Is South Sudan independence a lost cause after 6 years?

South Sudan severed its ties from Sudan after over two decades of civil war between Arab dominated north, and predominantly African and Christian South in 2009 which costed over 2 million lives.

The independence of South Sudan was a milestone to be celebrated and which gave her citizens hope for better livelihood and economic empowerment, through exploitation of numerous natural resources, notably crude oil, but that seems to be a distant achievement now.

The youngest African country could instantly become the envy of many other countries in the continent, devoid of the ‘black gold’ but suddenly such wealth in natural resources has turned into a curse.

However, with the renewed fighting among the factions of incumbent president Salva Kiir and his Vice Riek Machar, all the peace and tranquility that was expected from long term self-rule by the Southern Sudanese is fast diminishing.

South Sudanese from throughout the country and the world came together on July 9 in the capital city of Juba, to celebrate the birth of the new nation, the Republic of South Sudan. But the Independence Day, that came 6 years after the signing of a peace agreement that ended two decades of civil war between the Arab-dominated north and the predominantly African and Christian people of the South, was disrupted as war broke out hours into the celebrations.

The trade that had flourished in the country over the past five years is becoming a risk not worth taking, because of the unpredictable volatile situation in the country.

Kenyan companies and individuals who had crossed the borders to set up businesses in the country are now counting loses, as an aftermath of the violence which started over a week ago.

Kenyans working there have called on the government to evacuate them, meaning the situation is not under control.

Western countries and the United Nations have suggested embargoes on president Kiir and his Vice, but there is a less likelihood of that happening from African Union states, which more or less have in the past had similar acts and would keep dormant to maintain ‘no figure pointing stand.’

Remember most African states are currently looking for a way forward out of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in an attempt to avoid being answerable for the crimes they committed  against their citizens.  

That having been said, the independence of South Sudan came at a price of over 2 million lives, but is it worth to lose more lives to maintain that independence?

 Leaders of the country have to be selfless and look into ways they can share power and work together for the prosperity of the young nation. Otherwise the independence they achieved six years ago would count for nothing if lives would continue to be lost senselessly.