Yesterday was to be the day: the final draft of the latest South Sudan Peace Agreement would be signed by the government and rebel parties after numerous rounds of negotiations. But the South Sudanese government has its reservations, and has requested a review period of 15 days. Arvind Das, Cordaid Country Director in South Sudan: "This is the one chance that mustn't be lost."
The peace deal, which has to finally put a stop to the civil war in South Sudan, has been months in the making. Its deadline was strictly set on the 17th of August, under international pressure. But at the moment of signing, Kiir delayed his signature and postponed his decision with another 15 days, because he did not agree with the proposed division of power.
His rival Riek Machar did sign the agreement. Now Kiir is not participating, it is likely that other countries in the region, but also the United States and the European Union, will impose sanctions such as travel bans and an embargo on arms trade.
Urgency
According to Cordaid Country Director Arvind Das, signing is urgent because of the humanitarian crisis. “It is high time for the guns to be silent and for access to essential services such as health, food, water, etc. to open up," he says. "Or else, things will go beyond control and we would be facing one of the biggest catastrophes in the current world.”
"IT IS HIGH TIME FOR THE GUNS TO BE SILENT"
This intended agreement is the eighth in line of ceasefires since the outbreak of the civil conflict in December 2013. All previous ceasefires have been broken by either party only hours after signing. "Sunday night was a night of panic and restlessness for many citizens and although there was no outbreak of violence after the decree was read, many still are concerned. Until now, there is an atmosphere of total confusion over the next steps and nobody knows what the future holds," according to Arvind.
Concessions
Some of the most debated issues for the South Sudanese government include the demilitarization of the capital Juba; the division of political power between Kiir and Machar; giving up three northern states to the rebel forces; and control over oil and resources.
The South Sudan NGO forum, a coalition of civil society organizations, released a statement on Sunday saying that “they would like to appeal to all principals […] to reach a peace agreement by all means. There is no perfect agreement that satisfies all interests, but we need immediate stoppage of bloodshed.”
THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN CANNOT AFFORD ANYMORE TO RAISE ANOTHER GENERATION OF SOUTH SUDANESE CHILDREN IN CIVIL WAR
Adding on to that, they state: “Enough is enough! The people of South Sudan cannot afford anymore to raise another generation of South Sudanese children in civil war.”
Or, as Arvind says: "The political leaders, the international community and all who can influence and make a difference owe it to the people of South Sudan to bring peace. This is one chance that mustn’t be lost."