The Republic of South Sudan: We need, as South Sudanese, to avoid personal blames and counter blames. The time is up for us to unreservedly hang on together on matters of “nationalism.”

Our combine efforts on peace and security must focus on: persuasive, friendly and unifying stance that acknowledges the deep crisis in our country. Such a move could steer citizens and government, jointly toward hope and collective responsibility by way of the R-ARCSS framework.

Herein below is an article sequencing chronological order:

1. Background of the crisis; “the bottomless pit” metaphor, but explained constructively.
2. Best approach: implementation of the 2018 R-ARCSS as the roadmap.
3. Steps forward: reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, institutional reforms, constitution-making, democracy, the rule of law and free elections.
4. Historical African parallels: showing how other nations overcame crises.
5. Catchphrase conclusion: something simple but memorable, like: “Peace is built when truth is faced, forgiveness is practiced, and unity is protected.”

South Sudan at the Crossroads: From Crisis to Collective Renewal

By Dr. Aldo Ajou Deng-Akuey (PhD), Member of the National Legislature (Council of States)

South Sudan today stands in what many call a bottomless pit of crisis. This pit remains open; filled with the scars of war, administrative mismanagement, corruption, food insecurity, displacement, and eroded public trust.

Too often, the world looks at South Sudan and raises painful questions: Which is the poorest country in the world? Which is the most corrupt? Which is the most insecure? Unfortunately, South Sudan appears among the answers.

But these challenges, grave as they are, do not define the destiny of our nation. History shows that nations once torn by chaos can rise again. Mozambique endured years of devastating civil war before reconciliation brought peace in the 1990s. Rwanda rose from the ashes of genocide through truth-telling, forgiveness, and determined nation-building. Liberia emerged from two brutal civil wars to reestablish democracy and rule of law.

South Sudan can follow the same path; but only if we unite under the framework of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The Best Approach: Implementing R-ARCSS with Honesty and Commitment

The R-ARCSS remains the only comprehensive framework for peace and reform in South Sudan. But for it to succeed, it must be implemented truthfully, not half-heartedly. The steps are clear:

1. Truth, Reconciliation, Healing and Forgiveness. Without confronting the truth of our painful past, reconciliation will remain superficial. Healing must be rooted in forgiveness, not revenge. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength that allows us to move forward as one people.
2. Peace, Security and Social Harmony: Silencing the guns must go hand in hand with restoring community trust, protecting lives, and guaranteeing the dignity of every citizen.
3. Institutional Reforms. Transparent and accountable institutions are the foundation of trust. Administrative corruption, favoritism, and mismanagement must be replaced with professionalism and fairness.
4. Constitution-Making: A federal constitution, inclusive and representative of all our territorial and cultural diversity, is essential for long-term stability.
5. Free and Fair Elections. The culmination of the peace process must be credible elections conducted under democracy and the rule of law. Only then will South Sudan secure legitimacy before its people and the world.

A Collective Responsibility

The path forward cannot be the burden of the government alone, nor of political parties alone. It is a collective responsibility of all South Sudanese; leaders, opposition, communities, religious groups, women, youth, and civil society. We must shift from blame to responsibility, from suspicion to trust, from division to unity.

Conclusion: A Catchphrase for Peace

The crises of South Sudan are not permanent. We have the tools, the framework, and the collective will to rise. As Africa’s history proves, no nation is doomed if its people choose reconciliation and reform over revenge and corruption.

Let us remember:

👉🏽 “Peace is built when truth is faced, forgiveness is practiced, and unity is protected.”

This is the only road out of the bottomless pit; and into the light of peace, democracy, and dignity.

NB: The author believes, above reasonable doubt that, with unity and sincere compassion, commitment and mutual respect, we can break the bearers to peace, security and prosperity.