Why the Collo Monarch must stay out of politics?

By Jwothab Othow

July 15, 2025

My perspective on the Collo Kings’ role and responsibilities since the Collo Kingdom’s 1490 AD founding is this: Many Collo kings were crowned, yet the monarchy has historically remained politically neutral. The king’s responsibility is the Collo people’s well-being. Collo ethics dictate that the king should avoid politics—a “dirty game”—to protect the monarchy’s reputation. While possessing moral authority to address injustice and social welfare, political involvement forces the king to take partisan sides, creating conflicts of interest that undermine his role. This risks political division within the kingdom, harming Collo society. Therefore, the Collo king should remain outside South Sudanese national politics, maintaining neutrality as past kings have, to better serve his people.

Maintaining the Collo Monarch’s political neutrality is crucial for preserving His Majesty’s moral authority as the supreme spiritual leader of the Collo Kingdom, irrespective of political affiliations. Direct political involvement could severely fracture Collo society, as the King reigns over all Collo people, regardless of their political beliefs. Taking sides based on ideology would inevitably divide the kingdom. Therefore, the monarchy must remain uninvolved in politics to uphold its primary role and responsibility to its subjects. However, the King cannot remain silent in the face of state-sponsored injustice against his people. He has a moral obligation to speak out, playing a vital role in promoting social justice, peace, and the general welfare of his subjects. The King should, however, remain neutral in partisan politics, allowing Collo citizens to engage in South Sudan’s national politics without interference. His role in disagreements among Collo political leaders is mediation and offering advice for peaceful conflict resolution.

Therefore, the Collo King should remain politically neutral, focusing on his people’s welfare. While neutrality is paramount in partisan affairs, the King’s spiritual leadership demands he condemn injustice. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu stated, neutrality in the face of oppression sides with the oppressor. Jesus similarly advised against involvement in worldly political organizations. The Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah because their expectations differed from his teachings. Jesus emphasized internal unity, stating that a divided house cannot stand. The Jews anticipated a political leader to overthrow Roman rule and restore David’s throne, a role Jesus refused. He famously instructed, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”

Similarly, I believe the Collo monarch’s King should remain neutral in South Sudanese politics, focusing instead on his subjects’ well-being and the unity, peace, and prosperity of the Collo Kingdom. That’s why I think the Collo Monarch should avoid politics. This is my opinion as a Collo citizen, not a challenge to the monarch, but a starting point for constructive dialogue aimed at improving the monarchy. I welcome your perspectives, fellow sons and daughters of the Collo Kingdom. May God bless the Collo Kingdom!

Jwothab Othow