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By Deng Gai Gatluak - 25 Apr 2018

SPLM leaders MUST think beyond individualistic political ambitions in the upcoming 3rd phase of the HLRF

Pursuant to my personal research as far as the contemporary political phenomenon in our country is concerned, my intellect quotient convinced me that, in a society where tribal animosity (hatred) is deeply rooted akin South Sudan, truthfulness is persistently considered as a threat to those who are allergic to it. Nevertheless, I exceedingly conceded with the proclamation of Dr. Francis Mading Deng that, "what divides us are not the things we speak about, but the things we keep silent about."

It is incontrovertible that SPLM is more divided along tribal and ideological lines and partisan acrimony is deeper and more extensive than at any point in recent history. These trends manifest themselves in myriad ways, both in politics and in everyday life.

On that note, it's worth mentioning that, the SPLM Political leaders are birds of the same feathers, notwithstanding their political affiliations and ethnic diversity. However, we cannot afford to neglect and turn a blind eye on the fact that, a substantial number of the current SPLM leaders fought wholeheartedly and selflessly the longest brutal civil war in Africa in order to secure our independence.

Thus, it's absurd and extremely painful in the aftermath of our independence for them to exclusively abandoned the cause of the liberation struggle and forget about our heroes and heroines who sacrificed their precious blood for the sake of this country. This begs the question that; why did they fight for this country and subsequently opted to destroy it after they collectively defeated our common enemy (Arabs).?

It's exceedingly unbecoming for them on divergent political polarization to play victims in circumstances they created themselves and yet the country is continuously bleeding and disintegrating.

Therefore, as we approach the third (3) phase of the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF), I am sincerely appealing on behalf of SPLM-IO Youth League and on my own behalf to our liberators (South Sudanese lead
ers), irrespective of their political affiliations to critically think beyond their political ambitions for the sake of their comrades who died during the liberation struggle and whose blood cemented our national foundation, if not necessarily for the sake of South Sudan's sovereign integrity and her posterity.

Ultimately, the more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war. There is more we can do in peace than in war. Thus, "we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."Martin Luther King Jr.

Cde. Deng Gai Gatluak, Chairman of SPLM-IO Youth League, Republic of South Sudan, Juba.

He can be reached at denggaigatluak@ymail.com

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made are the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.