By Kiden Stela Mandela
Government institutions in South Sudan often operate less like public service bodies and more like a family business. At the head is the father figure, but every relative, from the national government down to the state, county, payam and even local Boma levels, has a position. This system is why progress feels stalled and why work isn’t flowing in the right direction. A small group of powerful individuals controls the country, leading to economic hardship, frustration, and widespread disorganization. With a system like this, no one speaks to the media to inform the public about what’s happening or what the next plan is.
The situation with the Juba City Council is a perfect example. The council operates every day, yet there is a stunning lack of development. Instead of serving the public, those in power—governors, mayors, ministers, and politicians—work for their own benefit and that of their families. Since these positions are all appointed by the presidency, appointees rush to grow their wealth and influence as quickly as possible before they are inevitably removed. This lack of accountability—the fact that no one is ever held responsible in court—has given them a sense of impunity.
Since assuming office, the current mayor has been silent. The public has heard nothing about developmental plans or even a single press release from his office. All city council projects remain dormant, including those left by the previous administration. The taxes collected by the city council are a big question mark because the public sees no corresponding development. The city council’s workers, moving in different groups, charge citizens high taxes, but there’s nothing to show for it.
The streets of Juba are a mess, clogged with wheelbarrow businesses that make it difficult for people to pass. What happens if there’s an accident? Just look at the state of the Custom Market. Even the company contracted to collect garbage isn’t doing its job regularly.
When the current mayor was appointed, many hoped for a new approach and real teamwork, but the public remains in the dark. Officials seem to spring new laws on citizens without any prior communication or explanation. This shows that many government institutions are not focused on service delivery; they are a means for individual gain.
To this day, citizens don’t even know who is responsible for collecting garbage. Instead, we see different tax collectors in uniform every day, sometimes causing chaos and disrupting businesses.
I appeal to the government to create a system of accountability in all government institutions to fight against corruption and ensure officials serve the people, not themselves.
God protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator.