Our Opinion: Sudanese conflict strikes home

Published 10:55 am Friday, December 27, 2013

We are discouraged by the news that South Sudan is at the moment embroiled in political in-fighting which has caused the deaths of hundreds. With more than 350 Sudanese residents in Austin, we can only imagine what our Nuer and Dinka residents feel about the current struggle between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his former vice-president, Riek Machar.

There are conflicting reports about the unrest. One side says Kiir, a member of the Dinka tribe, blames Machar for attempting a coup to take power. Others say Kiir has stoked tribal conflict in order to eliminate political enemies.

Though it’s not clear what the situation is at the moment, one thing is for sure: More than 1,000 people have died, and are 45,000 displaced from their homes, since this conflict began 12 days ago.

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That conflict affects Sudanese residents here, as they’re checking on their friends and relatives in Africa. In the same way, it affects Austinites who know and are concerned for our Sudanese neighbors.

Austin is a part of a growing global community, and it’s good to pay attention to these things when they happen. It gives us a better understanding of our neighbors, and more understanding ultimately leads to a safer, more prosperous community.

We support Sudanese leaders who are coming together Friday to rally at the state Capitol to end hostilities in South Sudan, which only became a country in 2011 after decades of fighting over religious reasons. We are glad to see the fighting hasn’t spread to Austin, and we encourage our Nuer and Dinka neighbors to continue peacefully protesting the violence in South Sudan.