BY NYAK SIMON
Democracy thrives when leaders provide citizens a platform to voice their concerns to the government. Good leadership centers on the will of the people. With a spirit of nationhood and acceptance, the pace of transformation accelerates. Peace and development are intertwined, especially when a country faces political uncertainty. Some argue that development is not an option during a crisis, but I believe this philosophy is flawed. Leaders who rely on quick fixes often fail to address underlying issues. Does Governor Riek Bim fit this category?
Based on my observations in the two months since his appointment, I would say no. Although I am not familiar with his political manifesto, his leadership approach so far gives me confidence. Compared to his predecessor, Joseph Nguen Monytuil, who created barriers to citizen engagement in development, Bim’s administration seems more promising.
Fear of the unknown and lack of clear political programs plagued Monytuil’s administration. Before Riek Bim’s appointment, many people had distanced themselves from Unity State affairs due to the previous administration’s focus on political division over the past eleven years. This is an undisputable fact for those of us who have followed the state’s affairs closely. The truth may be bitter, but acknowledging failure is rare.
Why am I advising the newly appointed governor? Former President Abraham Lincoln said, “The government is for the people, by the people, and of the people.” Sharing opinions with leaders helps identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. While some may see this as criticism, a liberal-minded leader will view it constructively. Leaders who welcome feedback are rare, but a true democratic leader keeps their doors open to all perspectives, considering the public’s viewpoint in their decisions.
For six years, activists have been questioning the human resources management in Unity State. These concerns have repeatedly gone unanswered, not due to our silence indicating agreement with poor developmental capacity, but due to the lack of a public platform to discuss these issues. This crisis has silenced both technocrats and ordinary citizens, preventing their views on rescuing the state from being heard. Unfortunately, those who had the opportunity to represent Unity State have only contributed to its struggles.
People’s expectations
I will not hastily judge your vision or attribute achievements to you prematurely. Offering praise before any noticeable accomplishments would be a form of social mockery, which is counterproductive. Applauding you too soon would undermine your constitutional obligations to prioritize real achievements. While I rarely glorify leaders, I do support those with a vibrant vision.
One aspect of your administration that deserves recognition is your proactive political approach. This includes consulting stakeholders, enforcing criminal accountability, organizing political forums, establishing mobile courts, visiting inmates, Bentiu hospital, the damaged power station, and the internally displaced persons at the Bentiu UN protection of civilians site. Additionally, disbanding paramilitary groups in Mayom County, assessing ongoing road projects, and familiarizing yourself with the area are commendable actions.
Your initial assessments before executing developmental programs have given me confidence in the possibility of transformation in Unity State. These assessments reveal your administrative character and goal-oriented approach. When you were appointed, many residents of Unity State, along with citizens across the country, emerged from shelters with unwavering support despite their social, political, and economic wounds. Speculation about who Riek Bim Top is was widespread.
People were curious about you and your background. When you took the oath, hundreds, including myself, attended your first public address at the Manga football field to see you in person and hear your political programs. The steps you have taken since then demonstrate that peace, love, unity, and reconciliation are returning to the people of Unity State.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’” This highlights that even small steps over time can lead to significant results.
The importance of 5% transparency
Reform is a challenging and costly process that requires critical efforts and roles. It is not an overnight achievement but a gradual process necessitating freedom and individual commitment. In this journey, many obstacles hinder change. Since your appointment, I hope you have encountered and started addressing some of these challenges. Achieving tangible results requires hard work, transparency in leadership, and accountability.
Ban Ki-moon emphasized, “Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship, and strengthen governance.” Unity State, despite being an oil-rich region in South Sudan with a 5% oil share allocated for county and institutional development following the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement, has suffered from poor development.
For many years, Unity State has lacked adequate development, with insufficient hospitals, schools, clean drinking water, and poor road infrastructure. Resources meant for developmental programs have often been misappropriated. Embezzlement of the 5% oil share and local revenue by unknown cartels has occurred without accountability. All seven counties in the state lack physical infrastructure. No single county has good roads or a strong institutional foundation.
Can we continue to accept this inadequate development? Are you prepared to continue feeding individual interests, or are you ready to champion real development?
The decision is yours. You hold the power to either perpetuate the current situation or make transformative changes. Leadership is about humanity, listening, and implementation. I see these qualities in you. Under Nguyen’s leadership, the people of Unity State remained silent, avoiding confrontation with an administration that ignored their views. Oppression, threats, and intimidation stifled their rights and access to services.
Shock and frustration have dampened entrepreneurial and agricultural spirits. Additionally, the state has faced catastrophic flooding and hunger due to poor local food production for over four years. Many vulnerable people lack the financial means to feed their families. Unemployment, insecurity, and economic inflation exacerbate this dire situation. If the 5% oil share had been used wisely instead of benefiting a few, Unity State would have better infrastructure today. But was that ever the case for the political elites?
You must have witnessed the state of affairs since your arrival. There is enough money to support everyone and fund development activities. Where are those funds going? The people of Unity State have suffered from oil pollution and environmental effects, leading to birth defects, infertility, and livestock deaths. Should this be their only “benefit”? People living in oil-producing areas deserve services that address the environmental impacts and oil pollution they endure.
Accountability
Accountability has both advantages and disadvantages. If you are ready to face opposition from friends, you can achieve your objectives. Change often meets resistance from elites, and implementing it may result in losing close allies. However, losing friends who seek to embezzle public funds is better than compromising your integrity and the nation’s image.
During your public address, Vice President Gen. Taban Deng Gai advised, “If you want to have a strong administration, please work with qualified people. Don’t work with incompetent people whose objectives are cattle rustling.” This advice is crucial. To ensure good service delivery, transparency, and accountability in Unity State, surround yourself with God-fearing, competent, and law-abiding citizens who support your vision and prioritize the people’s interests.
Make accountability a top priority to limit corruption. Identify who is working for the public good and who is seeking personal gain. Never compromise on accountability, even if it means losing individuals who misuse public funds. They should be committed to fulfilling their constitutional duties to serve the people.
Strategic investment of the 5%
Since your appointment, some may see it as an opportunity to enrich themselves. This must change. Be discerning of those who seek to exploit their positions. Reward hard work, not favouritism.
Invest the 5% oil share in crucial areas such as agriculture, road infrastructure, hospitals, schools, dyke construction to prevent further displacement, institution building, youth entrepreneurship, peace conferences, women’s activities, and humanitarian aid. These investments will foster development and improve the lives of Unity State’s citizens.
Simon Nyak is a journalist and VOA reporter in Unity State. You can reach me at liethnyak2017@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.