Samson Wasara, a political analyst, says that continuous fighting in oil field areas as well as the incidents in Bentiu and Bor have affected the image of South Sudan and could lead to sanctions that would have economic impact.
South Sudan has experienced five months of massive of destruction in fighting between the government of Salva Kiir and his sacked deputy Riek Machar, causing more than a million people to flee their homes.
Wasara described the situation in South Sudan today as unfortunate, noting that sanctions imposed on South Sudan would definitely increase the problem of South Sudan. He noted the incidents in Bentiu and Bor have reflected badly on the image of South Sudan.
“By imposing sanctions on South Sudan will definitely affect South Sudan economically, because the more we go into the war our economy changes from a normal economy to a war economy, and that means spending on military hardwares and also instead of development the money goes to humanitarian assistance,” Wasara commented.
The United Nations peacekeepers have condemned killings of people last week in Bentiu, Unity State by the rebels loyal to Riek Machar, reporting the matter to the UN Security Council, as well as the killings at the Bor UN base last week in the government-controlled town Bor.
“Killing of innocent civilians whether inside the churches or hospital are unacceptable for leadership,” he said, adding that anyone waging war must abide by the Geneva Convention rules for war.
Peace talks in Addis Ababa
South Sudan’s peace talks have been suspended again at the request of mediators from the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), in order to allow them more time for consultations with the heads of IGAD, which is an association of East African states.
“IGAD should take more efforts in engaging the two parties and if IGAD can’t resolve the matter at their level, they should pass it to the highest body,” Wasara comented.
He added that there is lack in political will by the two parties in the talks.
South Sudan rebel demands
For his part, James Gatdet Dak, spokesperson for the leader of the SPLM/A-In-Opposition said, “Let Salva Kiir step down so that the war stops. He is the leading cause of the crisis. If he steps down the war will stop. His foreign troops which he invited should leave South Sudan soil. This will give chance to others to chart the future of the nation in a peaceful, democratic manner.”
Gatdet also underscored that the political detainees need to be released – a demand granted by the government yesterday in announcing the dropping of treason charges against the SPLM ‘G4’. The spokesman had called this a “logical prerequisite or condition for a political settlement.”
“We shall win the war either through a negotiated political settlement or by deposing the dictator in Juba using the current armed resistance,” said Gatdet.
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