What We Want

What’s similar between riding a bicycle and building a nation? In every country, someone is essential to be responsible for the task needs and the relationship needs if the nation is to accomplish its tasks and keep good relationships among its citizens.

Try to picture what happens to a bicycle. If you have ever looked at a bicycle, you might have realized that a bicycle is driven forward by the back wheel, to which the chain and pedals are attached. The back wheel in this juxtaposition represents the task needs, which push the nation towards its goals. The front wheel controls the steering and balance of the bicycle, so this wheel represents the relationship needs of the citizens.

At this point in time, collective Leadership is key. Leadership made by the citizens and not by one alone or by some citizens in the country. This can be achieved only when questions or matters arising are studied jointly, solutions and decisions taken jointly also. South Sudan has got experienced and intelligent people who are ready to direct and guide leaders when asked to serve with words and actions. All that the people in power and authority need is to give to each the opportunity of thinking and acting with brains of people in the country. To ask them take responsibility within their competence. To encourage them to take initiative. This can be achieved only if the incumbent leadership can coordinate the thought and action of those who form the country through a liberation struggle. Who knows Dr. John Garang? Many have already forgotten… I guess.

What does South Sudan Want? We need peace, love and harmony. We need justice and equality for all men and women. We need food. I mean food, health, shelter and safety. We need creativity and innovation. We need progress. I need empathy.

This is still a very anxious time for most citizens of South Sudan. Massive challenges confront the country today – on issues of security of persons and property, political stability, economic growth and development. There are also the challenges of poverty alleviation, infrastructure, education, health and the war against institutional reforms and transparency mechanisms at all levels of governance. It would have been the role of the national leadership and the Government to address all these issues and to deliver services which will lead to improvements in the standard of living and quality of life of the general citizenry. However, the joint leadership stipulated the compromise agreement might not instead accomplish interests but dwell on petty political games.

The National government of South Sudan would have been the main instrument for implementing the policies and decisions of the Government. In normal systems of governance, the members of the three arms of government are often the only concrete manifestation of government for the citizens whether in the urban centers or in the remoter rural areas. The efficiency, effectiveness, conduct, fairness, integrity of the political leaders often determine the citizen’s opinions about the Government. Considering the incumbent joint leadership of our country, it is important therefore that the citizens clearly articulate and project aspirations to enable the government to commit to them and to deliver.

The question immediately arises whether we have a new context for pursuing national development. President Kiir and Dr. Machar are unpredictable on what good or bad they might deliver as they re-unite to “command” the country… We need peace, love and harmony. We need justice and equality for all men and women.