Youth and politics in South Sudan: Big belly, suits, and uncle

By Jok WaMonychok, Abyei, South Sudan

Saturday, January 18, 2020 (PW) — As the saying goes:  “A tree that produces good fruits must have a good source of water”, it is imperative that youth should have good platform for developing their leadership skills. This is to provide a breeding ground for leaders. But how possible is it without big belly, suits, and uncle? “You must do something!” I was told.

Well at the outset, as someone who has much trust in the capacity and potential in youth, it is important to confidently stress the fact that the future of our country shines bright.  That’s however when the youth begin to be conscious and meticulous about anything involving them. Lots remain to be done in term of thinking and achievement of bright future as unnecessary things are regarded highly in the expenses of important things.

In this sense, the youth need to be more enlightened and made independent in handling how they should conduct their affairs. And thus, “political stomach” as it is being called and “uncle” as it is being necessitated will not be the yardsticks for political participation. Otherwise, those wiry, flat-tummy boys who despite having many uncles and refuse to rally them behind them will not survive in this atmosphere of economic and political sycophancy.

Where should I begin? The big belly, yeah. In youth politics, the first impression a young politician should make is physical appearance by big belly. The perception is that, those with big belly are wealthy, well connected, and mature. And funny enough, how can a leader be thinner than his subordinates?

The problem with this notion is that, it demands much effort to purify the brain of those who are poisoned by it. And for me in particular, it takes me over half an hour to convince someone of my maturity, connection, and leadership ability. I have to make it clear that since I turned eighteen, I am qualified for any national duty and social responsibility. I have to make it clear that this minister and that general know me in person.  I have to make it clear that I have eaten millions of tons and if it has to be reflected in me, my size would have been like that one of a gigantic store. If I am thin, it doesn’t mean I am starving.

Concerning the size, the glucose and calories in the body needs to be put into constant use. The brain alone in the process of thinking, evaluation, and meditation uses up much energy. In addition, making some press ups and squats every evening before going to bed and every morning after waking up is a very healthy habit for maintaining your fitness.

Otherwise, I can develop my own belly in one week by eating a fatty meal, drinking a cold bottle of water, and go to bed. I heard a middle aged man saying: “losing my big belly is more painful than losing my child”. I was flabbergasted and transfixed to the spot.  But after much thoughts, I concluded that he was trying to entice me into having a tummy like him.

Another “important thing” in youth politics is suits. How on earth can you be a youth leader without suits? Should your subordinates be smarter than you? This questions defeated me during my active participation in youth politics until I went to Konyokonyo Market and bought myself two second-hand suits. I admired myself whenever I see my reflection in a window mirror or car glass as well as did others, and I said yes, that’s the leader they want to see. But what about my ideas, principles, and objectives? Or my leadership ability? No one cares.

Before long, I made an analysis about the reason behind wearing of the suits. I wanted to know whether suits are worn to express civilization, intellectuality, or career. I had to go back to where they were first worn; the West. However, after lengthy critical thinking, I concluded that they were invented to combat cold weather of that place. Which means we in hot places such as South Sudan would have invented different apparel which is light and cool in nature. Someone complains of hotness and still puts on suits.

Finally comes the worst thing in youth politics; the uncle. The uncle which is demanded in securing a job is also a factor of paramount importance in youth politics. The youth (voters), government officials, security, and even electoral committee will rash to ask: who is your uncle? If you don’t have an uncle, how will you lead? No one is going to fund your programs or projects if you don’t have uncle. The union or association will collapse if it is placed in your hands without uncle supporting you in the government or security.

However, the problems with uncles in youth leadership is meddling in the affairs of the youth. As they support you to the throne, they hope that you will be their mouthpiece, stooge, and sycophant and subsequently you lose the independence in decision-making and problem solving. You become a purport too. And the very people you lead; the youth will be abandoned, orphaned, and betrayed.

Another thing is that the political opponents of your uncle will not give you peace in your leadership. They will fight you with the same efforts they apply on your uncle. And what is the result? The youth become the anvil of political rivalry and sabotage. 

Sadly, one of the misleading phrases in our country today is “youth, leaders of tomorrow”. We are not just leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today as well. A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step. If we are not leaders today, how can we be the leaders of tomorrow? If you want to go to Wau, you must pass through Terekeka, Yirol, Rumbek, and Tonj. You cannot lift one foot from Juba to Wau.

Every time we elect a leader, we hope that he will listen to our affairs and bring change but all we get is, the next day we begin to shake our heads over the lack of confidence we have developed in him. And then we are divided between the few benefiting individuals and the large majority of those who feel indignant about the direction the youth leadership is taking. That majority becomes the “disgruntled group who are against the progress”. How can you progress when you stagger in the first steps of your movement?

In conclusion, the time is now for us to refocus our attention to the fundamental demands of the youth leadership. Big belly is not a measure of wealth and connection. Let the person talk first if you don’t know him or her. See whether the interest he pursues reflects you and others in it. And see if he will not embezzle your funds.

As for the suits, it is necessary but not a requirement. In other words, you are free to achieve anything without them. Lastly, uncle is important in giving his advice but it is you to choose what to take and what to leave. They are important as well in giving their blessings and guidance but not driving you and protecting you against you fellow youth. 

You can reach the author via his email: Jok WaMonychok <jokwamonychok@gmail.com>

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