Jan. 17, 2014 – Raj Banerjee
Two massive conflicts have flared up around the Sahel. South Sudan, barely a year-and-a-half old, has plunged into civil war. Over two-thirds of the country have been affected by the month-long conflict between forces loyal to President Kiir and those loyal to former-Vice President Riek Machar. An estimated half a million people have been displaced. There are no accurate reports of casualties, but two UN peacekeepers from India have been killed.
Hundreds of miles to the west, well over a thousand people have died in sectarian violence in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). The United Nations has warned of a massive humanitarian crisis. Former colonial ruler France, as well as Rwanda and Uganda have sent in troops to maintain stability. Journalists on the ground have warned of a repeat of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
LIDS members have strong interests in crisis response, nation building, humanitarian aid, and politics in the Sahel. We are observing the events in both South Sudan and C.A.R., and invite commentary on the conflicts in both countries for LIDS Live.
If you are interested in assisting in humanitarian relief efforts, you may contact the UNHCR (http://donate.unhcr.org/sudan) or Mercy Corps (http://www.mercycorps.org.uk/central-african-republic).
Image: President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan. By Jenny Rockett.