South Sudan – Internal Conflict With External Influence

December 18, 2013

By Padmini Arhant

The ongoing clashes among Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) rivals in Jonglei state capital Bor military camp resulting in 19 civilian casualties and an estimated 500 deaths along with 13,000 or more forced to flee the town is regrettable and those behind the violence bear responsibility.

Political disagreements cannot be resolved through innocent bloodshed and disputes are to be settled via communication and peaceful negotiations rather than targeting citizens of the country.

President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar demonstrating leaderships by advising respective troops, political groups and loyalists to refrain from violent confrontations could restore relative calm and stability to the volatile situation.

Any major political differences and concerns over national issues like widespread corruption and economic problems exchanged in people assembly following appropriate procedures would be productive and perhaps lead to positive outcome sparing population and nation from spiraling turmoil.

The former deputy Riek Machar militarily challenging incumbent leader Salva Kiir evidently threatens national security not to mention the humanitarian suffering involving members of both ethnicity i.e. Nuer and Dinka representing the two leaders in the burgeoning crises.

South Sudan constant engagement in warfare deprives people the opportunity to experience freedom and the nation from economic growth despite the oil resources in possession.

Political ambitions to claim or remain in power do not guarantee self-satisfaction especially when the strategy is premised on undemocratic militaristic course with citizens forced to pay the price.

Moreover, such government formation would have difficulty winning public trust and confidence due to lack of credibility reflective in the means to accomplish goals.

The external influence in the conflict could not be ruled out conforming to the contemporary trend fomenting political chaos to facilitate weapons supply to all sides until eventual destabilization. 

President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar as well as SPLA commanders are urged to renounce fighting and instead return to civil discourse exemplifying sincere commitment to citizens safety and national interest.

The contenders vying for office could always prove eligibility utilizing the democratic process with electoral mandate confirming legitimacy unlike the prevalent measures to seize authority.

South Sudan leaderships and warring factions reconciliation is critical ending the internal unrest to maintain law and order with national defense force safeguarding territorial integrity and citizens safety.

President Salva Kiir administration and opposition leader Riek Machar collective efforts diffusing tensions in the troubled areas of the country could prevent escalation nationwide.

South Sudan cannot afford to evolve into Darfur and peaceful resolution is the only alternative to save the nation from civil war. 

With condolences to bereaved families and prayers for the victims affected in the recent setbacks,

Wishing people in South Sudan peace and recovery from deteriorating political condition.

Peace to all! 

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics, North Africa | Leave a Comment