Africa must do more for bleeding South Sudan

NAIROBI: With over 300 people dead since July and a million displaced by fighting in South Sudan, observers are pessimistic about the prospects of peace since clashes between forces loyal to ruler Salva Kiir and his main rival Riek Machar began.

This must not just concern the 1.6 million displaced by the fighting or the 60,000 refugees who have fled to Uganda. It must worry the global community that a country founded on optimism when nearly 100 per cent of Southern Sudanese voted to break away from Sudan, is now on the brink of imploding.

There is disappointment in Nairobi which played a pivotal to midwife South Sudan into nationhood. There is little doubt that the new round of fighting was triggered by events of 2013 after President Kiir accused his then First Vice President Machar of plotting a coup.

For now every effort must be made to lessen tensions so that the millions of homeless and hungry people in desperate need of more assistance can get some relief.

There are fears tensions could escalate, especially after Machar rejected the appointment of a member of his opposition — Taban Deng Gai — to take his place as First Vice President. There are reports Mr Gai has offered to step down in favour of Machar, with South Sudan now allowing deployment of troops from a regional protection force to help quell the fighting. This statement by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a welcome development. African leaders, through the African Union and IGAD, must take a proactive role in stopping the fighting.