International donors are urging South Sudan warring parties to implement the August 2015 peace deal or face the challenges of rebuilding the war torn economy without any aid. South Sudan’s conflict is now in its third year, with the implementation of a regionally-mediated peace agreement failing.
Leer in the state of Unity, one of the most conflict affected states in south Sudan. The town was rebel-held until July 2015, just a month before the government and the rebels signed a peace deal. Survival here depends on aid and relief from humanitarian organizations. Two years of conflict forced many out of their homes and farms, and famine took over. But international and regional powers are now considering cutting Aid as part of final efforts to force the country leaders to commit to peace deal implementation.
Four months after the regional mediated peace talks concluded with a peace deal, the permanent ceasefire is not holding and the failing rebels’ advance teams return to Juba has further compromised cease fire. The government of South Sudan however, says a blockade on aid will only worsen the situation on the ground and not bring peace.
For the thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, there is no difference between when the war began and when the agreement was signed
The international community has mounted pressure on South Sudan’s warring parties, including sanctions on individuals to end the conflict. This latest sanction push is aimed at finding a lasting peace for the country. But in the meantime South Sudanese are only hopeful of a brighter future.
