Not Kiir and Machar as Persons but Assumptions, Myths and Ideologists.

For over five decades the people of South Sudan relentlessly fought for either a fair participatory and beneficiary share within the then largest African country the Sudan; or take her freedom destiny on her own hands. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provisions offered both alternatives; but the former vainly worked within the prescribed time period, thus giving room to the latter to materialize on July 9^th 2011.

Like any hard earned achievement, the independence of South Sudan as the 193^rd country of the global nations, was welcomed with jubilations not only by the South Sudanese themselves but also by various stakeholders who because of vested interests worked so hard to achieve this. In the background meanwhile lie a series of impending huddles: Sudan’s staunch interests, efforts and ideology to keep the country put; their campaign that independent South Sudan is ungovernable (which now proved true) and of course our resources; continue to be major destabilizing factors of the new nation.

For the sake of preciseness I would dwell mostly on the truth of independent South Sudan ungovernability. No wonder most if not all educated and sane South Sudanese knew and accepted this reality but continued to fight with the hopes and beliefs that solutions to such conditions would be much feasible than with the precarious north-south conflicts. Well, perhaps those optimists were wrong: conflicts are conflicts in that their results depend on their massive impulses at the time of impacts. Example one-day bomb in the city of Tokyo, Japan could have higher numerical casualties and property destruction than a week of similar bombing say in Juba, South Sudan. By this I mean the longer we drag this conflicts by targeting highly populated cities, the sooner we will find it hard to differentiate the casualties and property destructions from impacts of the 2o+ years with the north.

Our ungovernability shouldn’t be locked on the now Kiir-Machar or then Garang-Machar or even more Garang-Kiir as persons as many seem to think, but some keener looks should be sought from the ideologically existing assumptions and myths. The “born to rule” assumptions is no secret among South Sudanese especially those who lived the old 1972-1983 regional government. The “Ngun Deng mythical prophecy” is another that isn’t a secret too. These two are good ideological rivals personifying themselves in some leaders we see not only destroying the well being of our country today but did so also in the liberation movement (no need to elaborate). Whether Salva and Riek accept to stay away from the government, as many seem to call for now, the ideologies will live on and continue to haunt leaders subscribing to them. It’s though a gross mistake to generically assume that since these myths emanates from certain tribes then all the tribe subscribe to it. It’s also worth mentioning that the two rivaling ideologists gave birth to yet a recent one: who fought (contributed) the most in the liberation effort. This one whoever, is the stupidest assumption that doesn’t pay heed to the voice of scientific reasoning. It doesn’t recognize that 2 is 50% of 4 just as 500 is 50% of 1000. It tends to assign an alienable rights only by population might rather than citizenry. This as a brainchild of the two is equally dangerous for the wellbeing of South Sudan.

Another issue we tend to ignore is that there are miniature community conflicts all over the country that have the potential to threaten the stability of the nation, but the Nuer-Dinka one surpasses simply because the leaders involved represent the upper echelon of our government.  Whether the two major tribes in the country have some historical hatred among them rather than what I stated above, it’s high time the people of South Sudan rise above all these. We need dignity for our people and ourselves. We want to identify with the norms of civilized societies and abhor barbarism. There are real Moses among us who can help bring this to bear: a Nuer, a Dinka, a Toposa, a Bari, an Avukaya etc who does not subscribe to the mythical world that’s destroying the country. However, to fight the ideologies that have prevailed for decades if not centuries is an uphill battle that requires a total overhaul of our political system. Reforming all institutions and formulations and upholding of the national permanent constitution are key to this.

Conflict has erupted, lives and properties have been lost and destroyed and above all; crimes have been committed as per the UN reports. As usual justice shall prevail or have to be served. Dr. Machar and President Kiir should have sought peaceful political avenues to settle their differences than allowing un-lawful track perpetrated by their supporters take lead in the conflict. Whatever defense arsenal they have to walk free from this remains to be seen, otherwise somebody or some people must account for these. For these leaders, choosing to fight to the last breathe of their lives is worse than coming to terms with the reality, apologize to the people and allow them to learn from the mistakes as they choose a peaceful path for their country.

Finally, there is still time for both leaders to salvage South Sudan and themselves out of this quagmire.

1. Commit to serious political dialogue with the rebels and those detained persons for allegedly participating in destabilizing the country. Admitting faulty steps along the way and forming a broad-base inclusive government tasked with formulation of the permanent constitution, other reforms and elections amenities. This inclusive broad-base government should be regionally represented rather than tribally or party represented. By this I mean the 3 former regional provinces of South Sudan. Within the regional cohort there must be fair tribal balance.
2. As already called for by many (although I personally don’t subscribe to this), Kiir and Machar step aside and leave room for again broad-base interim government to take care of the country’s affairs. It would even make more sense if the Nuer and Dinka could accept to stay away from the presidency for the next 15-20 years. Leave the presidency to non Nuer or Dinka but serve other executive, legislative and judiciary capacities. We need genuine tangible reforms to avoid continuous deadly conflicts.