Streamlining Thoughts and Actions for Durable Peace and Political Stability in South Sudan

By Samuel Reech Mayen, Juba, South Sudan

Thursday, September 12, 2019 (PW) — For a start, this piece is an introduction to the series of articles which the constant readers will be consuming on weekly basis under the theme “Streamlining thoughts and Actions for Peace.” These pieces of writing are purposely for peace building. With the nation still in a fragile state, trapped in deep conflict and hatred, the citizens are divided along ethnic and regional lines. There is no trust amongst the people. The notion of “us versus them” defines the relations amongst the citizens.

The propaganda continues to fuel the conflict. This situation has paralyzed and retarded the economy and social progress. To join the voices which are committed to address and mitigate these issues, I have chosen the above theme to help the readers think for the betterment of this country. Human actions are driven by thoughts. Those who think positively act in a similar manner and vice versa. Thoughts affect a society in form of actions. As we begin the journey of reading the series of articles which will be appearing in this column weekly, I urge readers to embrace peace as a mechanism for recovery from the devastations of war.

Peace being a state of tranquility and harmony only finds place and sprout in sober and informed minds. For this reason, relaxing our minds with intention for reconciliations create a space for peace.  Peace is a collective responsibility and a role of every nationalist to abide by and support. As an introductory article, the aim is to prepare readers minds to receive, own and spread peace messages as voluntary peace agents in the society.     

Peace begins with forgiveness and every time I think of this noble concept, I visualize the tale of two best friends who were once walking in a desert. In the height of fatigue, an argument arose and one got annoyed and slapped his friend in the face.  The slapped friend bent and wrote on loose sand a statement which reads “Today my best friend slapped me in the face.”   

Later on the two friends reached an oasis and stopped to bathe.  Suddenly the one who was slapped began to sink in the mire but his friend who slapped him earlier pulled him out. A moment later, the saved friend wrote on a rock another statement which reads “Today my best friend saved my life.”

When his friend inquired why he wrote the first statement on the sand and the other on stone, his answer was, “When someone hurts you, you should write it down in the sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. However, when someone does something good for you, you must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

This is what South Sudanese need to do. There is a need for absolute change of mindsets and genuine forgiveness.  With a new spirit for reconciliations and a will to forgive, we will be united in happiness and friendship.   Subsequently, the calm and beauty of our nation will reward us with massive dividends.        

The writer can be reached at akeerakor@gmail.com.

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PaanLuel Wël

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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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