Professor Jok Madut Jok warns that the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan is collapsing, risking a return to civil war. He stresses the urgent decision facing the opposition and highlights rising communal violence, economic hardship, and the need for accountability among leaders. Jok underscores the importance of citizen unity to avert disaster and achieve lasting peace in the nation.
Professor Jok Madut Jok, a notable South Sudanese political analyst and the anthropology professor at Syracuse University, has expressed grave concerns regarding the instability in South Sudan. He warned that the 2018 peace agreement is beginning to fall apart, increasing the risk of a return to civil war. The growing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar pose significant challenges to peace efforts.
In a recent interview with Radio Tamazuj, Prof. Jok discussed the pivotal decision facing the opposition SPLM/A-IO, which is led by Dr. Machar. He emphasized that the group must choose between adapting to the current political landscape or resorting to armed conflict. The consequences of this decision could be devastating for the nation, as Prof. Jok remarked, “The peace agreement is collapsing.”
Prof. Jok further elaborated on the situation of Dr. Machar, noting that he is effectively under house arrest, leading to a state of disorganization within his political and military ranks. He highlighted the troubling fact that the ruling SPLM-IG has monopolized positions within the government, such as the governorship of Jonglei. This monopolization indicates a troubling disregard for the peace agreement from President Kiir, who continues to consolidate power.
If the current trends persist, Prof. Jok believes the peace agreement will cease to be viable. He stated, “The SPLM-IG will consolidate power, exclude others, and the agreement will no longer hold.” The implications may force the opposition into a choice of either submitting to the ruling authority or taking up arms once again.
The professor also drew attention to the alarming rise in communal violence throughout South Sudan, linking these conflicts to political rivalries. Prof. Jok mentioned increasing fatalities, particularly between the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups. He critiqued the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) for failing to tackle the core issues of violence, arguing that, while it may have paused firearms between main factions, it did not address the daily violence among civilian populations.
He characterized South Sudan’s economic condition as dire, with widespread agricultural failure and market disruption exacerbated by regional conflicts. Prof. Jok warned of a potential humanitarian disaster should full-scale war erupt again, criticizing governmental indifference towards the well-being of the populace.
Additionally, he condemned the government’s choice to finance foreign troops while neglecting the pay of their own soldiers for over a year, fostering discontent within the national armed forces. He asserted that investing in domestic military personnel would eliminate the need for foreign intervention and bolster national integrity.
Prof. Jok urged citizens to unify in demanding accountability from their leaders, stating that collective action is essential to combat rampant injustices. He cautioned that international support for South Sudan could wane if the government maintains undemocratic control, emphasizing the necessity of transitional leadership.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Jok stated, “South Sudan is at a crossroads. The choices made in the coming weeks and months will determine whether the country descends into further chaos or finds a path to lasting peace.”
In summary, Professor Jok Madut Jok has illuminated the precarious state of peace in South Sudan, highlighting the dangers of the failing 2018 peace agreement amidst rising tensions between political leaders. He has pointed out the negative ramifications of power consolidation by the SPLM-IG, escalating communal conflicts, and the dire economic conditions faced by the nation. He calls for accountability among leaders and emphasizes the urgent need for collective action by citizens to avert further chaos and to find a sustainable path toward peace.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
