The ongoing wars in South Sudan continue to create internal displacement within the country.
This situation persists because our government and opposition have not focused on the needs of the South Sudanese people.
If the leaders fail to learn from the incidents of 2013-2016, citizens will have no choice but to bear the brunt of this suffering. As lives are lost, one must question whether there is a genuine plan to implement peace. This indicates that the peace agreement is weakening.
The conflict that has caused displacement in Morobo and Panyume between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and opposition groups is undermining the 2018 peace agreement. Both sides are accusing each other based on the country’s political landscape and tribal differences. Leaders appear to be mobilizing youth on either side to serve their own interests.
The worst crisis in Panyume Payam of Morobo County included horrific civilian killings and the destruction of properties, including schools. These conditions, if allowed to persist, will yield disastrous results. Innocent citizens are left with no choice but to reconsider their expectations for peace in South Sudan.
It is clear that those who sponsor these ongoing crises must be held accountable for the bloodshed in the country. Predicting this situation is difficult, especially when considering how to handle a young nation like South Sudan. No day goes by without reports of attacks from either side. The government and opposition must adhere to their agreements to resolve disputes in the country.
Internal displaced persons should not have to suffer in camps for the sake of politicians fighting for their interests. The principal parties to the 2018 peace agreement must commit to ensuring that this nation does not return to war. They should reflect on where their current power struggles will lead them and consider the consequences of killing innocent people for personal gain. For instance, many displaced persons who recently returned from Uganda have become internally displaced once again within their own country.
On April 21, 2022, the Ugandan government warned South Sudanese leaders about the refugees in Uganda, urging the South Sudanese government to mobilize resources for them. The pressing question is: when will South Sudan achieve peace and allow its people to return home from exile? While refugees suffer from hunger for months and face violence from local communities, they are forced to buy land to grow vegetables for sustenance.
I appeal to both the government and opposition leaders of South Sudan to seek out those who violate the peace and continue to incite tensions in the country, must be held accountable for the loss of lives. I also urge them to prevent any return to war in South Sudan.