In 1983, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA/M), led by the late Dr. John Garang, emerged as a key player in the conflicts.

They advocated for the South to gain independence after witnessing human rights violations, mass displacement, economic hardships, famine, and other harmful atrocities committed in southern Sudan.

The main objectives were to end marginalization, improve education systems, ensure freedom of speech, and address political and religious differences. However, today the situation has taken a different turn. The fight has evolved into an individual pursuit, tainted by the disease of tribalism that has eroded the hard-won gains of the past 13 years.

Now, our politicians are focused on serving their own interests and those of their families and relatives, rather than the country’s development. Corruption has become a way of life, crippling the government’s ability to tackle the ongoing economic crisis. As a result, citizens are suffering from hunger and delayed salaries, as if the country is still trapped in the same depression it sought to escape from by gaining independence.

This raises the question: Why did the Southerners fight for this country? What are the leaders doing, and is this country truly stable or merely treading water? These are questions that demand answers from our leaders, but too often, their responses are slippery and fail to address the core issues.

Our leaders must understand that after fighting for freedom, their primary duty is to ensure the happiness and well-being of their citizens. They should strive to emulate the examples of leaders like Nelson Mandela and John Magufuli, who endured suffering for the greater good of their countries.

I appeal to the government to recognize the plight of the citizens and fulfill their basic obligations, such as paying salaries on time.

A country’s foundation is not just its leaders, but the people who fought and sacrificed for its independence. It is time for our leaders to show true gratitude and commitment to the citizens who have borne the brunt of the struggle.