"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
March 16, 2015 (SSB) — When South Sudan attained independence from Sudan many had hope that having finally escaped from tyranny of the North, the young Nation would quickly unite and make up for the lost time spent in decade-old conflict and put up necessary reforms and structures that would put it on a recovery path.
–
However, the fledgling state has become an embarrassment and big letdown to Africa as a whole. Surely, why can’t president Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr Riak Machar swallow their egos for the sake of their suffering citizens?
–
Could it be that because they conduct their ‘peace talks’ in comfy hotel in peaceful neighbouring countries – far removed from the challenges face by their fellow countrymen, they don’t feel the magnitude of the problem?
–
By the way, why has the International Criminal Court (ICC) kept off the South Sudan case where tens of thousands of people have lost their lives and many more displaced, yet it immediately descended on Kenya. Where less than two thousand people died due to the post poll conflict of 2007/2008?
–
Also, why can’t the rich South Sudanese diaspora could bring its clout to bear and force the two leaders to settle the crisis? Kiir, Machar and their cohorts should to hold their so-called peace talks under the scorching heat of the sun-baked fields of South Sudan until they agreed.
–
The opinion expressed here is solely the view of the writer. The veracity of any claim made are the responsibility of the author, not PaanLuel Wël: South Sudanese Bloggers (SSB) website. If you want to submit an opinion article or news analysis, please email it to paanluel2011@gmail.com. SSB do reserve the right to edit material before publication. Please include your full name, email address and the country you are writing from.
PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.