Published on 23/07/2024
Since gaining independence on July 9, 2011, South Sudan has struggled to find peace amidst a history marred by decades of conflict. Emerging as Africa’s 55th country, its birth was overshadowed by the legacy of a brutal civil war with Sudan that claimed countless lives and left widespread devastation and displacement. Despite the promise of economic prosperity from rich oil fields, the nation has been plagued by persistent instability.
The onset of South Sudan’s civil war on December 15, 2013, marked a tragic turning point as ethnic tensions, notably between the Dinka and Nuer tribes, escalated into widespread violence.
Efforts at peace, including the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, briefly provided hope but failed to deliver lasting stability. Subsequent peace negotiations stalled amidst allegations of human rights abuses and ongoing sub-national violence, prolonging the suffering of the population.
South Sudan Facing The Largest Refugee Crisis In Africa
The humanitarian toll has been immense, with South Sudan having Africa’s largest refugee crisis since 2013. Over 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced, with more than half fleeing to neighboring countries like Uganda and Ethiopia. The conflict’s impact is stark: children have lost access to education, women and girls have suffered atrocities including rape, and countless lives have been lost or disrupted.
Few Money Vampires Shamelessly Minting Billions From The War While Jumping Over Dead Bodies of Their Fellow Country Men & Women
Behind this tragedy lies a grim reality: a handful of powerful individuals, including military generals and political elites, have exploited the chaos for personal gains. These figures, including Spy Chief Gen Akol Koor Kuc, Security Advisor NCP Tut Gatluak Manimne, Dr Martin Elia Lumoro among others have reportedly perpetuated the conflict to maintain their influence and financial interests.
The powerful individuals are accused of undermining and foiling peace efforts, betraying the vision of leaders like the late Gen. John Garang who sought a unified Sudan, a dream far from being achieved, and now the greedy earning from his bloodshed.
John Garang died July 30, 2005, in a plane crash while on his way from Uganda on a peace mission. Garang opposed a divided Sudan and worked so hard to unify the entire Sudan, after his death, self-seekers divided it to amass power and wealth at the expense of the country.
The Nairobi peace process, intended to reconcile warring factions, has been repeatedly frustrated by these greedy individuals.
Despite international mediation efforts and high-level meetings in Kenya, genuine progress remains elusive as these individuals prioritize personal wealth over national stability and development.
Whereas their families reside safely abroad, these individuals continue to fuel violence within South Sudan, exacerbating the suffering of its people. As South Sudan approaches its first democratic general election in December, the process hangs in balance. The success of these elections is seen as pivotal for the country’s future, yet the road to stability remains fragile, with challenges imposed by those who reap big from the endless conflict.
The dream of peace and prosperity envisioned at independence has been severely betrayed by those who see war as a means to maintain their power and wealth, leaving South Sudan’s hopeful beginnings overshadowed by a relentless cycle of violence and exploitation.
SOURCE: Spy Uganda
