Forgiveness Alone Insufficient for Reconciliation in South Sudan, Analysts Warn Dr. Marial Benjamin

By Malwal Makwach, Nairobi, Kenya

Thursday, 28 September 2023 (PW) — In the war-torn nation of South Sudan, renowned conflict expert Dr. Marial Benjamin has made a compelling call for forgiveness as a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation. However, local analysts argue that with necessary mechanisms for reconciliation, forgiveness may address the deep-rooted divisions gripping the country.

South Sudan has endured years of brutal conflict, leaving its population shattered and scarred. Dr. Marial Benjamin, a prominent figure in conflict resolution, believes that forgiveness can be a powerful tool in rebuilding trust and harmony among communities torn apart by violence.

“Forgiveness has the potential to heal wounds and bridge divides,” expressed Dr. Benjamin during a recent peace conference in the capital city, Juba. “We must learn to let go of the past, engage in dialogue, and understand the pain experienced by all parties involved.” However, local South Sudan analysts caution that forgiveness alone may not address the underlying issues causing deep-seated divisions and conflicts.

South Sudanese Activists, journalists and well-respected South Sudan analyst emphasises the need for comprehensive reconciliation processes. “While forgiveness is undoubtedly important, it must be accompanied by tangible steps towards reconciliation,” Lual argues. “Without addressing the root causes of conflict, the wounds will remain unhealed, and the cycle of violence could persist.”

History has shown that forgiveness without proper reconciliation mechanisms can lead to unresolved grievances and a fragile peace. To achieve lasting stability, experts recommend a multifaceted approach, including truth-telling, transitional justice, and community dialogues, providing space for all parties to hear their voices.

At a critical juncture, South Sudan must strive for a reconciliation process that encourages forgiveness and creates an environment where grievances are acknowledged and justice is pursued. Individuals responsible for atrocities are held accountable.

Responding to the concerns raised by analysts, Dr Benjamin recognised the necessity of reconciliation processes and emphasised their role in fostering a durable peace. “Forgiveness cannot be separated from efforts to build a just and inclusive society. We must ensure that reconciliation and addressing grievances go hand in hand,” he explained.

As South Sudan progresses toward peace, the delicate balance between forgiveness and reconciliation remains a pressing challenge. The South Sudanese people yearn for a future where old wounds can heal, and lasting harmony can prevail. Leaders, analysts, and communities are now responsible for charting a course encompassing forgiveness and the critical processes required for genuine reconciliation.

In the aftermath of prolonged conflict and divisions that have plagued South Sudan, experts believe that a comprehensive National Dialogue could serve as a powerful catalyst for fostering forgiveness among its people. While some skeptics argue that politicians like Dr Marial Benjamin, who have gained media prominence, are calling for forgiveness without addressing the complex dynamics of accountability, the National Dialogue presents an opportunity to address who will forgive whom.

The National Dialogue, initiated by the South Sudanese government, aims to bring together representatives from various sectors of society to engage in open dialogue and chart a collective path towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.

To address the concerns raised by skeptics, the National Dialogue has included provisions to detail the steps and actions needed to promote forgiveness and healing among the South Sudanese people. Participants are encouraged to voice their grievances, share experiences, and collectively determine a way forward through structured discussions.

The National Dialogue provides a platform for South Sudanese individuals, families, and communities to discuss past injustices, clarify misunderstandings, and seek understanding from one another. It emphasises the importance of acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by all sides of the conflict while facilitating a process of empathetic listening and reflection.

Addressing the question of who will forgive whom, Dr. Marial Benjamin, although a politician, actively participates in the National Dialogue and emphasises the need for all parties to extend forgiveness to one another. He believes that forgiveness should not be limited to any specific group but should encompass a collective effort to heal the nation’s wounds.

However, critics argue that political figures who have maintained media prominence tend to oversimplify the process and neglect the challenges of addressing accountability and justice. They emphasise the need for the National Dialogue to go beyond rhetoric and involve concrete actions, such as establishing mechanisms for transitional justice, supporting truth and reconciliation commissions, and ensuring accountability for those responsible for atrocities.

The success of the National Dialogue lies in its ability to merge forgiveness with a comprehensive framework for reconciliation. It is crucial that politicians, civil society actors, and communities collectively work towards a shared vision of forgiveness, justice, and accountability.

The path to forgiveness in South Sudan is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Beyond the efforts of politicians like Dr. Marial Benjamin, the National Dialogue serves as a platform for all South Sudanese people to express their grievances, seek understanding, and ultimately foster forgiveness in the pursuit of lasting peace and reconciliation.

As South Sudan continues its healing journey, the question of who will forgive whom remains intertwined with the need for accountability and justice. The National Dialogue, if effectively implemented and supported by solid institutional frameworks, can create an atmosphere of forgiveness and pave the way for a brighter, harmonious future for all communities in South Sudan.

Despite the hopes and aspirations attached to the National Dialogue, its failure has left a significant void in the pursuit of forgiveness and reconciliation in war-torn South Sudan. The country, scarred by a protracted conflict that resulted in the loss of millions of lives and the displacement of countless others, yearned for a platform to address grievances, promote healing, and establish a path towards a peaceful future. Unfortunately, the National Dialogue fell short of its objectives, impeding the process of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The failure of the National Dialogue can be attributed to various factors. One crucial aspect was the need for more inclusivity and genuine representation. Critics argue that critical stakeholders, including marginalised communities and rebel factions, were excluded or inadequately included in the dialogue process. This exclusion perpetuated feelings of exclusion and further deepened divisions within the society.

Additionally, the absence of a comprehensive framework for accountability and justice undermined the credibility of the National Dialogue. For true reconciliation to occur, addressing the injustices committed and ensuring that those responsible for atrocities face appropriate consequences is essential. Without such measures, the process of forgiveness is incomplete and fails to provide closure to the victims and their families.

Public disillusionment and mistrust also hindered the effectiveness of the National Dialogue. The South Sudanese population, weary from years of conflict and broken promises, approached the dialogue with skepticism. The failure of previous peace agreements and the ongoing violence in certain regions fueled doubts about the government’s commitment to genuine reconciliation.

Moreover, inadequate resources, infrastructure, and support to sustain the National Dialogue process posed significant challenges. The ambitious task of reconciling a nation burdened by deep-rooted divisions necessitated long-term commitment, financial backing, and logistical support. Insufficient resources limited the implementation and impact of the dialogue, leaving it unable to address the complex issues of forgiveness and reconciliation adequately.

The failure of the National Dialogue to foster forgiveness and reconciliation in South Sudan is a stark reminder of the challenges involved in healing a deeply fractured society. Rebuilding trust, acknowledging past wrongs, and promoting inclusive participation are fundamental to any successful reconciliation process.

However, despite the setback, it is essential to continue seeking alternative avenues for forgiveness and reconciliation. South Sudan’s future hinges on its ability to confront its painful past, engage in honest dialogue, and implement comprehensive transitional justice mechanisms.

By learning from the shortcomings of the National Dialogue, the South Sudanese people and the international community can work towards innovative solutions that genuinely address the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter and more unified future.

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