Fear lingers in South Sudan despite independence
Author: Joseph Edward | The Niles
Date: 22 February 2013
A recent report by the Sudd Institute, an independent research organisation funded by the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the current situation recalls some of the most violent periods of the North-South civil war that ended in 2005.
The Executive Director of Sudd Institute Jok Madut Jok said South Sudanese people are exposed to recurrent violence, ranging from localised ethnic conflicts to urban crime and violence against East African labourers and business owners.
“Although the Sudanese government Antonov bombings of South Sudan have stopped, local violence has intensified since July 2011,” said Jok. “Militia activities and rebellions from South Sudan’s Army still bearing its war-time, the guerrilla name, Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) are among the factors that have compounded insecurity and suffering in several strategic states. Through the eyes of many South Sudanese, the state has consistently appeared weak or complacent in the face of these complex and varied security challenges.”
The article was originally posted on The Niles on February 22, 2013