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Members of the South Sudanese community gathered Friday at the State Capitol to commemorate the killings that launched the country’s current civil war. MARTHA STODDARD/THE WORLD-HERALD

In 2011, the world recognized the creation of South Sudan amid great hopes for peace and stability. Independence freed residents there from horrendous abuses by Sudan’s government.

Six years later, however, South Sudan remains in turmoil. Tensions between the country’s major tribes have spurred years of violence and upheaval.

The civil war has killed tens of thousands, and an estimated 3.5 million residents — more than one-fourth of the population — are refugees, displaced within South Sudan or in neighboring countries.

Last week, members of Nebraska’s South Sudanese community marched to call attention to the country’s plight. The Omaha area is home to more than 10,000 such emigres.

Participants at the march said they hope the U.S. government will push for sanctions on the South Sudan government. The international community will need to continue efforts to address the daunting humanitarian needs.

Northern Ireland perhaps provides a lesson, as Catholics and Protestants wearied of the tumult and agreed to a peaceful settlement.

International pressure on South Sudan’s government, supplemented by serious tribal negotiations, offer the main path forward for that troubled African nation.

Source http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=BFCEE6C561144F34BD3CAD7CC126C738&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.omaha.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorial-south-sudan-strife-weighs-heavily-on-local-community%2Farticle_a43ef6c9-b24e-5b2a-8aaa-1a3b23dcbc89.html&c=16113886512558108304&mkt=en-ca