Part 5/7:
By 2018, another agreement marked a tentative step towards stability. Machar returned to Juba for the formation of a unity government, yet distrust between the factions hampered any significant progress. Failures to unify the armed forces, establish new governance systems, and create accountability for war crimes stifled realization of a peaceful society.
The economy remained fragile, exacerbated by internal conflict, low oil prices, and natural disasters like floods that displaced entire communities. As momentum for transition waned, the interim government continued to delay national elections, escalating tensions once again.