The modernization and politics of false assumption in the South Sudan
6 min readThe modernization and politics of false assumption in the South Sudan has resulted into many unproven theories and quick ways of trying to map South Sudan into global village
By Reuben G. Panchol, Juba, South Sudan
February 1, 2017 (SSB) —- The modernization and politics of false assumption in the South Sudan has resulted into many unproven theories and quick ways of trying to map South Sudan into global village. The objective of this short note is to correct Mr. Madol Madol Agwer some of his false information as why South Sudan is where it is at the moment, his article was published by Paanluel on January 30, 2017, title: “Rise and Fall of the Nationalism in South Sudan”; our people must know that there are no short cuts to the writing of the nation’s history.
Things to correct:
- There hasn’t been a nation called South Sudan prior to July 9, 2011; thus, “Rise and Fall of Nationalism in South Sudan” is a misleading title to none South Sudanese.
- Education doesn’t amount to writing and speak foreign language, giving the following statement no meaning at all “Uneducated chiefs from southern Sudan wanted to have their independence administration or being emanated to Uganda in Juba conference but traditional chiefs were been deplaned by Khartoum elites and won the discussion base on their interests and that was unification of Sudan..”
Dear Madol and the readers, Confucius, cautioned us that “the beginning is of wisdom is to call things by their proper names.” for that reason, for South Sudanese to map their country correctly into global geopolitical; one should presented a well researched information and minimal personal opinions.
According Merriam-Webster dictionary, the Nationalism is defined as loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups. Let’s not confuse Sectionalism with Nationalism. While the Sectionalism is a tendency to be more concerned with the interests of your particular group or region than with the problems and interests of the larger group, country, etc.
The sectionalism has subjugated the political practices of the South Sudan as opposed to the nationalism; the fact the Dinka sing kumbaya behind president Kiir Mayar because he halt from them, the fact that Nuer rally behind Dr. Riek Machar, because he is one of them, the fact Dr. Lam, established his base at chollo land because he is their son, the fact that famous elected independent candidate of 2010 South Sudan is election Fmr. Gov, Joseph B. Bakosoro surrounded himself with Azandi because he sees himself as Azandi son and not whole of the South Sudan, and list continue; explained that there hasn’t been a nationalism which had fallen.
There was not been any memorable time in Sudan whereby South Sudanese identified themselves as national other than that small window of referendum in January 9th, 2011. The rest has been conquered by sectionalism; even during the struggle era. For example, after declaration of the nation’s independent in 2011, the rest of three regions, except Upper Nile, formed their regional caucus in Juba instead of addressing burning at the two August houses. Where is the nationalism here?
Mr. Madol, further stressed that “In the 1947, nationalism reemerged in Southern Sudan. Uneducated chiefs from southern Sudan wanted to have their independence administration or being emanated to Uganda in Juba conference but traditional chiefs were been deplaned by Khartoum elites and won the discussion base on their interests and that was unification of Sudan…” this statement is misplaced by the author.
First, one doesn’t needs to be fluent in foreign languages; both speaking and writing to be labeled as educated. Education by definition is process of learning, or acquisition of knowledge, skill, values, beliefs, and habits via educational methods such as storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, etc. therefore, the South Sudanese leaders (those of Clement Mboro, Philomon Majok, Luath Ajak, Buth Diu and the rest of the chiefs) who were at the table at Juba conference were well aware of the needs of what is good for South Sudanese and encountered the northerners to their best.
following statement from Chief Buth Diu had proven their best ability at the table, “Northerners claim to have no desire to dominate the South, but this was not enough and there must be safeguards. There should be no settlement by Northerners on land in the South without permission. Secondly there must be no interference from the North in Local Government in the South. Thirdly there should be a law to prevent a Northerner calling a Southerner a slave.” way better than current elites who give away our oil at the cheap cost. If that is not best education tactic of negotiation; then I have no answer of what it is?
Second, by reading between the line of the Juba Conference 1947 minutes (http://www.gurtong.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=OBZ%2B7v1SXis%3D&tabid=124) there is no a clause or any indication of submission from South Sudanese leaders that could direct one to concluded that their lack of “education (whatever that meant) was the reason for the unification of the Sudan back then. Thus, it is unfair to blame them instead of due the credit where it belongs.
Nonetheless, I completely concur with Mr. Madol on the aspect that the leaders from all those sectionalism should “address their political grievances, (postulate national laws), adhering to the constitutional rule of laws, resolving socioeconomic grievances, develop strong institutions, build effective transparent and accountable systems of governance to foster development thus build schools, hospitals and devolve practical workable and amicable long-term blueprint in order to salvage and redress the masses thus improved and better their living conditions.”
Please, allow me to conclude with the words of wisdom from Dr. Francis Fukuama, who stated that “external forces can erect the skeleton of state in an embattled country, creating police forces, administrative structures, and taxing authorities. But nation-building goes further and involves a shared sense of national identity, built on elements that tie people together — such as shared culture, language, and history — that cannot be imposed from without.”
In the case of the South CPA and other mini-dialogues should be the skeleton to the South Sudan national building. The hope and the salvation of the South Sudan is in the reach of the young generation; only if they could realize their potential and use their numbers to change the political route of the current affairs in the nation; otherwise, continue singing kumbaya will cost every generation; including, the generations to come; if not the country at worst case scenario.
The author, Reuben G. Panchol, is a member of “the Seeds of Nation” (Red Army) which had been left to be consumed by Indianmeal Moth/grain moth (tribal politics aka NCP’s apologies who have hijacked the Mighty SPLM) prior to planting season. You can reach him via his email: reubenpanchol@hotmail.com
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