While the ongoing internal conflict in South Sudan captures most of the public’s attention, it is equally important to recognize the lesser-known systemic and fundamental factors that have been exacerbated by the crisis. With internal debts mounting and widespread atrocities committed by all parties involved, the country’s economic life has been severely compromised, if not entirely crippled.
In recent years, South Sudan has increasingly relied on loans and oil pre-sales to fund government activities. However, the government alone knows how these expenditures are incurred—unfortunately, the Auditor General’s Office appears to be largely ceremonial, with little capacity to conduct meaningful audits of public spending. The current cycle of borrowing, ostensibly for development financing, has yielded minimal benefits for citizens. For instance, the completion of a few infrastructure projects, such as the Juba-Bor and Juba-Bahr El Ghazal roads, represents only a fraction of the promises made during half-baked economic discussions.
While it is important to acknowledge even small progress, the pressing question remains: Do these incremental strides truly reflect the funds allocated? In reality, a significant portion of development financing has likely been wasted or siphoned off through “ghost” projects that provide little to no benefit to the broader population. The larger picture of financial mismanagement in the country remains obscured, as funds that could have been useful are diverted through processes that do not serve the public interest.
After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan was filled with a sense of hope and optimism. Citizens envisioned modernization and a brighter future, buoyed by a relatively stable economy and seemingly limitless growth prospects. However, the past decade has been a painful wake-up call. The senseless crises that have plagued the nation have taken a heavy toll on lives and caused massive economic losses. These losses exceed the combined annual budgets of the entire Eastern African region, highlighting the scale of destruction.
While political wrangling and fallout dominate public discourse, they have also overshadowed deeper-rooted, structural issues that continue to hinder the country’s progress. Distracted by these ongoing quarrels, we have failed to question how much the nation’s economic and social potential has been eroded by the actions of a few elites. These structural weaknesses have left government institutions incapable of fostering strong governance or steering the nation toward its potential. Without transparent, accountable, and effective leadership, the aspirations of our heroes and heroines from decades ago remain out of reach.
Beyond internal struggles, another pressing concern that has received little attention amid the current unrest is the encroachment on South Sudan’s land by neighboring nations. Land disputes have claimed countless lives, particularly in areas like Nadapal and Nimule, where spillover conflicts have devastated communities. These threats to livelihoods and well-being are existential, yet unresolved internal conflicts have made it difficult to prioritize border control and address these external dangers.
As we move forward, it is imperative to address both internal political instability and external territorial threats. Only by resolving these conflicts and strengthening governance can we focus on national unity—a goal worthy of the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Thomas David Agyecoh rightly observes that crises are an inherent part of human development, with some being unavoidable. However, the recognition that crisis prevention can unlock discussions on contextual challenges must resonate within the South Sudanese community. Long before these crises erupted, warning signs indicated fundamental issues stifling the nation’s survival and growth—concerns often dismissed amid internal strife.
Before tackling immediate challenges, negotiations must prioritize silencing arms and creating the space to address the socio-economic issues at the heart of our struggles. This is not an insurmountable task, but it requires political will and a commitment to the greater good. Such efforts are essential for building a prosperous South Sudan that benefits all its citizens.
The writer, David Liep, is a seasoned and certified supply chain and development expert. He can be reached at liepgatkoi@yahoo.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.