Lawmaker Aldo Ajou calls for national reconciliation to avert further division

JUBA – A South Sudanese lawmaker, Aldo Ajou Deng, has called for urgent national reconciliation to address deepening divisions and tribalism, warning that failure to act could jeopardize the country’s survival.

Deng, a member of the country’s Council of States and a senior figure in the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) faction led by President Salva Kiir, said South Sudan’s post-independence unity had eroded due to political and ethnic tensions, particularly following the outbreak of civil war in 2013.

“The long struggle of Southern Sudanese to liberate themselves from the hegemony of Khartoum’s Arab-Islamists, culminating in independence in July 2011, is a testament to their resilience and unity. However, post-independence, we have witnessed a troubling erosion of the ideological and national cohesion that once united the SPLM in its pursuit of freedom,” Deng said.

Deng blamed the war, which erupted after a political dispute within the Transitional Government of National Unity in July 2013, for fracturing South Sudanese society and weakening the SPLM’s ideological foundation.

He said the party’s shift away from its socialist ideals and its embrace of corruption had fueled ethnic favoritism, deepened divisions among communities, and undermined national cohesion.

“The SPLM’s departure from its foundational socialist ideals towards a culture of corruption and ethnic favoritism has exacerbated this situation. The Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which promised peace, has inadvertently deepened these divides, as communities and leaders have retreated into their ethnic enclaves, prioritizing tribal affiliations over national unity,” he said.

Calling for a shift towards reconciliation, Deng urged the government to facilitate a broad-based dialogue to allow communities to address historical grievances, seek forgiveness, and heal from past violence.

“It is imperative that the government facilitates an inclusive dialogue that transcends ethnic lines. A national dialogue focusing on reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness is essential to reintegrate the diverse communities of South Sudan. Initiatives must prioritize truth-telling and recognition of historical grievances, enabling healing among those affected by the violence,” he said.

Deng also advocated for the adoption of a federal constitution that accommodates South Sudan’s territorial and ethnic diversity while upholding principles of inclusivity, equality, and justice.

“Adopting a robust federal constitution that accommodates our territorial diversities will provide a framework for governance that respects and upholds the rights of all citizens. This constitutional framework should embody principles of inclusivity, equality, and justice, ensuring that governance extends beyond ethnicity and fosters national identity,” he said.

He called for strengthening the judicial system to enforce the rule of law, combat corruption, and restore public trust in governance.

“The establishment of a solid judicial system to enforce the rule of law is crucial in ensuring the protection of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds,” he said, adding that accountability was necessary to restore faith in institutions.

Deng said education and awareness were critical in countering tribalism and fostering a national consciousness.

“There is a dire need to educate the populace about the value of unity, the dangers of tribalism, and the importance of collective identity as South Sudanese,” he said, urging the government to implement programs promoting civic engagement and social cohesion.

He cited the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 as an example of South Sudanese unity and called on leaders and citizens to rekindle the spirit of national pride.

“In the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005, we must strive to rekindle our commitment to unity and national pride,” he said.

Deng warned that the country was at a critical juncture and risked descending further into division if reconciliation efforts were not prioritized.

“To avert the impending dangers of further division and tribalism, symbolized by a metaphorical volcano on the verge of eruption, we must collectively recognize our past mistakes and commit to a path of reconciliation. The future of South Sudan hinges on our ability to unite and rise above the tribes, fostering a nation that truly belongs to all its people,” Deng said.