S. SUDAN: Ethnic tensions increase violence

  1. Posted on Thursday 16 June 2011 - 11:15
    Evans Wafula
    Image of Evans Wafula
    Evans Wafula, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
    Struggle to access resources and political influence in Southern Sudan could increase violence and threaten the stability of what will soon become Africa's newest nation, warns the Minority Rights Group International.
    The 54th African state called 'South-Sudan'
    According to the MRG research, competition between ethnic groups over scarce resources continues to spark violence in Southern Sudan exposing people to a protracted ethnic motivated violence.

    Minority groups feel that their interests are not being represented within the political system, and that resources have been diverted to more populous ethnic groups.

    “The Government of South Sudan will need to focus on political representation for minorities and an equitable distribution of resources in order to alleviate ethnic tensions that threaten long-term stability,” says Chris Chapman, Head of Conflict Prevention at MRG.

    Poverty is one of the main factors exacerbating existing tensions. In Boma, a diverse sub-district of Jonglei state, violent incident as spike during the dry season when cattle herding pastoralists must range far in order to water and graze their herds. Groups often clash as they are competing for the same water points and grasslands.

    “The government in Khartoum must also provide constructive support to the newly independent country. The current military intervention in Abyei is unacceptable and bodes ill for future good relations between the two countries,” Chapman warned.

    MRG has spear-headed reconciliation meetings between tribal leaders, allowing them to air grievances and resolve their differences.

    The January referendum brought together Southern Sudan’s estimated 50 ethnic groups and almost 600 sub-groups in a common goal – to break from the north and form a separate country.

    The Government of South Sudan must capitalize on that spirit of unity that prevailed during the referendum to alleviate the threat of instability caused by tensions between ethnic groups.

    The government of South Sudan must create an inclusive political culture and enhance development across the areas of the region.

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