Focus on South Sudan: future of fragile peace agreement remains uncertain
Starting this week, every Wednesday we will provide a quick look at any big news or key developments in southern Sudan. A new report released by the Small Arms Survey highlights that LRA rebels have terrorized the area since 1994, when the rebels moved their bases into southern Sudan. Yet, "In Sudan, the LRA are just one of the many faces of war." South Sudan remains devastated from its 21-year civil war with the North that caused more than 2 million deaths and the displacement of over 4 million people. Though a peace agreement was signed in 2005, the region has only minimally recovered. Recent field visits by Resolve Uganda staff showed the area to be awash with arms, crippled by extreme poverty and lacking in any basic capital.
The New York Times last weekend reported that festering tensions threaten the collapse of the peace agreement in Sudan. Failed disarmament, fighting over the region's oil reserves and the lack of development create a recipe for the resumption of violence. Meanwhile, last week's flooding hit southern Sudan, affecting over 40,000 people. In a bit of hopeful news though, two groups - the South Sudan United Democratic Alliance and South Sudan Democratic Forum - have merged to form a new political party. It is hoped that this will enable the groups to add to political development, not remain outside as "spoilers." Finally, after wild rumors on Sunday that he was killed, South Sudan President Salva Kiir spoke publicly, urging all parties to work together for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The New York Times last weekend reported that festering tensions threaten the collapse of the peace agreement in Sudan. Failed disarmament, fighting over the region's oil reserves and the lack of development create a recipe for the resumption of violence. Meanwhile, last week's flooding hit southern Sudan, affecting over 40,000 people. In a bit of hopeful news though, two groups - the South Sudan United Democratic Alliance and South Sudan Democratic Forum - have merged to form a new political party. It is hoped that this will enable the groups to add to political development, not remain outside as "spoilers." Finally, after wild rumors on Sunday that he was killed, South Sudan President Salva Kiir spoke publicly, urging all parties to work together for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.