UN Pushes for South Sudan Peace

FILE - South Sudan's then First Vice President Riek Machar, looks across at President Salva Kiir, as they sit to be photographed following the first meeting of a transitional coalition government, in the capital Juba, April 29, 2016.

Global rights organizations report little progress made in South Sudan regarding the end to violence in the East African nation.

United Nations rights experts report that President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar formed a transitional government and pledged to unite forces into a single army that will safeguard the nation.

The UN adds that the rivals are yet to satisfy their pledge and that horrific violence continues with impunity.

Barney Afako, a UN rights expert who recently visited the East African nation in February said he did not see any improvements.

“In terms of the violence in the country – we are not seeing any improvements,” said Afako.

“Juba is safer… but we are concerned about what’s happening outside of Juba,” he added.

Ken Scott, a former UN rights commissioner on South Sudan, and consultant to Global Rights Compliance, echoed Afako’s sentiments.

“I think those that suggest the civil war is over are wrong,” said Scott, adding, “the conflict goes on by other means.”

A Juba based researcher who commented on the matter but requested anonymity said politicians and military elite are fanning violence in the nation.

“Throw a dart at a map of South Sudan and you will find a conflict that has political dynamics or political drivers to it,” said the researcher.

“The peace agreement has brought no end to that, and in that way, the spirit of the war continues,” added the researcher.

During a recent visit by Pope Francis to the East African nation, authorities in the nation emphasized that “South Sudan remains significantly peaceful.”

In response, pontifex said “years of war and conflict seem never to end.”