BY EMMANUEL MALUAL MAKUACH
South Sudan recently experienced a tense weekend as the possibility of protests loomed. Analysts suggest that the country’s deep ethnic divisions will likely prevent any significant protests from occurring. South Sudan’s complex ethnic landscape plays a crucial role in the country’s social and political dynamics.
In South Sudan, ethnicity often defines community identities, with groups rallying behind their leaders. The Dinka community, for instance, largely supports President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Within the Dinka, there are sub-groups such as those from Warrap State, who have motivations and agendas, often aligning with President Kiir’s Gogrial community. These divisions and loyalties make it unlikely for the Dinka to participate in protests that might threaten their leadership.
Similarly, in the Upper Nile region, the appointment of SPLM/A Secretary General Peter Lam Both has aimed to consolidate support and weaken opposition among groups like the SPLM-IO his community in Nuer Lou like the Gajaak, Gawar, and Gajok. With many from these communities holding government positions, they are less likely to join or lead protests.
Political scientists have long debated the impact of ethnic diversity on democratic processes. While some argue that it hinders democratic consolidation, new evidence suggests that under certain conditions, ethnic diversity can coexist with democratic growth. However, in South Sudan, the current socio-political climate, characterized by ethnic allegiance and economic challenges, seems to suppress the likelihood of widespread protests.
The crucial protests organized by the SSD Citizens Salvation Group aimed to unite South Sudanese across gender and religious lines. However, the effort faltered as members loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his longtime political rival Dr. Riek Machar undermined the movement. Despite Juba’s militarized state, it was ethnic profiling and regional influences that ultimately aborted the SSD Salvation Protests.
The SSD Citizens Salvation Group had planned the protests to address grievances over corruption, high cost of living, and other issues affecting the populace. Yet, the entrenched ethnic divisions in South Sudan played a significant role in stifling the movement. The loyalties to President Kiir and Dr. Machar’s factions made it challenging to rally a unified front.
In South Sudan, ethnic and regional affiliations often supersede national unity, impacting political and social actions. The youth, who could have leveraged digital activism akin to the Gen Z of Kenya or movements worldwide, lacked the necessary knowledge and organization to confront the regime effectively. The government’s suppression tactics, including the kidnapping of activists, as well as the planners of the protest if they were identified, further hampered the protest efforts while allowing fugitives to evade accountability in South Sudan
The recent events underscore the need for South Sudanese youth to adopt more sophisticated methods of activism and learn from global digital movements. Addressing the deep-seated ethnic and regional divisions remains a crucial step toward fostering a more unified and effective civil resistance in South Sudan.
Top of Form
The deployment of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on the streets of Juba has sparked concerns over violations of freedom of expression, a right enshrined in the nation’s constitution. The presence of military personnel in civilian areas is perceived as a threat to the civil liberties of South Sudanese citizens, including their right to freely express dissent and opinions.
The South Sudanese constitution guarantees the Bill of Rights for all citizens, but recent military actions have raised alarms about potential breaches of these fundamental freedoms. Citizens and human rights activists are calling for immediate action to protect the nation’s democratic principles and prevent further erosion of civil rights.
“It is time for the South Sudanese people to come out and save the nation before it collapses,” said a local activist, urging the populace to defend their constitutional rights and freedoms. The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely.
Emmanuel Malual Makuach is a South Sudanese journalist and researcher focusing on the impact of social media triggers in the conflicts of 2013 and 2016 in South Sudan. Contact him at malualmakuach77@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 author’s responsibility, not Radio Tamazuj’s.