The daily and nightly reflections on South Sudan situation provoke philosophical questions deserving quick saving answers.
The question of whether fate is escapable or it is inevitable dominates sleepless nights and thoughtful days from January to December each year until the present year, 2025 among many South Sudanese.
As the world watches, South Sudan’s trajectory eerily mirrors the classic Greek tragedy of Oedipus Rex.
South Sudan’s descent into chaos and conflict seems almost predetermined, with leaders and citizens alike trapped in a cycle of violence and despair.
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is a classic Greek tragic drama that explores the theme of fate and its unescapable power. The story revolves around Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who is doomed to fulfil a prophecy that ultimately leads to his downfall.
The story begins with a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi, which foretells that Oedipus will kill his father, Laius, and marry his mother, Jocasta. In an attempt to avoid this fate, Laius and Jocasta abandon their new-born son, Oedipus, to die on a mountain.
However, Oedipus is found and adopted by a shepherd, who raises him as his own. Years later, Oedipus learns of the prophecy and believes that he can escape his fate by leaving his adoptive parents. He travels to Thebes, where he encounters Laius and, in a fit of rage, kills him. Unknown to Oedipus, he has fulfilled the first part of the prophecy.
Oedipus then solves the riddle of the Sphinx, becoming the hero of Thebes and earning the right to marry Jocasta, the queen. However, when a plague hits the city, Oedipus is determined to find the cause. Through a series of revelations, he discovers that he has indeed killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling the prophecy.
Overwhelmed by grief and shame, Oedipus blinds himself and Jocasta takes her own life. The prophecy has been fulfilled, and Oedipus’ fate has been sealed.
The story of Oedipus Rex explores the theme of fate and its unavoidable power. Despite Oedipus’ attempts to avoid his fate, he ultimately fulfills the prophecy, highlighting the idea that fate is inescapable.
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is a classic Greek tragedy that explores the theme of fate and its power. The story of Oedipus serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of excessive pride, arrogance and the inevitability of fate.
Like the Oracle of Delphi’s prophecy, South Sudan’s fate appears sealed. The country’s independence in 2011 was hailed as a new beginning, but the seeds of instability were sown early.
The struggle for power and resources between leaders, President Salva Kiir Mayardit with associates and First Vice-President, Dr Riek Machar Teny, currently in detention with associates has led to devastating consequences, including a possibility of another unfortunate bloody civil war, displacement, and human rights abuses. The early warning signs are already disturbing as the administration of President Kiir does not heed to any advice, request and plea or even a humble kneeling and kissing by Pope Francis to usher peace and stability to South Sudan.
Several requests by diplomats of the highest calibre to see First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar Teny have been consistently denied; posing speculations on the consistent action.
Yet, Article 9(4) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.” This provision implies that detainees have the right to receive visitors and maintain contact with the outside world.
Article 10(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires that “all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.” This provision includes the right to receive visitors and maintain contact with family and friends.
Government circumstances for denying visits of detainees including the suspicion of either terrorism or espionage to compromise national security should be conceded for the sake of quick national healing, reconciliation and unity. Critical analysis should be made on whether the detention broods greater anxiety and estrangement from the public or calms the situation for durable peace and stability.
South Sudan with the Christian domination of about 61% should believe and practise what Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians 13: 5-6;
“Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth”.
The Islamic teaching on love above everything is, “And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good” (Quran 2:195).
Many African cultures emphasize restorative justice with focus on healing and reparation rather than punishment. South Sudan’s Revitalized 2018 Peace Accord acknowledges this spirit.
Many African proverbs emphasize the importance of love, forgiveness and community like,
“A single bracelet does not jingle”, a Tanzanian proverb; highlighting the value of unity and cooperation.
One tribe or individual alone cannot perform the best dance for South Sudan. God knows why there are at least 64 tribes in South Sudan. Does God really want South Sudanese to perish?
The Bible in Deuteronomy 30:19, Proverbs 10:8 emphasizes the importance of human choices and their consequences. It encourages believers to choose life, wisdom and righteousness.
Proverbs 16:9 states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
The Bible explores God’s sovereignty, human free will and fate itself. The multi-billion question is, can South Sudan avert the famous prophecy of Ngundeng on leadership shifts?
The hubris of South Sudanese leaders is tangible. Their pursuit of power and control has led to catastrophic decisions including the manipulation of ethnic divisions and the exploitation of resources. This toxic dynamic has created an environment where violence and instability thrive.
South Sudan’s tragic flaw lies in its inability to escape the cycle of violence and conflict. Despite numerous peace agreements and international interventions, the country remains stuck in instability. The lack of accountability, corruption and impunity have created a culture of fear and mistrust.
To break free from this cycle of tragedy, South Sudan must confront its demons. Leaders must prioritize national reconciliation, accountability and good governance.
The international community should continue to pressure efforts for healing, reconciliation, accountability and good governance by providing diplomatic and economic incentives for peace and stability.
The fate of South Sudan hangs in balance. Will the country succumb to the prophecy of instability, or will its leaders find a way to break free from the cycle of tragedy?
The world watches with bated breath as South Sudan navigates its most critical test yet.
This article is a call to action, urging South Sudan’s leaders and the international community to work together towards a brighter future. The clock is ticking; will they seize the opportunity or succumb to the forces of fate?
The author, Yanta Daniel Elisha, is a journalist and an educator with specialty in English Language & Literature in English as well as a student of Master of Arts in Mass Communication of Victoria University, Kampala-Uganda. He can be reached via email yanta30dan3@gmail.com
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.