Since independence in 2011, South Sudan has only experienced one year of peace before descending into repeated transitional governments and conflict. Civil society voices blame political leaders, particularly President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, for derailing progress and fostering division. The population continues to suffer under the grip of a small elite maintaining the status quo. There is widespread disillusionment as hopes for democracy fade. Calls grow louder for genuine leadership and structural change to avoid yet another cycle of violence.