South Sudan — From cease-fire to sustainable peace?
On July 14, 2011, South Sudan celebrated becoming the UN’s 193rd and newest member state after decades of fighting for independence during which 2.5 million South Sudanese lost their lives.
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But today, a power struggle between its President Salva Kiir (ethnic Dinka) and former Vice-President Riek Machar (ethnic Nuer) has degenerated into an increasingly ethnically driven armed conflict.
A cease-fire was signed on January 23, 2014, but the ethnic violence that had been sparked might not end easily. So far, thousands have been killed during fighting and in inter-ethnic attacks on Nuer and Dinka civilians.
Hundreds of thousands have been displaced and are looking for a safe haven. There are credible reports of mass and extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, looting, arson and wanton destruction of property as well as the use of children as “soldiers.”
Who started this conflict? And who is targeting civilians?
The “truth” depends on what ethnic background you have. When I talked to displaced people, victims and their families in camps in Juba, Bentiu and Bor, I found their perception of the conflict so influenced by their ethnic affiliation that it was as if they lived in different realities.
In such a situation, it is imperative that the United Nations (UN) monitors and publicly report on human rights violations, victims and perpetrators.
Only impartially established facts will prevent false rumours from re-igniting the conflict and help to settle grievances and bring accountability in the long term.
Tradition of impunity
South Sudan has a tradition of impunity. There was never any accountability for crimes committed during the previous major conflict involving the same two ethnic groups in 1991.
This has contributed to history tragically repeating itself. It is, thus, very encouraging that the African Union Peace and Security Council has decided to establish an international commission of inquiry on causes of the conflict and the crimes that have been committed.
It will take time, and more than signatures, for the displaced people to feel safe enough to return to their homes.
It is a huge challenge to provide them with food, health care, water and sanitation. I saw a hospital without any medication in Bentiu, people surviving with only 2.5 litres of water per day in Bor, and 20,000 displaced squeezed into a space amounting to less than four square meters per person in a camp in Juba – the international minimum standard for prisoners.
Toughest challenge
But the toughest challenge of all is to protect them physically: A small UN compound in Akobo was stormed by armed youths who killed at least 16 civilians, and two Indian UN peacekeepers who were trying to protect them.
In spite of the cease-fire, the UN’s peacekeeping force needs to be strengthened to keep the civilians safe.
“One month of fighting has set South Sudan back a decade,” a development expert told me in Juba.
Development statistics illustrate how tough life is: half the population lives in poverty and is malnourished. A young woman is as likely to die giving birth as she is to finish primary education. One in every 10 children dies before his or her fifth birthday.
Yet, South Sudan can become stable and prosperous. It is a country rich in oil, and amounts to two-thirds of its GDP.
Instead of being wasted on mismanagement, corruption and conflict, revenue should be used for social development. The window of opportunity is now.
The UN should do everything it can to protect the people of South Sudan and support efforts to ensure sustainable peace. The people of South Sudan deserve a better future. The oil will not last forever.
The writer is the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.
