By April Kent
The U.N. Security Council is considering imposing sanctions on two South Sudanese for ceasefire
violations that froze implementation of a peace agreement signed last month. Clashes
between government and opposition forces are ongoing, with each
accusing the other of breaking the peace. The
situation has given rise to concerns over whether sanctions will be effective
in ending the conflict. The
South Sudanese government has focused on the need to prioritize diplomacy over penalties. Foreign affairs
minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin remarked “Our friends have unfortunately turned their backs against
us and are now the one spearheading negative campaigns for sanctions. We have
pleaded with them to help us address these differences through peaceful
dialogue but they seem to have made up their minds.” International human rights organizations,
however, have advocated taking actions that target the elites perpetuating the war.
Sanctions could be an important first step toward ultimately replacing a
corrupt political system.
