Many South Sudanese have become weary, disillusioned, angry, frustrated, and uncertain about their country’s future. This widespread sense of despair is not without cause. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan—the world’s newest nation—has been engulfed in recurring political conflict and civil strife. These hardships have led many citizens to view the country as a failed state, sometimes even denying or questioning the progress made since independence.
“Acknowledging progress does not deny suffering — it provides a balanced and truthful picture.”
Yet despite the nation’s significant failures and ongoing suffering, South Sudan and its government have achieved foundational accomplishments, including independence, cultural and religious freedoms, successes in sports and music, transitional constitutional reforms, and the establishment of basic national institutions.
Independence as a Foundational Achievement
South Sudan is a nation born out of extraordinary sacrifice and human suffering. Even before Sudan attained independence in 1956, Southern Sudanese—fearing political, cultural, and religious domination under an Arab‑Islamic northern government—launched the Torit Mutiny in 1955. This uprising marked the beginning of the first civil war, a seventeen‑year struggle that ended with the Addis Ababa Agreement, which granted the South regional autonomy.
The quest for freedom reignited when President Jaafar Mohamed Nimeiri violated the accord and imposed Sharia law, triggering the second liberation struggle in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. That war lasted twenty‑two years and culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. The CPA paved the way for the 2011 referendum, ending a conflict that spanned decades and became one of the most prolonged liberation struggles on the continent.
Across nearly five decades of conflict, Southern Sudanese lost more than 2.8 million lives, endured mass displacement, and suffered immense destruction. Independence in 2011 was therefore not merely a political event—it was the culmination of a multi‑generational quest for dignity, self‑definition, and political freedom.
“Independence was the fulfillment of generations of struggle for dignity, identity, and freedom.”
In the 2011 referendum, an overwhelming 98.8% of voters chose separation, making their desire for self‑rule unmistakably clear. The United Nations admitted South Sudan as its 193rd member state, and the African Union welcomed it as the continent’s 54th independent nation.
Independence granted South Sudanese the right to define themselves, govern themselves, and protect their cultural and religious diversity. Self‑governance allowed the country to establish its own institutions, craft its own laws, and engage the world as a sovereign state.
Years of mismanagement, political rivalry, and renewed conflict have overshadowed the sacrifices that made freedom possible. Yet the existence of cultural and religious liberty—freedoms once denied under Sudan’s Islamic rule—remains a powerful reminder that independence was not a mistake.
Cultural and Religious Freedoms
Before independence, Southern Sudanese lived under a system that restricted Christian worship, suppressed traditional beliefs, and attempted to impose Islamic identity on a non‑Arab, non‑Muslim population. Today, churches of various denominations are openly built across states and counties, and worship takes place freely without fear of state interference.
Traditional dances, village ceremonies, and community festivals are now shared widely on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Music groups perform openly, cultural troupes travel between states, and religious concerts regularly fill venues in Juba, Wau, and Malakal.
“A community’s deepest sense of self is rooted in its cultural practices and spiritual traditions.”
Independence reversed decades of suppression. The ability to worship freely and celebrate indigenous customs strengthens national pride and unites communities across ethnic lines.
Successes in Sports and Music
Since independence, South Sudanese athletes have increasingly stepped onto the global stage, earning recognition in multiple disciplines. The national basketball team now competes internationally, and South Sudanese marathon runners participate in global competitions. Social media and internet access helped showcase these achievements to the world.
Artists such as Emmanuel Jal, John Frog, and Gordon Kong have gained regional and global recognition. Before independence, South Sudanese celebrations relied heavily on foreign music; today, traditional and contemporary South Sudanese music is produced monthly and shared widely.
South Sudan’s unique cultural dances and musical styles are now recognized across Africa. They reflect a proud identity rooted in African heritage and provide a unifying symbol for citizens.
“A clear reflection of the enduring creativity and determination of South Sudanese communities.”
Despite political and economic failures, the flourishing of South Sudanese culture demonstrates resilience. These achievements show that the people continue to build a shared identity even amid hardship.
Transitional Constitutional Reforms
The Transitional Constitution establishes South Sudan as an independent, sovereign, federal, and democratic state. It includes a comprehensive Bill of Rights, protects civil liberties, outlines a decentralized system of governance, and provides mechanisms for citizenship reform and the development of a permanent constitution.
The constitution is a major achievement of the CPA. It offers legal guidance, protects freedoms, and provides the structural groundwork upon which future political stability can be built.
Political instability and lack of consensus have slowed the creation of a permanent constitution. Yet the ongoing review process and the inclusion of a strong Bill of Rights offer hope for future democratic stability.
Amendments in 2013 and 2014, along with committees tasked with drafting the permanent constitution, demonstrate institutional growth rather than collapse.
Establishment of Basic National Institutions
After decades of neglect and destruction, South Sudan began rebuilding ministries, administrative centers, and national infrastructure. Juba saw the rise of modern multi‑storey buildings such as the Central Tower, Nilepet Tower, and UAP Equatoria Tower. Key security institutions and major bridges and roads—including the Clement Mboro Bridge, Nyamlel Bridge, and Juba‑Bor Road—were constructed or upgraded.
Strengthening institutions is crucial for effective governance, reliable public services, and long‑term national stability.
Modern infrastructure improves governance, attracts investment, and enhances the country’s international image. Even incomplete projects signal a nation attempting to move forward.
Despite economic hardship, visible changes since 2011 show that progress has occurred. Visitors often notice new structures and improvements, demonstrating that development continues even amid adversity.
Conclusion
The path of nation‑building is inherently uneven, marked by both progress and setbacks. South Sudan is no exception. Economic hardship, political instability, armed rebellion, and corruption have created deep frustrations and hindered development. Yet these challenges do not erase the real and foundational achievements the nation has made.
Acknowledging progress does not deny suffering—it provides a balanced and truthful picture of who we are and what we have accomplished. Despite the turmoil, South Sudan has secured independence, expanded cultural and religious freedoms, achieved recognition in sports and music, enacted important constitutional reforms, and begun building essential national institutions. These gains deserve to be recognized, not dismissed.
Recognizing these accomplishments is vital for rebuilding hope, unity, and national direction. Celebrating what has been achieved encourages citizens to continue striving for a more democratic, prosperous, and free society. South Sudan still has a long road ahead, but progress—however gradual—remains a foundation to build upon.
As the nation continues its journey, the path forward will be shaped by both the lessons of past failures and the strength of its achievements. By acknowledging both, South Sudan can move toward renewal, unity, and long‑term growth, working to improve the lives of its people and fulfill the promise that independence once symbolized.
The writer, Morris Kuol Yoll, is a South Sudanese Canadian. He resides in Calgary and can be reached at: myoll2002@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.
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