South Sudan: Watching a fragile nation

[carl]

I know you don't want to hear this, but if someone is shooting at you from within a crowd of unarmed civilians your options are somewhat limited, unless the rules of engagement allow that type of response.

Bill:

I know a little about all that, so I don't mind hearing anything. Most is learned from things not wanted anyway.

Stan:

Merry Christmas too!

[davidbfpo]

There is not much room for optimism in this IISS Strategic Comment, another African nation retarded by its own politicians, warlords and others:https://www.iiss.org/en/publications...nt-strife-cd33

This maybe behind a registration "wall".

[davidbfpo]

I don't watch this situation closely and thought the faction fighting had abated. Instead I learnt this:

Peacekeepers from the U.N. Mission in South Sudan told their chief Hilde Johnson that people were flocking to UNMISS’ bases seeking protection. In the dark morning hours of Dec. 16, Johnson gave the order to let them in.

The result, four month later, is siege warfare. Tens of thousands of refugees struggle to survive on U.N. bases protected by lightly-armed peacekeepers—while outside the compounds’ walls, killers plan their attacks. Conditions are dire. The future is uncertain. Nearly 100,000 lives are at stake.

(Later) The U.N. has held out for four months. But as with any siege, the attackers have the advantage. It’s only a matter of time before money, supplies and political willpower run out.

Link:https://medium.com/war-is-boring/119600c57b95

[davidbfpo]

I admit (again) events in South Sudan rarely reach my in-tray, but this headline caught my attention just:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-34083964

The article gives a very short update on the current situation, with more on the American angle and a passing reference to the possible competition with China.