South Sudan requires a Charismatic Leader in its future Governments
The Case of Hon. Akol Paul Kordit: Who is Akol Paul?
By Duluma SK’Maker, Juba South Sudan
November 29, 2016 (SSB) —- Briefly, Akol Paul is a member of the Political Bureau, the highest organ of the SPLM ruling party which decides on major policies of the party and as well as the Countryanddoubles as the SPLM Youth League (SPLMYL)Leader. He is the Youth representative at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Postal Services in the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNOU).
A credit is given where its due, Mr. Paul is a simple, smart, and charismatic politician as well as a public orator with logical mind who can command attention when addressing the masses. He contributed enormously during the liberation of this country and of course nobody could dispute it.Firstly, Hon. Akol impressed me in many occasions that I was privileged to attend more especially the SPLMYL national convention that he organized with his executives from 29th June – 2nd July 2016.
It was a colorful occasion attended by most of the SPLM senior politicians and youths across the country.While moderating the event, Hon. Akol became an exceptional moderator addressing the elders and youths of the party alike, in fact he deserved to serve the two generations of the SPLM and a country at large. Secondly, in the search for peaceful settlement of the SPLM conflict, he became instrumental in the Chama Cha Mapunduzi (CCM) led Arusha SPLM Factions reunification, he was an eloquent spoke man for government team and in fact I bet Hon. Akol couldn’t be out smarten by his opponents in any negotiation given his distinguished intellect and quick thinking.
In another national event during the Panthou war in April 2012 with Sudan, Hon. Akol was much involved especially when he addressed SPLA gallant forces at Juba International Airport prior to their departure to Malakal; he raised their morale enormously that culminated into SPLA victory in that war.
In all these events, he could move South Sudanese people by the power of his words and convictions regardless of their ethno-regional or religious identities.Therefore, anyone who might have heard about Thomas Sankara, former revolutionary and President of Burkina Faso (August 4, 1983 to October 15,1987) couldn’t hesitate to compare Hon. Akol with him. Indeed, the two gentlemenat younger age became much politically conscious and concerned with national issues affecting their respective countries.
His heroic speaking and charismatic leadership style he demonstrated in the SPLMYL made him a popular choice for political appointment in the TGNOU despite coming from a state fullof many veteran SPLM politicians who had served in various cabinet positions under President SalvaKiirMayardit.
Although it is said that anyone can lead if given a chance, Charismatic leaders are rare germs in any countrygovernance systems and their leadership leave behind a reputable legacy; for instance, some of the world most celebrated charismatic leaders include Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi of India, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, Winston Churchill of UK, Fidel Castro of Cuba and of course Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso. These leaders became the pride of humanity world over because they possess charisma—that is winning combo of charm, passion and persuasiveness, in fact it’s awfully hard to resist a charismatic person.
In conclusion, South Sudan requiresa charismatic leader who will bring all South Sudanese people on board in the future and bind the wounds of division, help to forge national identity and build a peaceful, united, prosperous and a vibrant country. My fellow South Sudanese people,no challenge is too big to be overcome, or no any internal conflict which can’t be resolved but it requires patience and courage that a soldier needs for peace and stability to be realized.Remember the country belongs to all of us and South Sudan is a great nation having great history with great people but just one thing is missing; an understanding that to be stable, grow and achieve success.
By DulumaSK’Maker could be reached via: Mobile: 0954440496. E-mail: duluma88@gmail.com
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