Collo should pursue Confederation status as a possible resolution

(File Image))

By Jwothab Othow

August 3, 2025

The Collo people should focus on self-development, utilizing their land’s resources, instead of depending on a tribal government perceived as dominated by the Dinka, who are allegedly building an ethnocentric state. Collo leaders should cultivate young leaders to secure the future of the Collo Kingdom. I believe an ethnic confederation in South Sudan could protect the Collo people’s security and rights and other regions as well especially from a state accused of supporting the illegal occupation of Collo land. I favor a confederation because it would grant the Collo Kingdom considerable autonomy with minimal interference from the central government. This confederacy would prioritize peace and security for the Collo Kingdom while maintaining relations with other confederate states to preserve South Sudan’s unity under a confederate model. All Confederate states would establish a mutual defense system to protect South Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against external threats. This arrangement would protect the Collo Kingdom’s rights without separation from South Sudan. The Collo Kingdom deserves constitutional recognition as a distinct ethnic monarchy, whether under a federal or confederate system. This addresses the state-sponsored land occupation of Collo ancestral land by the Padang Dinka. The South Sudan constitution must recognize and respect the Collo Kingdom as an ethnically distinct monarchy with a history predating Sudan and South Sudan’s independence.

The Collo Kingdom, for instance, is divided into 16 Omodiahs. Each Omodiah must establish its own defense security, overseen by the Bany of that Omodiah. In the event of an attack or invasion of one Omodiah, reinforcements will be deployed from other Omodiahs to counter the threat. The Collo people have inherent rights to defend their land and way of life under their monarchy, a confederation that has existed for over 500 years. To address the challenges facing the Collo people, three key objectives and goals should be considered:

First, developing new defensive strategies, security architecture mechanisms, and infrastructure to safeguard the people of the Collo Kingdom is crucial. The Collo’s fight for land rights is a fight for their dignity and survival! Collo must strive to achieve these objectives to secure their rights and protect themselves from external threats. Achieving these goals requires a unified strategic plan of action, a blueprint for the future of the Collo Kingdom, agreed upon by all Collo people. This includes elders, chiefs, politicians, women’s groups, youth groups, intellectuals, and military leaders, all working towards the security and future of the Collo people and their land. The Collo must avoid division because of political differences, prioritizing the common interests of the Collo above party politics. This unity is essential for the survival and existence of the Collo people. Ensuring the security of the Collo Kingdom requires a comprehensive legal framework and full engagement from Collo leaders to secure their rights, culture, territories, and the continuation of their Confederation for self-governance.

 Second, it’s crucial for the Collo people to pursue confederated structures, building upon the existing 16-Omodia model. They should advocate for a confederation or federal system that ensures self-governance and protects their future within a united South Sudan, without separation. This requires agreement among Collo leaders. A confederation is the most suitable solution for the Collo Kingdom, serving as a strategic plan to protect their security, rights, land, and cultural identity. Like President Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points in 1918, which supported national self-determination, South Sudan’s constitution should recognize and grant special status to the Collo Kingdom as a distinct ethnic monarchy, enabling a confederate state within South Sudan. The South Sudanese constitution must acknowledge the rights of the Collo people, ensuring equality under the law and equal protection, including the right to self-development, cultural heritage preservation, and historical preservation through a fully self-governing confederation as a distinct ethnic territory within South Sudan.

Thirdly, Collo needs a plan for economic development. The Confederation will strengthen the Collo Kingdom, allowing it to develop infrastructure and build a secure future. To support this, Collo should prioritize entrepreneurship programs, access to capital, and culturally relevant education. Building infrastructure and fostering partnerships are also crucial for sustainable economic growth, given the limited resources. Collo can explore programs to strengthen community economic development and empower themselves, including training in business planning, marketing, and financial management, while also supporting Indigenous-owned businesses. Adopting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, business development, mentorship, access to markets, and education, along with fostering partnerships, will promote economic futures for the people of Collo Kingdom. This will provide economic opportunities for their citizens. The existential threat to the Collo in South Sudan is real. Collo must unite to defend their ancestral land and prevent their physical extinction. Fighting for their right to land is fighting for their dignity and existence. This requires unity among all Collo. Together, Collo can redefine its future by making decisive decisions for its survival. The people of Collo have a duty to determine their destiny, ensuring security, peace, development, and a better future for the next generation. We must preserve the land of Nyikang; it would be disgraceful if this generation failed to preserve Nyikang’s legacy. May God bless the Collo Kingdom!

Jwothab Othow