South Sudan

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Post 1

When thinking about South Sudan, what comes to mind? Underdeveloped government. Weak economy. Fragile governance. History of conflict. Human rights violations. Corruption. While these are valid terms commonly used to describe South Sudan, there are other ways to describe the state including, rich in oil, abundant in water resources, and large amounts of other natural resources (e.g., gold, silver, land, and diamonds).

Is the combination of South Sudan’s fragility and abundance of oil reserves and natural resources what attracts U.S. strategic competitors like the PRC and Russia? With the PRC and Russia actively engaging in trade with South Sudan, attention should be given to the nature of the agreements between these countries. To what extent are these agreements benefitting the South Sudanese? Are the PRC and Russia providing aid, reducing corruption, improving accountability and transparency, promoting democracy, helping reduce the state’s debt, and diversifying its economy?

With its oil reserves dwindling, its economy in shambles, the first general election delayed again, the conflict in Sudan to the north, and many other liabilities, South Sudan’s security and stability is becoming increasingly vulnerable.