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Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing: Options for Addressing the Crisis in South Sudan
Record date · January 1, 2017
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What This Bill Does
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on September 20, 2016, to evaluate the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the failure of the 2015 peace agreement, allegations of government corruption, and the effectiveness of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
This hearing examines the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy and international peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan, where ongoing conflict and government corruption have led to widespread displacement and famine.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
South Sudanese civilians
They are experiencing displacement, famine, and violence as a result of the ongoing conflict.
United Nations
The organization is responsible for the peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) currently operating in South Sudan.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on September 20, 2016, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
- Chairman Bob Corker stated that President Salva Kiir replaced Riek Machar with an opposition alternative, potentially invalidating the August 2015 peace agreement.
- The committee discussed reports of South Sudanese government forces firing on U.S. diplomatic vehicles and injuring a U.N. official in July 2016.
- Over 1 million South Sudanese refugees have fled the country.
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- One in five South Sudanese citizens have been displaced from their homes.
- The committee reviewed allegations that South Sudanese leadership is diverting national resources for personal enrichment.
- Chairman Corker criticized the United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) for failing to protect civilians at designated protection sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the 2015 South Sudan peace agreement?
What concerns were raised about the United Nations in South Sudan?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Questioning U.S. Commitment
The hearing marks a shift toward questioning the viability of the U.S. commitment to the South Sudanese government following the collapse of the 2015 peace agreement.
Connected Entities
Sources
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Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy65Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment20Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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