As the clock ticks, the South Sudan situation increases anxiety; the patriot experiences heightened blood pressure with an inquisitive mind; generating provocative questions on whether the country is adaptive, adaptable and accommodative or it is exactly the replica of the story of Nunez in an educative literary tale; “The Country of the Blind”.
Will South Sudan resurrect like the crucified Christ on Easter Sunday? Or another day, when and how?
“The Country of the Blind” is a short story by H.G. Wells, published in 1904. The narrative revolves around a mountaineer, Nunez, who stumbles upon an isolated valley where everyone is blind.
Nunez, a skilled mountaineer, climbs to the top of a mountain and falls into a hidden valley. He discovers that the valley is inhabited by a community of blind people who have lived there for generations.
Nunez believes that his sight will give him an advantage over the blind inhabitants.
He thinks, “In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”
However, he soon realizes that the blind people have adapted to their environment in unique ways, making sight unnecessary.
Nunez tries to explain the concept of sight to the blind people, but they cannot understand.
He meets Medina, the daughter of the king, Yacob, and falls in love with her.
Nunez decides to propose to Medina, believing that his sight will make him a desirable husband.
The elders of the community are skeptical, and Yacob is hesitant. They deem Nunez’s sight a defect and decide to “cure” him by removing his eyes, which would allow him to fit in and potentially marry Medina.
Nunez realizes that losing his sight would be a terrible fate and decides to escape the valley.
He chooses freedom over the possibility of being “cured” and living in the blind community.
Bringing the story home to South Sudan, the country gained independence in 2011, but its journey has been marked by conflict, instability, and challenges. Some parallels can be drawn with “The Country of the Blind”.
The story makes us to reflect and predict the possible outcome of the visit of the panel of the wise from African Union (AU) to Juba recently.
Will the panel of the wise, who visited Juba recently, face the fate of Nunez?
The story tells us that we are living in different worlds within the same planet, earth of seven continents; Asia, Australia in the East, North America, South America in the West, North America, Europe, Asia in the North; Antarctica, Africa, Australia and South America in the South.
South Sudan has struggled with a leadership crisis, which can be likened to the blind inhabitants lacking insight into their situation.
Like the blind people in the story, South Sudanese have tried to adapt to their challenging environment, but such adaptation hinders progress and development. For instance, the business of shifting sides of allegiance from party to party, force to force, movement to movement, and vice versa, for social, economic, and political survival.
Why are South Sudanese unable to embrace and adapt to diversity?
Just as Nunez’s sight could have been an asset if understood and integrated into the blind community, South Sudan’s diverse perspectives and skills could be leveraged to drive progress and stability.
Will South Sudanese leaders prioritize short-term gains of negative peace or conform to long-term, durable solutions and stability for positive peace?
Shall the individual South Sudanese gain an inner peace at all?
The story of “The Country of the Blind” serves as a thought-provoking allegory for South Sudan’s challenges.
By acknowledging the country’s complexities and promoting inclusive, visionary leadership, South Sudan can work towards a brighter future.
The story highlights the importance of preserving unique perspectives and adapting to challenges in a way that promotes progress and stability.
South Sudan has experienced prolonged conflict, displacement, and instability, which have hindered development and governance, like the situation in “The Country of the Blind”.
South Sudan has faced challenges related to governance, corruption, and accountability, which have impacted its ability to deliver basic services.
Is there any hope for growth and development in South Sudan, or will it remain like “The Country of the Blind”?
The people of South Sudan have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity. With upright visionary leadership; equipped with adaptive, adaptable, accommodative attitude and practices, South Sudan has the potential to overcome its trials to achieve growth and development.
May Easter Season usher in vision, focus and action for South Sudan to realize “Justice, Liberty and Prosperity”!
The writer, Yanta Daniel Elisha, is a Visiting Lecturer/Tutor of English, Communication & Research Methods at Kajo-Keji Christian College of The Episcopal University.
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.