THE SUDAN STANDOFF
A brawl is imminent between the Republic of South Sudan and North Sudan over disagreements on how the two nations are going to share oil resources. The government of the Republic of South Sudan accuses the North of continued military attacks on the oil rich-areas of Kordofan and the Blue Nile States.
It is unfortunate that countries that have seceded as a result of protracted civil wars still can’t agree on peaceful solutions to solve outstanding issues. Instead of drumming war sounds in both countries and creating unnecessary tension, President Omar Hassan al Bashir and Salva Kiir should call for peaceful negotiations.
Despite the signing of a successful peace agreement, which brought peace between the people of the Sudan, the two leaders are still spoiling for war instead of preaching peace, development and unity among the people. Until mid last year, the Republic of South Sudan was part of the government of Sudan. The current president of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Maryanne, was then the first Vice President of the whole Sudan.
The two leaders worked together amicably and peacefully as president and Vice President. Both Bashir and Kiir know too well the consequences of war. The two should push for dialogue and embark on positive strategies aimed at taking their countries forward and never allow themselves to go to war again. The people of the two regions have a lot in common.
They have lived together despite the long war that pitted the South against the North and climaxed with the formation of the Republic of South Sudan as an independent state last year. The current conflict in the Blue Nile and Jonglei State areas is not only threatening peace and stability in the two neighbouring countries but also the neighboring nations of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Congo. The tension is also a big threat to the economic stability of East and Central Africa.
The Republic of South Sudan has since joined the membership of East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD). Other members of the organisations include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
It is, therefore, of crucial that the republics of North and South Sudan embrace peace for the sake of development in their own countries and stability in the whole region. Already there is an influx of people fleeing the affected areas of South Sudan as refugees into Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
The focus for the two neighbouring nations should be more for the economic and political prosperity and stability and not war. Oil is a great resource for the two countries. So it is important for both governments to agree on how to share it. The oil is abundant and enough to sustain the economies of the two countries and to benefit the people in terms of economic growth and stability.
It is sad that instead of coming together to form regional and political blocs to promote economic growth, African leaders engage in conflicts.
The African people have suffered a lot and should be spared more chaos. Without proper leadership backed by good governance practice, Africa will not prosper.
It is time for African leaders to change their attitude and embrace peaceful solutions to misunderstandings and conflicts. It is easy to start war but a nightmare to stop it. African leadership should build capacities aimed at enhancing and promoting peace for the purpose of economic prosperity, development and political stability. Africa’s future should not depend on the decisions and interventions by the United Nations Security Council.
It is upon the leadership of Africa to find suitable mechanisms of sorting out their differences and disagreements peacefully. International organisations such as the UN can only assist when and where necessary but not every time.
Denis Kodhe comments on topical issues.
Leave a comment