Leaders Must Return to Their Villages to Restore Hope

OPINION | Emmanuel Khamis

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As Christmas and New Year celebrations take place, it is unfortunate that many political leaders once again choose to fly abroad to celebrate with their private families. Others remain in Juba, while some limit their movements to major towns. Very few make the effort to travel deep into their villages to assess the situation of their people in their respective constituencies.

I appeal to all political leaders across the country not to ignore or abandon their people, especially during these difficult times. Leaders must stand with their communities when life is hardest. We should work closely with our commissioners on the ground and combine our efforts to promote unity, peace, and reconciliation.

It is also important that we all play both individual and collective roles in ending the senseless conflicts in our villages, bomas, payams, counties, states, and across the entire country. Only then can we restore lasting security, peace, development, and economic recovery.

Despite the challenges, I was honoured to visit my farm in Kupera as part of my Christmas journey to see my people back home. I am also in contact with the Commissioner of Lainya County and will join him in celebrating the New Year at the Lainya County headquarters. The difficult economic situation and fear of the unknown must not be used as excuses by leaders to abandon their people in their villages. It is our duty, both individually and collectively, to rebuild this country, starting from our own villages. Peace will not fall from heaven, because the conflict destroying our country is not caused by heaven.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, H.E. Emmanuel Adil Anthony, and all county commissioners who continue to work tirelessly, day and night, to restore our country.

True leaders lead from the front. They are ready to take the first risks and make sacrifices to protect their people. They do not hide during difficult times or sacrifice their people in order to survive themselves. A leader who sacrifices their people will eventually have no one left to lead.

I also appeal to all religious leaders to actively use their influence and resources to strengthen grassroots engagement for peace. They should work together with the government at all levels to positively change the current fragile situation.

In conclusion, I call on all holdout groups across South Sudan, and Central Equatoria State in particular, to choose dialogue and end the armed insurgency that continues to cause insecurity and destroy the lives and property of our people.

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Hon. Cde. Emmanuel Khamis Richard

Long live South Sudan.
Long live peace for all.

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