South Sudan is currently experiencing a pivotal moment in its history. Our people long for a future characterized by dignity, prosperity, and peace after years of war, adversity, and economic difficulties. I respectfully urge Hon. Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, to support a revitalized agenda that bolsters governance, restores hope, and establishes the groundwork for sustainable development.
1. Giving Our People Hope Again:
The South Sudanese people have faced hardship for many years. From farmers to schoolchildren, many citizens no longer believe that public institutions can meet their needs. It will take bold, visible action to restore this hope. Trust in the government’s dedication to the welfare of its people would be restored by a message from your office highlighting a common national vision for peace and prosperity.
Hope is not an abstract idea; it blossoms when mothers see food on the table, when kids go to school fearlessly, and when farmers have faith that their harvest will be delivered safely to the market. Your leadership can ignite a national campaign that centers on rekindled hope and shared responsibility.
2. Involving Civil Society and Community Chiefs:
The cultural heritage and diverse communities of South Sudan are its greatest assets. Local decision-making revolves around civic society organizations, chiefs, and elders. It is essential to stay in constant contact with these leaders to jointly develop solutions as well as to listen to complaints.
Frequent forums for discussion can aid in bridging the divide between the public and the government, guaranteeing that development initiatives represent the actual needs of the populace. No policy paper can replace the practical insights that community engagement offers on topics like women’s empowerment, education, and youth unemployment, as well as cattle raiding.
3. Improving Responsibility and Combatting Corruption:
One of the greatest risks to the future of our country is still persistent corruption. It depletes resources, impedes the provision of services, and exacerbates public ire. It is imperative that government institutions’ accountability systems be strengthened.
This entails upholding anti-corruption legislation, strengthening oversight organizations, and encouraging openness in public spending. Your office can restore citizens’ trust that public resources are working for them, not against them, and create momentum for better service delivery by adopting a strong stance against corruption.
4. Giving Infrastructure Security and Prosperity Priority:
The foundation of development is infrastructure. In addition to providing farmers with access to markets, roads that link states and counties will also enhance security and humanitarian access. Connecting distant communities to vital services, facilitating local trade, and lowering food prices are all benefits of interconnecting roads.
Supported by development partners, a national infrastructure drive can spur job creation, economic expansion, and long-term peace. More than just a sign of economic advancement, the picture of trucks transporting produce from rural farms to urban markets represents the recovery and prosperity of a country.
An Urgent Appeal:
As Senior Presidential Envoy, Hon. Adut, you have a special chance to serve as a liaison between the public and the government and to remind the country’s leaders of their responsibility to serve. You can assist in putting South Sudan on a course for long-term stability and mutual prosperity by emphasizing hope, engagement, accountability, and infrastructure.
This is about rewriting South Sudan’s history for future generations, not just about policies. Will we let hopelessness shape our future, or will we band together to create a country where all people are respected, heard, and feel seen?
Now is the moment to take action.
