By Deng Chol
South Sudan has endured years of division, conflict, and mistrust.
Families live with uncertainty, communities struggle to rebuild, and hope for a better future is often delayed.
The question is not whether peace and prosperity are needed they are but when will the people rise together to demand them ? The answer is clear: now.
Unity cannot wait.
Every day spent divided is a day lost to mistrust, fear, and suffering.
True progress begins when people come together, rise above differences, and act collectively to demand fairness, safety, and opportunity.
Division weakens every effort to grow, to provide services, and to protect citizens. It leaves communities vulnerable to exploitation, and it allows suffering to continue unchecked.
Citizens cannot wait for leaders to grant unity they must choose it themselves.
Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, security, and dignity.
Peace allows children to go to school safely, families to thrive, and communities to work, trade, and grow without fear.
For peace to last, citizens must insist that leaders act responsibly.
Leaders must be reminded that their authority comes from the people, and that their duty is to serve, protect, and build not to divide.
Peace begins when every individual feels safe, respected, and heard.
Peace alone cannot sustain a community. Prosperity requires action.
Citizens must demand policies that provide jobs, education, healthcare, and basic services.
Everyone deserves access to opportunity, food, and the means to live with dignity.
Prosperity strengthens peace, and peace enables prosperity.
Together, they create a cycle of growth and stability that benefits all.
When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives, hope is restored and unity is reinforced.
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the path toward peace and prosperity.
Those who ignore divisions, tolerate corruption, or exploit fear hinder progress.
True leadership listens, acts decisively, and governs with integrity.
Leadership that prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of the people deepens divisions and prolongs suffering.
Citizens must hold leaders accountable for their words and actions, ensuring that promises are matched by results.
While leadership matters, citizens hold the ultimate power to shape their future.
Every individual can contribute to unity, peace, and prosperity through dialogue, collaboration, and accountability. Communities must bridge differences, engage constructively, and refuse to allow hatred, prejudice, or fear to dictate their actions.
Civic engagement is essential.
Speaking out against injustice, refusing to spread division, and actively participating in public life are acts that strengthen society. Change cannot happen passively it requires consistent effort from every member of the community.
Every day of delay allows division to grow and hope to fade.
Waiting for someone else to act, or for the “perfect moment,” only prolongs suffering.
The time to demand peace, prosperity, and unity is not in the futureit is today.
History shows that progress comes when ordinary people rise, insist on justice, and act together.
Courageous citizens can influence leaders, inspire communities, and create momentum for lasting change.
Peace and prosperity are not distant dreams they are achievable goals if people unite and act with purpose.
Division, mistrust, and inaction only prolong suffering.
Now is the time to rise together, to demand justice, and to build a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.
Every voice, every action, and every choice to work together strengthens the foundation for a better future.
The power to create change lies in the hands of the people, and the moment to act is now.
The writer is a concerned citizen and can be reached at:
dengolesmo5@gmail.com