South Sudan has faced a number of obstacles since achieving independence from Sudan in 2011.  Unfortunately, instead of addressing these issues, the government has focused on maintaining profit and power for elites, and its bloated and ineffective military has remained factionalized.  In December 2013, President Salva Kiir accused Vice President Riek Machar of plotting a coup, and Machar formed his own army to oppose Kiir’s rule.  The conflict has raged on, leaving peace agreements ignored, and with leaders largely removed from the suffering caused to civilians.  The U.S. government should ensure an inclusive peace process with civil society representation, coordinate an arms embargo and sanctions on leaders fueling the conflict, and help push South Sudan towards the long process of building a capable and responsive state that achieves the desires of its people.

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