By Deng Chol
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, was born in 2011 with the hopes and dreams of millions who believed independence would bring peace, justice, and a better life. Fourteen years later, the reality is painful and clear the government has failed its people.
The promise of freedom has been replaced by fear.
The hope of development has been swallowed by corruption.
And the dreams of a united nation have been broken by tribalism, greed, and poor leadership.
This is not just a crisis it is a betrayal.
Broken Promises, Broken Nation
From the beginning, the government had a sacred duty:
To protect its citizens, uphold the law, and build a stable future.
But instead of building institutions, the government built walls between people.
Instead of serving the nation, many of those in power have only served themselves.
The government’s failure can be seen in every corner of the country:
Insecurity:
Years of war, conflict, and political infighting have left the country in constant instability.
Armed groups still in some areas, and peace remains fragile.
Innocent civilians continue to suffer in displacement camps or live in fear in their own villages.
Corruption:
Billions in oil revenue have disappeared while public servants go unpaid. Roads, schools, and hospitals are left unfinished or never started at all.
Corruption is not just a side problem it is the system.
Poverty and Hunger:
Despite the country’s vast natural resources, the majority of South Sudanese live in poverty.
Children are dying of hunger.
Families have no access to clean water, healthcare, or education.
This is not due to a lack of resources, but a lack of political will.
Ethnic Division:
The government has fueled division rather than unity.
Key positions are distributed based on tribe, not merit.
Political elites use ethnic loyalty to stay in power, turning communities against each other for their own gain.
This has led to cycles of violence and mistrust that are hard to break.
Lack of Accountability:
In South Sudan, there are no consequences for failure.
War criminals are rewarded with government positions.
Corrupt officials go unpunished.
There is no justice for the victims only rewards for the powerful.
The People Deserve Better
The government is supposed to be the servant of the people, not their master.
But in South Sudan, it is the people who suffer while the leaders live in luxury.
This is not leadership it is exploitation.
The suffering of our people is not a mystery or accident.
It is the result of deliberate choices:
Choices to steal rather than serve, to divide rather than unite, and to hold onto power at any cost.
But the time for silence is over.
We must speak the truth, even if it hurts.
We must hold those in power accountable, even if they wear suits and speak the language of peace.
The government has failed and it must change.
A New Direction Is Possible
Despite this failure, the story of South Sudan is not finished.
The people still have power.
The youth are awake.
The future can still be rewritten.
But change will not come from the top it must come from the bottom.
From communities refusing to be divided.
From citizens demanding transparency and justice.
From youth saying “no more lies” and “no more war.
From women standing up for peace.
From religious and traditional leaders choosing truth over politics.
We need a government that works for the people not for personal pockets.
We need leaders who understand that power is a responsibility, not a reward.
South Sudan does not lack talent.
It lacks good governance.
We do not lack resources.
We lack honest leadership.
We do not lack dreams.
We lack direction.
The Time for Change Is Now
We, the people of South Sudan, must no longer accept failure as normal.
We must no longer celebrate those who cause our suffering.
We must rise with one voice and say:
Enough is enough.”
The government has failed.
But South Sudan still has a chance if the people demand it.
Let us rise, not in violence, but in truth.
Let us build a new foundation one of accountability, justice, unity, and hope.
South Sudan deserves better.
And the people will no longer wait.