The recent opinion article by Dak Buoth Riek Gaak raises fundamental concerns about the legitimacy of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and their operations in Nasir and Ulang counties. His argument, while compelling in its critique of the SSPDF’s role in South Sudan, dangerously edges toward inciting armed confrontation—a course of action that history has repeatedly proven to be disastrous.
It is undeniable that in the eyes of many within Nuerland, the SSPDF is not perceived as a truly national army. Its history and composition reflect the political and tribal struggles that have plagued South Sudan since its independence. However, recognizing this reality does not justify recklessly engaging in armed conflict against such a heavily equipped force. Confronting the SSPDF head-on, as suggested in the article, will only lead to tragedy and an unbearable loss of human lives, particularly among our youth—the backbone of our community.
Throughout history, attempts by local armed groups, including the White Army, to challenge national or government-backed forces have resulted in overwhelming bloodshed and suffering. The youth of Jikany Nuerland must recognize that their lives are being put at risk. Political elites, who have little to lose but much to gain from prolonged instability, are the ones driving this dangerous agenda. It is time for community elders, traditional chiefs, and spiritual spear-masters, who hold influence over the White Army, to intervene decisively. These respected figures must urge the youth to retreat from the battlefield and instead seek dialogue.
The closing remarks of Riek Gaak’s article reveal the true intentions of many educated Jikany Nuer elites. Rather than advocating for peace and a sustainable future, they push for more war and destruction. They call for the White Army to rise, fully aware that such an uprising will end in mass casualties. Meanwhile, the harsh truth is that while the youth die on the battlefield, these elites gain political clout and negotiate power-sharing deals from the safety of Juba, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa. They do not bury their sons, nor do they experience the pain of a mother who has lost her child to senseless violence.
The White Army cannot claim the moral high ground if it engages in the same atrocities as the SSPDF. Our ancestors warned us with a proverb: “If a donkey kicks you and you kick it back, you become no better than the donkey.” This wisdom teaches us that responding to violence with more violence only diminishes our humanity and weakens our moral argument. We must not stoop to the same level as those we accuse of wrongdoing. Instead, we must seek higher ground by choosing diplomacy over warfare.
I have watched in dismay as social media platforms are weaponized to incite the White Army into action. Manipulative narratives are being spread, pushing young men into a battle they cannot win, all for the cheap political gains of a few individuals. The youth must ask themselves: What do we truly gain from war? Who benefits from our deaths? The answer is clear—only politicians and elites who seek to use our blood as leverage in their quest for power.
The solution lies in restraint and dialogue. Calling for peace is not a sign of weakness but rather of strength. Those who advocate for peace are not cowards; they are the true visionaries who understand that South Sudan can only heal through unity, not through perpetual conflict. The people of Jikany Nuerland must demand negotiations with the SPLM-IG and the SSPDF, refusing to be drawn into yet another cycle of bloodshed.
South Sudan’s history is stained with the blood of its people—from 1955-1972, 1983-2005, 2013-2016, and 2016-2018. How many more generations must be sacrificed before we learn that war is not the answer? No more bloodshed. Enough is enough. We must embrace dialogue, political engagement, and peaceful resolution as the only path forward. Our future depends on our ability to talk, not fight.
The writer, Mading Peter Angong, is a South Sudanese education, climate, and peace Activist based in Juba. He can be reached at madingyar@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.