Was South Sudan Independence a Blessing or a Curse?
By Noble Leek Goi, KAMPALA-UGANDA
December 7, 2017 (SSB) — It was a big joy when we were granted our independence on 9/7/2011. Everyone from South Sudan thought Bashir and his fellow Arabs were the problems. After the independence, I thought we were free from any form of violence. Little did I know that the problem lies with us South Sudanese, especially our leaders?
The war of SPLM/A that took over 20 years, claimed mostly the lives of soldiers. However, the current conflicts among South Sudanese, is taking away most the lives of innocent civilians.
Those who have died within 6 years of independence are likely more than those who died within 21 years of SPLM/A civil war. Was our independence a blessing or a curse?
In the year 2010-2012, Lt. Gen. George Athor Deng defected shortly after elections. His rebellion led to the loss of lives, both civilians, and soldiers.
In the year 2010-2014, David Yauyau defected and his rebellion led to the loss of lives, both civilians, and soldiers.
In the year 2013-2015, Dr. Riek Machar defected and his rebellion led to massive loss of lives, especially civilians.
In the year 2016 (J1 war), Dr. Riek Machar defected, and this rebellion led to another loss of lives. Since 9/7/2011, the day of our independence, we never experienced total peace up to now.
Was the independence a blessing or a curse?
It is a responsibility of any government in the whole world to protect the lives and property of her citizens, whether from internal or external attacks. Unfortunately, this is not the case with our government.
The lives lost within 21years of SPLM/A civil war was paid back when we were given our own country and that was what we fought for. Therefore, those people of 1983-2005 did not die for nothing; they were heroes and heroines because their blood led to the independence.
But, these people who are dying after independence (2011-2017), what are they dying for? Is there any nation that they are fighting for?
For the case of 28/11/2017 Duk Payuel (Jonglei State) massacre, even a 4 months old baby was abducted and her mother was killed.
How can children be abducted from one state to another state, cattle raided from one state to another state and the government cannot manage to bring back the abducted children and cattle raided as if they were abducted from one continent to another?
The government must take serious majors to stop all these inter-tribal conflicts, among the communities of South Sudan, especially former JONGLEI STATE communities. Otherwise, the war of revenge will never stop if the government is not getting involved.
“South Sudan Independence has done more harm to the civilians than good, within these 6 years.”
The author, Noble Leek Goi, is an Engineer by profession who graduated from NDEJJE UNIVERSITY, KAMPALA-UGANDA with Bachelor of Civil & Structural Engineering. He can be reached via his E-mail: nobleleekgoi@gmail.com
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