ABI staff member Tim Glawion was interviewed by Deutsche Welle on his assessment of the current situation in South Sudan. How can a new civil war be prevented?
In South Sudan, the political rivalry between President Salvar Kiir and the leader of the opposition, Riek Machar, is intensifying. At the same time, there is a growing threat of military escalation and the outbreak of civil war. This is especially devastating, because more than three-quarters of the population are already exposed to famine, floodings, and violence. The political tensions in the country have been on-going for decades, says Glawion. Since the independence in 2011, the country has become increasingly militarized, civil voices play little to no part in political discourse. On top of that, the conflict is spreading to the neighboring countries, such as Uganda.
In Glawions opinion, peace requires a united voice of the international community, to put pressure on both parties. His conclusion: "All warmongers have to step down, a civilian interim government has to be formed that can organize elections and provide the necessary humanitarian aid."
The article is available on the DW website (in German).