Africa's youngest nation, South Sudan, is going through internal strife as the feud between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, takes a turn for the worse.
Efforts by regional governments to secure a lasting peace deal have failed to bear fruit.
Ideological differences between the two leaders have degenerated into a tribal war pitting the Dinka against the Nuer. It is not lost on many that while the citizens of South Sudan endure the hardships bought about by the war, instigators of the violence have tucked their families in safe havens outside their country.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) under the chairmanship of President Uhuru Kenyatta has not been able to restore lasting peace to South Sudan despite some effort.
It is now the turn of the African Union (AU) to accord the situation in South Sudan special attention to halt the senseless killing of civilians.
Conservative estimates put the number of those who have died as a result of the ongoing war at over 50,000 people. It is still not comprehensible why the Government of South Sudan has put a moratorium on the local media reporting on the death toll from the war.
Apart from the possible outbreak of diseases, the country is faced with looming hunger.
There is no justification for the war in South Sudan as it is driven by nothing other than tribalism, greed and the consuming desire to control national resources for selfish ends.
There is need for countries that neighbour South Sudan to stay out of the conflict. This is why claims that Uganda is sympathetic to President Kiir, while Sudan supports Machar should be probed.
Any selfish and partisan approach to problem-solving must be shelved to stop this senseless war. The union has to take the lead and ensure peace talks bear fruit for the sake of South Sudan and its people.
The dire need for serious dialogue, of which the country's leaders don't see the need, must be impressed upon them. The union must take the mantle and ensure the interests of the people of South Sudan are catered for.
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