Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has navigated a long and painful journey marked by political instability, governance crises, inter-communal violence, economic collapse, and social disintegration. For many citizens, these persistent hardships provoke a painful question: Is the nation somehow “cursed” by the unfulfilled promises and the unhonored sacrifices of the fallen heroes and heroines who gave their lives during the liberation struggle? This question emerges not from superstition, but from a profound sense of national disappointment. The martyrs who sacrificed everything for freedom did not envision a country fragmented by leadership disputes, mistrust, and governance failures. Instead, they envisioned a united and prosperous homeland built on justice, equality, and collective dignity.
The burden of unfulfilled sacrifice has caused several manifestations of incidents that have led to loss of lives and properties within South Sudan; however, such calamity occurrences have not yet been identified as signs of the neglected matters at hand, left as forgotten, yet bloodshed was the means to the acquisition of our freedom and independence in South Sudan.
As South Sudan approached independence, internal contestations intensified among leaders who claimed to have been the central architects of the liberation struggle. Yet the undeniable truth remains: the real liberators were those who died on the battlefield and never returned to witness the independence they fought for. These heroes did not fight for positions, political influence, or ethnic dominance. They fought to secure the dignity of the oppressed, to restore justice, and to liberate the people from decades of marginalization.
However, after independence, the moral compass of the liberation legacy was distorted. Individuals who contributed minimally to the struggle became the loudest voices claiming ownership of the nation’s freedom. Meanwhile, the widows, orphans, disabled veterans, and families of the fallen, those who bore the heaviest burden, were pushed to the margins of national attention. Their suffering, which should have been honored with support and recognition, instead became an overlooked consequence of political self-interest.
This marginalization created an environment where frustration, inequality, and historical betrayal are deeply felt. Pride and entitlement among certain political actors bred systems of patronage and exclusion, weakening the liberators’ values and reducing national leadership to a battlefield for personal ambition.
A nation struggling with identity and leadership has manifested as a nation that has lost its vision. The crises facing South Sudan were not accidental; they are rooted in longstanding structural and political weaknesses. One key weakness is the fragmented national identity, where allegiance to tribe often supersedes commitment to nationhood. This fragmentation has entrenched the militarization of politics. Armed groups continue to emerge, political disputes turn into armed confrontation, and leaders rely heavily on force rather than dialogue to maintain influence.
Institutions meant to uphold the rule of law remain fragile and susceptible to political manipulation. Civic space has narrowed considerably. Journalists, activists, and civil society organizations often operate under heavy constraints. Economic mismanagement has further deepened poverty, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance. These realities create a vicious cycle where unresolved grievances continue to fuel conflict, weakening the foundations of the young nation.
Will the peace South Sudan desperately needs become a reality?
This one question has been difficult for so many leaders to answer in several forums held in South Sudan. Peace remains possible, but its realization demands more than temporary ceasefires and power-sharing agreements. South Sudan has signed multiple agreements, including the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, but these agreements have largely focused on elite political arrangements rather than addressing long-standing root causes of conflict, such as land disputes, competition over resources, exclusion, and poor governance.
For peace to become a lived reality in South Sudan, the country must move away from elite-driven governance and embrace a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered system. Without such a transformation, political agreements will continue to offer only temporary calm, as unresolved grievances and structural injustices remain poised to resurface. Durable peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict rather than relying solely on power-sharing arrangements that silence guns without healing divisions.
A sustainable and peaceful future depends on rebuilding inclusive governance, reforming the security sector, strengthening economic management, fostering social reconciliation, and expanding civic participation. Establishing strong institutions, professionalizing the army, fighting corruption, and diversifying the economy are critical steps toward national stability. Equally important are truth-telling, community dialogue, and empowering civil society, women, and youth to play active roles in national development. Only through these comprehensive reforms can the government secure lasting legitimacy and guide South Sudan toward a more stable future.
The future stability of South Sudan’s government hinges on its willingness to reform. The suffering of citizens in refugee camps, IDP settlements, and impoverished communities reflects the urgency for change. If governance structures remain resistant to reform, the nation may face deeper instability, political transitions, or greater social unrest. A government’s legitimacy is earned through service delivery, justice, and accountability, not simply through authority.
The role of the international community has seemingly been seen in all the tremendous moves in appealing for peace amongst the people of South Sudan, especially the warring parties. The international community has played a significant role in supporting South Sudan’s journey toward peace. Regional bodies such as IGAD facilitated dialogue and brokered peace agreements. The African Union has investigated human rights violations and advocated for accountability. The United Nations, through UNMISS, has protected civilians and supported ceasefire monitoring.
International donors, including the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and others, have provided crucial humanitarian assistance, saving millions of lives. Support for institution-building, electoral processes, and humanitarian operations has been critical. However, external support alone cannot build peace. Sustainable peace requires political commitment from South Sudanese leaders.
Honoring the Fallen Heroes and Heroines is one of the events that the South Sudanese would have used to enhance nationalism, patriotism, and unity amongst its nationals in the country. Honoring the martyrs requires more than symbolic gestures. True honor is reflected in systems that support widows, orphans, veterans, and persons with disabilities. It means allocating resources to their welfare, promoting justice, and ensuring inclusive national development. Preserving historical truth and promoting unity are essential aspects of respecting their sacrifice. Building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan is the ultimate tribute to their legacy.
In conclusion, it is important to note that a Call for National Renewal is vital for the change required for the country and national transformation within the country. South Sudan is not cursed by its martyrs. Rather, it struggles because the noble principles they upheld have not been fully embraced. The responsibility to rebuild the nation now lies with its living citizens and leaders. A peaceful future is possible if accountability, inclusion, justice, and the values of the liberation struggle guide national leadership. The path to peace requires collective effort, humility, and a renewed commitment to placing the country above personal or ethnic interests.
The writer is a social researcher and peace advocate. He can be reached via mogtomloyo@yahoo.co.uk.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.