By James Wallunya
By James Wallunya
South Sudan plunged into violent conflict on the 15th December, 2013 that was triggered by a political dispute between the President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar who is now the leader of the opposition and rebel factions.
The conflict which took an ethnic dimension, pitting the Shilluk and Dinka on one side against the Nuer, has led to massive destruction of infrastructure, murder, displacement and human rights violations. President Kiir who is from the Dinka ethnic group has blamed Dr. Machar for plotting a coup against him. DR Machar, a Nuer has repeatedly denied this, though is seen to capitalize on the war to advance his political ambitions. The Shilluk are being attacked for their purported alliance with the Dinka and the government. South Sudan has a long history of war and historical injustices that have for long created tensions and hatred among the citizens. Some of these were out poured during the recent war, leading to a devastating scale of violence. Even though no official count has been made, an estimated over 10000 people have been killed with thousands displaced as refugees. The Human Rights Watch and the United Nations warn of possible war crimes being committed. The fatalities may rise due to food insecurity, drought, diseases and that peace seems elusive.
The political elite have failed to reach an agreement that would mark the end of the war during previous peace negotiations. Ceasefire agreements have been repeatedly broken, bringing concerns of the level of control the two leaders have over their forces. Differences, ultimatums and unwillingness to compromise between the two leaders have impeded peace building in the nation.
A report posted in the Enough project titled "Spoils of War, Spoilers of Peace: Changing the Calculus of South Sudan's Deadly Conflict " pointed out to the economies of war as motive considering the vast oil and natural resources include timber gold, silver, iron ore, copper, and agricultural land available in the country. Corruption and kleptocracy has led to extensive swindling of money that majorly benefits the ones in government. Arguably, Dr. Riek Machar not only lost his political power when the president fired him but was also denied access to massive economic wealth. Violence hence became his vessel to fight for what he demanded. H.E Salva Kiir has remained adamant that in whatever the outcome or solution chosen, he remains the president. The political elite, by putting their interest and ignoring the cries and suffering of their people are sacrificing their own people for the purposes of their gain. As the main actors in the war and the negotiation process, measures that include and are not limited to criminal charges should be opened against them as the violence prolongs. The problem comes in with south Sudan’s corrupt and politically influenced judicial system and is not a signatory of the Rome statute. Building lasting peace and justice in South Sudan will be a long and tedious task owing to its long history of war, human rights abuses and underdeveloped social structures. But these will only be realized when the leaders are willing or forced to either compromise or ignore their interest for the purposes of peace. By James Wallunya
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