The people of South Sudan deserve to live without fear. Yet, recent reports from Yei County paint a grim picture, with civilians being displaced and killed in the very places they call home. This tragic situation exposes a painful truth: the forces meant to protect the people, namely the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLM-IO, are engaged in conflicts that only add to the suffering.
The ongoing clashes, like those in Upper Nile, show a disturbing pattern of blame and escalating tensions between these groups. It’s a cycle that devastates communities, destroys property, and stalls economic progress. This cannot continue.
The graduation of the unified forces—comprised of the army, police, and other services—was a moment of hope. These forces were meant to bring stability. But hope has turned into frustration. Despite being screened and streamlined, these soldiers have not been fully deployed, given firearms, or even paid their salaries. The government’s claim of an arms embargo rings hollow when guns are still rampant in the hands of civilians, cattle keepers, and untrained youth. This failure to properly disarm the population and establish a national army is a key reason why parties continue to fight for their own interests.
The peace agreement’s extension, intended to maintain the legitimacy of the national unity government, will only succeed if our leaders prove they can solve domestic conflicts on their own terms. The previous agreement was seen as being influenced by foreign interests, making it difficult to implement. This time, our leaders must build a culture of trust and a strong working relationship among themselves. This will not only strengthen peacebuilding from within but also earn the trust of the South Sudanese people and the support of the international community.
It is a betrayal of the Revitalized Peace Agreement when the very forces tasked with protecting civilians are causing their displacement and death. The principals of this agreement must put aside their differences and fully commit to its implementation.
I urge the government to fulfill its primary duty: to protect its people. This includes providing security to all citizens across South Sudan. The recent attack and detention of Dr. Machar’s supporters is a sign of deep unrest and a clear indicator that peace is fragile.
It is time for our leaders to act with courage and integrity.
God protect South Sudan.
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