Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
By Ding Yian Gai
October 21, 2009 — The untimely death of Dr. John Garang has cast a huge black cloud over the future of Southern Sudan. I am aware that my statement will not go down well with some of the opportunistic and sycophantic elements within President Kiir’s tribally-based political chauvinism. But if all could set aside opportunism for a minute and behave as nationalists, we will discover that Southern Sudan is sinking fast into political abyss.
Despite early warnings to this effect, our corrupted and predatory SPLM and GOSS leadership continues to ignore these despite the inevitable collapse of state machinery in South Sudan. Equally true is the uncaring and unresponsive behaviour of most of our State governors who have elected to concern themselves with the looting of public funds on fake projects while ignoring the egregious state in which public services have reached in most states. All in all, looking at what our leaders are doing in Juba and the ten States, one wonders whether there is really what we can consider as a ‘government’ in South Sudan in the strictest sense. The only consolation we find is the Gaajak Nuer definition of government which they say is “a small group of clever individuals who have organised themselves and protect themselves by force while they enjoy ‘eating’ public property”.
This is exactly what is considered as a “government” in Juba. Members of GOSS including President Kiir have barricaded themselves in fox-holes away from the public and guarded with the most modern and lethal of weapons. When they move around town, the city traffic has to stop for hours to give way. Any violations by commuters or pedestrians are violently punished by ruthless tribal bodyguards clothed in SPLA uniforms. This is how we are being ruled during the interim period. God knows how things will be after the South gets its much awaited independence!
There are good reasons for saying that GOSS has lost the characteristics of government leave alone good governance. Just spend a week in Juba and you will discover that GOSS has non of the internationally accepted norms of a government which include participation, consensus-oriented, accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency, equity and inclusiveness and the rule of law.
In fact, I suspect that whenever the SPLM SG talks about a failed state, he actually refers to GOSS. Honestly, at present, there is no establishment nearer to the description of a government in Juba except for a bunch of well fed and well protected individuals who go about their daily private business of looting public coffers!
GOSS is not participatory either as many would think. A careful look at the ministers you would be shocked to know that all the so-called “sovereign” ministries are held by members of one tribe. The GOSS sovereign ministries are: President, SPLA, Police, Finance, Legal Affairs, information and Chief Justice.
Worst still all the chairpersons of GOSS and national Commissions are held by the same tribe. Is it not ironic that we Southerners should demand an equitable power sharing with the North and then maliciously arrogate to one tribe a lion’s share? Where are the SPLM principles of equity and inclusiveness that we brag about? Where is democracy if other political parties are not allowed to operate freely? SPLM leaders must also understand that the unity of the South is predicated on a fair share of opportunities and resources and ensuring that all southerners feel they have a stake in the south. The international community must also end their silence on SPLM’s excesses including abuse of human rights and muzzling of other parties activities.
There is absolutely no rule of law in GOSS-controlled South Sudan. The application of this important principle of governance requires an independent judiciary and impartial and incorruptible police force. All these conditions are absent for all these branches of the executive are controlled by one tribe who is only keen to see that the law is bent in their favour.
Transparency is another GOSS casualty. GOSS has not been transparent since its formation in 2005. This is indicated by lack of auditing of public institutions since then. Consequently millions of dollars are lost to corruption by very senior officials. We can list a few cases that have surfaced. $60 million given by President Al Basher, $300 million a fake Miram-Aweil road contract, Juba electricity project, Juba Airport international terminal, Al Cardinal Land cruisers scam, $200 million maize and sorghum scam by ministry of Finance and many, many more.
Other corrupt practices were also reported at airports and international borders of South Sudan. A few need mentioning: $3 million at Heathrow airport, $15 million at South Sudan-Uganda borders found hidden in a coffin and another $10 million hidden in a refrigerator at the same border crossing. You can mention a lot other cases but the most painful corrupt practice is the collapse of the Nile Commercial bank which GOSS helped to establish. The said bank collapsed as a result of over borrowing by senior GOSS and SPLM/A officials. An attempt to publish the names of defaulters was frustrated by GOSS president and no action has so far been taken to recover the defrauded money.
The only informed conclusion one can reach is two fold: either there is essentially no caring government in South Sudan otherwise some one or some people would be made accountable or the GOSS leadership is an accomplice in all corruption taking place.
As if the damage they have done to South Sudan is not enough these people who have defrauded our peoples’ development and services funds have of late gone to new heights to put our people’s lives into danger. This group who are led by the radical leftist wing of the SPLM want to return us to war. Of course they care less since they have looted enough money to buy mansions and to keep them and their families for the rest of their lives. They are currently engaged in instigating MPs to boycott National Assembly sessions, spreading false information that the currently concluded Census was rigged by Khartoum and asking people not to vote in the up-coming elections.
It is an open secret that Census was done solely by southerners under Isaiah Chol Aruai. But their shallow motives are very clear: they have become very unpopular and can not win elections considering their involvement in corruption and mismanagement of GOSS. Within the same group are those who have burnt their cards with their kin and kith and do not feel safe in the North in any event that the South separates. Already some of them are facing criminal charges for murder. But the actions of these opportunists can not divert us from our objective.
We want to assure our people that no one whatsoever will deceive us to return to war. You have seen how the families of our martyrs are neglected, how our wounded heroes struggle to survive despite millions being looted by a few who might have not participated in the liberation war. We shall wait for a caring and responsive government in the South in the up-coming elections next April and vote for independence in 2011 referendum. “Let those who beat the drums of war and can not go to war themselves” refrain from playing with the lives and destiny of our people.
We want to assure our people that your patriotic sons and daughters are there to protect you through to the promised destiny. Do not listen to those who have chosen to vote with their bellies only and betrayed your course and your aspirations. They shall surely be made accountable.
The author is an expert working in one of the GoSS ministries and could be reached at [email protected]
Salah
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Dear Ding Yian Gai,
What a wonderful article. It is well informed, honest, courageous, and perfectly written. Let us hope for better governance in South Sudan. It will happen one day. Democracy will be learned only through practice. The good people of Southern Sudan are going to build their democracy from the ground up and that will start by correcting the mistakes of the present. God bless you. Stay safe my friend.
murlescrewed
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Gai,
The problem with your article is that you quickly made a U-turn into tribal politics. There is no need claiming that one tribe is holding all these posts. Unless we southerner divorce our thinking from tribal perspective and look at things from a patriotic standpoint, we are going to always have problem and mistrust. Do you know why there is such tension in Juba? People don’t trust each other. Riek is busy trying to undermine his boss at every turn and using Matip has his vanguard. This is likely to result in another bloodshed in South unless he backs down and challenge Kiir through ballot box. If he wins election, he will be a legitimate leader.
If Riek use Nuer-Dinka divisions to advance his political agenda, he will not live to see the daylight.
Sudan virus
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Definitely there is, the young and most rapidly developing government in the world!
Ding Yian Gai and your SPLM_DC,
Advise to you to fetch popularity in the Sudan and internationally.
Account olds of the World most sick government of Khartoum which even children, insane people and intellectuals internally and abroad are aware of its failure in governing its people-killing, suppressing their rights,discriminating not only tribes but
religion ,worst of all forceful Arabizing and Islamizing its nationals, misuse of the country,s economy for sponsoring terrorist,than only criticizing unborn baby-annexed country struggling to become independent.
Every body in the world knows how difficult it is to establish a new home. There are a lot of challenges and financial difficulties worsen by economy been controlled by an enemy.
Otherwise you will become a ridicule in the face of not only the Sudanese but the whole world.
Santino Nuan
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
I was very excited to read the well prepared article of Ding Yian Gai who discloses himself as the one within the system despite of his destructive criticism toward this system he always emerges his spoon deep into food of GOSS in a disgused personality. Pretty is Ding’s reserved personality in his argument which directly or indirectly fits him to the description of those top figures of SPLM-DC allegedly to be still hidding in GOSS institution. I am confused of Ding Yian’s spirit of mixing accusation sometinmes against GOSS which comprises even Southern oposition parties or sometimes against SPLM. On other hand, it is sometimes against certain tribal sections.
First, let me assure Ding Yian that I am not an employee of any institution owned by GOSS nor do I have close relatives in this GOSS institution which i can associate me with in my defend of GOSS or SPLM. However, I appreciate you, for your criticism especially if it is a constructive criticism. Your writing skill should help GOSS of whcih you are part of it with good proposals rather than showing tribalistic argument. What is Gajaak Nuer’s problem with you and why did you singling them out of other Nuer sections who occupied very high positions even the second positions to President of GOSS? Are all Nuer leaders in high positions are all Gajaak? If you have personal problem with Gajaak Nuer particularly why don’t you slove it through legal channels instead of accusing peaceful tribal section that has nothing to do with anybody but they are serving their people including you?
Your atterance that “there is no democracy in the South if political parties are not allowed to operate freely” has no meaning in my exegeitical ability except if you are refering to the conscious reservation made towards SPLM-DC to operate in the South.
There is no political parties that finds its freedom being threatened by GOSS or SPLM/A or Southerners except NCP-sponsored political party such as SPLM with suffix DC. This is the party you are refering to be waiting its government inception to rule South Sudan after elections. My fellow Southerner, don’t predict or expect doom to fall on Southerners. South Sudan was in choas because of you prophets of dooms but nothing that benefited Southerners during those time.
If you can use this valueble knowledge of yours to criticize NCP, I think Southern Sudan would have been totally liberated from 45 years colonialism. SPLM or GOSS has only four years and there is no attocities committed that can make our leaders fit to be labelled as war criminals wanted by ICC or any legal court on this planet.
Tribal dominated government is not a big threat if that government is committed to accomplish national objectives and total liberation of Southerners. Even Equatorians in the dark period did domand descentalization which the SPLM is partially doing to Southerners and everyone now is full with enough power which no one was getting during Arab’s rule. Ding need to be told that South Sudan is your government and it is not Dinka government. If you assume it as Dinka’s government then it is your own view and no one can bother explaining to such writer liek you. Try to write a tangible prosposals if you part of this government to get rid of this tribalism instead of expecting doom to innocent Southeners. Salva Kiir, Riak Machar and whoever ruling in GOSS cannot be prematurely blamed on wrong thing taking place in the South. Do you think that Salva or Riak or whoever concern should shot dead any Minster found with corruption charges? Big no for that because we do not want any war survivors to shot again while war still awaiting us from our doorsteps.
I think you heard last year media public report that Omer Al Bahsir, Awad Al Jas, Ali Mohammed Tah and other top figures in the NCP have built haven in one of the islands in Malaysia. This fact was publically disclosed by the wife of their Colleague Hassan Turabi who was part of the system. Is this not is a big corrupion compare to SPLM or GOSS corrupion? Can you collect those alleged corruption information and report ot entire Sudanese.
SPLM compaign that its MPs should boycott parliment was done to make you survive in your freedom of criticisim. As you said that you are working in one of the ministries in GOSS though which Minstery specicifically. I am telling you if you were working with NCP government and you happened to be commenting like this, the means of your life could have been “kalas”
Hillary B.M.L,M
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Good Question by Ding Yian Gai.
Is there a Government in Southern Sudan?
The answer is NO, there is NO Government in Southern Sudan only we have Tribal, faction and self-interest Government.
Otim
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Ding Yian Gai,
I tip my hat to you for this well research article.You know the problem with our people especially in the net here are lack of formal eduction,they hate to read such detail accounts of issue facing our nation.They are very happy discussing hates,glorifying killings and less productive topics.
I have been in most towns in S.Sudan and i always ask my self if we are ready to be a independent nation,infact the country is governed by war lords who have no basic norms of rule of law.
One very disturbing situation which if not handled properly then many are going to cry with most of GOSS big bosse just having borrowed time.The manner in which prostitutes who came from Uganda,who are now girl friends of our leaders getting huge contract in S.Sudan,its very disturbing.Many of these girls are infected with HIV,what is the future of our leaders?No moral respects at all.All of of them have bought huge houses in Uganda like their second home as a cover incase of any instability in S.Sudan.I know quite a number of GOSS officials with mansions in Uganda,girl friends in Uganda.We need to wake up S.Sudanese.
Otim
Gatwech
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Hello brother Ding Yian,
It has take me a very long time to hear from you, man. I am Tut Gatwech. I hope you are doing well in your work place there in Juba. I am proud of your excellent informative article about the corruption employed by our cousins. They need to be reminded time again as their days are unfortunately being numbered.
I don’t know what type of history they will leave behind. Very negative one indeed! An ugly one that the South will curse not to repeat itself for generations to come. We have oil in the Nuerland that feeds the South with 98% of the budgets, yet they shamelessly loot the public money in broad daylight.
Look at the South’s current poor situation five years after looting 8 billion dollars. Will they blame us someday for being hated by the whole South. You can advise your cousin, but if he doesn’t have a heart to take heed, then the resulting situation is squarely on his own shoulder. Our cousins will carry their own cross. Goaa elong wure, ci ruac mi goaa gor!
thieleling
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Dear Mr. Ding Yian Gai,
I love fearless brothers like you!! You have said it all brother. I couldn’t agree with you more!!
Thanks for telling these truth & substantiated facts through your well researched article. It is really how educated & brave men express themselves with no fear!! The evidence of the convoluted corruptions in GOSS/south sudan are very clear on your article. The SPLM/GOSS may be already out there to arrest and charge you with a crime of your freedom of speech given “undemocratic” behaviors. But know that the whole world is behind you because your freedom of speech is never a crime.
Tell your colleagues in GOSS that they have right to speak out against wrong-doings by the gov’t they are serving. It is the government of the people, not group interests. GOSS employee have to let go of anxiety and fear of not being able to provide for their families literally dominated by GOSS incomes. I am so glad few decide to call a spade a spade whatever that may affect their employment. The gov’t cannot simply blackmail its citizens through their incomes.
This Dinka’s leadership has been paralyzed by fear under Salva Kiir’s hopeless leadership. However, real or percieved, this fear of unkown makes Kiir anxious, angry or depressed and prevented him to lead people of south sudan with wisdom. Others believe this fear is Kiir’s personal powerful negative emotions that twisted his attention toward his own leadership failure.
But most of our Dinkas cousins are fanatics and have blinded loyalty to kiir’s rampant corruptions just because he is one of them. They don’t understand Kiir’s incompetent and corruptions are destroying the future of all south sudanese, including themsleves.
In fairness, these Dinka cousins need to see the bigger picture. Kiir’s political calculations will lead to war soon in south sudan. Kiir is practically radioactive and lightning rod for crisis that south sudanese do not need now in south sudan. Now his own cronies are trying to help create even more problems for south sudan. But that’s Kiir’s cross to bear.
However, the lost of blood & treasure would be shared by innocent south sudan civilians, and this hurts every civilized south sudanese who care about people of south sudan. But on other political front, there are unioinists among south sudanese who are war-mongering now.
Most of our Dinka cousins are ideologically enslaved by John Garang’s “new sudan vision”. Most of the Dinka cousins are not willing to do anything different from whatever John garang lay down for them. That’s why most of them are not happy about Dr. Riek’s successful negotiation of Referendum Laws. No new, creative ideas on how to run south sudan. But simply hoping “new sudan” will come to them is not wise.
John Garang personality cult and his pursuit to dictate are well implanted deep in Kiir’s soul & mind for the last 22 bush years being Garang “yes” man follower. This is the heart of the problem today. Kiir has no new creative ideas, but only follows what Garang already set-up for south sudan.
Therefore, Kiir’s GOSS is a product of power consolidation of SPLA/M’s 1980s, which was ethically corrupted to the core. Thus, the Gaajak Nuer definition of a corrupted gov’t you quoted makes a lot of sense: “The only consolation we find is the Gaajak Nuer definition of government which they say is “a small group of clever individuals who have organised themselves and protect themselves by force while they enjoy ‘eating’ public property”. LOOOOL!! Very Funny!!
May be that’s why the Gaajak Nuers reponded against the SPLM/A 1980s corrupted liberated areas “small gov’t” looting civilians by forces. Today, the corrupted goons in Juba would be soon deposed by the angry masses of south sudan by elections or forces if the south sudanese learned something from Gajaak Nuers quote above!! Let Kiir & his cronies vomit what they steal & eat!!
thieleling
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
Dinka-screwed aka Murle-screwed,
The tension in Juba is real!! Both Kiir & Dr. Riek or Matip have access to all our military divisions heads in south sudan. When the hell break loose, it is not Matip or Kiir who suffer!! Write that down…. even the most cowards would be affected. but you always like to put your foot in your mouth!! Keep digging with your empty, cowardice threats!! You only will blame your coward self.
“If Riek use Nuer-Dinka divisions to advance his political agenda, he will not live to see the daylight”.
Really? But if Kiir uses Dinka-Nuer divisions to advance his political agenda, he will live to see the daylight? Oh boy!! hypocritical….only a drugist or drunkard like you could say this. It is such a hopeless statement.
The truth is Kiir’s leadership hit the wall. Kiir will have couple of months here and there where he claims leadership, but big picture, long term, any intelligence person knows Kiir’s leadership ’s done. This is an opinion echoed by all competitive south sudanese parties & people, including even the new smart American administration except Kiir’s blinded loyalist Dinkas like yourself.
Kiir now really commands little on the future of south sudanese. And beyond a name Salva Kiir, a Dinka, that sells to his few Dinka blinded loyalists, Kiir’s impact going forward as a leader is expected to be marginal at best.
Therefore, Kiir is a leader on the verge of a fascinating final collapse that many tribalists like you want to avoid. But tribalist like you aren’t driven by Salva Kiir’s successes as leader, but through their kinship with him. That is very understandable. But that is not the correct way forward.
Would you use violence to keep an incompetent leader(Kiir) in power that south sudanese reject or would you get out of their way? It is upto the tribalists like you if that is really what Kiir’s leadership amounts to, war among south sudanese.
James Mangula
Is there a government in Southern Sudan?
What ever your name is and whoever, you represent, you must be informed that your depiction of Southern Sudan’s leadership amount to a total myopic argument, which by and large lacks substance and relevancy to the issue you pretend to address. If I can refer you to your key terminologies, like chauvinism- meaning prejudice perpetrate by male, sycophantic-meaning person who flatters somebody powerful for personal gain, unless you really don’t know what you are trying to talk about, you are like a passenger in a car without a reverse gear. Without going further I wish to conclude by saying that you are just a mere layman with myopic perspective on Southern Sudan issues. I therefore, strongly advise you to consider seeking help whenever you wish to talk on something, instead, of exposing your own ignorance and total lack of intellectual-informed argument.
Thon Chamkelei