South Sudan: Challenges Linger a Year After Independence
By George Okore
JUBA---A year after achieving independence, there is more work for the Republic of South Sudan to do to ensure democratic stability and progress for the nascent country.
As President Salva Kiir, in office since July 9, continues along the path of building a sustainable democracy, the African nation faces significant economic and political challenges. Despite almost going to war with Sudan in April, South Sudan government has also been working to establish key foundations, including a permanent constitution and administrative institutions to ensure effective governance.
Sudan and South Sudan almost got into full-scale conflict only nine months after the country split in two. Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), which fought Khartoum, during the 1983-2005 civil war, assumed power last July in the newly formed Republic of South Sudan. The secession irrevocably put an end to the late SPLM leader John Garang’s vision of a single Sudan free of oppression and marginalization.
In April, South Sudan and Sudan came dangerously close to returning to full scale war following continued aerial bombardment of South Sudan by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the brief mid-April occupation of Heglig by South Sudan. Sudan reclaimed control of Heglig’s oilfields on 20 May with South Sudan’s army, SPLA, simultaneously reporting that they voluntarily withdrew from the contested region.
In April, African Union Peace and Security Council suggested a road map aimed at putting an end to the tensions between countries. The road map notably requires an immediate end to the bombing by Sudanese army and cessation of military operations. The road map notably requires an immediate end to the bombing by Sudanese army and cessation of military operations, withdrawal of each army to its national territory, cessation of support to rebel groups operating in the territory of the other State.
The road-map also demands respect by both parties of commitments previously entered into, notably with respect to implementation of a joint border monitoring mechanism and a transitional arrangement for Abyei area. The road map has been supported by the international communities, which are urging the parties to implement it without further delay.
Notably, international community expressed support for such and urged the two countries to implement it without further delay. Although international community continue to provide technical assistance to building long-term legal and electoral institutions for 2015 presidential election and other future elections, a lot need to be done especially in solving incessant disputes with Sudan.
The situation is made farcical by diplomatic deadlock created by deteriorating security on both sides of the border. GoSS accused Khartoum of sponsoring rebellions within its borders. Series of conflicts erupted mostly along Border States populated by groups sympathetic to the South like South Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile.
Characteristically, Khartoum reacted with indiscriminate force, killing civilians and displacing populations, a move that bred more rebellion against it. Last November they announced the formation of Sudan Revolutionary Front and declared their intention to topple President Bashir.
As usual, Khartoum accused Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) of arming the rebels. The rising tide of mutual resentment, exaggerated the punishing effects of oil shutdown. Furthermore, the bravado of the two ill-disciplined armies made lingering altercation most likely.
On another front, Western South Sudan is still terrorized by cross-border attacks by the infamous Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Accordingly, the new state is duty bound to cooperate with international community in hunting and capturing Kony, who has also been indicted and has an arrest warrant from International Criminal Court (ICC).