Sudan War Update in 5 Words

The civil war in South Sudan has been ongoing since 2013. The war has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, deaths, and destruction of property. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed in August 2018, aimed to end the war and implement a power-sharing structure. However, the future of the peace agreement is uncertain, with continued reports of attacks and violations. Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates on the civil war in Sudan in five words:

1. Cause of the War

The political struggle between President Kiir and former Vice President Machar led to violence between presidential guard soldiers from the two largest ethnic groups in South Sudan, the Dinka and Nuer.

2. Initial Violence

Following the political struggle in December 2013, violence broke out between the armed groups supporting Kiir and Machar.

3. Ethnic Targeting

Armed groups targeted civilians along ethnic lines, committing rape and sexual violence, destroying property, looting villages, and recruiting children into their ranks.

4. Peace Agreement

The Khartoum Declaration of Agreement signed in June 2018 aimed to end the war, including a pledge to negotiate a power-sharing agreement.

5. Power-Sharing Structure

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan signed in August 2018 included a new power-sharing structure and reinstated Machar as vice president.

6. Nationwide Peace Celebration

Former Vice President Machar returned to South Sudan in October 2018 for a nationwide peace celebration to mark the end of the civil war.

7. Continued Attacks

Despite the peace agreement, continued reports of attacks and violations raise concerns about the fragile peace.

8. Casualties of the War

One April 2018 study estimated that nearly 400,000 people were killed during the war, and nearly four million were internally displaced or fled the country.

9. UN Involvement

The UN Security Council authorized the deployment of about 6,000 security forces and an additional 7,600 peacekeepers for nation-building and civilian protection efforts.

10. IGAD Negotiations

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development supported several rounds of negotiations to end the war between President Kiir and former Vice President Machar.

11. Power Struggle

The political struggle for power between Kiir and Machar fuelled the civil war in South Sudan, leading to violence and ethnic targeting.

12. Humanitarian Crisis

The war in South Sudan resulted in the displacement of millions of people, creating a humanitarian crisis and instability in the region.

13. Uncertain Future

The future of the peace agreement and stability in South Sudan is uncertain, with continued reports of attacks and violations.

14. International Support

The international community has provided support for South Sudan’s peace and recovery efforts, including the African Union and the United Nations.

15. Building Sustainable Peace

Building sustainable peace in South Sudan requires political will, implementation and enforcement of the peace agreement, and reconciliation efforts among ethnic groups.

Conclusion

The civil war in South Sudan has caused widespread devastation, leading to the displacement of millions of people and deaths. While a peace agreement, and subsequent power-sharing structure, was signed in August 2018, the future of the agreement is uncertain. Continued reports of attacks and violations raise concerns about the fragile peace in the region. The international community’s support is crucial for building sustainable peace, including reconciliation efforts and the implementation and enforcement of the peace agreement.

FAQs

Q: What caused the civil war in South Sudan?

Political struggle for power between President Kiir and former Vice President Machar fuelled the civil war in South Sudan, leading to violence and ethnic targeting.

Q: How many people were displaced by the war in South Sudan?

Nearly four million people were internally displaced or fled the country due to the civil war in South Sudan.

Q: What is the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan?

The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan signed in August 2018 aimed to end the war and implement a power-sharing structure.

Q: What is the role of the UN in South Sudan?

The UN authorized the deployment of about 6,000 security forces and an additional 7,600 peacekeepers for nation-building and civilian protection efforts in South Sudan.

Q: What is needed to build sustainable peace in South Sudan?

Building sustainable peace in South Sudan requires political will, implementation and enforcement of the peace agreement, and reconciliation efforts among ethnic groups.