The citizens of South Sudan Should Disown the SPLM

April 22, 2025

By Jwothab Othow

In 2010, Dr. Lam Akol cautioned South Sudanese against prematurely voting for independence, warning that a weak government and tribal conflicts would lead to disaster. He stated, “Under the current weak government, secession would be suicide.” Sadly, his and Dr. Wani Tombe’s warnings were ignored. Many attacked these wise leaders, who foresaw the violence and instability that would follow independence under President Kiir’s leadership. Despite their concerns, Southern Sudanese voted for independence in 2011, as per the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which allowed them to choose secession or remaining in a united Sudan. Now, they face the consequences of that choice under President Kiir’s tribal regime.

Dr. Wani Tombe’s warning proved tragically accurate: South Sudanese independence came at a steep cost. Juba’s SPLM elite, prioritizing personal power and wealth, fueled politically motivated violence, plundering resources with impunity. Since 2011, the SPLM’s warlord faction has brutalized the South Sudanese people. President Kiir’s self-serving regime squandered national resources from 2005 onward, neglecting basic services and development. Many now regret ignoring warnings that independence was premature under Kiir’s weak leadership, amid rampant inter-communal violence and land grabs. As Dr. Hassan Al Turabi foresaw South Sudan’s instability stems from the Dinka’s domineering rule, lacking vision and development. Over two million died in the long struggle for liberation (1955 onward). Less than three years after achieving independence in 2011, a devastating civil war erupted in 2013, fueled by internal SPLM power struggles. This ongoing conflict has claimed over 500,000 lives.

South Sudanese fought a 50-year struggle for freedom and independence. However, since gaining independence, the nation has been ravaged by internal conflict fueled by the SPLM leadership’s greed for power and wealth. Nineteen years of SPLM rule, under President Kiir, have failed to deliver necessities or development to its citizens. The SPLM leadership has stolen over $4.5 billion, displacing communities, forcing people from their homes, and causing catastrophic suffering. These unforgivable crimes, committed under President Kiir’s watch, represent a betrayal of the South Sudanese people. The innocent blood spilled demands justice. Unless the SPLM leadership, under President Kiir, ceases its divisive tribal politics, peace and stability will remain elusive. The SPLM’s shameful crimes against children, the elderly, and women—including airstrikes and indiscriminate chemical bombardment in areas like Upper Nile—will not be forgotten.

Accountability for these war crimes and crimes against humanity is inevitable. The SPLM leadership will not escape justice for the horrific atrocities committed during its two decades of power. Recently, South Sudanese government in Juba is desperately trying to send a delegation to the United States for purported bilateral talks. This is actually an attempt to lobby Washington to lift visa restrictions on the government officials and those who are responsible for atrocities against South Sudanese citizens and the ongoing violence since 2013. SPLM leaders, who have squandered billions of dollars, fear Washington’s response, which could include further sanctions against those responsible for the conflict. They are concerned about asset freezes, potential fund seizures, and travel restrictions to the United States. The SPLM leadership might even offer half the country’s resources to the U.S. to maintain power, hoping for visa approvals and protection from asset freezes. Recall South Sudan’s recent apology for a deportation incident and their delegation to Washington. However, the U.S. is well aware of those fueling South Sudan’s political violence.

The ongoing war frustrates many South Sudanese, and some are suggesting a return to the three original regions—Equatoria, Upper Nile, and Bahr el Ghazal—for 20 years to heal from the SPLM’s violence. Afterward, these regions could hold a constitutional conference to decide on a unified, democratic republic. To achieve this, citizens must reject the divisive tribal politics fueled by the SPLM’s greed for power and wealth. Tribalism breeds violence and a dangerous “ends justify the means” mentality, as tragically demonstrated in 2013. South Sudanese must actively fight tribalism to build a more peaceful society. A united citizenry is vital for meaningful change in the republic of South Sudan. May God bless South Sudan. The author, Jwothab Othow, is a citizen of South Sudan, an activist, and a critic of South Sudan’s authoritarian regime.