The Republic of South Sudan: We, the people, and the R-TGoNU, led by the President of the Republic, General Salva Kiir Mayardit, are nationally committed to R-ARCSS; no return to the “senseless war, 2013-2018.”
That’s clear, we want a direct, principled, and plain-spoken statement that explains nationalism as a practical force, not a theory, and applies it to South Sudan’s current political situation. We also want to call out the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar for failing to show national commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful resolution of the conflict, since the 2018 R-ARCSS, while urging him to take responsibility.
Herein below is a very strong article, straight forwarding a piece of advice for South Sudanese and warring politicians, in order to answer some questions, such as “What really went wrong after the accomplishment of independence?”
It flows:Principles of Freedom and Nationalism in South Sudan: Nationalism as Practical Leverage
Introduction
Nationalism is not a theory. It is a practical national leverage. It is the shield of the people, the custodian of citizens’ rights, and the bond of loyalty between a nation and its people. A true nationalist understands that protecting the country comes first, and unconditionally.
Citizens are obliged to commit to their constitution because it is the foundation of their protection, rights, and dignity. In return, the nation must serve its people with equality, justice, inclusivity and good governance. This balance: citizens protecting the nation, and the nation protecting its citizens, is the essence of nationalism.
Principles of Freedom and Nationalism:
- Nationalism puts the nation above personal ambition. No position, title, or political gain is greater than the survival and dignity of the nation.
- Nationalism safeguards citizens’ rights. Every South Sudanese has the right to equal protection under the constitution, without discrimination or exclusion.
- Nationalism is unconditional commitment. Protecting one’s country is not optional; it is the first duty of citizenship, whether in peace or crisis.
- Nationalism demands dialogue, not violence. Political disagreements must be resolved through peaceful dialogue, not through bullets and bloodshed.
- Nationalism means accountability.
Leaders must be held responsible when they place personal ambition above the nation’s survival.
South Sudan’s Problem
Our tragedy in South Sudan is that many of our political leaders do not understand or practice the principles of nationalism. They treat nationalism as a slogan, not as a duty. They fight wars over positions in government, forgetting that nationalism demands the opposite: protecting the nation first, and unconditionally.
This is why our people continue to suffer displacement, hunger, insecurity, misery and poverty. Wars fought for power are not wars of nationalism; they are wars against the nation itself.
A Message to Dr. Riek Machar
Dr. Riek Machar must understand this truth. As a leader, his responsibility is to uphold the principles of nationalism and place the nation above himself. Since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), in September 2018, he has not delivered clear statements or actions in favor of genuine dialogue, reconciliation and peace.
Instead of committing fully to peace, he has allowed his name to remain linked to conflict, hesitation, and political maneuvering. This is unacceptable. Nationalism demands more.
Dr. Machar must deliver a clear and unconditional statement of peace:
- Reject violence in all forms.
- Commit to national dialogue, reconciliation, healing and forgiveness, as the only way forward.
- Put South Sudan above personal ambition.
Anything less is a betrayal of the principles of nationalism, and a betrayal of the people who continue to suffer because of this war.
Conclusion
Nationalism is practical, not theoretical. It is the living contract between a people and their nation. South Sudanese citizens must commit to protecting their country through loyalty to the constitution, while leaders must serve citizens with justice and peace.
Our people are tired of endless wars for positions and material benefits. What they demand is peace, unity, and dignity under the principles of nationalism.
Nationalism is our shield against the oddsmakers; and it must guide every leader, including Dr. Riek Machar, to choose dialogue over destruction, peace over violence, and the nation over self.
NB: The author adheres to nationalism as the shield and bond of sovereignty. Without loyalty and commitment to the nation, that nation cannot survive amongst nations. For the time being, he believes, our national option is peace, not war because we have extremely weakened our national ability.
See Photos Below:
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit (SPLM) in the middle of the four;
- First Vice President Riek Machar Teny (SPLM IO) to Kiir’s right hand;
- Vice President James Wani Igga (SPLM) to Kiir’s left hand;
- Vice President Taban Deng Gai (Former SPLM IO), at the right hand to Riek;
- Vice President Nyadeeng Garang (SPLM ‘FDs’), at James’s left hand.
This was, still is, the collective leadership of the R-TGoNU. The five vice presidents don’t form one body, as a presidency by constitution or the R-ARCSS; the vice presidents represent their parties as signatories to the R-ARCSS and full members of the council ministers. Their problem is that they are not cohesive enough to respect the collective decisions of the cabinet. They are suspicious of one another or do they abide by cabinet’s decisions.
For example, the First Vice President Riek Machar Teny, presents himself as the main opposition leader to the R-TGoNU, in which his party is a partner. He also poses a commander in chief of his army versus the President and head of the government, who is authorised by constitution as sole commander in chief of the SSPDF and other security forces.
Only this ambiguity can tell anyone, a bystander, that this R-ARCSS, which was sponsored by President Bashir of Sudan then, was not meant to be implemented “in letter and spirit,” as they pledged. It must be reviewed, through a ROUNDTABLE CONFERENCE; I suggested earlier on. Without this comprehensive and inclusive roundtable, this R-ARCSS shall not promote a geuine peace for South Sudan.
