Wanted: Mediators for Peace!
- December 2nd, 2019
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https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/short-window-resuscitate-south-sudan-s-ailing-peace-deal
As I discussed last week, South Sudan’s peace negotiations have been pushed off once again. Discussions and dialogue have continued in days following the delay, but not much further progress has yet been made. IGAD, the regional body overlooking the negotiations, has stated that it is up to the mediators to decide the guidelines of the delay. To date, the mediators have been Sudan and Uganda due to proximity and influence. They have reported that they will be speaking to President Kiir about the situation and keeping everyone informed on the latest developments.
I would argue that the mediation group should be expanded drastically. We have seen that bigger groups with more powerful influence have been successful, as increased international interest has seemingly prevented an end to the ceasefire. More regional interests should be added to the group, such as Kenya and others in African leadership roles. The U.S. has stated its growing impatience with the constant delays and has made it clear it will not shy away from imposing sanctions and potentially cutting off crucial aid supplies.
-Julia G.
International aid sent to countries where the money was re-routed to a dictator’s/”peace-loving, democratically-elected leader’s” personal off-shore/Swiss bank account should end. We need to stop being fooled by those who only care for their own well-being. Aid should be extended as credits for food, infrastructure, or something that cannot be converted into wealth for a corrupt leader/administration. People are dying from starvation and disease in the 21st century. Any who think that this is insurmountable are foolish. African nations are full of intelligent professionals who know what their countries need. For some reason, it is not getting done. Only concentrated effort will bring these advancements to the people of Africa and other under-developed Nations. Jim
I agree that getting as many countries that could potentially help the situation is beneficial and worth seeking out. This is imperative specially as the Trump administration has continuously expressed aggravation with U.S. resources going into these efforts and threatens a drastic reduction in aid. The only reservation of increased country involvement is that this poses a risk of aggravating one actor, and it could also make it a more complicated process as it requires more countries to agree and more working together to come to such an agreement.