At last, it seems like a cease-fire accord has finally reached South Sudan after marathon discussions in the presence of mediators IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development ) succeeded in bringing together the govt forces under Salva Kiir and the rebel forces led by Reik Machar the expelled Vice-President around the negotiation table in a hotel at Adis-Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
More than a month long conflict which many thought will escalate into a civil war like situation has been nipped in the bud by signing a cease-fire accord between the two warring factions.
If IGAD’s determination to bring together the two warring factions had failed South Sudan would have fallen into the hands of a civil war which could last for years, which many apprehended has been averted at the last moment.
While negotiations were going on both factions entered into disputes and arguments threatening everybody that the talks would fizzle out before reaching an amicable solution.
If that were to happen, South Sudan would have fallen into the hands of power-mongers affecting the already suffering citizens. The situation which in the beginning had political dimensions would have turned into an ethnic conflict with Salva Kiir’s Dinga tribal community and Reik Machar’s Nuer tribal community.
Thousands ruthlessly massacred and more than 5 lakh displaced who were left with no alternative but to flee for life, would have evolved into a towering inferno.
During the talks the rebel faction, demanded the release of detainees which the govt faction stoutly turned down. On that score the talks reached a dead-end but through the tireless efforts of the IGAD negotiations continued again and finally reached a ‘solution’- a cease-fire accord.
Still the govt faction nurses serious doubts about the recurrence of the rebellion. There is substance in its concerns since not only the govt forces but the international observers fear such a grim possibility.
The final settlement of the crisis was the dreams of many nations like China, India et al, as South Sudan is a gold mine of oil which several nations rely upon. Besides that these nations have invested thousands of dollars for the country’s growth which is the youngest as also the smallest of nations.
South Sudan, after its secession from North Sudan has a long way to go for its development in the fields of infrastructure like electricity, irrigation, construction activities, education, employment and health care. For that to happen what the nation badly needs is the prevalence of peace and harmony in the years to come, thus inviting investment in various fields by the friendly countries. South Sudan came into existence after a prolonged fight by its people since due to the merciless exploitation of its wealth by the authoritarian President Omar Al Basheer who is included in the list of war criminals in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Omar Al Basheer after exploitation of the wealth of the South utilized the income for the welfare of North Sudanese leaving the Southern side high and dry. This led to the suffering millions of South to rise in revolt which was ruthlessly suppressed by the forces loyal to Omar-Al-Basheer. The relentless fight of the South Sudanese continued unabated till they scented victory, thanks to a group of African leaders who played mediators.
The next round of talks is to be held on 7 February 2014.
More than a month long conflict which many thought will escalate into a civil war like situation has been nipped in the bud by signing a cease-fire accord between the two warring factions.
If IGAD’s determination to bring together the two warring factions had failed South Sudan would have fallen into the hands of a civil war which could last for years, which many apprehended has been averted at the last moment.
While negotiations were going on both factions entered into disputes and arguments threatening everybody that the talks would fizzle out before reaching an amicable solution.
If that were to happen, South Sudan would have fallen into the hands of power-mongers affecting the already suffering citizens. The situation which in the beginning had political dimensions would have turned into an ethnic conflict with Salva Kiir’s Dinga tribal community and Reik Machar’s Nuer tribal community.
Thousands ruthlessly massacred and more than 5 lakh displaced who were left with no alternative but to flee for life, would have evolved into a towering inferno.
During the talks the rebel faction, demanded the release of detainees which the govt faction stoutly turned down. On that score the talks reached a dead-end but through the tireless efforts of the IGAD negotiations continued again and finally reached a ‘solution’- a cease-fire accord.
Still the govt faction nurses serious doubts about the recurrence of the rebellion. There is substance in its concerns since not only the govt forces but the international observers fear such a grim possibility.
The final settlement of the crisis was the dreams of many nations like China, India et al, as South Sudan is a gold mine of oil which several nations rely upon. Besides that these nations have invested thousands of dollars for the country’s growth which is the youngest as also the smallest of nations.
South Sudan, after its secession from North Sudan has a long way to go for its development in the fields of infrastructure like electricity, irrigation, construction activities, education, employment and health care. For that to happen what the nation badly needs is the prevalence of peace and harmony in the years to come, thus inviting investment in various fields by the friendly countries. South Sudan came into existence after a prolonged fight by its people since due to the merciless exploitation of its wealth by the authoritarian President Omar Al Basheer who is included in the list of war criminals in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Omar Al Basheer after exploitation of the wealth of the South utilized the income for the welfare of North Sudanese leaving the Southern side high and dry. This led to the suffering millions of South to rise in revolt which was ruthlessly suppressed by the forces loyal to Omar-Al-Basheer. The relentless fight of the South Sudanese continued unabated till they scented victory, thanks to a group of African leaders who played mediators.
The next round of talks is to be held on 7 February 2014.
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