[OPINION] – Historic Kakuwa Election Sets Example for Peaceful Democracy

By Batali Gabriel Modi

My dear brothers and sisters, elders, youth, men, women and friends of our noble Kakuwa community,

Today my heart is full of joy and pride. I write to congratulate you for making history. For the very first time, we have held a peaceful, democratic and transparent election of our leaders for the next four years. This is not just an election. It is a new chapter. It sends a clear message to the whole nation that the Kakuwa people are wise, respectful and truly civilised.

While others in our beloved South Sudan have faced challenges in conducting such elections, you, my people, have shown that it can be done. You have demonstrated that democracy is possible. You have proved that leadership can emerge from peace, not from conflict. Truly, the Kakuwa people have raised the flag of hope high.

Let me take this moment to congratulate our newly elected leaders:

+ Mr Dada Isaac Lemi – Chairman

+ Mr Sebit Kwaje – Secretary General

+ Ms Yobu Joyce – Secretary of Finance

My brothers and sisters, these are not strangers. They are your own brothers and sister, entrusted with the responsibility to serve and to carry forward the vision of our community. Let us give them our full support, our prayers and our cooperation as they lead us in the coming four years.

I also salute Jacob Lo-Lado, who has shown great humility and true leadership by accepting the results and congratulating the winner. This is the true spirit of democracy, and I urge all of us to follow his example.

Remember, in any election, there is only one winner. But when peace prevails, we are all winners together.

To those who contested and were not elected this time, I say be proud, for you offered yourselves to serve. Do not give up. Your time will come. Leadership is a journey, and yesterday’s result does not end your contribution to the community. Stand with your brothers and sisters, for unity is the strength of the Kakuwa.

The Bible reminds us:

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

The Holy Qur’an also teaches:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Surah Al-Imran 3:103).

And as our elders wisely say:

“When brothers fight to the death, it is strangers who inherit the land.”

Let us not fight among ourselves. Let us build together, stand together, and walk together as one people.

My brothers and sisters, today I am not only happy. I am proud. Proud to be a Kakuwa. Proud to see this community rise to the challenge and show South Sudan, and the whole world, that we are capable of leading with peace, dignity and democracy.

May God Almighty and Allah Most Merciful bless our new leaders, bless the Kakuwa community, and bless our nation of South Sudan.

Congratulations once again, and may peace, unity and love continue to guide us all.

I am proud to be a Kakuwa. Congratulations!

The writer is a member of the Kakuwa community.

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