Rising subnational violence could be solved with full deployment of unified forces

Some 442 people were killed in the second quarter of this year due to subnational violence, according to the United Nations in South Sudan (UNMISS).

At least 297 people were reported injured, 197 abducted, and 126 were subjected to sexual violence between April and June this year.

Many of the abductions were documented in parts of Juba, Morobo, and Yei counties in Central Equatoria State, where armed groups are active.

The delayed deployment of the 83,000 unified forces has created a security vacuum which is being exploited by armed groups and communities.

The speedy implementation of the security arrangement under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement of essence, if the citizens of this country are to enjoy peace.

Yes, communal violence has been around for years but it spiked in the aftermath of the conflict in December 2013 and the renewed violence in 2016.

Many people felt insecure during the two conflicts, and they were compelled to either arm themselves or they sought assistance from some of their relatives in high positions of power to do so.

This situation can no longer bring peace to this country because it fans insecurity at an alarming rate as we are witnessing today.