By Pal Chol Nyan*
______________________________________________________________________
The people need servants this time not ministers and governors who think and consider themselves as masters or mistresses.
__________________________________________________________________________
It seems the partners to the peace process are
forgetting that the agreement belongs to the people of South Sudan. They are so
desperate to get appointed to positions of authority to enrich themselves and
to impoverish the hoi polloi.
Having heard from various stakeholders, it is the
SPLM-IO and NDM that have voiced their concerns about what is at stake when the
government is formed before the number of states, their boundaries and the
security arrangements are sorted out.
I think the
concern is that the 2016 scenario does not repeat itself. South Sudanese have
suffered enormously. They need to rest ya jamma! We need what Dr John Garang
used to call "a just, honourable and a durable peace for a sustainable
development”. Let it not be what has always been a contractual peace between
and among the warring SPLM splintered groups.
Sustainable peace comes with the smooth
implementation of the agreement in letter and spirit. We don't need peace that
only divides positions but peace with dividends. The people need servants this
time not ministers and governors who think and consider themselves as masters
or mistresses.
To
whom it may concern
When politicians campaign in an election, they tell
the people, ‘give me your votes. I will build schools, roads, health centers,
provide water and security.’
During the 2010 elections, we heard such political
statements marred by hypocrisies such as ‘we liberated you.’
After we were
trapped into voting some of them into offices, nothing but war and destruction
followed. Some won the election dishonestly. People had referendum to secede in
mind; that was why most of the voters supported them.
I am writing to say that in case you form the
government solo on Nov 12th or together with whoever, remember to
bring people who will serve and are committed patriots for that matter.
Beware of the people who come only to sign pre-sale
contracts with foreign companies to satisfy their material needs. That group of
people prefer to use state resources to settle old scores with their opponents
and would wish that the instability continues because war is their only source
of income. They also find solace in political confusions because they mindless
of the suffering of others as long as their bellies are full.
I cannot beat my chest and state with certainty that
those in the government are or have been there because they are more loyal. It
is not out of question that they may be pursuing their vested interests. The
people of South Sudan need tangible services not personalities. Some of us were
bodyguards and adjutants during the war. We know our commanders turned
politicians well. I implore with you not to bring people who will come and
confront the citizens with the constitution.
The author is a concerned citizen and an opinion writer who has written extensively on South Sudanese political, social and economic issues. Email palcholnyan2016@gmail.com
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the article do not reflect the views of "The Philosophical Refugee" but that of the author.
