South Sudan Power Sharing Agreement: A Hope for Peace
South Sudan has been in turmoil since December 2013, when a political dispute erupted between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale civil war, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
After years of negotiations, the warring parties signed a power-sharing agreement in September 2018. The agreement aims to end the conflict and establish a transitional government that will lead the country to democratic elections in 2022.
What is the power-sharing agreement?
The power-sharing agreement, signed in Ethiopia, was brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional organization that promotes peace and stability in East Africa. The agreement outlines the terms of a transitional government that will be led by President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar.
Under the power-sharing agreement, President Kiir will remain as the head of state, while Machar will be reinstated as the first vice president. The agreement also provides for the creation of four additional vice presidential positions, which will be appointed by the parties to the conflict.
The transitional government will be composed of 35 ministers, with the government controlling 20 of the ministries and the opposition controlling 10. The remaining five ministries will be allocated to other political parties.
What are the challenges facing the implementation of the agreement?
The implementation of the power-sharing agreement faces several challenges. The most significant challenge is the lack of trust between the parties to the conflict. The conflict has been marked by ethnic tensions between the Dinka and Nuer communities, and there are concerns that these tensions could resurface if the parties fail to implement the agreement in good faith.
Another challenge facing the implementation of the agreement is the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, and many people lack access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. The transitional government will need to address these issues to build trust and ensure stability in the country.
Lastly, there are concerns about the security situation in South Sudan. The conflict has led to the proliferation of armed groups, and many parts of the country remain volatile. The transitional government will need to work closely with the UN peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) to ensure the security of the population.
Conclusion
The power-sharing agreement signed in September 2018 provides a glimmer of hope for peace in South Sudan. The agreement reflects the determination of the parties to the conflict to end the violence and establish a transitional government that will lead the country to democratic elections in 2022.
However, the success of the agreement will depend on the ability of the parties to implement it in good faith. The implementation of the agreement will require the parties to put aside their differences and work together to address the challenges facing South Sudan.
Finally, the international community has a crucial role to play in supporting the implementation of the agreement. The UN Security Council has already praised the power-sharing agreement as an important step towards peace and stability in South Sudan. The international community must continue to provide political and financial support to the transitional government to ensure that South Sudan can finally enjoy peace and prosperity.