Professor Jok Madut Jok warns of a potential return to civil war in South Sudan as the 2018 peace deal collapses. He highlights increasing tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, rising communal conflicts, and an economic crisis exacerbated by political infighting. Jok calls for accountability from leaders and urges citizen action to avoid further chaos in the nation.
In an alarming interview with Radio Tamazuj, Professor Jok Madut Jok, a South Sudanese political analyst and anthropology professor at Syracuse University, warned of an impending return to civil war as the 2018 peace agreement deteriorates. He expressed deep concerns over the rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, highlighting that the opposition SPLM/A-IO is faced with a critical choice regarding its future actions.
Professor Jok articulates a stark reality, noting, “The peace agreement is collapsing. The SPLA-IO must decide whether to swallow their pride or go back to the bush to fight. This is a detrimental decision for the country.” He painted a troubling picture of Dr. Machar’s situation, suggesting he is virtually under house arrest, while his leadership is fragmented.
Furthermore, he underscored the alarming trend of escalating communal conflicts linked to political power struggles, noting, “Conflicts are increasing and becoming more lethal.” He pointed out that while the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) may have muted certain hostilities, it fails to address the fundamental issues causing violence.
Regarding the economic crisis, Professor Jok noted the disastrous conditions plaguing the country, such as failed harvests and disrupted trade, compounded by the war in Sudan. He asserted that the focus of politicians on maintaining power jeopardizes the citizens’ well-being, stating, “If South Sudan returns to full-scale war, it will be a disaster.”
Concerns were also raised about the government’s disregard for its own soldiers, who have gone unpaid for over a year, while foreign troops are compensated. Prof. Jok remarked, “Neglecting the national army in favor of foreign troops undermines the country’s unity and sovereignty.”
He called on citizens to unite in demanding accountability from their leaders, emphasizing the need for popular action against injustice. He cautioned that without public pressure, the government might act with increasing impunity. Asserting that South Sudan stands at a critical juncture, he warned, “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 conclusion, Professor Jok Madut Jok’s insights highlight the precarious state of South Sudan as it navigates a collapsing peace deal, rising communal conflicts, and severe economic challenges. The necessity for unity and accountability among citizens emerges as a crucial factor for fostering stability and ensuring a peaceful future. The current trajectory underlines the urgency for political reform and engagement from both local and international stakeholders to avert further turmoil.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
