Streamlining Thoughts and Actions for Durable Peace and Political Stability in South Sudan

By Samuel Reech Mayen, Juba, South Sudan

President Kiir and Riek Machar, Face to Face meeting in Juba, September 2019

Thursday, September 12, 2019 (PW) — For a start, this piece is an introduction to the series of articles which the constant readers will be consuming on weekly basis under the theme “Streamlining thoughts and Actions for Peace.” These pieces of writing are purposely for peace building. With the nation still in a fragile state, trapped in deep conflict and hatred, the citizens are divided along ethnic and regional lines. There is no trust amongst the people. The notion of “us versus them” defines the relations amongst the citizens.

The propaganda continues to fuel the conflict. This situation has paralyzed and retarded the economy and social progress. To join the voices which are committed to address and mitigate these issues, I have chosen the above theme to help the readers think for the betterment of this country. Human actions are driven by thoughts. Those who think positively act in a similar manner and vice versa. Thoughts affect a society in form of actions. As we begin the journey of reading the series of articles which will be appearing in this column weekly, I urge readers to embrace peace as a mechanism for recovery from the devastations of war.

South Sudan Under Salva Kiir: An Examination of Three Transitional periods in the South Sudanese Politics

By Tong Kot Kuocnin & Yar Telar Deng, Nairobi, Kenya

Monday, August 19, 2019 (PW) — The Third Transitional Period From 9th July 2015 to 9th July 2018. As discussed in the first and second preceding parts of this article, this is the third and final part which will concentrate on the third transitional period in South Sudanese politics from 9th July 2015 to 9th July 2018.

This part examines the last phase of the transitional period by shading more light on the political developments which ensued in 2016, after the signing of the compromised peace agreement. A dog fight erupted around the Presidential Palace – J1, shortly after the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).

Equally, the government extended the term of office of the president and other officials in July 2017 ushering in the third transitional period ranging from 9th July 2018 to 12th July 2021. The bill which amended the transitional constitution was introduced by Hon. Dengtiel Ayuen, the chair of the legislative committee in the parliament.

The amendment of the constitution allows H.E President Salva Kiir to remain in power until 2021 and extends the mandate of the current South Sudan transitional government, parliament and governors of all the 32 states for another three years.

The Frantic Search for a Long Lasting Peace in the Republic of South Sudan

By Peter Wek Mabiordit, Juba, South Sudan

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 (PW) —- Peace is an important thing in human life. It is demonstrated by our daily actions toward others. The noble choice of doing right things depends on individual’s attitude and behaviors. When we behave in the right manner, our behaviors immediately translate into peace. For the last 3 years there had been a search for a lasting peace in South Sudan. Many agreements had been signed but dishonored.

The Khartoum peace agreement signed in 2018 is another step towards lasting peace. Although critics argue that it will not hold because it does not address the root causes of conflict, I’m optimistic that there are chances of achieving peace because our leaders have expressed their full commitment to implement it.

But how do we achieve lasting peace in South Sudan? Well, in my opinion, real peace starts from within ourselves and extends to others. For us to achieve happiness in life, we must allow the strings of love and unity to bind us together. When we understand the meaning of life, we learn to appreciate the very reason of our existence. True freedom and the right to life are only exercised when we own the spirit of nation building and avoid illegal activities like corruption, gambling, robbery, rebellion and revenge killings.

Lou-Ariik vs Lou-Mawien Communities: The Debate over Alabek County in Tonj State

Why should the issue of the name of the County ‘Alabek County’ be a dividing factor for the Lou-Mawien/Lou-Ariik Community of Tonj State?

By Abraham Mabior Rioc, Hong Kong, China

Monday, March 4, 2019 (PW) — Following the creation of 32 states in 2015 by the President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, new problems seem to be gaining momentum in communities with regards to the naming of some of the administrative units such as state, county, Payam or Boma. On the foreground, the decision was received with mixed reactions and feelings by South Sudanese communities as an appealing message of taking towns closer to the people.

Basically, the president of the Republic was applauded by the majority for having made one of the boldest and wisest decision to create new states and counties. On the contrary, some critics and communities criticize the decision of the president due to their own understanding and perceptions of the decree. Nonetheless, it was meant to take towns and basic services closer to the people as their demands.

In this context, Lou-Mawien/Lou Ariik community was one of the geographical locations that received the news with open arms and immediately kneeled down to receive and seize the responsibility of their own county with both hands and one mind. As in the process of naming the county, the first name that was at first glance declared by the President was Lou Ariik County.