Why ethnocentrism attitudes constitute the fundamental problem of South Sudan

By Dut kuot Akok, Aweil, South Sudan

Dinka and Nuer under one nation, one people

Thursday, May 24, 2018 (PW) —- According to sociological perspective, the word ethnocentrisms refer to tendency to view one’s own culture, tribe, section or clan as superior. It can make any type of compromise or borrowing between individuals or tribes difficult or even impossible for the reason that, each and every person perceived that their tribe or section as omnipotent and superior particular in the distribution of state resources. Currently, south Sudan is comprises of valor tribes who are all good in physical confrontation , threats of human life, used of abusive languages toward others and inhuman killing with impunity since others are intentionally and selfishly said to be above the laws since the possess state power.

There is nothing called sorry in south Sudanese societies since we are all hostile toward each other we perceived to be our direct enemy, we have abandoned our Nationality and camped behind our respective tribes as our everlasting shield in which we engineer our political decisions and actions to satisfy the interests of few who seem like to have been weaned using public resources for their own. Always, for smooth prosperity of any society according to sociological school of thought, there should be diffusion between different tribes whether in materials or non materials objects.

Hon. Henry Odwar: SPLM-IO Official Response to the IGAD’s Abridging Proposal

SPLM-IO OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO THE IGAD PROPOSAL ON GOVERNANCE AND SECURITY, MAY 23, 2018

Hon Henry Odwar, deputy chairperson of the SPLM-IO

I. TITLE AND PREAMBLE

1. The title and the preamble of the proposal talk about “bridging” the gaps and identifying a “middle ground” between the different negotiating positions.

2. Having studied and analyzed the proposal, it is apparent that the proposed bridging and middle ground position has, instead, widened the gap among the positions of the parties.

3. Therefore, it does not bridge any gap, nor does it create a middle ground.

II. PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNANCE DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

From our analysis of the document, the proposed guiding principles are not reflected on the articles proposed to bridge the gap. The following are our observations:

1.1.1. The purpose of the HLRF is not to renew and strengthen the TGoNU, but it is rather to revitalize the ARCSS and ensure its implementation. Therefore, it is our view that the principles proposed to renew and strengthen the TGoNU is conflicting with the objectives of the HLRF. Therefore, since the life of the de facto TGoNU has come to an end on May 17, 2018, the principle of establishment of the new TGoNU must guide the proposal of the new transition.

Peace talks collapse as warring factions unite in rejecting IGAD’s abridging proposal

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng (Addis Ababa) and PaanLuel Wel (Juba)

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 (PW) — South Sudan’s sworn enemies and bitter rivals have unanimously united in rejecting the compromised power sharing formula and security arrangements offered by IGAD’s Bridging Proposal towards the outstanding issues in the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The IGAD’s Abridging Proposal had proposed a revitalized transitional government headed by a president, supported by three vice presidents, and a power sharing ratios of 55% to the government, 25% to the SPLM-IO, 10% to the SSOA, 5% to the SPLM-FDs and the other 5% to the Other Opposition Parties (OPP).

The government has rubbished this proposal and instead insisted on a transitional government headed by a president, with four vice presidents, two of which would be nominated by the government. More importantly, the government seems to be incensed by the apparent removal of Taban Deng Ghai’s position.

Moreover, the government has vetoed the power sharing formula and has instead proposed the following ratios: Government 65%, SPLM-IO 15%, SPLM-FDs 5%, National Alliance Parties 5%, Parties of National Agenda 5% and South Sudan Opposition Alliance 5%.

#SawaSouthSudan: South Sudan Women’s Virtual Summit on May 25, 2018

CONTEXT

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 (PW) — Seven years after independence, violence in South Sudan goes unchecked. The 2015 power sharing peace deal between the President and Vice-President lies in tatters. The violent, hyper-masculine discourse of these leaders has left no room for an alternative vision for the country.

Despite women’s elevated roles in their societies, and the unique dangers they face – including the use of rape as a weapon of war – it is the voices of men, those who fought hardest and most viciously, who are rewarded with a place at the table. There is no spot for those who wage only peace.

This must change if the world’s youngest country is to build a peaceful and representative future. Women’s perspectives, experience and solutions must be heard if South Sudan has any choice to forge an alternative, united vision for a peaceful and stable nation.

With a coalition of women’s organizations, Crisis Action intends to bring together powerful women leaders from South Sudan, the African continent, and the wider world to a Virtual Summit that will transcend geography and the conflict itself to create a call so loud and so united that those with the power to drive real, lasting change will have no choice but to listen.