South Sudan can recover and develop, says peace director

21 Sep 2014

South Sudan can recover and develop, says peace director

20 September 2014 - The South Sudanese people desperately yearned for peace and development, but their hopes had been dashed by the current conflict, a top academic said in Juba today.

Speaking at celebrations marking International Day of Peace (traditionally celebrated on 21 September), University of Juba Director of Peace and Development Studies Luca Biong Deng said development comprised economic and political aspects, which were both affected by war.

“War is best understood through the destruction of both developments,” he said at the University of Juba event organized by his department in coordination with UNMISS under the theme “The right of people to peace”. “It takes about 30 years to take development back to the society affected by war.”

The peace director pointed to Rwanda as a country that had successfully recovered from a devastating conflict that had claimed a million lives. “This shows how a nation could rise up and become the most stable country in Africa … through an inclusive, solid foundation for sustainable peace, development and harmony.”

South Sudan was trying to achieve the same peace through ongoing negotiations in Addis Ababa, he said. “The good news is that, as they are negotiating for a transitional government, the parties are narrowing their differences.”

As part of the peace process, the Inter-governmental Authority on Development had agreed that atrocities must be investigated through a Commission of Inquiry, Mr. Deng said. Those implicated would be banned from the transitional government or forced to resign from their current positions.

Negotiations had also led to establishment of a Commission for Truth, Justice and Reconciliation as well as the post of Prime Minister elected by the people.

“The power of peace in us is more powerful than the power of destruction,” Mr. Deng said. “Rwanda did it. We can do it and put our nation on the path to peace and development.”

Also attending the event was Dr. Leo Onek, Dean of the College of Applied and Industrial Sciences at the University of Juba, UNMISS Spokesperson Brian Kelly and Human Rights Officer Mary Lokoyome.

Dr. Onek, an experienced peace mediator, stressed the importance of non-violent solutions to conflicts. “How do you solve community fighting? Through negotiations.”

The parties then entered into enter bilateral discussions with a mediator, which must be performed without hostility and the willingness to compromise, Dr. Onek said. “Do not insult, shout at the other side. If you step on toes, say you are sorry.”

As a final step, any agreements or protocols compiled must be signed by the principles – in the case of the current conflict, Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir – to make them binding.

Human Rights Officer Lokoyome said UNMISS had recommended the country abandon military options and focus on peace talks. It must investigate violations of perpetrators, setting up a credible, accountability mechanism consistent with international standards to hold them responsible.

“When victims see perpetrators go free, they will take the law into their own hands,” she said.

The warring parties must also immediately comply with the cessation of hostilities agreement, end attacks on civilians and immediately suspend from positions and discussion all senior and lower-level combatants responsible for violations.

“Peace in South Sudan is a number one priority of UNMISS, which was mandated to monitor and investigate human rights, report publicly any abuses or violations of rights or of international humanitarian law, she said.

In his message for the day, read by UNMISS Spokesperson Brian Kelly, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said peace and security were essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development.

“Armed conflict causes untold grief to families, communities and entire countries,” Mr. Ban said. “Too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of warmongers and terrorists.”

The UN was founded to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, he said. “We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict. Peace is a long road that we must travel together – step by step, beginning today.”