The Political Imperative: Why Politics Must Work for Everything Else to Function in South Sudan
By Anyieth Duom Ang’oh Panyang, Brisbane, Australia
Wednesday, 4 June 2025 (PW) — Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced severe developmental setbacks. Despite its abundant natural resources and a young population, the nation is beset by civil war, economic collapse, food insecurity, and weak public institutions. The persistent dysfunction across these sectors stems largely from a single, foundational issue: a failure of politics. In fragile post-conflict states, politics functions as the structural backbone upon which development is built. When that political architecture is broken, it undermines every effort aimed at nation-building and public service delivery. This article explores the thesis that South Sudan’s recovery and development are dependent on the creation of a functioning, inclusive, and stable political system. It draws lessons from successful African states to illustrate how good governance and political reform are necessary precursors to sustainable development.
At independence, South Sudan was already operating under conditions of state fragility. It inherited limited infrastructure, underdeveloped institutions, and a society fragmented by ethnic divisions and years of war. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly due to political infighting within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). The 2013 and 2016 civil wars sparked by disputes between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar exemplify how elite competition for power can destabilize a nascent state. The repeated breakdown of peace agreements has further delegitimized political institutions, while the militarization of government has prioritized coercion over consensus. This has diverted resources from critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Politics determines the distribution of power, the enforcement of law, and the prioritization of public policy. Without stable politics, no institution can function predictably. Political fragmentation leads to policy paralysis, undermines investor confidence, and increases the risk of violent conflict. In South Sudan, the absence of credible political processes has resulted in cyclical instability and economic mismanagement. Political reform is not simply about power-sharing or elections; it involves building consensus around a national vision, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and fostering inclusive governance. The international community’s failure to insist on these foundational reforms often prioritizing short-term stability over structural transformation has perpetuated the status quo.
Comparative African Examples
The transformative power of politics is evident in several African countries that have overcome post-conflict legacies or underdevelopment through strong political reform and governance. Following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda rebuilt itself through centralized political control, anti-corruption measures, and disciplined public administration. First, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), under President Paul Kagame, established a stable political order that prioritized development, education, and ICT investment. Despite criticisms regarding political openness, Rwanda’s model illustrates how effective governance can catalyze economic transformation.
Secondly, Ghana’s commitment to multiparty democracy and peaceful transfers of power has earned it a reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. This political stability has made it attractive to investors, particularly in the oil, agriculture, and fintech sectors. Ghana’s experience suggests that predictable political systems enhance long-term economic planning and citizen engagement. Thirdly, Botswana demonstrates how political leadership can avoid the “resource curse” by fostering transparency and institutional efficiency. Since independence, the country has maintained democratic governance, rule of law, and responsible fiscal policy, transforming diamond wealth into long-term investments in education and infrastructure.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s experience affirms a universal truth: development cannot precede politics. Where political systems are broken, all other sectors are rendered vulnerable. Conversely, politics only works when it is inclusive, accountable, and stable. That is when everything else begins to align. The examples of Rwanda, Ghana, and Botswana reinforce that good governance is not a luxury, but a necessity for transformation. If South Sudan is to fulfill the promise of its hard-won independence, it must begin by fixing its politics because without it, nothing else will work.
The author, Anyieth Duom Ang’oh Panyang, is a South Sudanese Political Commentator based in Brisbane, Australia and could be reached via his email: micaduom@gmail.com
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