African Union Attempts To Solve The South Sudan Crisis

 

South Sudan could be falling into civil war. The African Union has sent mediators to avert the crisis. This is not the first time the African Union was involved in Sudan. There was an AU mission in Darfur. The current crisis was sparked by the Neur White Army. The escalation went further with the arrest Riek Machar. The basis of the arrest was that Machar was connected to the Neur White Army. The new tension has an ethnic element with Neur and Dinka. Most of the current fighting is occurring in the Upper Nile state. The African union mediators want to see the 2018 peace deal remain in place. The reason for the concern is that a South Sudanese civil war would merge with other conflicts. Chad and Ethiopia would be effected by refugees fleeing fighting. Uganda also is a major factor in regional power. President Yoweri Museveni came to Juba to express support for President Salva Kiir Mayadit. Uganda is exploiting the internal struggles to gain more influence in East Africa. The third Sudanese Civil War has reverberated with the flow of arms into South Sudan. President Salva Kiir Mayadit has been the only head of state since 2011. Power sharing was not going to work in a political system that is authoritarian. The African Union requested that Riek Machar's release, yet the government refuses to meet such as demand. More efforts for diplomatic solutions are being made. 

South Sudanese Elections Are Postponed

 

South Sudan will postpone its elections. The government asserts it is to take a proper census, register political parties, and develop a new constitution. These statements are legitimate measures needed for functional government. The concern is that President Salva Kiir is using this time to extend his administration. The elections are now set to be held in December of 2026. The civil war that was waged for five years against Riek Machar ended in 2018. The conflict left 400,000 dead. The argument is that some authoritarianism will keep South Sudan from balkanizing. The civil war in Sudan also is a factor. The war there has effected oil exports, which South Sudan is dependent. Political opposition most likely will not be able to operate under a new national security act. Discontent among civil servants has emerged due to missed pay. The outcome of elections can be predicted. President Salva Kiir has been in power since 2011 and could remain for decades. Leaders such as Paul Kagame, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo,  Paul Biya, Denis Sassou Nguesso,  and Yoweri Museveni have been fixtures in African politics. The UN special envoy for South Sudan stated that the country was not ready for elections. The United Nations should not be dictating what South Sudan should do. The role of the UN is do conflict resolution and facilitate peace negations. Elections could be posted further into 2027. This effort is to extend President Salva Kiir's rule. South Sudan since its independence has known only one leader. If economic conditions become worse and discord is ignored South Sudan could fall into another civil war.   

South Sudan Declares Independence (2011)

 

A referendum was held in 2011 for South Sudanese independence. The result showed most wanted their own nation and President Omar Al-Bashir acknowledge the result. This seemed like the logical step after a the Second Sudanese Civil War, There still were issues that went unresolved. Oil revenues, ethnic tensions, border disputes, and the question of citizenship continue to be concerns. War in South Kordofan and Blue Nile broke out. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North was responsible for the hostilities. This also became connected to the violence in Darfur. South Sudan then fell into civil war between the years of 2013 to 2020. South Sudan is a country of multiple ethnic groups. The conflict between Neur and Dinka halted the process of development. The country has not developed a democratic political structure. Since 2011, it has known only one president Salva Kirr. President Salva Kirr justifies remaining in power asserting that South Sudan would collapse without him. The dissolving of parliament in 2021 in favor of a smaller representative body indicates he has no intention of sharing power. After 12 years of independence  the South Sudanese do not have their basic needs met. The aftermath of the Second Sudanese Civil War, South Sudanese Civil War, and an the rise of an authoritarian government left citizens in a precarious situation.   

Flooding On The Rise In Sudan

 

Seasonal floods have occurred in Sudan. This has been common with the rising waters that come from Nile River. The concern is the growing intensity  of the floods. Rain fall and water levels are being altered by climate change. The increase in sea levels means flooding in costal areas. Sudan is not the only African country to struggle with floods. Uganda has seen some damage from rising waters. If too much rainfall happens this can cause landslides. When flooding stops, there are also devastating consequences. Homelessness and damage to infrastructure are major challenges. The death from flooding becomes more disturbing as governments show they have limited ability to save lives. Practical solutions do exist. Ditches, canals, and culverts must be expanded in Sudan. Infrastructure and other buildings should be as far away from  at risk areas. An emergency evacuation plan should be established to ensure public safety. A climate change management policy must be developed b the African Union to ensure the preservation of East Africa. The intensification of floods also comes at a time when drought is happening in certain areas of the region.