The Republic of South Sudan: Nationalism is not a choice, but a righteous obligation. South Sudanese, a resilient society, fought a National liberation together and got independence from Khartoum, Sudan.
Herein below is an article, punchlines with phrase: “Nationalism is our shield against the oddsmakers;” it is a powerful and open eye, with a rallying punch; which i have included in the conclusion for maximum alertness.
It flows:National–Nationalism: The Life of a Nation
By Dr. Aldo Ajou Deng-Akuey (PhD), Member of the National Legislature (Council of States)
Introduction
In recent days, South Sudanese at home and abroad, were shaken by reports that millions of Palestinians from Gaza might be brought into South Sudan as settlers, not refugees. Instantly, our people reacted as one. Voices from every corner, regardless of tribe, religion, or political leaning, rose together to reject the idea. That moment of unity reminded us of the long years of our liberation struggle, from 1955 until independence in 2011, when our collective nationalism carried us through sacrifice and suffering to freedom.
It is this unity, this emotional nationalism, that is the lifeblood of our nation. Without it, a nation cannot survive. With it, no force on earth can destroy us.
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is more than a political word; it is the nucleus of a nation’s existence. It is the bond that ties individuals, groups, and communities into one people under one flag. A nation is not just a piece of land; it is its people, governed by a constitution rooted in equality, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
Religion, language, and culture give us identity, but nationalism is what holds them together. It is the magnetic force that pulls our diversity into unity, reminding us that South Sudan belongs to all of us, not to one tribe, one party, or one group of elites.
Nationalism vs. Power Struggles
True nationalism is tested not in times of peace, but in times of crisis. Today, our country is being dragged into wars that have nothing to do with the nation’s survival. The fighting is no longer about freedom, justice, or the dignity of citizens; it is about seats in government, titles, and privileges.
Let us be clear: fighting for a cabinet post is not nationalism. Fighting for power at the expense of ordinary citizens’ lives is the death of nationalism. Every bullet fired in these senseless wars weakens the very spirit that gave us independence.
The real fight today is not for positions. The real fight is for good governance, for equal citizenship, for justice, and for peace. Anything else is a betrayal of the sacrifices of our martyrs.
Nationalism Above Ideologies
History teaches us that nations can be built under capitalism, communism, socialism, or liberalism. The system of government may differ, but one truth never changes: without unity, no nation can survive. With unity, any nation, no matter how poor or wounded, can rise and thrive.
Nationalism is the blood that keeps a nation alive. Strip it away, and the body collapses. Strengthen it, and the nation flourishes.
A Call to End the War
To the warring parties in South Sudan, hear this: your war is irrelevant to the spirit of nationalism. It brings no honor, no victory, and no future. It has brought only suffering, displacement, hunger, misery, and poverty, to the very people you claim to serve.
If you truly love this country, stop the war. Put down the guns. Nationalism demands unity, not division. It demands reconciliation, not destruction. It demands that leaders govern for the people; not fight for themselves.
Conclusion
South Sudan was born out of unity and nationalism. That same nationalism must guide us now. Our nation cannot be built on greed, war, or tribal divisions. It can only be built on the foundation of equality, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
Nationalism is our shield against the oddsmakers; against those who predict our failure, against those who wish to see us divided, and against those who doubt our survival. If we hold onto it, no crisis can break us. If we abandon it, no power on earth can save us.
Let us remember always: one people, one nation, one destiny.
Below are the Map and the Flag of the Republic of South Sudan = Nationalism: National Constitution, packages of the diversity, inclusivity, equally, justice and the rule of law. To achieve this Map and Flag bearing, costed us 3 millions Martyrs, millions disables, widows and orphans. How many of us remember the death road to independence, from 1955 to 2011? Very few, if there are!
