The African Union is threatening sanctions against individuals in South Sudan as fighting in the country continues despite on-going peace talks.
Delegations from the government and opposition forces are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for six days hoping to reach consensus on power sharing and security deals.
The representatives of the government of South Sudan and the opposition are continuing their peace talks in Addis Ababa.
But back home their military forces are fighting.
In the Unity state of South Sudan clashes have forced the United Nations to send 150 peacekeepers to protect civilians.
The African Union has voiced its frustration at the escalation of war in the country since 2013 and decided it will slap sanctions on those who violate peace.
Deputy Chairperson AU commission Kwesi Quartey says: “The African Union is going to work tirelessly with Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners to punish those who obstruct efforts of peace and we will do that without fail.”
This move by the African Union however, may not be met with full backing from the immediate neighbours of South Sudan.
Countries in the region where south Sudan lies are keen to protect their political and economic interests in the country, and hence prefer to play the mediation role only.
As they do so the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.
JMEC Festus Mogae says:”About 4.2 million of people remain displaced, 2.4 million of whom are in neighbouring countries as refugees. An estimated 7 million South Sudanese are currently in need of humanitarian assistance with a t least 6.3 million severely food insecure.”
Sanctions on individuals in south Sudan in the past by the united states and European Union have not discouraged the conflict.
But the African Union is determined to force these warring parties meeting in Addis Ababa to commit to protecting the lives of their citizens who have known no peace for 5 years.
The 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement still hangs in the balance and efforts to organize general elections have been discouraged by the African Union and the United Nations until a total ceasefire is achieved.
