South Sudan History of Civil Wars Developed Extremist Violence
By Manon Aleu Jok Aleu, New York, USA
January 17, 2016 (SSB) —- South Sudan’s score of “violence extremism” ranked over 6 point out of ten –For the “Violent extremism” In the world. So what is violent extremism? It refers to supporting or committing ideologically motivated violence to further social, economic, or political objectives. The process by which individuals become extremists is known as radicalization. How do we call or define the recently tribalistic radicalization ideology that associate with violence, hatred against other communities or specific group in the country in relation to the recent statement by H.E. James Wani during an SPLM Extra-ordinary Convention that so call Arrow Boys group have behaviors and attitudes of attacking indiscriminately against particular group or ethnicities in the basis of tribalist hatred, this type of violence has no exemption from “violent extremists” behaviors and actions.
The role of social media over the 20 months plus period of war has a clear evidence of violent extremist debate in both camps of both pro and anti-government hate speeches; while the IO supporters who are known as “Social Media Warriors” that are recognized by their leader Machar become violent extremists in social media wars; the South Sudan government shouldn’t ignore the reality of the fight against violent extremism in terms of tribalist ideologies, hate speeches, name calling and etc.. extremist violence via militia groups have the longest association with violence in the country in Upper Nile region as well as the recently growing violence in the equatoria region; the GOSS needs to pursue violent extremism prevention in developing a national strategy plan for “ Countering Violent Extremism” that focuses more on preventing people becoming violent extremists in first place: whether tribalistic, or politically motivated in the basis of regionalism or tribalist groups by applying extreme laws against this type of behavior;
The government of South Sudan shall develop a policy of countering violent extremism that should include both security agencies and developmental institutions focused on peace dividends on building resilience at the local community level, thus placing the emphasis on empowering youths, women active group as well as civil societal organizations; religious, traditional leaders; school leaders, the support of individual advocacy for peace in the country, these organizations and individuals are important partner’s in countering violent extremism in all forums in the country.
The South Sudanese government developing a plan of action is necessary at the moment of peace building and nation building; creation of projects that impact on job creations are essential to employing youths in the country, because of the people involved in this violence are young people who feel hopeless, lost hopes for change or gains without employment and live with no income to establish a life and future. The prevention policy for countering violent extremism in the country shall be long term goals; focusing on investment and educating can reduce the level of violent extremism in the country, and it is the media’s role to play positive messages in public interest, I really concerned about type of media outlet in the country that are being financially funded by outside forces, it is time for GOSS to take responsibility and leadership to allocate funds for national media and reward these media support and advocates for peace, praising peace building, nation building, mentoring and controlling behaviors of some media that spreads hatred and violence.
The security and safety of our citizens and success of this nation to live in peace, harmony and prosperity is a responsibility of the government. South Sudan had a history of civil wars and violence that have great deal to focus on preventing and countering violent extremism is a critical aspect of a comprehensive approach for sustainable peace in South Sudan; this indication needs plan of action from the government of South Sudan to address these challenges; the South Sudan history of civil wars developed an extremist violence and we needs plan for countering violent extremist in South Sudan.
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