Government institutions operate hierarchically, with directives flowing downwards from the national to the state level, and ultimately to the Payams and Bomas. However, in practice, power remains concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to top-down control and limited local autonomy. This centralized system contributes to economic hardship, widespread[Read More…]
OpEd
VIPs versus the less privileged [Part 2]
There are only two classes in Juba and you know where you belong. Blame the government or anything because it won’t change the fact that each day one gets to live here is a gift, unmerited. The most privileged men of Juba buy fancy cars from Japan and estates abroad[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (Part Four)
By Ustaz Mark Bang Believe it or not, if you’re throwing a fit, you lack empathy. Thus, you also lack intelligence. You can take all the tests you want, but if you’re absolutely clueless about how the world is working around you, you don’t know anything. I’m not saying this[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Inter-communal violence in South Sudan extends beyond sporadic conflicts; it is a persistent cycle fueled by economic hardships and other factors. This violence is often orchestrated by powerful politicians who manipulate vulnerable communities for their own gain, using tactics like child abduction and cattle raiding to further their agendas. The[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (Part Three)
By Ustaz Mark Bang Franklin D. Roosevelt was able to rebuild the United States with what plenty today would decry as a dangerous slippery slope into Communism. But the Roosevelt administration actually saved America from having its own October Revolution by laying down hundreds of public works projects, regulating the[Read More…]
Nation Talks
Christmas and New Year Season are festivals that promote love, peace, and being together with loved ones, such as family members, friends, lovers, and neighbours, and being happy throughout the festive season in Christians’ lives worldwide. First of all, I would like to thank the government of South Sudan for[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (part 2)
By Ustaz Mark Bang My perspective is that each one of us is a multidimensional being. I came to this understanding through spiritual enlightenment, quantum physics, and learning from those who have an open connection to a knowing beyond the physical. This is to say that we are a body[Read More…]
Dear 2025, you are a good year, aren’t you?
Dear 2025, you are just 6 days old today. From the bottom of my heart, I warmly welcome you. Feel at home! If you were a baby boy, you would be taken to church this Sunday for baptism. If you were a baby girl, you would be taken to church[Read More…]
The Oversight Dilemma inside TNL Parliament: A Critical Look at Oversight Failures During Economic Crises
By Hon. Eng. Boutros Magaya Nbangano, MP- TNLA “TNL Leadership is fully responsible for its failures, in-effectiveness and largely responsible for current economic crises” 1. Introduction This article seeks to address the genuine concerns expressed by citizens regarding the performance of Parliament, particularly in light of the ongoing economic[Read More…]
Illiteracy is number one promoter of ignorance-Part Two
By Ustaz Mark Bang Why are some people choosing to be ignorant? Perhaps they know the trouble that knowledge would cause. Perhaps they are new (to the environment or the company). Perhaps they want to avoid more questions (signs of intellect, yet not enough enthusiasm to be helpful). Perhaps[Read More…]
VIPs versus the less privileged [Part 1]
It takes a lot of courage to accept the reality of this life and everything that comes with it. This has to do with every routine, taking a boda from where you live and having to put up a rude face for the boda man never to charge you twice[Read More…]
Illiteracy is the number one promoter of ignorance (part one)
By Ustaz Mark Bang People don’t take pride in what is become obvious to them they don’t know. Some care but many don’t some know more than themselves. Most learn what is needful to gain of knowledge that benefits a broadened understanding. I am proud when I know what I[Read More…]
Nyak, what do you pledge for 2025?
I pledge to live in Unity with everyone. I know my unity didn’t work so well in 2024. I had some issues with others. I had also some issues with myself. I didn’t define how I could be united with others. In 2025, I am surely going to pursue my[Read More…]
Great leaders inspire, bad leaders control
By Ustaz Mark Bang Each of us has a definition for “good” versus “bad” leadership. Some might argue that circumstances play a role in that definition. No matter where we set the measurement bar, there will be varying degrees of effectiveness for each leadership style in each different situation[Read More…]
Why I write about the human conditions [Last part]
This is going to be the end of my series and equally the end of my Facebook writing for this year as I plan to freeze my online activities next year for some personal reasons until next time and that means not writing weekly like I used to do. This[Read More…]
When eating a fruit, remember who had planted the tree
By Ustaz Mark Bang This lovely ancient proverb from Vietnam reminds us of something we all already know: the importance of feeling deep gratitude for the good people and the good fortune in our lives, no matter how large or small. We are living in uncertain and unsettling times. And[Read More…]
The neglected Jonglei crisis: Why the government should consider disarming civilians
By Manas James Okony Greater Jonglei communities have had history of peaceful co-existence despite small scaled on and off raids throughout years of the Struggles that gave birth to South Sudan. Nonetheless, the spirit does not remain the same, as from 2005, following the signing of the comprehensive Peace Agreement[Read More…]
All we need now is an overdose of patience
For the past few years, I have dedicated my life to writing articles that change the way you see yourself in this polarizing society. The world, with its pains, hurts and troubles is one of the easiest places where you can easily lose your mind. It could be through some[Read More…]
Let us fight against rumors!
By John Mangar Reechdit Last Friday afternoon, misinformation began circulating regarding the potential removal of Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, the Minister of Finance and Planning. I am tired of the rampant rumours in Juba, often spread through social media or phone calls, concerning the removal and replacement of political[Read More…]
Celebrate Christmas without worry, but keep some for the longest month of January
By Ustaz Mark Bang One thing for sure is, December is by far the most expensive month of the year. This causes a lot of money worries and tension in families. People ask you out a lot, and sadly you can’t afford it, plus it’s too frequent at this[Read More…]