Competitions over land and grazing rights have escalated into deadly confrontations, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. (Agwanda, 2020). Shockingly, the inter-communal conflicts have caused even more casualties than the national war. As communities engage in prolonged conflicts, they simultaneously strengthen the national war.

More supply of weapons

The situation with South Sudan's borders is incredibly volatile due to the ongoing conflicts in the country. This volatility has created opportunities for neighboring countries to smuggle weapons and ammunition into South Sudan. As a result, local communities are now able to acquire cheaper and more dangerous weapons within the country's borders, which has only intensified the conflict. Additionally, the conflict in Central Equatorial between different factions and armed opposition groups has spilled over into South Sudan, causing further suffering for the nation's people. Consequently, the situation in South Sudan remains dire, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflicts.

Human rights remain dire.

The human rights situation in South Sudan is deeply troubling, with reports of widespread abuse, including rape, killings, and deprivation of essential needs. The government significantly restricts citizens' ability to question leadership issues while simultaneously oppressing and silencing media outlets, preventing them from airing people's grievances. Journalists face arrest and detention, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis.

Furthermore, authorities in South Sudan have severely curtailed the freedom to assemble and protest, resulting in loss of lives and arbitrary detention of young people."

However, despite these challenges, South Sudanese youth have shown resilience and creativity in voicing their concerns through various means, including social media and blogging platforms, to advocate for change in their country. Their determination and resourcefulness in adversity highlight the potential for positive change in South Sudan.

Collapse of infrastructures and essential services.

The South Sudanese government has significantly failed to invest in critical infrastructure and public services. It is leading to a steady deterioration of essential services such as education and healthcare. The situation is especially alarming for children, with over 4.8 million unable to access educational opportunities due to ongoing conflicts and national crises. Many girls are unable to attend school due to various factors such as poverty, violence, and child marriage. Furthermore, hostile actions have significantly damaged thirty-three percent of educational institutions. Additionally, the armed forces are utilizing some intact facilities for training and refuge.

The overall humanitarian situation in South Sudan is dire, with over 8 million people urgently needing food and necessities. Most of the population grapples with severe poverty and limited assistance for survival. Despite receiving some government and international community support, recent years have seen dwindling donor support, mainly due to widespread mistrust and corruption within South Sudan.

Conclusion

The ongoing crisis in South Sudan urgently threatens the nation's stability and prosperity. South Sudan must adopt a multifaceted and comprehensive strategy that effectively addresses its underlying challenges to prevent further escalation and establish lasting peace and justice for its citizens.

One crucial step towards healing and reconciliation in South Sudan is the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission with a broad mandate. This commission should be empowered to investigate the legacies of war, recommend remedies, and provide a platform for the victims to have their voices heard. Additionally, it should oversee a scheme to compensate individuals who have suffered material damages due to past conflicts. Furthermore, it should facilitate the establishment of a judicial court to prosecute all individuals involved in human rights abuses and other criminal acts during turbulent periods of war.

Alongside the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the government must prioritize establishing a robust justice and security system characterized by fairness, equality, and accessibility for all citizens. Adequately fund and mandate this system to provide essential services and uphold the rights of ordinary citizens.

Looking towards the future, it is clear that South Sudan is at a critical juncture. Addressing the current insecurity, corruption, and other illegal activities is crucial for ensuring the country's progress and stability. With improved governance, effective leadership, and the provision of essential services, South Sudan has the potential to emerge as a stable and prosperous nation.

The prevailing challenges, including inter-community conflicts, humanitarian crises, and various criminal acts, have taken a heavy toll on the citizens of South Sudan. It is imperative to take bold and transformative measures to address these challenges and set the nation toward healing and sustainable development. Establishing a truth, justice, and reconciliation commission will be pivotal in fostering personal and national healing. It will lay a solid foundation for providing essential services to the citizens. South Sudan can aspire to a brighter and more prosperous future through such interventions and many more.

References

Afriyie, F. A., Jisong, J., & Yaw Appiah, K. (2020). Comprehensive analysis of South Sudan conflict: determinants and repercussions. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, 6(1), 33-47.

Afriyie, F. A., Jisong, J., & Yaw Appiah, K. (2020). Comprehensive analysis of South Sudan conflict: determinants and repercussions. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, 6(1), 33-47.

Agwanda, B., & Asal, U. Y. (2020). State fragility and post-conflict state-building: An analysis of South Sudan Conflict (2013-2019). Güvenlik Bilimleri Dergisi, 9(1), 125-146.

De Waal, A. (2023). Introduction: Making Sense of South Sudan. African Affairs, 122(486), e1-e9.

Macharia, P. M., Ouma, P. O., Gogo, E. G., Snow, R. W., & Noor, A. M. (2017). Spatial accessibility to basic public health services in South Sudan. Geospatial health, 12(1), 510.

Nyadera, I. N. (2018). South Sudan conflict from 2013 to 2018: Rethinking the causes, situation and solutions. African Journal on Conflict Resolution, 18(2), 59-86.

Wild, H., Jok, J. M., & Patel, R. (2018). The militarization of cattle raiding in South Sudan: how a traditional practice became a tool for political violence. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 3(1), 1-11.