South Sudan Crisis

Question: Discuss about theSouth Sudan Crisis. Answer: Introduction The clashes that characterize South Sudan is as a consequence of the clashes between the armed rebel factions and the government forces. South Sudan conflict has led to the violation of human rights and the displacement of thousands and thousands of citizens (Casey-Maslen, 2014: 93). In 2013, the political disagreement between Salva Kiir, the current president, and Riek Machar, the former Vice President triggered the deep-rooted tensions between the various ethnic groups and subjected the country to the threat of civil war. Even though the two warring parties signed a peace agreement in 2015, they have repeatedly breached it, intensifying insecurity and renewing war in various parts of the country. Limited humanitarian access, forced displacement of people, and a significant decline in markets as a result of the war has left one-third of the country without adequate food. For this reason, international organizations such as Oxfam and Mercy Corps are working with the local community t o boost agriculture and help them recover from the effects of the conflict. Overview of the Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan South Sudan is considered globally as one of the least developed and youngest country. However, the country as a result of mismanagement, corruption, neglect, and conflict has suffered significantly (Johnson, 2011: 133). Even though the country signed a peace agreement in 2015, there is increased conflict in the country due to the constant breach of the ceasefire by the conflicting parties. As a consequence, the humanitarian suffering and crisis in the country are quite alarming. For instance, the violation of human rights and the international humanitarian law continue unabated. There is also a dramatic increase in sexual violence by soldiers in the countrys capital Juba. In addition to this violence, approximately 2.5 million citizens are displaced, and 831,000 of these individuals are refugees in the neighboring countries (European Commission, 2016: 1). To make matters worse, violence and access restrictions hinder humanitarian operations, and since the commencement of the conflic t, 55 humanitarian staffs have succumbed to death as a result of violence. For this reason, necessary measures need to be taken to ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access to the suffering citizens. Critical Analysis of the Third Sectors, Business, and the State Actions during the Crisis Actions are being taken by various stakeholders to ensure that Southern Sudan becomes peaceful. For instance, the state has taken the initiative of welcoming countries in the region to help them reach an agreement with the rebels. Since the commencement of violence in the country, IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development) has directed its efforts towards engaging the conflicting parties with the aim of putting an end to the conflict. Since January 2014, IGAD has managed to hold six peace talks between the conflicting parties. However, the talks are often characterized by disagreements and tensions leading to considerable delays and setbacks (Hutton, 2014: 67). As a consequence of these tensions, the state has not managed to make a deal with the conflicting parties in order to end the current conflict in South Sudan. The business sector, on the other hand, is channeling its efforts to enhance the stability of the companies in the conflict-ridden country. However, these companies are struggling because running business is increasingly becoming expensive. To start with, getting hard currency, especially the United States dollar is an uphill task whereas the South Sudanese pound value has considerably declined (Byaruhanga, 2015: 8). For all these reasons, businesses have been compelled to double commodity prices to make profits. Third sectors including non-governmental organizations are using their resources to enhance the well-being of the Sudanese population. For instance, Mercy Corps is helping displaced people, especially those who have shifted to the countryside to plant more food to sustain their families. The organization is also providing vulnerable individuals with financial assistance to buy food in the domestic market. The organization also works with business people to ensure that the ma rket in South Sudan thrives despite the escalating conflict (MercyCorps, 2015: 6). Oxfam, an international organization, is also coordinating an emergency food distribution as well as providing income and fuel to support individuals displaced as a result of the conflict. The organization is also rehabilitating the destroyed water system to enhance the population access to clean and safe water. Oxfam is also involved in constructing sanitation facilities in settlements and camps to counter the spread of waterborne disease. Through its long-term development initiative, Oxfam is working with other partners in the country to rebuild livelihoods and boost agriculture while at the same time focusing on reconciliation and peace-building initiatives and good governance (Oxfam International, 2016: 2). The organization also distributes farming tools and seeds to displaced communities and trains them on contemporary farming methods. CARE internal provides the displaced individuals with healthc are in spite of the increasing tension in the country. Critical Evaluation of the Appropriateness Of The Responses of The Parties Involved The response to the crisis in South Sudan is appropriate. However, failure by the warring parties to adhere to the ceasefire terms and conditions is the reason behind the escalating conflict in South Sudan. As a consequence, thousands and thousands of South Sudan population are being displaced, and there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance. As a result of the consequence of breaching the ceasefire, the relationship between South Sudan government and the international humanitarian community continues to deteriorate. In fact, the relationship is increasingly becoming less collaborative and more confrontational (Falcao Fox, 2015: 5). Despite the significant role that NGOs are doing to empower the local community, they are facing considerable violence, harassment, and intimidation. In fact, 55 of humanitarian assistance staffs have succumbed to death as a consequence of the conflict. For this reason, more punitive measures need to be taken against the country including airstri kes and extensive patrols if negotiation has failed to yield the intended outcomes. Conclusion According to the existing evidence, it is obvious that the crisis in South Sudan is as a consequence of the conflict between the rebels and the government forces. The root cause of the clashes is attributable to the unresolved tensions between the major ethnic groups in the country as well as corruption and mismanagement of the oil resources in the nation. Despite the government and the rebels efforts to reach an agreement, the two warring parties have continually breached the ceasefire resulting in insecurity and continued conflict in the region. List of References Byaruhanga, C.(2015) South Sudan Businesses Struggle in a War Economy. BBC News. [Online], Available At: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34075573 Casey-Maslen, S. (2014) The war report: armed conflict in 2013, Oxford : Oxford University Press. European Commission.(2016) South Sudan Crisis. [Online], Available At: https://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/aid/countries/factsheets/south-sudan_en.pdf Falcao, V., Fox, H.(2015) Better not just bigger: Reflections on the Humanitarian Response in South Sudan. [Online], Available At: https://odihpn.org/magazine/better-not-just-bigger-reflections-on-the-humanitarian-response-in-south-sudan/ Hutton, L. (2014) South Sudan from fragility at independence to a crisis of sovereignty, The Hague, Conflict Research Unit: The Clingendael Institute. Johnson, D. H. (2011) The root causes of Sudan's civil wars: peace or truce. Woodbridge, Suffolk: James Currey. MercyCorps.(2015) 9 Humanitarian Crises We Cant Ignore This Year. [Online], Available At: https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/9-humanitarian-crises-we-cant-ignore-year Oxfam International.(2016) Crisis in South Sudan. [Online], Available At: https://www.oxfam.org/en/emergencies/crisis-south-sudan