Just a few years ago the international community supported South Sudan in its efforts to achieve independence by peaceful means. After many years of armed conflict between North and South, this was a great step forward and awakened huge hopes.

South Sudan’s leaders are now jointly responsible for ensuring that their young and newly independent country does not sink into chaos and misery. This means that neither of the two sides may stand aloof from the efforts of their African neighbours to mediate in the conflict. The slaughter must stop!