The Republic of South Sudan: Is Power Struggle the Change that the Nation Needs?
By Jacob Barac, Austin, MN, USA
By surprise, the world is weighing criticisms, remarks and news on what should be the future of South Sudan- the newest nation on the planet. South Sudan gained its independence two years ago after seceded from the north, marking the second birth anniversary two weeks ago. Headed by Salva Kiir Mayardit as President and his counterpart, Dr. Riek Machar Teny as Vice President, it is yet unclear what causes power struggle even before the country has not healed from previous wounds. The wound to corruptions, killings, border struggle with Khartoum, internal conflicts and rebels’ conflict in the whole nation as well as political discomfort in the government. All these arising surged would backfire the nation if not destroy it. Yet, it is uncertain whether the president and vice president should learn from the past, but instead avoid their differences and work towards what they were possibly elected for. That is working towards reform of the nation’s priorities- the economy reform, health care reform, education reform, and security reform.
In addition, rumors have been circulating in the whole nation since the birth marked of the new nation that Mr. Riek Machar has little interest in the presidency post. But it was not clear when and where Mr. Riek would conquer his remarks that he’s been making about the government since July 9th, 2011. South Sudan like any other state or country was fought for and by the people who initially understood the living standard of people and citizenships status as native. Mr. Riek, however, has not understood the importance of being citizens and native of the land. He claims that the president is not doing everything worth importance and worth doing because of dishonesty and trust yet he’s part of it. Since independence, these gentlemen have been participating and working alongside one another, and hand in hands to correct and prevail what would serve in the best interest of the nation. But none has been accounted for, and therefore, it is not true to claim that you are the best man for the job while servicing in the same position.
Is Mr. Riek the best man for the job? It is now obvious that Riek has emerged powerfully and willingly to overthrow president Kiir in a glimpse of an eye. Is that fact? To some extent and background search, the answer is “NO,” why? Because Mr. Riek has history of criminal background against humanity and human trafficking in the same country to which he claims presidency. In 1992, after defecting and joined the Khartoum government to fight against what’s now The Republic of South Sudan, Riek, like any other comrades in the history of South Sudan, is the worst man ever to serve in the government of South Sudan. In the same year after joining the Sudan government, Riek as president of SSIM, hatefully mobilized his home boys against the Dinka tribes partly in Jonglei state, and wholly in neighboring tribes that borders Nuer in some parts of the nation- Bahr- el– ghazal states. In that ethnic cleansing and massacre, Mr. Riek intentionally killed elders, children, sick persons, and therefore, took with him everything that sustains livelihood of humans. In my own family hearth, nine children demised in the aftermath of killings and brutal hatred- unloving hearted person. Some families also have lost everyone, whether it is father, mother and children- all of them died. It is this man, Riek Machar, in 2005 before CPA, reconciled with our founding father Dr. John Garang de Mabior- the man of courage, unity, honesty, and love for his country, and people including Riek Machar, who after and before betrayed the success which John has fought for in two decades before he crashed. This is the same people, nation and tribes who he heart-fully felt were victims in his eyes. Now, what change does he claims, and who will benefit on changes that Mr. Riek is trying to bring for the nation? If he was really wise and capable man, why won’t he fight with the SPLM rather than killing civilian in 1991- 1992 where some 4 million people were displaced and countless number of children, elders and women perished?
In the history of South Sudan, it is inevitable for the whole nation to forgive Mr. Riek for his own actions. After independence, however, Mr. Riek personally apologized to Dinka community especially in Jonglei state, but also to the whole community of Dinka tribes across the nation on his actions, behaviors and betrayals. Although, his apologizes were painfully absorbed by these identified tribes, well, it wasn’t clear whether Mr. Riek intentions were politically motivated on becoming the next president of South Sudan, and precisely credited himself by blackmailing citizens when that time comes. Therefore, what Mr. Riek is not aware of, is the fact that these tribes are not blind individuals. They cannot vote for him in broad day light. They knew very well that his actions have caused them many lives and will continue to cause them more if he gets elected.
“The question is, are we there yet”? Hopefully, the right feedback is big “NOOOO”, because it was never too late for Mr. Riek to make his remarks, which he’s been pursuing in the nation and around the world that the country is struggling and heading in the wrong directions. Therefore, it needs someone who is educated, articulated, ambition and democratically acceptance in the world to run the nation. These statements and remarks have been short- cute to confinement at his house. Mr. Riek is now serving time at his house after being relieved from duty last week. It is also good to learn if warned. This is not the first Mr. Riek was ever warned from performing his duties. Before, Riek Machar was limited to certain powers after being seriously observed as manipulator against the government of South Sudan. But, he has not realized that his time was coming to an end. Now, the pressure which was bubbling up for years has busted and led to termination. Kudos Mr. President for sharp actions and decisions!!!!!!!
You can reach the author, Jacob Barac, at his email: awuol79@gmail.com
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