Health Ministry in Kenya: July 2020

THE FOLLY OF FIGHTING

IN SOUTH SUDAN

In March, 2020 Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, called for a cessation of all fighting globally. He stated, “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war. It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”1

South Sudan has been identified as the most dangerous country to reside in during the Covid 19 pandemic by The Deep Knowledge Group in Hong Kong. This 250-page document, entitled Covid-19 Safety Assessment Regional Breakdown,2 is based on 130 qualitative and quantitative parameters with 11,400 data points. They conclude that South Sudan is unable to react quickly to any crisis, has no high levels of preparation for emergencies or quarantine efficiency and lacks resiliency in the economy to withstand the impact of the epidemic. 3

Sr. Esperance Bamiriyo, a Comboni Missionary Sister in Wau, South Sudan could support this assessment. She reports that in April, approximately 7000 civilians occupied the grounds near the Catholic Cathedral. They had taken refuge because they feared militias and paramilitary forces. However, the fear that Covid 19 would rapidly spread in the congested living quarters led people to reluctantly return to their homes. When they arrived home, they lacked food and shelter with the rainy season quickly approaching. As they struggled to collect firewood and begin farming many were attacked and killed. 1

State authorities continue to fail to protect civilians and end conflicts. The UN Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, condemned violence in Jongelei State which occurred on 16 May 2020. From January to March 2020 intercommunal fighting was the main source of violence against civilians and caused at least 65 cases of sexual assault, 452 injuries, 592 abductions and 658 deaths. These conflicts stem from a long history of fighting over natural resources which include water and grazing for cattle. More recently, they involve military tactics and weapons. 4

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) strongly condemned this violence in a statement issued on 17 June 2020. “We call for immediate cessation of hostilities and formation of State and Local governments. We also appeal in the name of God to all our political leaders to value people over and above position, power and party interests.”

To that end, the formation of governments in the 10 states was announced the same day. President Kiir will nominate governors for the six states of Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Eastern and Central Equatoria, Warrap and Unity States. Vice President Machar who leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition will nominate for Western Equatoria, Western Bahr El Ghazal and Unity states. The South Sudan Opposition Allliance will nominate for Jongelei State. 5

However, leaders are unlikely to respond to the plea of the SSCC to value people over other interests. A report entitled Making a Killing 6 was published in May 2020 by The Sentry as part of its series entitled The Taking of South Sudan 7. Independence was granted from Sudan on 9^th July 2011 and this document details how government leaders have co-opted government institutions, looted resources and ignited civil war in 2013. That conflict continued until February 2020 when President Kiir and Vice President Machar agreed to form a unity government. The corruption outlined is repeatedly linked to international corporations, foreign banks and governments. The constraints of such a large and tightly woven web of criminal activity will require more than a change of heart on the part of these leaders.

Regarding health care, a policy brief produced by the Sudd Institute analyzes mortality in the pandemic and concludes that South Sudan is “one of the least hit countries in the region”. It claims the country performs 7^th among 11 regional countries and ranks 6^th out of 11 for lowest number of deaths per 100,000 population. Yet, it admits that testing is inadequate and “is likely to have resulted in this rosy picture”.8 With inadequate testing such a ‘picture’ is inaccurate. For South Sudan to effectively confront this pandemic it must institute effective testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine measures as recommended by the World Health Organization. Treatment of Covid 19 has caused so much pressure on the government that David Shearer, the UN Special Representative on South Sudan, has briefed the UN Security Council that the entire health care system could easily collapse and lead to even more deaths. 9

South Sudan needs a fully functioning government and peace. Otherwise, the folly of fighting will unleash the fury of the virus.

Faith in Action: On 9^th July 2020 South Sudan will celebrate nine years of independence from Sudan. Join in prayer for peace and protection during this time of pandemic: https://www.solidarityfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/independencedayprayer2020_eng.pdf