South Sudan's Fragile Peace Crumbles as Renewed Fighting Displaces Hundreds of Thousands

South Sudan - Ekhbary News Agency

South Sudan's Fragile Peace Crumbles as Renewed Fighting Displaces Hundreds of Thousands

The 2018 peace deal in South Sudan is rapidly unravelling, pushing hundreds of thousands of civilians into displacement as fighting escalates between government and opposition forces. These alarming developments are reigniting fears of widespread conflict and a humanitarian catastrophe, threatening to undermine the fragile gains made since the nation's independence.

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in September 2018, was hailed as a beacon of hope for a nation ravaged by years of civil war. It stipulated power-sharing between President Salva Kiir and his First Vice President Riek Machar, security sector reform, and a roadmap for unifying the country. However, the implementation of this accord has been slow and fractured, hampered by persistent tensions, a lack of trust, and numerous ceasefire violations.

In recent weeks, these simmering tensions have boiled over into open armed clashes across several regions, particularly in the Equatorias, Jonglei, and Upper Nile states. Reports indicate that government forces, loyal to President Kiir, and opposition groups, often associated with Machar's faction, are engaging in fierce combat. These skirmishes have led to widespread destruction of property, looting, and civilian killings, forcing populations to flee in search of safety.

The humanitarian consequences of this escalation are dire. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to abandon their homes, joining millions already internally displaced or living as refugees in neighbouring countries. These displaced populations face deplorable conditions, lacking adequate food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Aid agencies are struggling to access affected areas due to insecurity, exacerbating an already critical situation. South Sudan is already grappling with severe food insecurity, and the deteriorating peace deal threatens to push even more of its population to the brink of famine.

South Sudan's post-independence history since 2011 has been marked by persistent conflict. Just two years after gaining sovereignty, a brutal civil war erupted in 2013, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions. The roots of this conflict lie in deep-seated ethnic divisions, power struggles, competition for resources, and a failure to build strong, inclusive state institutions. The 2018 agreement promised to address these fundamental issues, but its promises appear yet to be fully realized.

The international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), faces a significant challenge. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) regularly calls for a cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians, but its capacity to enforce peace is limited. There are growing calls for sanctions against spoilers of the peace and for greater support for diplomatic efforts. However, the challenge lies in balancing respect for South Sudan's sovereignty with the international responsibility to protect vulnerable populations.

For lasting peace to take root in South Sudan, the underlying causes of the conflict must be addressed. This requires genuine commitment from the political leadership to implement signed agreements, build trust between rival factions, reform the security sector, and provide justice and accountability for victims of violence. Supporting inclusive economic development and addressing ethnic grievances will also play a crucial role in building a stable and prosperous society.

The current situation in South Sudan serves as a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be when not underpinned by political will and comprehensive implementation. As fighting intensifies and displacement figures mount, the fate of the world's youngest nation hangs in the balance, with renewed and intensified efforts desperately needed to salvage the peace deal and prevent the country from sliding back into full-scale chaos.

Ekhbary News Agency