Our sovereignty is under threat: Recognizing the absence of a capable government in South Sudan
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By Aweng Mangar-Achol, Juba, South Sudan
Thursday, June 11, 2020 (PW) — We’ve all watched with sadness those trusted with authority misuse power and violate the relationship between the government and our communities. After independence, feuding members of the ruling party (SPLM) have put South Sudan on a path of war and misrule. Nation building and post conflict transition plans were not put in place.
Consequently conflicts raged across the country and although international efforts have resulted in a peace agreement, hard work lies ahead. The transitional government of national unity formed on Feb 22, 2020 has five vice presidents and a bloated cabinet, yet the country continues to regress.
Lack of infrastructure, diminished institutions, rampant corruption, collapsing economy, and unruly soldiers are the results of SPLM leadership. An executive branch not answerable to the public can not claim to be accountable.
The march for justice and equality in South Sudan began long ago and it remains a fallacy that our freedom belongs to one political party. This flagrant attempt to commandeer our hard-won independence betrays the sacrifices and contributions of millions of South Sudanese, our friends, and well-wishers.
For who does the status quo work? Our rural communities who shouldered a greater burden during wars against the old Sudan, continue to live in depriving conditions. Taking towns to villages was not a mere slogan for those who contributed immensely in the fight against injustice.
There was a prevailing awareness of the lack of development and access to resources that unified the marginalized communities. That commitment was the result of clear objectives and total agreement around a need for equality. Today, there is real fear among South Sudanese of concentrating power at the center.
Our people continue to insist on a national government they can see themselves in, empowered local governments that appreciate their heritage, customs and cultures. More importantly a government that is close to home, making service delivery and access to resources tangible in everyday life.
Under current conditions, scrutiny of the business community and sanctions will only increase. Business leaders must begin to distance themselves from the SPLM if they wish to be part of the solution. It is not only good practice or corporate responsibility, but a matter of survival in a connected world economy.
Ill-gotten gains of the SPLM leadership and lack of transparency have diluted the market place. Reviving the economy is possible, and business leaders can help usher in a new phase of good governance that enables growth and facilitates large scale trade and community partnership.
While we acknowledge the importance of foreign investment in spurring development, we remain committed to improving the quality of life for South Sudanese and will not condone shady business practices that encourage corruption and cripple our economy. Oil extraction related pollution has resulted in serious harm and host communities continue to ask for compensation.
Evidence of water contamination is increasingly available and international observers have taken note of these concerns. The SPLM leadership has mismanaged the natural resources of South Sudan, enriched themselves and fueled conflicts. The long term damage to the environment and wellbeing of our people will remain so long as the culprits are in charge.
There are serious violations of international standards and companies involved will one day have to answer for their actions. It is in this context that the business community in South Sudan is highly encouraged to take a lead in detangling the web of corruption strangling our economy and begin distancing from the SPLM leadership.
Our sovereignty is under threat. The inability of the SPLM led government to carry out its most basic constitutional duties has resulted in calls for condominium rule or temporary United Nations (UN) administration. The government of South Sudan is increasingly sharing authority with other entities and quickly losing influence in the international stage.
Senior SPLM leaders are under sanctions and international scrutiny. South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) the national army and formerly the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) is under a United Nations (UN) arms embargo.
As leaders we have a responsibility to make clear and distinguish between the SPLM and the people of South Sudan. A peace loving people. We must take a new path, begin the hard work of rebuilding and becoming a responsible nation. This starts by acknowledging that the SPLM is not South Sudan.
Our contributions in the fight against injustice are documented and without a question, expand generations. Let us recognize the absence of a capable government, and work together to unify the people of South Sudan.
You can reach the author via his email: mangar.achol11@gmail.com
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