By RFPosted on 22-11-2019Modified on 22-11-2019 at 00:07
South Sudan is still waiting for peace. The formation of a Union Government was postponed until February. Meanwhile, the implementation of the agreement continues, but with much delay, as the cantonment of active combatants. Others have abandoned the ongoing armed struggle. RFI met with them in the IDP camp in Bentiu, in the north of the country.
Galuak Kash sets up his stand inside the camp to sell candies, handkerchiefs and more. A kind of conversion for this 19-year-old veteran, who was engaged in rebel SPLM-IO troops five years ago.
" When the government took control of my city, the cattle were looted and we had to flee. I was with other young people and we decided to join the rebels. The war was tribal. The Dinkas were attacking our community so I joined the opposition to defend the Nuers. One day we were training, but the army attacked us and the camp was destroyed. We lost hope and we abandoned the group to join Sudan . "
In another district of the camp, a youth is sitting in a chair looking thoughtful. Duop Kaï is 20 years old. If he also left the rebel ranks, he also does not hide the ethnic character of his commitment.
" I volunteered. I had to stay with my clan, as a youngster I was proud to be with my community. I joined the opposition, but when the government reconquered Bentiu I left the group. At night, I have nightmares. I see the corpses of the war, I scream and I wake up with a start. The memories come back to you and you relive the thing. Today the transition has been extended by 100 days. But we wait to see what it will give. I think there is a 50% chance of falling back into the war. "
Duop Kaï explains that he will only take up arms as a last resort. A disturbing statement as the peace deal threatens to crumble if a unity government is not named in February.
At night, I have nightmares. I see the corpses of the war, I scream and I wake up with a start. The memories come back to you and you relive the thing.
[Reportage] From their commitment to abandoning the armed struggle, veterans return to their story
21-11-2019 - By Sébastien Nemeth
#SouthSudan In Bentiu over 100,000 #IDP people leave in a camp / South Sudan. In Bentiu more than 100,000 displaced live in a camp. pic.twitter.com/rCwIVkgqrt
Sébastien Németh (@SebastienNemeth) November 21, 2019On the same subject
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