The Economic Drivers of Corruption.
South Sudan’s economy is primarily reliant on oil, which provides a large percentage of government revenue. However, mishandling of these resources has been a significant source of corruption. The lack of openness in oil income management has allowed officials to divert funds for personal gain, depriving the country of essential resources for development. Oil revenues […]
The Role of Corruption and Conflict in South Sudan.
Corruption in South Sudan is more than simply a footnote in the news headlines; it is a pervasive scourge that affects all levels of governance, business, and public life. Corruption ranges from the theft of oil revenues to the use of tribal motivations in political appointments. When South Sudan attained independence from Sudan in 2011, […]
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 […]