Incumbent upon my professional calling based on the Social Responsibility Theory of Mass Communication, specifying media role in serving public interest, and my moral orientation on being the ‘salt and light to the world’ by influencing society positively (Matthew 5:13-16), I have borrowed a prophetic role to herald that South Sudan needs salvation now more than ever before.
South Sudan, as a country, is set to realize “Justice, Liberty and Prosperity” as its motto stipulates.
Nevertheless, the biggest question of the day is from Prophet Amos, like Prophet Isaiah, popularly referred to as the Prophet of Justice, Hope, and Doom at the same time.
“Do two people start travelling together without arranging to meet?” (Amos: 3.4).
How does South Sudan get to the path of justice, liberty, and prosperity without a national consensus?
“Does the war trumpet sound in a city without making the people afraid?
Does disaster strike a city unless the LORD sends it?” (Amos: 3.7).
“The Sovereign LORD never does anything without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets”. (Amos: 3.8).
By moral and divine authority, journalists and teachers are called to:
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction”. (2 Timothy 4:2).
The Quran also emphasizes truthfulness, justice, and responsibility in communication.
“Stand up for justice”. (Quran 4:135, 5:8).
African Ubuntu philosophy challenges us to resolve conflicts collectively with the perception that,
“I am because we are”. We must embrace global interconnectedness and humanity.
It is the moral responsibility of the traditional council of elders to plea for inclusive dialogue and consensus building to address grievances and restore peace without further bloodshed wherever.
It is apparently clear that South Sudanese leaders and key stakeholders in Africa and beyond should unlearn several political habits and practices to save South Sudan in particular and the continent in general from the impending abyss.
Leaders should move away from prioritizing personal and group interests over national unity and development. This is achievable through engaging citizens in decision-making processes and ensuring inclusive governance.
Leaders must recognize the reputation of inclusivity as opposed to exclusionary politics by ensuring representation and participation of diverse ethnic groups, women, youth, and civil society in governance and peace processes.
Leaders should reject violence and instead promote dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation to address grievances and disputes of all sorts.
Leaders must prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance by ensuring effective management of resources and equitable distribution of wealth nationwide.
Leaders should recognize and support local peace initiatives, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and community-led development ventures.
By unlearning such habits, South Sudanese leaders will foster a culture of peace, reconciliation, and development, ultimately paving the way for a just, free, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
The South Sudanese leadership and citizenry have got to learn valuable lessons from over 70 years of civil wars since August 1955 Torit Mutiny up to date to address the root causes of conflict, such as economic disparities, political marginalization, and ethnic divisions.
Let there be unconditional, inclusive governance through power-sharing arrangements and inclusive dialogue to help mitigate conflicts.
Leaders should prioritize the representation and participation of diverse groups in governance.
Let there be redress of historical grievances through inclusive transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, to help address past injustices and promote healing.
Economic development should be prioritized through equitable resource distribution and economic opportunities to reduce tensions and promote stability.
National unity should be prioritized by fostering a shared national identity and promoting social cohesion to help overcome ethnic and regional divisions rather than solidifying ethnic identity and unity.
“United we stand, divided we fall”, an African proverb, which encourages dialogue, forgiveness, and inclusive governance, is worth learning and practising now.
Tackle economic disparities, political marginalization, and social injustices, for the Bible categorically states, “…and learn to do right. See that justice is done…help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows”. (Isaiah 1:17).
Ensure accountability, transparency, and effective leadership, for the scripture states,
“…Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other will not last very long. And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart”. (Matthew 12:25).
Invest in local industries, agriculture, and education as an African proverb states, “The wealth of a nation lies in its people”.
The international community has a role to play in supporting and ensuring peace efforts by all means possible, including empowering local peacebuilding efforts and civil society organizations, encouraging as well as enforcing accountability for human rights abuses and atrocities.
The trillion-dollar question remains: are those in charge of the national affairs ready to unlearn to learn?
The fate of failing to unlearn to learn is stagnation and missing out on growth (Hebrews 5:11-14) in addition to increased vulnerability to deception (Ephesians 4:14) and potential harsh judgement (Matthew 25: 14-30).
The writer, Yanta Daniel Elisha, is a Visiting Lecturer/Tutor of English, Communication & Research Methods at Kajo-Keji Christian College of The Episcopal University.
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.