We can write countless articles attempting to explain the arson that ravaged the Custom Market on December 1, 2025, but unless we confront the deeper and unanswered strategic leadership and security question, the problem will remain unresolved.
Many commentaries have emerged; each attempting to apportion the blame or suggest solutions. However, most of these analyses merely scratch the surface – they do not dig deep into the core governance issue at hand – specifically the strategic question of leadership and security issue. Below is why I believe the root cause lies in leadership failures, and what can be done to address them:
The Custom Market arson exposes a broader crisis in government, especially the persistent culture of appointing rather than electing key officials. In South Sudan, it is a known fact that leaders are frequently appointed, reshuffled, or removed at will, instead of receiving a direct mandate from the people. These appointments are often not guided by robust policies that ensure performance, accountability, or protection from political interference.
In such an environment, vested-interest groups exploit loopholes within weak governance frameworks. They influence the appointments to serve personal or factional interests rather than the public good. As a result, appointed leaders operate under constant pressure, knowing their survival depends on political alliances rather than the citizens’ trust. Consequently, they fear making bold decisions—even when such actions could strengthen public safety, enforce laws, or enhance service delivery.
This climate of insecurity and instability leads to unimplemented policies, ignored warnings, and unattended public concerns. The tragedy at the Custom Market therefore reflects, not only security failures, but also a systemic governance weakness rooted in leadership instability and a lack of democratic legitimacy.
South Sudan is among the few countries operating under a highly controversial system of governance marked by a highly centralized presidency, weak parliamentary oversight, heavy influence of military elites, and limited separation of powers. It is critical to recognize that several nations with similar systems rank among the most fragile or failed states. Examples include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Haiti, where weak institutions, entrenched corruption, and persistent conflict have fueled instability, humanitarian crises, and social fragmentation. Unless South Sudan undertakes substantial reforms to strengthen institutions, promote accountability, and decentralize power, infernos beyond the Custom Market are bound to recur.
Broadly understanding and thinking beyond the confines of South Sudan, it must be emphasized that nations and cities that advance today are those grounded in clear, firm, and democratic governance policies. Successful societies prioritize the collective public interest rather than allowing a handful of self-serving individuals to exploit policy loopholes and manipulate executive decisions.
If South Sudanese fails to recognize this fundamental truce and create systems that protect the common good, it risks remaining isolated, stagnant, vulnerable, and unable to fix our basic problems and compete with the fast-moving economies around it. But above all, it risks remaining in absolute abject avoidable poverty. Only through accountable leadership and genuine democratic practice can South Sudan chart a future worthy of its people.
A sustainable solution requires strengthening democratic legitimacy and stability in the country’s leadership. Key public offices should increasingly be filled through free and fair elections, rather than frequent appointments. Elected leaders operate with a clear mandate from citizens, which empowers them to act decisively without fear of abrupt dismissal.
Additionally, strong legal frameworks must define terms of office, performance standards, and transparent removal procedures, ensuring leaders are evaluated on merit. Capacity-building should equip officials with skills in leadership, policy implementation, and public safety management. Establishing effective oversight bodies—such as empowered local councils, anti-corruption units, and community policing committees – will further enhance accountability.
By stabilizing leadership through democratic processes and strengthening institutions, the government can create an environment where policies are implemented consistently, risks are addressed early, and tragedies like the Custom Market arson become far less likely.
The writer, Waakhe Simon Wudu, is a South Sudanese journalist and a student of Strategic Security Studies. He can be reached via email: wakemurye@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.