The young country of South Sudan continues to struggle for its very survival against a nascent rebellion just a year after its official establishment.  In a recent move that suggests the South Sudanese government knows how weak its position is, President Salva Kiir agreed to participate in talks with Riek Machar, commander of the opposition forces.  The United States has endorsed and supported this decision – which no doubt played a role in convincing President Kiir to participate.

Kiir warns, however, that if the mediation is to succeed, more will be required of the United States.  Specifically, he has said that the U.S. must convince the United Nation’s Security Council to vote to keep a peacekeeping force in South Sudan while the mediation occurs.  As the country moves into the annual rainy season, concerns are mounting that as many as six million displaced Sudanese refugees will be in danger of starvation if supplies are not secured and a way to safely transport them is not devised.  Having the U.N. forces in country would allow the Sudan People’s Liberation Army to concentrate on logistical efforts and securing territory from rebel incursions.

For its part, the United States has not committed itself to anything beyond supporting the mediation process itself.