Peace Talks Proceed in South Sudan

By Macy Uustal

The South Sudanese government, at the directive of President Salva Kiir, released 20 prisoners of war and political detainees following the signing of a peace accord by rebel groups, opposition groups, and the government on September 12.

According to Africa Confidential, a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity will be established in May 2019 after an eight-month “pre-transitional period.” Democratic elections are set to be held in 2021 as required under a revised, permanent constitution. The head of public relations at the Internal Security Bureau announced that the discharge of the prisoners demonstrates the government’s dedication to the peace process.

South Sudan holds the title of the world’s youngest country after gaining its independence from Sudan in 2011. Civil war broke-out along ethnic lines two years later, after a political disagreement between Kiir, a Dinka, and former-Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, escalated into violence. Reuters Africa published the findings of a State Department-funded study that estimates that 190,000 people have been killed in the fighting, while an additional 193,000 people have died due to displacement, famine, and lapses in basic medical care. Many are still on the brink of starvation.

Responding to the ongoing atrocities in South Sudan and peace talks at an apparent standstill, the United Nations Security Council voted to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan in July that will last through May 2019. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, a proponent of these measures, asserted in the New York Times that “South Sudan’s people have endured unimaginable suffering and unspeakable atrocities. Their leaders have failed them,” later adding, “We need to stop the flow of weapons to armed groups, that they are using to fight each other and to terrorize the people.” This proposal was aimed at curbing violence, improving the wellbeing of civilians, and promoting peace throughout South Sudan.

Peace has been elusive, however, as the 2015 deal deteriorated after just one year. This legacy of animosity has heavily informed the distrust of opposing groups, and their subsequent reticence to commit to a new deal in the peace negotiations held throughout the summer.

Talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia failed in May, according to Reuters Africa. Both the government and the opposition groups have been accused of violating the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in June. The talks in July in Khartoum, Sudan ended in a deadlock, according to the Anadolu Agency. Finally, in August, after months of attempted reconciliation meant to revitalize the 2015 peace talks, Kiir pardoned Machar and signed a deal to share power, reported the Sudan Tribune. The finalization of peace talks and Kiir’s decision to release political prisoners may signify a new era of peace in South Sudan.