This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
As the world welcomes a new decade, South Sudan's leaders are stuck in a cycle of violence and mistrust. President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, are at the center of a brewing storm that threatens to derail the 2018 peace deal.
On New Year's Eve, Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) condemned attacks by government-allied militia on its positions in the oil-rich Adar state. The attacks, which also targeted SPLM-IO forces last Sunday, have raised concerns about the stability of the region.
The conflict in South Sudan has been ongoing since 2013, when Kiir sacked Machar, leading to a brutal civil war that has killed an estimated 400,000 people and displaced over 4.2 million. The war has also led to a massive refugee crisis, with 2.4 million people seeking shelter in neighboring countries.
Despite the chaos, South Sudanese leaders have been spotted enjoying the peace and stability of neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Uganda. Many have been seen driving luxury cars and enjoying the hospitality of their hosts.
However, the relative peace in these countries has not inspired the South Sudanese elite to put their house in order. Instead, they have continued to engage in corrupt practices, with some even using their wealth to fund their lavish lifestyles.
One of the most striking stories of last year was the generosity of Ugandan hosts towards South Sudanese refugees. Uganda has taken in over 1.07 million refugees, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
However, the crisis in South Sudan has also had a devastating impact on the economy of neighboring countries, particularly Uganda. The country's northeastern and northern regions have been heavily dependent on South Sudan for food and consumer commodities, leading to a surge in prices and a decline in living standards.
As the world looks to the new decade, it is clear that South Sudan's leaders have a long way to go in terms of resolving their differences and bringing peace to their country. The people of South Sudan deserve better than the cycle of violence and mistrust that has plagued their nation for far too long.
Charles Onyango-Obbo is curator of the
