Birth of a Nation: Independence in 2011
On July 9, 2011, the world saw the birth of a new nation: the Republic of South Sudan. This momentous event marked the end of a long and difficult road to self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan, which had suffered decades of civil war, underdevelopment, and political marginalization. The journey to independence was neither […]
The National Euphoria of Independence
Across the country, euphoria erupted. In Juba, thousands gathered in the city center to witness the hoisting of the new national flag, the playing of the national Anthem, and President Salva Kiir’s swearing-in was spectacular. Many people danced in the streets, painted their faces in flag colors, and chanted songs of liberation and solidarity. Independence […]
Fragile Foundations: Governance and Institutional Building
The excitement of independence faded as soon as South Sudan’s administration faced the monumental challenge of basically rebuilding the country from the ground up. South Sudan, unlike other countries that inherited colonial infrastructure, arose as a stateless state, meaning it had internationally recognized borders but lacked the essential mechanisms required to function properly as a […]
Reflections on the Path Ahead
The nation’s shaky underpinnings became more evident than before. Independence had revealed the nation’s flaws and underlying divisions, but it had also allowed the people to control their fate. The inability to establish a functional state was caused in part by the militarization of the state, poor resource management, and a lack of robust democratic […]
Why did the Leaders Fail the People of South Sudan?
As of 2025, South Sudan remains a deeply divided country struggling to overcome its horrific past and current devastating plight. There is insecurity across the country, and a sustainable national reconciliation seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. The country has been plagued by tribalism, corruption, weak governance, and dysfunctional institutions, which have continued to hinder […]
The Blue House: South Sudan’s Torture Chamber
In a country where political expression is both dangerous and restricted, the unwarranted incarceration of political dissidents has become a disturbing feature of South Sudan’s governance. The Blue House, an eerie fortification in Juba that serves more than a national security agency, is often regarded as a silent prison for the politically undesired. The Mechanisms […]
Militarized nation: South Sudan
Following independence in 2011, military figures dominated the political scene. Former rebel leaders rose to the positions of general and governor. The SPLA rebranded itself as the national army with no civilian oversight. Political loyalty took precedence over merit. The state lacked a clear line between government and military, allowing armed forces to function as […]