In Depth:  Jan King

Less than five years into being an independent country, the economy and political situation is in a mess. Sadly much of this is due to the greed and corruption of their leaders.

After two years of conflict, which started in December 2013; and many millions of US dollars used up in negotiating, a final ‘peace agreement’ was reached in August 2015. However, the new Vice President has yet to arrive in Juba and a unity government to be formed.

Until December, the major problems have been mainly in the north and east.

Since a peace agreement was signed in August 2015, the situation nationally has improved a little. However, security issues are worsening in the south, where many missionaries with Africa Inland Church and other agencies work. This is partly due to divisions in the Government and also between local militias and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). The SPLA now has helicopter gunships. In addition, there is high inflation and a real threat of famine, which is leading to petty crime with gangs taking advantage of the situation.

The north is still bombing the Nuba Mountain area, it was reported in June.

Several pastors’ wives who managed to get to Bible School were suffering from serious eye complaints, due to being forced to live and cook in caves.