June 19th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s economy has continued to worsen despite the signing of a peace agreement in September last year that saw the decline of violence in the country, international panel of experts said.
South Sudan descended into a brutal civil war in December 2013 following violence at a national convention of the ruling SPLM party that sparked split in the country’s unprofessional army.
Since then, the country’s economy has been collapsing with inflation reaching records high as government spends millions on arms procurement and paying foreign mercenaries.
In a live broadcast discussion hosted by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Democracy International and Enough Project, the deputy director of programs for Democracy International, Morgan Simpson, Deputy Director of Programs for Democracy International said despite the reduction in violence, South Sudan economy continued to cause problems for the country.
“On the current conditions in South Sudan, violence has reduced, but the economic situation continues to pose serious problems for everyday life and local-level conflicts still continue,” Morgan said.
Mark Ferullo, a senior advisor at The Sentry said any peace agreement and its implementation in South Sudan without the focus on strict principles for restoration of economy will further breed corruption and ignite sectarian violence.
“A peace agreement in South Sudan without greater focus on economic governance – fair transparency, and accountable regulations and institutions – will breed corruption and reignite violence,” Mark said.
