[OPINION] – South Sudan Needs Internal Healing, Not External Help

By Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa

South Sudan is fuelling a conflict against itself, one that undermines peaceful coexistence, erodes trust, weakens security, devalues social norms and stalls economic progress. There are no winners in a family quarrel, nor can one truly defeat a brother or sister with whom one shares blood ties.

No matter how close a family is, father, mother, children and extended relatives, disagreements are inevitable. There will be moments of laughter and storytelling, but also times of argument and conflict. These situations are natural and can only be overcome through difficult dialogue and compromise.

No matter how serious the disagreement, there are always two ways to restore peace and heal the damage:

1) Engage in meaningful dialogue, and

2) Compromise on differences.

When a family refuses to engage in honest dialogue, it exposes its vulnerabilities, making it easy for outsiders to exploit its weaknesses. When the family bond is broken and decisions are based on the pleas of outsiders, it allows others to take advantage of the family’s wealth, secrets and strengths.

Family dialogue and compromise are essential foundations for peace, unity, and a new beginning. These values must be upheld through respect, loyalty, and adherence to customary traditions. Only then can families live in peace, harmony and love.

When these traditional foundations are ignored or abused, destruction often follows, manifesting in death, broken lives and a scattered people. Rebuilding such a shattered family takes generations and gives outsiders the chance to seize God given resources.

Neighbours are often affected by the actions of those next to them. When they step in to mediate family conflicts, their efforts are usually driven by their own interests and are rarely fair.

Strangers are drawn to family feuds either for fame, political gain or material exploitation. They may use shows of force or incite violence to justify their presence and pursue their own agendas.

South Sudan is not facing an external enemy. it is facing itself. These are internal, domestic disputes that do not require outsiders to resolve. What is needed is for South Sudanese themselves to engage in dialogue and painful compromise that can restore peace and unity.

Though difficult, this path builds trust, fosters understanding, and protects internal secrets and integrity. Outside interventions are often temporary and interest driven. Worse, they observe our weaknesses and find ways to benefit from them.

Now is the time for South Sudan to move beyond divisive politics and build political maturity and resilience that fosters inclusion and social unity. There is no victory in repeatedly returning to the bush, only suffering. That path brings nothing but misery to our own people.

Assuming one’s way is the only way, without involving others, is misguided. Instead, let us embrace the opportunity for genuine dialogue and compromise. This is the only way to restart our journey with strength, compassion, unity and purpose.

It is senseless to keep punishing our own people, forcing them into the bush, depriving them of education and leaving them to die of poverty, disease, or bullets. It is tragic to turn our citizens into refugees and mentally distressed individuals just because someone was excluded from the distribution of ranks, power, or wealth.

Let us unite across counties, states, and national levels to begin the painful but necessary conversations and compromises.

 Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa is a former Commissioner of Yei River County and an experienced public civil servant in South Sudan.

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