South Sudan Marks 12 Years Of Independence Amidst Lingering Struggles

Southern Sudanese wave the national flag and cheer at South Sudan's first national soccer match after the country declared its independence, in the capital Juba on July 10, 2011 © 2011 AP Photo/Pete Muller

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, commemorated its 12th anniversary of independence on Saturday.

However, despite the promises made by leaders during the liberation struggle, many citizens are still grappling with financial difficulties.

The country has been entrenched in conflict and instability since December 2013, resulting in the displacement of millions of people who are now in dire need of humanitarian aid.

The economy of South Sudan is in a state of disarray, characterized by skyrocketing inflation and exorbitant food prices.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by his government in implementing a 2018 peace agreement, President Salva Kiir expressed his commitment to ensuring South Sudan’s first-ever elections can be conducted.

In a speech on the eve of the independence anniversary, he stated, “Since 2018, we have encountered and continue to encounter challenges in the implementation of the R-ARCSS.”

He further added that despite these hurdles, they have managed to peacefully resolve them through dialogue.

President Kiir emphasized the need for lasting peace and stability in order to facilitate the return of millions of war-displaced citizens and to pave the way for peaceful elections.

He urged his fellow citizens to work collectively with peace partners and the government to achieve peace and stability.

“Achieving peace and stability is the only way that will allow us to exit from the cycle of transitional governments and violence once and for all,” he emphasized.

The anniversary celebrations were somber in many parts of the country, as the daily struggles of the people took precedence over celebrating independence.

In the northern town of Bentiu, where recent floods had devastated homes and crops, the inhabitants were still reeling from the aftermath.

Nyekuoth, a 40-year-old mother of five residing in Bentiu’s Rubkona and seeking refuge at the UN mission’s protection site, lamented, “We have nothing left. We are just trying to survive.”

In the capital city of Juba, official government celebrations were absent, but some citizens organized individual commemorations.

The country finds itself in a state of uncertainty, as the government has failed to effectively implement peace agreements since 2015.

This has resulted in widespread corruption, mismanagement, and a growing sense of frustration among the populace due to the lack of tangible progress.