Civil War in South Sudan

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The enemy tactics of confuse, divide and conquer have created havoc in newly independent South Sudan. 9 July, marked the 5th anniversary of the Independence of South Sudan, yet there was little to celebrate as intertribal violence has continued to rage between the Nuer followers of Riek Machar and the government of South Sudan under President Salva Kiir. During the long war, Riek Machar and his forces served as surrogates for the Arab government of Sudan, who armed and aided them while they waged scorched earth campaigns against the neighbouring Dinka tribe, destroying vast amounts of cattle and looting livestock.

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​Corruption Leads to Conflict
After the first year of Independence, President Salva Kiir reported that over US $5 Billion was missing from the public treasury - looted through corruption! Suspicion immediately fell upon his vice president, Riek Machar and barely two years after Independence, the vice president and most of the cabinet, were fired. This immediately led to violence between the Dinka and Nuer elements of the Presidential Guard. The violence soon spilled over into ethnic cleansing and full-scale tribal war between the Nuer and Dinka. 
Attempts at Peace Settlements Undermined
The churches of South Sudan have tried to bring about negotiations, reconciliation and numerous cease-fires have been declared. Unfortunately, these have invariably been violated and fighting continues.
Disastrous Consequences of Secularism
During this disastrous descent into civil war, the Arab government of Sudan have seized control of many of the oil fields close to the Northern border of South Sudan. Ministers in South Sudan express their frustration to us. At independence, ex-US president Jimmy Carter persuaded President Salva Kiir to appoint Riek Machar vice president. The new South Sudan government was also persuaded by Carter to declare themselves a secular state, to not have any prayer at parliament and to adopt the secular textbooks provided by UNICEF for their schools.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 
Freedom Betrayed
After all the sacrifices of so many Christians to achieve the freedom and Independence of South Sudan, many feel betrayed by the secular humanism of the new nation and the devious and destructive counsel given by Jimmy Carter.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have Faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Peter Hammond
Frontline Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: mission@frontline.org.za

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