Wave of Violence Hurts The Country!
Since the support of the international community for the stability of South Sudan after its successful self-determination in 2011, the African country is still engulfed by incessant conflict.
In her remarks in New York, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power stated that the country’s political and military leaders have unleashed a conflict that has devastated the country.
In 2013, internal political fighting turned bloody on the streets of Juba in clashes between Dinka and Nuer soldiers.
The deadly event also worsened into a massive ethnic and armed conflict, unleashing a wave of targeted attacks on civilians that has produced a political, economic and humanitarian crisis of colossal proportions and that threatens regional stability.
Violence Still Proliferates in South Sudan
According to Ms. Power, the one-year surge of violence has killed tens of thousands of people. There are also 1.9 million internally displaced people and nearly 500,000 refugees in neighboring countries.
The most appalling part is that civilians have been murdered as they sought shelter in churches and mosques, and have been forcibly recruited to fight in militias.
In addition, the risk of a man-made famine once again hangs over the country which can again turn into worsening human suffering.
US and UN Collaborate To End The Violence
The US and UN have been voicing condemnation of the recent violence in South Sudan. Both have been urging leaders of the African country to uphold their commitment to end the hostilities and foster peace.
“We stand ready to work with South Sudan’s leaders if they take concrete steps toward peace.” – Ms. Power
The US says it is prepared to work with the international community, including the UN Security Council, to hold political spoilers and human rights abusers accountable.
In addition, the United States reaffirmed support for UNMISS and urged those countries that have committed troops and equipment to the mission to deploy them quickly.
Ms. Power reiterated that the commitment of the United Sates to the people of South Sudan is unwavering. However, she highlighted that its political and military leaders must demonstrate courage and lead the nation out of the horrific, self-inflicted, and pointless cycle of violence. Otherwise, the country’s leaders will own the responsibility for war and mass atrocity.
Raging Violence in South Sudan
In mid-December 2013, South Sudan’s military lost control of a key town in the country’s east, to army mutineers.
The army lost Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, to a military faction associated with former Vice President Riek Machar, who denied attempting a coup. Riek Machar claimed it is President Salva Kiir who is inciting ethnic tensions.
Jonglei state has been plagued with ethnic tension between the Nuer and Murle tribes in recent years with recurrent attacks and massacres of civilians.
Reports coming out of the area say the clashes between the country’s army and army mutineers have killed some 500 people, mainly soldiers.
South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war.
