Who to benefit from the Somaliazation of South Sudan?
By Steve Paterno
The question above is becoming more prevalent now more than ever, with the “imposition of peace agreement”, (to borrow Riek Machar’s phrase), along with President Salva Kiir’s practical reservations–the country of South Sudan may just slide into a real fragmentation if it is allowed to.
The recent session of South Sudan peace implementation at UNSC, held in UN headquarters on sideline of UNGA, has revealed a lot to be yet known. Those facts are betrayed by the marathon of numerous speakers, representing different countries, who participated in the discussions at the session, (on Tuesday, of Sep. 29, 2015).
It started like this: the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, who convened the session, bolted out only minutes after opening the meeting. In other words, or in a translation of world politics; that was not an important event to begin with for him, though he convened it.
Then, the followed engagement from other speakers or rather the delegates from other countries, left more to be desired. The African delegates were the most hilarious in their demeanours and temperaments. For example, they spent most of their allotted time in praising the dignitaries, with their illustrious titles than getting into the points. This went on end, until the chair of the meeting had to plead to them not to praise him, but get into the point, because, time was of essence.
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, a considered ally of South Sudan, spoke clearly, but never made a point. Unfortunately, he hurriedly also left the meeting, without making any clear point of course. Zambian leader was right on point. The message from Zimbabwe President would have rather been better delivered by Mzee Mugabe than a stammering voice. The country of Angola made the right points. However, by then, why would Chief Mediator, Seyoun Mesfin and his President of Ethiopia lashed out at Riek Machar for failing to sign the critical security arrangement agreement? The delegate from Sudan, which stands to benefit from South Sudan Somaliazation talked endlessly, but no one understood what he was talking about. Such was to be repeated by the other many African delegates, particularly those who spoke in tongues. That by the way included Riek Machar and Pagan Amum who were complaining, blah, blah, blah. Vice- President, James Wani Iga was consistently reinforcing the points of the President of the Republic of South Sudan.
The European delegates were as just like their African counterparts, but few of their points must be considered. The Great Britain spoke ill of South Sudan. Nevertheless, Great Britain, must remember, it owes South Sudanese reparations. Italy has a long historical ties with South Sudan. Spain cannot even talk of South Sudan when it comes into reality. As for Netherlands, more bilateral relationship needs to be built, which will potentially help both countries mutually.
The Federation of Russia and the satellite countries are still doing well toward South Sudan. The good relationship must continue.
In the Asian front, Japan is performing marvellously, with its developmental activities in the Republic of South Sudan. China needs to openly show some muscle in support of South Sudan. This also means India, North Korea and others must step up a notch, in support of the newest country in the world.
As for South America, South Sudan is yet to develop a stronger relationship, in order to foster genuine beneficial and mutual relationship. Cuba had been a friend in struggle. State of Venezuela has just helped blocked an imposition of sanctions against the country. The mighty Brazil is a potential power to be reckoned with.
The USA, the sole supper power, is yet, to embrace South Sudan, which until now it is still undermining its sovereignty and the legitimacy of its government.
In conclusions, South Sudanese must learn how to resolve their own issues. Otherwise, who is benefiting from this cycle of violence, which have a far reaching external implications to the point that their problems must be resolved in New York at the UN? The South Sudanese can peacefully live among one another unless…
The real underlining problem though is that everyone pretty much in South Sudan owns the monopoly of sheer violence.
Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at [email protected]