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Nhial Deng Nhial, South Sudanese politician: South Sudan is being run down

Nhial Deng Nhial, South Sudanese politician: South Sudan is being run down

The Interview vor 10 Monaten

James Copnall speaks to politician Nhial Deng Nhial about instability in South Sudan

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‘There's basically a total failure of governance. Nothing is
working. There is very serious political instability that has
actually manifested itself in violence all across the country.’

James Copnall speaks to senior South Sudanese politician Nhial
Deng Nhial, about the political instability that’s threatening
the future of the world’s youngest country.

Nhial, who has served in numerous important roles in, including
as South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, made headlines last month when
he openly criticised the country’s president, Salva Kiir, going
from former ally to a voice of opposition.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades
of struggle led by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, or
SPLM. But just two years into independence, a power struggle
between President Salva Kiir and his vice-president Riek Machar
led to a civil war in which 400,000 lost their lives.

The civil war was brought to an end in 2018 through a peace deal
that saw the creation of a unity government that was meant to
pave the way for elections in 2022. However, these never
happened, and following renewed clashes between the army and
opposition forces earlier this year. The United Nations is deeply
concerned about a possible return to outright war.

Amid these growing tensions in the country, even once-staunch
allies of the President are now speaking out - including Nhial
Deng Nhial who suspended his membership of the ruling SPLM, and
accused the government of corruption, fuelling insecurity and
refusing to hold long-delayed elections. President Salva is no
stranger to public criticism - but there was a sense of shock
that the latest to take aim at South Sudan’s leader was Nhial
Deng Nhial, a prominent figure in the country, and the party, for
decades. The Interview brings you conversations with people
shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews
from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays
and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as
a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get
your podcasts.

Presenter: James Copnall Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Justine
Lang

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the
hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Nhial Deng Nhial Credit: HANNAH MCNEISH/AFP/GettyImages)