Day 238 - Reality

I have been meaning to write about the situation in South Sudan because every day, since December actually, however every time I think about writing it seems to be more difficult to sit down and start writing.

Hostilities within South Sudan are rising. Conflicts between tribes and communities throughout South Sudan, which were put aside for independence, are resurfacing. While I was home for Christmas violence erupted in Jonglei between Luo Nuer and Murle tribes and it has continued up until now. Local commissioners in these communities claim that 3000 have been killed. The UN estimate the number of people killed is at least half that. There are articles usually every other day stating that there have been more raids on villages, more people killed, more cattle raided and more children kidnapped. UN figures state that the raids and attacks in Jonglei have displaced over 100,000 people. The need to disarm the civil populations in Jonglei state is being stressed, however this is a difficult thing to do. These conflicts between the two tribes all started by cattle raiding and child abduction. Attacks are continuing, another 13 people were killed in Akobo and Bor, both in Jonglei, just yesterday.

Cattle rustling has been slowly increasing in Warrap state, Unity state and Lakes state. It is being reported that some of the attacks happening involve state government members.

And the conflict with the North over oil. President Bashir (Sudan) raised the prospects of war between Sudan and South Sudan. Ridiculous.

So to say the least, tensions are rising, however everything that is happening feels like it is miles away. Juba has not been affected by these conflicts. We still have our bouts of violence, it is still not all that safe to be out and about at night, but that is a normal thing in a city. According to a friend (I was unaware of this until a while ago) a number of local police were laid off, so there were unemployed angry ex-police officers on the streets with guns. So the risk of violence on the streets of Juba has increased slightly. Kenyans and Ugandans here are the most vulnerable to violence it seems. There is a lot of resentment towards them, mainly due to the fact a lot of them come here for work meaning that local people are left unemployed while foreigners are taking their jobs. This does not create an environment where everyone is living peacefully with each other. In order to keep our drivers safe, and our staff, we have had a curfew set during the week for 10pm, which slightly frustrating but it is the reality of living in an unstable country. Giving up some of your freedom is difficult but absolutely necessary. Very eye opening for me. If you are on the outside, not in South Sudan, not in Africa, reading about the violence going on here it most likely seems somewhat frightening. It feels different being here. Jonglei is far away from Juba. We are kind of in the middle away from the worst at the moment. Things here are normal except for hearing stories from friends who are working with the people affected by the violence in Jonglei. One of my friends in particular was working directly with the MediVacs coming in from Jonglei over Christmas and continuing into the New Year. He was experiencing the violence from a distance. He was witnessing the aftermath. In one week his daily routine was entirely changed from directly flights and whatever else he does, to directly flights with wounded people on them and trying to help save their lives.

Hearing stories of people who have been here for years, or worked here before 2009 makes it seem like a different place. A curfew was a must. The sound of gunfire and bombs were normal sounds. It didn’t stop you from going about your business. To of these people the sight of a gun doesn’t faze them anymore. I may have said something about this in a previous post but I really notice the guns. I notice when truck with soldiers sitting in the back with their guns pointing into the crowds and passing vehicles, either because they have never been taught how to proper and safely hold a gun or they just don’t care. Regardless of whether someone is meaning to point a gun at me or not, I do not appreciate it and I hope there is never a day when it doesn’t phase me anymore.

So, this is a glimpse of the reality of living in a war torn country. Living in a new country with a new government. Everyday I witness and am a part of this country try to get its feet up underneath it. And everyday it is a struggle but no one has given up yet.

Days go by just as they did before, however, now they start with reading the new article about who is fighting who now or what issues are being raised that day…This being said, my life has not changed much since before Christmas, since the level of violence in the country has increase...Peace will come one day. That is all we can hope for.