South Sudan: President declares unilateral ceasefire May 22

Event

A ceasefire ordered by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir came into effect on Monday, May 22, amid an attempt to restart peace talks to end the ongoing civil war. President Kiir also announced that political prisoners' cases would be reviewed and the prisoners potentially released. Many view these latest developments with skepticism as it is not the first time a ceasefire has been announced. The government claims it is willing to negotiate with the disparate rebel forces, the largest of which is led by Riek Machar, his former vice president. However, President Kiir stated that Machar cannot return to the country from exile and as such peace talks would only be conducted through his representatives.

Context

President Kiir had already announced a unilateral ceasefire on March 27.

A power struggle between President Kiir and Machar escalated into a military conflict in December 2013, leading to tens of thousands of deaths. The conflict has pitted Kiir's Dinka ethnic group against Machar's Nuers. Other ethnic groups have also created militias that have allied with one side or the other, creating a complex network of opposing sides. The number of South Sudanese citizens displaced by the conflict currently stands at some 3.5 million; at least 1.7 million people are estimated to have fled the country because of the war and 1.9 million are displaced internally.

Advice

Most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place and maintain a low profile at all times as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence.