We should do more for peace in South Sudan

This week the world was reminded of the horrors of conflict in Aleppo, Syria. Hundreds of thousands have so far died in Syria’s bloody conflict, a singularly catastrophic consequence of global power politics. Iran, Russia, the United States, and a number of Arab states are in battle, and the Syrians are paying the price with their lives. The Syrian conflict reminded me of a simmering conflict closer to home – South Sudan.

The world’s youngest state has been in conflict for more than three years, with no sign of respite. No sooner had the country gained political independence than a political contest quickly degenerated into full out civil war. And since the outbreak of the war the South Sudanese have shown little appetite for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Repeated regional efforts at implementing a ceasefire and political settlement have failed. South Sudanese elites appear bent on fighting it out to the death. And their people are paying the price for it. Presently several experts are warning that the different factions’ determination to pursue a military solution to the political impasse will most likely result in genocidal acts by forces loyal to both the government and the rebel opposition.