(OSRSG-CAAC) – As South Sudan marks the fourth anniversary of its independence tomorrow, the continuing conflict in the country – rendered all the more appalling by a recent intensification of the fighting – makes it impossible to view the passing of this national “birthday” with a celebratory eye. The world stood with South Sudan as it entered into nationhood full of hope. Yet with internal divisions escalating into violence by the end of 2013, and with that violence having shown little sign of abating to date, this anniversary is now the second in which bloodshed replaces the formerly hoped-for bright future for South Sudan and its citizens.
