South Sudan: The Citizens’ Quest for National Unity

By Jwothab Othow

July 28, 2025

Since taking power in 2005, the SPLM has fostered deep political divisions and identity politics along ethnic lines. Many South Sudanese now question the country’s unity and the viability of a shared national identity built on common civic ideals. It’s obvious to anyone who recognizes the link between injustice and the rise of identity politics in South Sudan, which the SPLM’s political elite created to stay in power. Driven by a thirst for power and wealth since 2005, the SPLM leadership has raised questions about their moral compass. While power and politics are intertwined, many are wondering whether the SPLM leaders operate with any moral principles, judging by their actions.

Many people recognize that moral principles are vital for a healthy society. They provide a foundation for ethical governance, ensuring that policies in South Sudan are just, fair, and benefit the people. However, the current SPLM leadership seems disconnected from these principles, which are essential for building a moral society. Misunderstanding hinders the ability to discern right from wrong, hold leaders accountable, and guide both leaders and citizens through difficult social and political challenges. No society can thrive without strong moral values. Therefore, South Sudanese citizens must continue to advocate for justice and fairness to ensure that SPLM-led policies are not discriminatory, oppressive, or targeted at specific tribal groups.

The South Sudanese people, who overwhelmingly voted for independence from Sudan in 2011, are the true foundation of our nation. As such, they must unite to bring about positive change, rescuing our country from disintegration and fostering social cohesion and stability. Any solution we pursue must be just and fair to all citizens. For two decades, the SPLM leadership, from 2005 to the present, has unfortunately worked to divide the people along ethnic lines, damaging our social fabric. However, I believe the citizens can rebuild the trust eroded by the SPLM leaders’ pursuit of power and wealth. Embracing moral politics makes it easier to hold leaders accountable for their actions, ensuring they uphold ethical standards and act in the best interests of the people. South Sudanese citizens must be the driving force for change, demanding accountability and transparency from a government that serves the public.

Our nation needs ethical leadership, characterized by transparency in decision-making, so citizens can understand how policies are made and implemented with their interests in mind. The SPLM leadership has engaged in widespread corruption and mismanagement of national resources since 2005, resources that should have been used for South Sudan’s development. Therefore, a strong moral framework is crucial to deter corruption and abuse of power by holding leaders accountable. Adopting moral principles can lead to greater social cohesion and reduced conflict within our communities. Morality can also help our society address critical social justice issues like poverty, inequality, discrimination, and human rights, striving for greater equality and respect for all citizens. It is imperative that South Sudan’s leadership be guided by moral principles, inspiring citizens and society to build a better future for our country, promoting positive social change and democratic progress.

 Citizens must reject identity politics, as it fosters hatred and violence. It’s crucial for South Sudanese citizens to prioritize moral principles to overcome prejudice and build bridges between ethnic groups, fostering peace, harmony, and a just society. I firmly believe that shared moral values are the cornerstone for us as citizens, enabling us to work together for the betterment of our society and unite all ethnic groups. A key factor in the senseless 2013 war was the SPLM leadership’s lack of moral principles and political conviction, which corrupted our political culture with violence. These self-serving SPLM leaders have hijacked the country, neglecting its citizens. The SPLM oligarchy has wasted billions, fueling a brutal, unending war that displaced millions. The SPLM’s greed for power and wealth ignited this senseless conflict, destroying our social fabric. The SPLM government has even encouraged inter-communal violence among previously peaceful communities.

The war, driven by the SPLM’s internal power struggles, has left the South Sudanese people bearing the devastating consequences. Consider the vast socioeconomic inequality created by South Sudan’s SPLM elite. The SPLM oligarchy fuels social instability, destroying the fabric of our society and leaving a legacy of dysfunction. The SPLM government continues to ignore the citizens’ welfare, promoting dangerous rhetoric that jeopardizes South Sudan’s future. Citizens must understand that their division only benefits the SPLM elite. South Sudanese political leaders should focus on national-based messages that address citizens’ concerns nationwide, rather than ethnic-based rhetoric, which fuels ethnic violence and division. Furthermore, South Sudan’s politicians must change their rhetoric, abandoning the encouragement of ethnic-based violence and revenge, as it threatens our national unity.

The strength of a nation lies in the unity of its people. By standing together, South Sudanese citizens can overcome the brutality of the SPLM’s authoritarian regime and end their suffering. The anguish of the South Sudanese reflects the devastating impact of corrupt leadership, a stark reminder of God’s warning in Proverbs against leaders who harm their people. I believe divine judgment will extend beyond individual rulers to encompass the corrupt system of the SPLM government. The oppressive regime in South Sudan will face God’s judgment for violating His purpose, forgetting that all authority comes from Him and that leaders are meant to serve their citizens. President Kiir and his government will be held accountable for the atrocities committed against the South Sudanese people, including displacement, immense suffering, and the deaths of thousands in this senseless war. South Sudanese must actively combat tribalism to build a more peaceful and inclusive society. A united citizenry is crucial for meaningful change. Similarly, opposition groups must unite, prioritizing national interests over internal divisions that have weakened resistance to Kiir’s authoritarian rule.

We will continue to advocate for democratic change, the rule of law, and essential reforms: securing citizens’ livelihoods, achieving lasting peace, ensuring stability, and facilitating the dignified return of displaced citizens. The current SPLM-led government lacks moral principles and the political will to resolve the crisis they have created due to its pursuit of power and wealth. The SPLM leaders have enriched themselves and their families, showing no concern for the hardships endured by the people of South Sudan. The ongoing economic crisis and escalating armed conflict in South Sudan could potentially lead to the downfall of the authoritarian regime. Establishing strong institutions based on a federal system is crucial for sustaining democracy in South Sudan, ensuring citizen participation, political freedom, and improved economic and social opportunities for the population. To bring about change in South Sudan, the people must actively voice their discontent with the Juba regime through widespread action. Simultaneously, the various opposition groups need to unite, present a common front, and offer concrete plans for the country’s future. Without this unified approach, President Kiir’s government will probably remain in power, prolonging the suffering of the South Sudanese people.

The pursuit of national unity is paramount for achieving change. Citizens’ solidarity will foster a sense of shared purpose, strengthening communities and enabling collective action. These strong social bonds are crucial for uniting to liberate the country. Ultimately, the people of South Sudan deserve a moral leader who can unite the nation and facilitate nation-building. The time has come for citizens to realize their power to bring about change and end the suffering under the current regime. This necessitates a firm commitment to national unity to achieve fundamental change. A new, democratic South Sudan must prioritize social inclusion, improve living standards, uphold the rule of law, and implement significant reforms to ensure a fair economic and political environment. The security sector must protect citizens’ rights regardless of their tribal affiliation, and combating corruption is essential for maintaining government accountability and public trust during this transition. The resilient people of South Sudan deserve true, patriotic and visionary leaders who can establish a peaceful and democratic republic. May God protect and bless the people of South Sudan!

The author, Jwothab Othow, an activist, is a critic of South Sudan’s authoritarian regime. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.