South Sudan: A Cycle of Violence
South Sudan's elites are perpetuating a cycle of violence through corruption and ethnicist politics, plunging the country into chaos.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011, the country has experienced ongoing civil wars of varying intensity.
The Current Crisis
Riek Machar, the vice-president, has been facing charges including crimes against humanity, rebellion, and treason over the past eight months.
He is accused of inciting the "white" Army militia to attack the Nasir barracks, resulting in the deaths of over 250 soldiers.
Retaliatory operations by President Salva Kiir have targeted civilians, displacing tens of thousands of people.
Failed Peace Accords
The 2018 peace accords, intended to end the civil war, were never fully implemented, and clashes have continued on both sides.
Through their corruption and ethnicist politics, the country's elites are plunging South Sudan into a new abyss of violence.
Author's summary: Leaders' corruption fuels South Sudan's violence.