By Emmanuel Malual Makuach, Nairobi, Kenya
April 3, 2016 (SSB) — Tribalism in south Sudan is not inborn; it cannot be traced to ancient hatreds or warfare from cultures clashing over the ages. The major opposing groups like Nuer and Dinka of south Sudan and the Nuer .Dinka people) from the other tribes had little contact with one another before the creations of Sudan and coming of the colonialists. Sudanese tribalism is therefore a relatively new phenomenon.
It is a product of modern times arising from struggle for independence and that is political culture that sprung up in independent south Sudan from north Sudan Tribalism in south Sudan has been a major stumbling block to democracy as well as socio-economic development. It affects every sphere of development, from social economic, political to educational spheres. In political spheres, tribalism persists since it provides an avenue via which state goodies and favors trickle down from those in power to their tribesmen.
Therefore, loyalty to tribe is given ever greater relevance than loyalty to the country that is like creating coup and corruptions against the ruling party elites in the country’s quoted some words rally that held in Nairobi at Kenyatta international conference centre ( KICC) the presentations made during rally of designated vice president Dr Riek Machar giving chances to some tribal youth groups who never advocates for peace in the country Nuer youth union and Jieng youth union then giving to the students organizations and other concerns groups in the community .
Concerns citizen says in every sector of development, tribalism has also been rampant. Employment has been skewed, with members of certain community being given certain positions. Public institutions in south Sudan present a case where the members of staff are rendered tribal. Effective performance of duty therefore becomes a big issue since tribalism affects work ethics. Ethical practice of the members of staff is called for in order to safe the situation.
In some offices if the minister is from certain tribes the appointment should base on tribesmen starting from receptionist up to the minister from the same tribes that all things in the office are run using the language that which one of them can loot the public funds The government has mandate to apply the provisions of public officers’ ethical provisions owing to the very ills of tribalism.
Tribalism is responsible for a lot of ills in south Sudan including underdevelopment, corruption in all government institutions in the country . rigging of elections and violence/civil war rebellions base on tribes that south Sudan has been experience it since the struggle because the step of development in the country rebellions occurs to stop people to progress in development In terms of employment, people are given jobs based on tribe regardless of having low qualifications. Hence the inefficient use of available skills.
Thus, the very rationale of being educated lacks meaning. Bad governance and lack of accountability has also been linked to tribalism as people do not question a government run by their tribesmen. Delivery of services is also hindered as the culture of impunity is also inculcated. Delivery of services in both public and private institution where tribalism is rampant is also highly affected by tribal affiliations and politics.
Given this state of affairs about the negative effects of tribalism in south Sudan there is a need to make a deliberate effort towards gaining national consciousness rather that tribal one. Human beings will ever be stratified along certain social stratification domains.
However, development into national consciousness calls for retaining self consciousness and at the same time working towards the attainment of universal-consciousness which is not limited to ones tribe. Being ‘a south Sudanese or ‘a Global Citizen’ should be the people’s tribe or race.
AUTHOR IS A MEMBER OF CONCERNS FOR ORPHANGE AND WIDOWS IN SOUTH SUDAN.
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