South Sudan stands at a decisive moment in its history, teetering between peace and war, stability and chaos. The recent events in Nasir, followed by the arrests of opposition figures in Juba, are not mere political or security developments; they are clear warnings that the future of our country hangs precariouslybetween hope and uncertainty.
Our people have suffered for too long, paying a heavy price in the pursuit of an independent state. Yet today, that dream is being put to a severe test. Will we learn from the past, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes—this time at an even greater cost?
History Does Not Forgive: Lessons from the Past
Since our independence, we have held onto the hope of building a stable nation governed by peace. However, that journey was soon disrupted by political disputes that spiraled into a devastating civil war, leaving deep scars on our social fabric. Despite the signing of multiple peace agreements, their implementation has been slow and incomplete, rendering stability fragile and allowing the roots of conflict to persist.
Today, as tensions escalate, we find ourselves facing the very scenario we feared: a return to armed clashes, a breakdown of political trust, restrictions on freedoms, and the absence of genuine dialogue.
But the most crucial question is not about the mistakes of the past; it is about how to prevent the next catastrophe.
A Call for Dialogue—Before It’s Too Late
Responsibility does not lie solely with the government, the opposition, or any single political entity. It is a national responsibility shared by all stakeholders.
There is no military solution, nor can any side claim lasting victory through force. The bitter lessons of the past war have proven that in the end, everyone loses—and it is the people who pay the highest price.
Therefore, dialogue is the only way forward:
- A dialogue that acknowledges differences but seeks to bridge them, not deepen them.
- A dialogue that rebuilds trust instead of reinforcing divisions.
- A dialogue that prioritizes national interests over political and personal ambitions.
The 2018 peace agreement was never just a document—it was a moral and political commitment to prevent the country from sliding back into war. What we are witnessing today is a real test of that commitment.
What Do We Want as Citizens of South Sudan?
We want a country that respects political plurality, where differences in opinion are a source of strength, not conflict.
We want a leadership that exercises wisdom, understanding that peace is not merely the absence of war but a continuous process that requires courageous decisions and mutual concessions.
We want to see South Sudan built on justice and the rule of law, not turned into yet another battlefield for old political rivalries.
A Message to the Leadership
To H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, H.E. First Vice President Riek Machar, and all political and military leaders of South Sudan:
You are standing before a historic responsibility. You can either lead the country toward stability or allow it to descend once again into the abyss of violence. The people are watching, history is recording, and future generations will judge your actions today.
Sit together. Listen to each other. Negotiate in good faith. Resolve this crisis before it becomes another national tragedy.
South Sudan does not lack resources. It does not lack an ambitious and resilient people. What it desperately needs is a leadership that puts the nation first.
Time Is Running Out—Do Not Waste the Last Opportunity
The moment we are living through is not just another political crisis; it is a crossroads that will define our future. We must choose the path of wisdom and dialogue—or risk the situation exploding, where no one will emerge victorious, and the only outcome will be a shattered nation and a lost generation.
Saving South Sudan is not an individual responsibility; it is a collective duty. Let dialogue be our path forward—before we are once again forced to pay an unbearable price.
The author, Mahmoud Akot, is a South Sudanese political activist based in France. He can be reached via email: mahmoudakot@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.