Will 2019 bring peace or famine? South Sudan marks five years of war

LONDON, Dec 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - As South Sudan's civil war enters its sixth year, conflict has lessened following a peace deal but violence prevents 1.5 million people receiving aid and famine is possible in 2019.

Despite a fragile accord signed by the government and rebel groups in September, the world's youngest country is awash with weapons and riven with ethnic grievances, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and cycle of revenge.

"We have a long way to go to ensure that all parties meaningfully engage in the peace process," said Janardhan Rao, country director for aid group Mercy Corps.