S.Sudan leaders urged to implement peace deal

By Fauxile Kibet

South Sudan leaders have been challenged to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement and end armed conflicts marked by widespread sexual violence, forced displacements and food insecurity.

“For every year the fighting continues, people become increasingly vulnerable. Leaders of conflicting parties must now ensure full implementation and earnest commitment to the revitalized peace process to bring a final end to this brutal conflict,” said Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council Rehana Zawar.

Conflict broke out in 2013 in the world’s youngest nation and has continued despite efforts by world leaders attempting to broker peace deals between president Salva Kirr’s government and opposition leader Riek Machar.

In September this year, the two leaders signed an agreement and codified a peace process, reinvigorating the hopes for a secure and stable South Sudan.

NRC says that so far, a third of South Sudan’s population has been forced to flee their homes due to violence and the resulting food insecurity in a growing number of regions of the country. The number of people affected by the ongoing food crisis is expected to increase to more than 5 million by the beginning of 2019.

“As South Sudan marks the fifth year of violent conflict, people are eager for peace and anxious to rebuild their lives,” said Zawar.

The humanitarian organization challenged South Sudanese leaders to put the good of the country and its people first, and deliver on their renewed promises of peace saying that the country is blessed with resources and it can easily overcome severe food insecurity if peace and security is ensured.

“We need peace. Peace means free and safe movement, that we are able to get sufficient food and talk freely. Women are currently facing many challenges. When we go to fetch water and firewood, armed men can come and rape us. That is why we need peace,“ Nema from Yei in Central Equatoria told NRC.