Next few weeks could decide the future of South Sudan

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/25/next-weeks-future-south-sudan

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Just two years since independence – and nine years since the end of South Sudan's protracted conflict with what is now the Republic of Sudan – political discord and spreading internal violence are pushing the fledgling state to the edge of breakdown (Report, 24 December). Over the next few weeks, restraint and a commitment to peaceful dialogue will be critical to South Sudan's future and its prospects of avoiding a slide to civil war. But when the guns do die down, South Sudan will have to turn to the difficult task of addressing the underlying issues that led to the present crisis. There are many questions that will need to be asked during the recovery process. How have the legacies of war been dealt with? How effective has the transformation and reform of the country's security services been? Is the system of governance serving the needs of the new state?

For the sake of long-term peace and stability, South Sudan desperately needs to engage in a broad-based reconciliation process as an essential part of developing a new constitution. This would be an opportunity for wide public engagement to both deal with past political violence and grievances, and to cultivate greater public accountability, transparency and oversight of political processes and the management of its security services. Paul Murphy Executive director, Saferworld

• Wow, 90m Kalashnikovs produced – well worth commemorating in a full-page obituary of their inventor (24 December). At least this guy was famous for something. Looking forward to the obits of the countless millions mown down by the bloody things. Root Cartwright Radlett, Hertfordshire

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