Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global issues, Issue: South Sudan Crisis: Civil War and Deepening Humanitarian.
Context:
South Sudan is facing renewed violence between rival political factions, raising fears of a return to civil war. The conflict has worsened displacement, food insecurity and humanitarian distress in the country.
Key Takeaways:
Background:
- South Sudan became independent from Sudan on 9 July 2011, making it the world’s youngest country.
- Its formation followed decades of conflict between the Sudanese government and southern groups over marginalisation, identity, resources and political autonomy.
- The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, 2005 ended the Second Sudanese Civil War and allowed a referendum, in which South Sudan voted for independence.
- However, the new country inherited weak institutions, poverty, ethnic divisions, underdeveloped infrastructure and armed political rivalries.
- In 2013, conflict broke out between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, turning political rivalry into a civil war with ethnic dimensions.
Explanation:
Present Conflict:
- The 2018 peace agreement created a transitional power-sharing arrangement, but key reforms remained incomplete.
- Security-sector reform, integration of armed groups, constitutional arrangements and elections have remained major unresolved issues.
- Renewed clashes show that the peace process remains fragile.
Humanitarian Crisis:
- Civilians are facing displacement, hunger, insecurity and disruption of essential services.
- Food insecurity has worsened due to conflict, poor governance, climate shocks and obstruction of humanitarian access.
- Health centres, schools and relief operations remain vulnerable in conflict-affected regions.
International Role:
- UNMISS works to protect civilians, support peace efforts, monitor human-rights violations and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
- India has contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping in South Sudan.
Conclusion:
South Sudan’s crisis reflects the difficulty of state-building after independence when institutions remain weak and political reconciliation is incomplete. Sustainable peace requires genuine power-sharing, security reform, elections and humanitarian access. Without these, the country may face deeper conflict and famine-like conditions.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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