South Sudan in crisis

South Sudan marked the fifth year of its creation with violence and death, teetering on the edge of collapse and humanitarian disaster. This latest bout killed hundreds, displaced thousands and has put into question the fate of the government and the role of the United Nations there.

A shaky ceasefire is in place between the troops of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar in the capital city of Juba. Both leaders say they back the peace process brokered by foreign powers earlier this year.  But the ethnic conflict and power struggle between the factions has created a series of more complicated issues like corruption, unprecedented levels of food insecurity and economic turmoil. Reports from outside Juba are of extreme violence and a rising death toll. Do Kiir and Machar have the ability to stop the fighting, or is intervention by the international community needed?

On the next Stream, we discuss what it will take to resolve this latest crisis, and bring a lasting peace to South Sudan. 

On today’s episode, we speak to:

Brian Adeba @kalamashaka
Associate Director of Policy, Enough Project
enoughproject.org

Emmanuel Jal @EmmanuelJAL
Musician and peace activist
emmanueljal.com

James Gatdet Dak @JamesGatdetDak
Spokesperson of Vice President Riek Machar

Ateny Wek Ateny
South Sudan presidency spokesman

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