A dark cloud hangs over South Sudan after a deal to end the 20-month-old conflict in the continent’s newest nation failed to materialize. Fighting broke out in the Republic of South Sudan barely three years after its independence. It is no secret that the war in the country accrues from internal factors (such as the politics of exclusion, corruption, self-seeking and bloated egos) and external factors such as resource and dominance generated global geopolitics.

More than one million citizens of South Sudan perished during the 60 years struggle for independence in the hope for a better future. The warring factions should invest in sobriety, avoid sacrificing the young state on the altar of short term gains and appreciate the concerted efforts – both internal and external that led to its rebirth. They will do well to heed President Yoweri Museveni’s advice during the young nation’s 2nd independence anniversary that Africans have occasionally tempted the world into intervening in Africa and consequently subjugating it.

The world is keenly watching what Africa’s regional economic communities and African Union are doing to restore calm in the disintegrating country. The crisis in South Sudan tests the 'African solutions to African problems' mantra.