Is Gen. Garang Mabil qualified for a political job based on his social connections?

Recently, I have come across the proposal by South Sudanese politicians, General Aleu Anyieny Aleu, and Ateny Wek Ateny, calling the president to reward veteran politician Garang Mabil Deng with political positions in government. While the intent behind this proposal appears rooted in a commendable patriotism and Sympathy, Garang Mabil has played in attending funeral rites of the Exodus passing-on of many veterans in recent past. What beat my understanding is that the proposal raises questions about the appropriateness of such rewards in a political landscape that should prioritize competency over sympathy and veteran status. 

I can at least agree with the two authors on aspects of Garang's social characters, such as his social connections, cultural admiration, liberated status, love for God, and devotion for his comrades, because social networks and meritocracy are two different things. However, since government positions are appointed by law and required to be merit-based, I disagree that he should be given consideration for position. According to logic, the socioeconomic circumstances of the South Sudanese government necessitate some merit-based decisions, particularly when it comes to the assignment of post holders. For a long time, South Sudan has suffered from the habit of rewarding people with government positions without considering their abilities.

Garang Mabil Deng’s contributions to South Sudan’s liberation and history are undeniable. He has played a significant role in the turbulent journey of the nation, advocating for its aspirations during challenging times. However, law requires the appointment of individuals to government positions be based on their qualifications, skills, and ability to serve the public effectively. To suggest that Garang should receive specific political positions simply due to his veteran status and funeral sympathy undermines the principle of meritocracy. It suggests a system where political appointments may be used as tokens rather than opportunities for capable individuals to lead and make decisions that benefit the entire nation. 

In recent years, many countries have focused on improving governance by ensuring that only competent individuals hold key positions in government. For example, nations like Canada and New Zealand have emphasized transparent selection processes based on qualifications and experience rather than personal or political connections. Such approaches help build trust in the government and improve overall functioning. In contrast, rewarding individuals solely based on their passion could perpetuate a culture of entitlement, where loyalty to a cause overshadows the need for effective governance. 

Instead of political appointments, a more suitable reward for veterans, including Garang Mabil Deng, should be the provision of comprehensive pension benefits. Pension benefits recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, providing them with financial security in their later years. This approach honors their service while avoiding the potential pitfalls of placing individuals in positions for which they may be inadequate. It ensures that all veterans receive fair compensation without infringing on the principle that government positions should be earned through competency. 

In conclusion, while recognizing and rewarding the contributions of veterans is essential, the proposal to appoint Garang Mabil Deng to political posts based merely on his status as a veteran and passion is misguided to some extent. Competency should be the primary criterion for any government appointment, and pension benefits should serve as the appropriate reward for service rendered. This approach will promote a more capable and effective government that truly serves the needs of the South Sudanese people.

The writer is a Political Activist and could be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.