The Jieng people of Greater Bahr el Ghazal are evaluating their support for the SPLM party
By Aweng Mangar-Achol, Juba, South Sudan
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (PW) — Today in an independent South Sudan millions of children are without food, clean drinking water, schools, and hospitals. Lack of opportunities drive the youth to urban centers where they languish in despair and live in squalid conditions. Unemployment is extremely high and a very small number of our people participate in the formal sector. Corruption is rampant and shoddy natural resources exploration contracts divert funds to private accounts. By all indicators the SPLM party has failed the people of South Sudan, and if left to continue down this road will likely sign away our sovereignty. With a return to Sudan out of the question for us, we must begin a conversation on how to keep our flag flying high amongst nations.
The Jieng people of Greater Bahr el Ghazal who have long complained of not seeing the fruits of independence are beginning to evaluate their support for the SPLM party. Many have pointed to the clear absence of government institutions and services in their areas. There is also an alarming increase in cattle raids by heavily armed youth from neighboring states. All Jieng communities in Greater Bahr el Ghazal are experiencing food shortage, and risk of attacks by armed groups. Cattle raids often result in the loss of lives and displaced communities are left helpless and unable to care for the wounded. It is under such circumstances that they arm themselves, recognizing the inability of government forces to protect them from attacks. These legitimate concerns have largely been ignored by SPLM leaders who only seek blind loyalty.
lack of state institutions allow politicians to further weaken traditional administrations and coerce local leaders. As a result, the Jieng people of Greater Bahr el Ghazal have become increasingly vocal in their disapproval of the SPLM government. Those frustrations will be registered at the ballot box during general elections. Expressions of dissent have already begun reshaping the political landscape in South Sudan. The tendency of the SPLM government to respond to community discontent with violence is well documented. While there are security challenges in the region, partial disarmament will not address the underlying problem and risk further alienating our people. Consequently, the sons and daughters of Greater Bahr el Ghazal are concerned with the government’s latest campaign in the region.
In early July 2020 government forces were deployed to Tonj, Warrap State to carry out a disarmament campaign. The force is equipped with heavy weapons and mounted vehicles. lack of prior consultations only highlight the military nature of this intervention. Clearly this deployment is politically motivated and designed to maintain SPLM’s influence in the region. The Jieng people of Greater Bahr el Ghazal have historically supported the SPLM party with the expectation it will protect their lands, bring development and prosperity. Sadly those hopes are long gone, and with the lack of focus on their plight by the Transitional Government of National Unity, a robust conversation is underway to chart a way forward.
Also this month governors were appointed to the four states that make up Greater Bahr el Ghazal Region, namely Warrap, Lakes, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Northern Bahr el Ghazal. They are generals who take marching orders and implement them accordingly. To expect transformative ideas and people centered leadership is to engage in wishful thinking. The SPLM high table does not encourage or appoint governors who innovate and genuinely engage in problem solving with communities. This is why you will not find any of them debating in public or participating in serious policy discussions with an independent media. This concentration of decision making at the center increases marginalization using local hands.
Our peace loving people have totally rejected dictatorial practices of the old Sudan. Our problems are better solved with us at the table, not in our absence. This government focus in the region should be geared towards development. Our people are yearning for leadership that understands the problems and capable of recommending sound policies that improve the lives of citizens. The SPLM party has failed to deliver services, provide security and fight corruption. Our sovereignty is challenged at many venues and recently multinational bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) threatened to expel South Sudan due to its government’s inability to make the expected financial contributions. With the SPLM at the helm South Sudan is quickly becoming a pariah state. Now is an appropriate time to evaluate our expectations of government both local and national.
The author, Aweng Mangar-Achol, is a South Sudanese concerned citizen that can be reached via mangar.achol11@gmail.com
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