Event Summary:
Monday, 27th, 2015 the President of the United States Barack Obama held talks with leaders in the East African region concerning the world’s youngest nation South Sudan’s Crisis.
Leaders present at the talks include Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn, and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Sudan’s foreign minister.
Background:
South Sudan gained her independence from Sudan in 2011 making her a landlocked country bordered by Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, D.R Congo and Central Africa Republic. Since gaining her independence on 9th July 2011, the country has been marred by conflicts making it a very fragile state.
In December 2013 a major power struggle between the President Salva Kiir and his former vice president Riek Machar that plunged the country into war. The former accused the latter together with 10 others of attempting a coup.
The conflict has turned ethnic with the Neur and Dinka groups fighting against each other. The war has left thousands killed and millions refugees both internally and into the neighboring countries.
Analysis:
The US was directly involved in the formation of South Sudan and has made their personal agenda to solve the crisis of the 4-year old nation. President Obama on his recent trip to Africa met with East African leaders in an attempt to broker a peace deal for South Sudan.
Following the Monday talks, the two warring factions face an ultimatum of August 17th to accept a regional peace and power-sharing deal.
The ultimate however has not been met with enthusiasm as the two leaders appear to be very indifferent of the plight of the people of South Sudan.
The US and other nations are exploring further economic sanctions and arm embargoes to exert pressure foe the deal and at the same time control the arms supply to either sides of the leadership.
Deployment of a peacekeeping force was also an option on the table to help come to a deal before the deadline and help salvage the nation that is undergoing a dire humanitarian crisis.
Summary:
With the open expression of pessimism to a peace deal before the August 17th deadline, it is evident that South Sudan is expected to suffer even tough sanctions and embargoes not only from the US but also other nations.
Accusations that have been made against Uganda was supporting the South Sudanese government wile Sudan was supporting the rebels are expected to be put to bed after the all leaders present agreed to broker for peace instead of playing favorites.
The commitment of the regional leaders to ensure peace is evident seeing as some of the options brought to the table came from them.
Despite the indifference exhibited by both leaders in South Sudan the ultimatum is expected to pressure the two into making a peace and power-sharing deal before the given deadline.
AU chair President Robert Mugabe????????????