South Sudan succeeded from Sudan in 2011, making it the youngest nation in the world. The development raised arrays of hope of bringing to an end the long-standing political instability and civil unrest that had gripped the nation. The leadership of the nation, led by President Salva Kiir, was constituted with consideration of bringing the long warring factions together so as to have a united country that would serve its people in equal measure. Accordingly, Riek Machar was brought in as vice president for the new South Sudan with the hope that he would be able to bring his significant power and constituency, both military and political, to the table to ensure that there would be a more cohesive national governing force. It was a dispensation that was highly welcomed from all quarters. But two years later, violent conflict broke out after political disagreement between President Salva Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar. This plunged the country back to the decades of civil war experienced before South Sudan became a nation, and has seemingly continued to suffer and left it as one of the poorest countries in the world. As a result, the young nation has not been able to provide its people the basics of healthcare, education, and income generating opportunities. Conflict has resulted in a sharp rise in the number of people fleeing their homes and basic infrastructure such as health and education facilities have been destroyed. The conflict has damaged the country’s economy, contributing to soaring inflation. As a consequence, food prices continue to rise and essential economic activities put in disarray, as the on going instability would not allow anything productive to thrive, and the worst of it being loss of lives. Aid agencies severally warned that the country faces severe food shortages and potential famine as the hostilities curtail relief supplies and prevent farmers from engaging in agricultural production. The human and economic costs of the conflict have always highlighted the need for swift efforts to end the fighting. International and regional community have united in supporting peace process, and facilitated talks between the parties. Despite previous several talks, fighting continued on the ground, and commentators and other experts increasingly became impatient with the peace talks which are held miles away with delegates accused of being out of touch with the suffering back home. Previous truce, on more than two occasions, collapsed in acrimony, with a swift resumption of hostilities. For instance, the two sides signed a peace deal in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The deal paved the way for a permanent ceasefire followed by the formation of a transitional government, the drafting of a new constitution and, eventually, fresh elections. This never materialized. It has not been clear to point out actors undermining peace in South Sudan. Despite another peace agreement signed by the warring parties in August 2015, the population of South Sudan was yet to see an end to the fighting. President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar need to show leadership, put the well being of South Sudanese ahead of all other interests, and make the necessary compromises to conclude a power sharing agreement that paves the way for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in South Sudan. Meaningful positive change cannot be realized by taking hard stands. Everyone needs to work together for real reconciliation. The on going talks in Khartoum now follow meetings between the two leaders in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, as both sides face an end-of-June deadline to avert sanctions over a civil war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. There are already signs that the two can now forever burry the hatchet and work together for the benefit of the country. In fact, stability in South Sudan is not only a matter of human rights and national well-being but also an essential process for the regional integration; conflict in South Sudan has economic ramifications to the neighbouring countries and the East African Community as a block. The current talks in Khartoum are watched keenly with lots of hope attached to it. The whole continent and the world at large wish to see a stable nation, with its people enjoying peace and tranquility, which they so deserve. As this happens, all efforts must be made to ensure that the young nation stands on its two feet again by putting up structures and environment for sustainable economic growth and development.
