Leaders and civilians express their grief on the first anniversary of the outbreak of the South Sudan Civil War:

Seyoum Mesfin, Special Envoy of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development:  A year has passed since the terrible conflict in South Sudan consumed our region’s, and the world’s, newest country. It is tragic that the suffering and pain that the South Sudanese people have known for decades endures today, despite South Sudan’s entry into the community of independent nations. We, your neighbours and friends, feel great sadness that the crisis continues. We feel your grief and despair at this most difficult time in the life of your country.

Today, there is still much uncertainty about your country’s future. Until today, nobody knows how many thousands have been killed. The war is so cruel that nobody has even indicated whether they hold prisoners of war. Millions are displaced inside South Sudan and to neighbouring countries. Millions more are struggling to survive. And the war continues to claim the lives of combatants and innocent civilians.

There is much mistrust and suspicion amongst communities, and the wounds inflicted by the conflict of the last twelve months have yet to begin to heal.
On this sad anniversary, I appeal to all the citizens of South Sudan to not be drawn into a return to violence, retribution and destruction. Be not influenced by rumours and unhelpful rhetoric, from wherever they may emanate. Be not influenced by hatred and vengeance. The interests of the country, of the nation, of the people – all the people – must come first.

Let us make this last, appalling year of horror and tragedy, not an indicator of South Sudan’s future but a shocking reminder of the dangers of choosing war over peace, division over harmony, destruction over creation, hate over empathy. These choices have caused so much suffering. Let us not continue these mistakes any longer.

Edmund Yakani, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization: It's hard to believe we're in an even darker place than before independence. It will take decades for South Sudan to recover and heal. But first the fighting has to stop. There is no peace through the barrel of a gun - the only solution to the crisis is a political one.

Rev. James Ninrew: Twelve months on from the outbreak of this war, it is hard to fathom that worse could be yet to come. We need our friends who have stood by us previously to do so again, and to share our conviction that the bloodshed must end, and end for good.

Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations: I am dismayed and saddened that the parties have yet to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. The leaders of South Sudan have allowed their personal ambitions to jeopardize the future of an entire nation. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have died. 1.9 million people have been displaced by the conflict, and millions more have become vulnerable to food insecurity.This is tragic and unacceptable. The killing must stop now. The very premise of the country's independence struggle - a new beginning that was supposed to be founded on tolerance, good governance, accountability and unity - is disappearing before our eyes.

Rev. Both Reath Luang: If the war continues, we will be on the brink of famine. If the fighting doesn't kill our children, there's a real risk that the food crisis will. Famine will tip us over the edge. We cannot endure another year of war, bloodshed, and hunger. We just want to raise our families in the peace and security we dreamed independence would bring.

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America: Last December, when a political conflict erupted into violence in South Sudan, the hope and optimism the world felt with the founding of the new nation in 2011 was overtaken by images of bloodshed and grief.  Instead of seeing the promise of their struggle for self-determination realized, the people of South Sudan have suffered countless, unimaginable tragedies. The magnitude of this crisis is felt in both the devastation that violence has left in towns and villages, and the scars—visible and invisible—on the South Sudanese people.

Today, I appeal to the leaders of South Sudan to pursue peace as a way to honor those who have died. It is in your hands to end the cycle of violence, to set forth on a course of reform and reconciliation, and to hold to account those responsible for atrocities. Leadership that recalls the promise of South Sudan is what the country now needs to end this senseless conflict.

To the people of South Sudan, who have suffered for far too long, I urge you to renew the spirit of hope, unity, and fortitude that enabled you almost four years ago to come together and vote for a brighter future.  For the sake of future generations, I urge you to seek peaceful reconciliation rather than violent retribution. The United States will remain a friend to those who seek peace and progress, and will stand with the people of South Sudan.

Lony Ruot, Standard Action Luaison Focus: Without an immediate end to the war, there is a real risk that a generation of illiteracy will develop. Tomorrow's leaders are amongst the children who should be attending school in South Sudan today. Any nation that denies its children their right to education will suffer tomorrow.

Lona James, Voice for Change: The levels of sexual violence against women and girls in this war are truly shocking. South Sudan has seen a lot of violence over generations, but nothing on this scale or severity. Women are not safe anywhere anymore -- not even inside UN compounds. We have to end the brutality and start healing our communities.

Zlatko Gegic, Oxfam South Sudan Country Director: The situation in South Sudan is on a knife-edge. The relative peace of the rainy season is over, and fighting could escalate at any time, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes for their own safety. Harvesting and transporting food will become impossible, and millions of people will go hungry.  We have to act now to avert it. The key thing we need to see is an immediate ceasefire. We appeal to both sides in the conflict to get around the negotiating table and hammer out a durable political solution. That’s the best solution for stopping the hunger in South Sudan.

Photo: A scene of Bentiu after its recapture by the government, 12 January 2014 (AP/Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin)