By Manyiel D’Awet,
March 26, 2015 (SSB) —- Brother Agel, been a long time but I remember you as one of the many that always believed and supported my aspirations to become a doctor. To reciprocate, I respect your choice to join Riak even though I may not agree with it. I honestly would like to know the rationale behind your decision. I cannot judge u as a person because non of us is perfect. However as a fellow intellectual, I believe we have the brains to reason and forge a brighter future for South Sudan and Africa in general.
As you know most of our current leaders are old and practice the old traditional styles of leadership. That is either lead by claiming intellectual superiority without substance or via tribal strength. None of our leaders is prioritizing nation building or the lives of the ordinary citizens. These are known facts as proven by the billions transferred into private accounts of past and current leaders of our country. Meanwhile they drive in their fancy cars watching children searching for food in garbage bins. Not to mention lack of standard hospitals, schools, electricity, clean water or sanitary drainage system.
None of these leaders managed to advocate for these vital projects even though some of them were actual ministers overseeing such projects. And yet all their government houses were fully refurbished, some exceeding modern celebrity standards. And I know this because I’ve visited most of them!
Now that there is a crisis in the country for which all parties are accountable for, I scarcely fathom the idea that respectable intellectuals choose to support such incompetent leaders. How do people know the ugly past and recurrent failures of these leaders and still vouch for them blindly.
I’ve slept well at night throughout this conflict consoled by the belief that time is on our side, that these old folks’ time will lapse and a younger brand of fresh and civilized leaders will sprout. However the behavior of some of my colleagues is beginning to cast a dark shadow on the bright future I’ve always seen for our country.
Whatever happened to principles of patience or impartiality. Whatever happened to reasoning and common sense. Kiir and Riak are not the only leaders destined to rule South Sudan. Whatever happened to confidence and dignity. I believe that there are many individuals in these two camps that are capable of leading.
The question is must one climb the back of a renowned politician to reach the top? Is it too hard for one to forge his own path and determine his own destiny? If aspiring leaders are afraid of talking to ordinary citizens and drafting their own agendas, then why waste time talking politics rather than minding your own business? Are Kiir and Riak the only leaders with vision and policies for our country.
Brothers and sisters, I believe that every South Sudanese citizen with a brain can lead our country provided that he/she dissociates from the leaders that already have their hands dirty. I believe in a leader that believes in themselves and relies only on the people he intends to govern and not regional or international help.
To all my fellow intellectuals, please STOP political prostitution no matter what your end game is.
Finally please do not be offended by my rants as I’m only offering advice that you may or may not follow. But there is no denying that our country needs us to put our heads together and shun all those trying to bring us down.
God bless you all.
–