OPINION: Stand for Unity, Not Self Destruction

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with a heavy heart and deep concern that I write to you today, not to condemn, but to awaken our collective conscience.

Our community, the people of Central Equatoria State (CES) in general, and Greater Yei in particular, has sadly become known not for unity and resilience, but for how readily we turn against our own. Tragically, some of our leaders, in an effort to curry favour with those in power, have played a role in the arrest, humiliation and betrayal of fellow citizens, merely to prove their loyalty to a government that sees them as temporary instruments rather than enduring partners.

This behaviour is painful, shortsighted and dangerous.

Why should the people of this great State be so eager to associate their own with rebellion, while other regions stand by their people regardless of political affiliation?

Look around. Our brothers and sisters from other tribes and States may have political disagreements, but they do not publicly destroy one another. They understand the importance of ethnic solidarity and communal protection, even in times of crisis. Why can’t we do the same?

Learn from History

Let us reflect on the records of certain former leaders of CES and Greater Yei who once held high office. Rather than protect and uplift their communities, they chose to label, target and isolate their own. Many citizens suffered harassment, false accusations or even death due to these betrayals. These leaders served power rather than truth, abandoning the very people who once stood behind them.

Today, many live in quiet shame, discarded without honour, disconnected from the communities they once sought to lead. There is a lesson here for us all. “Those who rise by destroying their own will fall alone.”

A Word to Our Leaders

To those currently holding appointed positions:
Remember, titles are temporary.
Do not boast.
Do not destroy your own people to impress superiors.
One day, those very superiors may disown you.

And when you return to your people—what will your legacy be? A trail of betrayal and division? Or a legacy of service, unity, and dignity?

As Socrates wisely said: “The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be.”

A Call to the Youth and the Community

Let us cease fuelling internal hatred.
Let us stop labelling our sons and daughters who speak up as threats or rebels.

Instead, let us:

Build dialogue, not suspicion.

Promote truth, not manipulation.

Practise forgiveness, not revenge.

Greater Yei and CES at large cannot develop if we continue to fight one another. Let us rise above fear, jealousy, and greed. Let us build bridges of trust and prepare for a peaceful return of those in refuge or displaced—stronger and more united than ever before.

Final Appeal

To every mother, father, youth, leader and elder reading this:
Let history not remember us as a people who devoured their own, but as a people who chose unity, dignity and reconciliation.

Let us protect each other.
Let us reason together.
Let us be one people again.

By Mondurute (batalilomodi@gmail.com)
A concerned son of Yei River County.
Batali holds a Diploma in Project Planning and Management, a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and Management from KIU, and an MBA in Leadership and Theology from Faith Leads University (FLU), Florida, USA.

Editorial Note: Access Radio publishes opinion pieces to encourage public debate and critical reflection. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect our editorial stance.