The elusive peace in South Sudan

The handshake that never held! 

When hundreds of political prisoners have remained caged, and rebel leader, Dr, Riek Machar insists on not arriving in #Juba at this particular time, even on official invitation of President Salva Kiir; And another rebel leader, Gen. Thomas Cirillo, insisting not to be part of the peace process; it leaves us all with more questions than answers.

QUESTIONS LINGER;

Already, many common people are creating scary rumours, about the war situation in the newest state in the world, South Sudan. For the umpteenth time, we read stories of accusations and counter-accusations; that some political actors in Juba are conspiring to make sure peace in South Sudan does not happen. People are asking some important questions of the two key actors; President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Marcha. That, why can’t they (#Kiir & #Machar) be true to their own words, and end the suffering of people in their country? That when will the armed conflict there end?

They see it has already led to serious human rights violations. Where there were mass atrocities against civilians and killings along ethnic lines. Abductions, rape, and sexual violence were rampant. Villages were destroyed. That is why people are right to demand that the key players show some honesty this time round in order to get peace.

MY TAKE:

If genuine peace should return to baby SS, all stakeholders involved ought to bring humility to the discussion table. Here, truth and accountability are high among the missing pieces of the puzzle in efforts to stop the five-year brutality that has no doubt, left an ineradicable mark.

It is commendable that the recent progress in peace process has brought Nairobi, Entebbe, Khartoum and Addis Ababa on board.

To join hands and try to make the government and the rebels of South Sudan and all others grow up and ink a permanent cease fire and power-sharing deal. The efforts are paying off because we see that President Kiir has already offered amnesty to all those who pointed a rocket launcher or a machine gun towards his direction.

United National Security Council (UNSC) intervened, threatening violators of the peace process with sanctions. Travel bans and asset freezes on individuals were also mooted. Even with these measures, there were still violations here and there, and there have been occasional setbacks in the peace process.

After Dr. Machar fled South Sudan in 2016, President Kiir always maintained a stance of unwillingness to talk peace. And the various peace initiatives that were proposed fell short of achievement. Against this non-commitment to peace as seen from the past, clearly, we know too well that signing agreements on paper is no big deal these days.

The big deal is to follow through with the implementation of the terms of the signed agreements.

Looking from the side-lines, the international community has been itching to weigh in, promising sanctions if Kiir and Machar do not comply. Mr. President accepted talks with his foe. And in September, an agreement was reached between Kiir’s group and Machar’s.

Now Machar becomes the first vice president of the south. And all the other loose ends of the agreement should seamlessly fall in place. Officials in Juba must now pull their weights in the same direction in order for peace to happen.

Otherwise, a regional force should be on hand to swing into action, to keep the peace process on track, so that the promises are not breached. The expectation is that the ugly days of the past are firmly behind to pave way for peace to prevail. But it will take honesty by all parties.

HONESTY OF PURPOSE;

We need president Kiir to be genuinely honest about the decision to call Machar to the high table and also free all the political captives from prison.

Likewise, we expect Machar to be humble enough to allow peace to happen in South Sudan. To avoid setting tough conditions that ensures all parties go divergent ways again.

Let us pray and hope for sustained peace to happen in South Sudan this time.