Structural fragility and external interference hinder South Sudan's post-independence stability
Original framing: “South Sudan, 15 years on: Still fighting for peace” — Al Jazeera
South Sudan's instability is rooted in the colonial partitioning of the region and the failure to address ethnic divisions during the post-independence transition. Similar patterns have been observed in other post-colonial states, where external powers imposed arbitrary borders.
South Sudan's ongoing conflict is not a natural outcome of its independence but a result of structural weaknesses inherited from colonial rule, compounded by external interference and the marginalization of indigenous and local voices.
The peace process has been shaped by a narrow, Western-centric framework that fails to account for the country's cultural and historical context. To move forward, South Sudan must integrate traditional governance and conflict resolution systems into national policy, while international actors must shift from short-term aid to long-term investment in inclusive development. Only through a holistic, culturally grounded approach can the country achieve lasting peace and stability.