Professor Yenshu Emmanuel Vubo, Political Sociologist, University of Buea, talks on the chances of peace and stability in South Sudan.

A transition government of national unity has just been formed in South Sudan between President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar. What is the importance of this event in the peace process in the country?

This is a show of maturity both for the politicians and the country. Consensual politics should always take priority over divisions, exclusion and bickering. At last the ordinary people will breath a sigh of relief and the country can continue on its post-war reconstruction and post- independence drive.

The international community and South Sudanese are looking forward to effective take off of the transition national unity government between Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. What must be done for the government to succeed in resolving the conflict in the country?

The conflicting parties must understand that they have much to gain from working as team than bickering along ethnic lines. There is a term very much in vogue now, peace building. The formerly conflicting groups must embark on their internally driven peace building efforts. In that way, a cohesive society can develop out of the divisiveness of the conflict past. This will be more sustainable that any externally organised peace deals.

What should be the role of the international community in fostering the return to peace, stability signaling the end of the civil war in South Sudan?

The international community should play an incitative role rather than impose a deal that risks being fragile in the end. Peace should not result from coercion but should be the result of genuine efforts by concerned parties to solve their own problems. The international community should not step in from a artisan angle as in some cases but listen to both parties and provide the platform (means, forums, expertise) for genuine dialogue and negotiations for lasting and enduring peace.