Sunday, July 17, 2016

Uganda's Actions in South Sudan


A few days ago Sudan send troops to evacuate Ugandans stuck in South Sudan. The young country is falling into a civil war. Ethnic conflict between Neur and Dinka has escalated. The crisis has roots in the political disagreements between President Salva Kirr and Vice President Reik Machar. Not only is Uganda evacuating citizens in the country, but Sudanese that want political asylum. The United Nations has a presence in South Sudan assisting in medical needs of the wounded. There are parallels that are emerging from previous crisis on the continent. Rwanda's civil war and genocide still haunts Africa. UN inaction, ethnic  hatred, and Western imperialism produced a human rights disaster. It appears something similar appears to be happening in South Sudan. The young country does not have control of its territory and people arm themselves. The police and  the army cannot counter growing militias. The question remains what are the intentions of Yoweri Museveni ? It is clear that internal instability will attract foreign powers who will eventually become colonizers for the objective of natural resources. South Sudan's oil makes it a target for external interference. China and the US are competing for influence on the continent. The US wants to impose its will on certain nations, while China is more willing to be cooperative with governments in Africa. President Yoweri Museveni can use this crisis to his advantage. First he could use it to expand influence and crush dissent at home. War has always been a distraction to conceal dire domestic issues in a state. South Sudan now faces a challenge to its independence from its neighbors, the UN, and the West.     

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