By Kiden Stela Mandela
The suffering of South Sudanese citizens in the diaspora can be laid squarely at the feet of politicians who incite war yet remain unable to deliver peace. South Sudanese have been living in camps since 1983, when they fought to liberate themselves from a Sudanese regime defined by xenophobia and a greed for power a regime that viewed Southerners as less than human.
After a long process of negotiations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed on January 9, 2005, between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A. This raised preliminary hopes that a foundation for lasting peace had been laid. The CPA established regulations for crucial issues: power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and self-determination. It decentralized governance, devolving power to the states within a federal system.
This era created a Government of National Unity and set the prerequisites for a referendum, including a census to define the apportionment of wealth and political power. This process led to the 2010 national elections, the referendum, and finally, independence on July 9, 2011.
At that time, joy was boundless. Refugees from neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya, as well as those in the wider diaspora, returned home. They began tilling their fertile lands, supplying Juba and working toward “zero hunger” in the country. Aside from a few states still dependent on humanitarian aid, the nation was moving toward self-sufficiency.
However, the “acquisitive” nature of power-sharing among politicians triggered the 2013 and 2016 wars. Hundreds were killed in J1, countless civilians lost their lives, and thousands fled back to neighboring countries to suffer once more. This cycle of violence has left many citizens unable to trust the prospect of return, leaving them to face starvation in the hands of the UN while the “warlords” remain unaffected by the misery they’ve caused.
What is the government doing to support refugees who are currently starving in camps? How much longer must our people remain in these camps? Or Are our politicians happy to hear of the suffering of their nationals, as if it were merely a show?
It is time to implement true peace. Stabilize security so that citizens can access their farms and stop depending on humanitarian aid. We cannot blame the Ukraine-Russia war for our internal failures; we must focus on liberating the nation rather than individual interests.
I appeal to the Government of South Sudan: stabilize the security and bring your people home. Be like Moses, who led the people of Israel to the Promised Land.
God Protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator