The idea of one nation and one people is a distortion of our reality!!!

Akol Koor Kuc (first left) with President Salva Kiir (File Image)

November 28, 2024

By Jwothab Othow

As South Sudanese, we need to be honest with ourselves and admit that we have not yet become a nation. In order for South Sudan to truly become a nation, the tribes of South Sudan need to be willing to change or let go of their tribal allegiances. We must come together as citizens of this nation, without discrimination towards any tribe, in order to build a united country for ourselves and future generations. This is the only way we can prevent the complete disintegration of our country. Former President Woodrow Wilson of the United States once said, during a speech to thousands of immigrants who became American citizens in 1915, “You cannot dedicate yourself to America unless you fully embrace being an American in every aspect of your life. You cannot truly become an American if you only think of yourself or your own group. America is not made up of separate groups. A person who identifies solely with a particular national group has not yet become an American.”

The events of 2013 serve as a clear example that we are not yet one nation and one people. The massacre of the Nuer ethnic group in Juba carried out as a result of a political disagreement within the ruling SPLM party, which then turned into tribal conflict, demonstrates the importance of tribal identities to certain groups in South Sudan. This is why people were killed simply because they belonged to a different ethnic or clan group in Juba in 2013 and in Malakal in 2014. There was a chance for South Sudan to thrive after gaining independence in 2011, if there had been a true national leader. Unfortunately, President Kiir’s tribalistic and dictatorial tendencies led South Sudan into the current senseless war, driven by his own ego and hunger for power and wealth. Today, many citizens who once supported the SPLM party have abandoned it, viewing it as the root of evil that has caused the deaths of thousands of South Sudanese in the senseless war created by President Kiir in 2013. This is a clear illustration of how tribal politics has played a significant role in the current conflict in South Sudan, as President Kiir himself is a tribal leader.

After Kiir seized power in 2005 following Dr. John Garang’s tragic death, he created tribal and identity politics to divide the people of South Sudan along tribal lines. Kiir used his presidential order and the Presidential Guards to massacre thousands of Nuer ethnic group in Juba. Similarly, the SPLM-IO and its army wing, Nuer White Army, committed similar crimes in Malakal, Bor, Bantu, and other places, target non-Nuer ethnic groups. Instead of peacefully relinquishing power and allowing a peaceful transition, Kiir is attempting to create another war by appointing Bol Mel as acting President of South Sudan while he is absent for medical treatment. The recent standoff between former NSS Gen Akol Koor and President Kiir’s forces resulted in the death of many innocent people on both sides. In my honest opinion, South Sudanese political leaders and the country’s parliament have failed and betrayed the people of South Sudan by allowing Kiir to violate the transitional Constitution of national Unity government of 2011. Since 2013, Kiir has been ruling South Sudan through presidential decrees, disregarding the constitution. This has led to the current situation in South Sudan, where the people suffer from economic hardship and most civil servants have not received their salaries for the past eight months. Meanwhile, Kiir and his inner circle have spent millions of dollars on bribing his loyalists, further exacerbating the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

Those who were high-ranking members of the SPLM party during the 2013 war, and later should be barred from occupying any public office in South Sudan due to the party’s association with evil. The SPLM leadership, led by President Kiir, is responsible for the destruction of South Sudan and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of its citizens, who perished in a pointless war stemming from a power struggle within the party. I honestly believe that peace in South Sudan is unlikely while President Kiir is in power, as he lacks the political will to uphold the peace agreements he has signed with opposition groups. Many South Sudanese intellectuals feel frustrated, economically humiliated, and politically marginalized by President Kiir’s inner circle, who exploits opportunities to exclude them from participating in the country’s affairs. Kiir’s perception of being above the law in South Sudan has led him to violate the constitution, seemingly unconcerned about the repercussions. President Kiir is a tribal leader who prioritizes his own power and wealth, exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. Kiir could essentially ignore the transitional constitution, as the South Sudanese parliament and political leaders are too corrupt to legally challenge him.

My question to all South Sudanese scholars and elite intellectuals is: how can we foster a collective and unified identity among the 64 tribes in South Sudan? In the United States of America, for instance, immigrant communities from diverse backgrounds have assimilated into the broader American identity. Therefore, we should contemplate why South Sudanese from all 64 tribes cannot similarly unite under a common South Sudanese identity. It is essential for us to recognize that for our nation, South Sudan, to become strong, united, and prosperous like other nations worldwide, we must let go of our tribal allegiances and prejudices against other ethnic groups within South Sudan. South Sudanese individuals should embrace the notion of being equal citizens, regardless of our tribal backgrounds. We must promote tolerance, equality, individualism, and the power of reason to overcome irrational tribal animosity. By acknowledging that all 64 tribes share a common humanity and love for our country, we can forge a sense of unity. It has been 19 years since President Kiir assumed power in South Sudan, and unfortunately, he has contributed to dividing our country along ethnic lines.

There is a significant opportunity for South Sudan to overcome tribalism and tribal hegemony within our country. This can be achieved by electing a true nationalist leader who believes in the ideal of prioritizing our South Sudanese identity over our individual tribes. By bringing together all South Sudanese tribes, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, we can unite under the common identity of being South Sudanese. I am hopeful and have faith that this vision can be realized if the younger generation embraces it. The increasing number of intermarriages among South Sudanese people also suggests that this ideal can become a reality, eventually eradicating tribalism in our nation. We have already witnessed the positive effects of intermarriage and the resulting diversity, which strengthens our unity and bond as a nation. In order to achieve success as a nation, we must not only overcome tribalism but also address systemic inequality and injustice. Our tribal heritage is not a problem as long as we accept and celebrate our differences, respecting each other’s unique backgrounds. It is crucial to oppose and reject tribalism and the marginalization of any South Sudanese citizens, as this will only lead to the disintegration of our country. We must let go of tribal hatred, prejudice, and injustice towards other tribes, and embrace a South Sudanese identity that encompasses all backgrounds. By doing so, we can create an inclusive society for all South Sudanese and defeat ignorance, tribalism, and tribal arrogance that divides us and weakens our unity.

For South Sudan to thrive and develop like other nations, it is crucial for South Sudanese to elect a leader who is nationalist and capable, as well as visionary. This leader will be instrumental in propelling our country forward and unifying us as a nation, moving away from tribal politics, and pursuing the grand ideals of a united democratic Republic of South Sudan. President Kiir and his tribal groupings must be defeated, as they have brought shame and humiliation upon us in the eyes of the world and the surrounding regions. Together, as South Sudanese, we are stronger and we must save our country from disintegration. Our nation is composed of a diverse multiethnic society, and by embracing our differences, we can truly celebrate the richness of our diversity. We have the potential to build a democratic South Sudan, where our people can freely and fairly elect a patriotic leader who can address the needs of our citizens. At times, one may question whether South Sudanese political leaders truly comprehend the needs of the people. A true national leader should understand the requirements of their citizens, which encompass fundamental security, peace, and prosperity for all South Sudanese. Our people are resilient, and they deserve a true patriotic and visionary leader who can establish a peaceful and democratic republic in the heart of Africa.

The citizens of South Sudan must unite and take action to bring about change in their country and prevent it from disintegrating under the rule of an uncaring authoritarian leader. Despite Kenya’s efforts for peace, as long as President Kiir and his inner circle continue to profit, South Sudan will not experience peace and stability. Those of us who have been observing President Kiir’s behavior since he came into power in 2005 have seen that he disregards the welfare of the people of South Sudan and betrays them. President Kiir’s politics have always been marked by betrayal. For instance, General Akol Koor served under President Kiir for over 13 years, committing numerous murders to protect Kiir’s power. However, Kiir recently decided to get rid of Akol Koor once he was no longer useful. There are several other examples of people who have been betrayed by Kiir, including Generals OBUTO MAMUR, Gen David Yau Yau, Gen Pagan Amum, Gen Oyay Deng Ajak, Gen Johnson Olony, and Dr. Riek Machar. It begs the question: why do the people continue to support Kiir despite his betrayals? Is the problem with Kiir himself or with the people of South Sudan who blindly support him? One wonders why the people of South Sudan continue to support a tribal leader like Kiir who denies them the freedom to speak their minds and governs without the rule of law, human rights, equal justice, and freedom for all citizens. I oppose the South Sudan elites and political establishment in Juba who squander our country’s resources and neglect the needs of our citizens. Some of these elites and political leaders encourage ethnic divisions to gain political power and serve their own interests. May God protect the people of South Sudan!

The author, Jwothab Othow, is a conservative social thinker, activist and critics against the system fascist tribal politics in South Sudan and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.