Bortown: Greater Bor youth embroils in a bitter leadership struggle

Jonglei state youth union constitutional review committee formed

By Mach Samuel Peter, Bor, Jonglei State

September 7, 2016 (SSB) — The government of Jonglei state issued ministerial order No. 01/2016 Sunday for the formation of Jonglei State youth union steering committee predestined to fuse youth associations after it became a wobbly alliance of the three counties of Bor, Twic East and Duk Counties subsequent by the creation of 28 states that left nothing but neutrals, unionists, diversionists who up-to date failed the youth of Greater Bor.

The mandate of the committee interim leadership for town months geared at Constitutional review; synchronization of peaceful co-existence; Security revivalism; resources enlistment; Health consciousness and education.

The committee consists of 18 members from Bor, Duk and Twic East counties headed by Rev. James Deng Akeer the Secretary of Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, Bor Diocese with Secretariat, treasury, information, project planning, gender and social welfare, constitutional affairs, culture youth and sport, peace and external affairs.

“I minister of information culture youth and sport Hon. Akech Dengdit does hereby appoint the members of steering committee for Jonglei state youth union,” the ministerial order issued by Jonglei state minister for information, youth and sport reads.

There are controversies triggered by non-satisfied youth questioning the criteria of forming the committee. Before the ministerial order was issued, there was a self-formed committee that aspired to review the constitution of Jonglei State weeks ago; the youth leadership of three counties rejected the committee in a rally organized at the constitutional square and several meetings. The body was asked to dissolve self and give room to the right procedures culminating into the formation of the committee.

The argument over the legitimacy of the committee has created the three groups. Firstly, those who think that the procedures taken by the minster were unconstitutional because they were not consulted, (those who define Greater Bor better) nevertheless it is my conviction that if they were appointed by this ministerial order they would have played the congratulation! Congratulation! Congratulation! Honorable minster;

The second group believes that the government should have called for youth conference/rally and consult with the youth leaders of Bor, Twic East and Bor counties to lay down frame-work for the formation of the committee by nominating delegates from the Boma, Payam to county levels which sounds reasonable.

The third group has fruitless muddle up reaction that only raises commotion and the dust solves no hitch. They subjectively criticize the move, and eventually fail to objectively recommend possible measures that should have been taken to form the committee.

They are the masters who think they only lead but they cannot be led by others but I want to remind you that you can never lead unless you learn how to follow first and you cannot be a good commander if you have never been commanded in your life time. This is the group that embraces the division of Greater Bor communities at all cost.

The separatists should combine forces with the leadership and monitor the role being played by the committee, if the committee snub to step down or the minister decidedly keep the committee running the Jonglei State Youth Union meanwhile the constitution is effusively reviewed and passed after two months period, the divisionists can play their cards of dividing these peace loving communities of Bor, Twic, Nyarweng and Hol.

If this continues, no youth appears on the scene to be fitting into the shoes of our great grandfathers and founding fathers likes of Machiek Deng, Ajang Duot and Deng Mabur. All of our posterity will prepare to inherit the vision and the style of our leadership and wellbeing that will contradict to the way we wanted them to advance the promises of productive youth.

The committee will last for two months only in office. I urge the youth leaders of the three counties and their executives to positively cooperate with the body to review the constitution. The hindrances to the progress of this committee might result into stalled one forcing it instead of working for two months as obligated to eventually end up as the legitimate government for 2 years or so.

A dozen of people are being killed and many others wounded in cattle raids in Jonglei state by our neighbors, Equatorians have gone wild in their hunt for MTN of South Sudan (Dinka Bor). The SPLM in opposition threatens civilians in Bor habitually to seek protection within UN camps. All these years, dozens of people have been killed overwhelmingly forcing people to flee the states. We have deserted our Payams for the fear of our lives and the best fight we head out to happen only during girl’s elopement, and above all division of three brothers Bor, Dukeen and Twic East.

The dividends of fueling conflicts and desperation for leadership are fruitless and non-rewarding. This attitude drives us backward and I wish, the peace lovers turn plea years to the call of division. Patient is paramount and is all I ask for because it provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together as shall be constituted better than before.

The primary objective of our unity is to combat polarization and stereotypes to improve understanding and cooperation among Greater Bor youth. It stresses the social interactions and influences the need to promote understanding between them in order to challenge ignorance and prejudices and foster mutual respect. Thirdly, bridging the political differences is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.

The Jonglei Youth Union will not be led by a committee but democratically elected government that will act as driving force of development and reconciliation, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life in Jonglei State.

The writer of this piece is a journalist. He can be reached at machsamuelpeter@gmail.com

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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.

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