By Kiden Stela Mandela
The people of South Sudan desperately need peace. It’s a sad reality that as soon as one part of the country finds stability, another erupts in serious clashes. Our leaders must open their eyes to the violence tearing our communities apart.
The attacks are worsening in counties and payams across the nation, threatening the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire. In places like Jonglei, Pibor, and Central Equatoria, armed youth accuse one another, turning peaceful areas into conflict zones. It’s always the most vulnerable who suffer: women and children are killed, face starvation, and are deprived of medical care. This is happening while we are supposedly in a peace process. The critical question is: when the violence started with armed youth, where was the government to immediately intervene?
Disarming civilians and cattle raiders is the only way to stop this cycle of communal violence. Yet, the lack of action to discipline these armed groups makes the situation feel politically motivated. As the population dwindles from daily violence, one has to wonder if some politicians are allowing this chaos to continue ahead of the upcoming elections.
I call upon the national government to intervene immediately. Disarm these youth groups and restore calm to our country. It is a disgrace that our young nation is known more for its internal conflicts than for its progress. Where are the cattle keepers getting these weapons that are destroying lives?
God protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator!