Peace Requires Painful Honesty

(OPINION/Agrey Cyrus Kanyikwa)

South Sudan now stands at a crucial crossroads, a defining moment to understand and resolve the deep rooted conflicts that continue to divide its leaders and communities.

During a recent conversation with market vendors in Juba, I shared my concern about the worsening security and economic crisis gripping our country.

Many young people expressed hopelessness, believing that fighting is the only way forward until peace and economic recovery arrive. This frustration is driven by the lack of liquidity in banks, which threatens livelihoods and fuels despair.

This situation is alarming and calls for genuine sacrifice, unity and homegrown solutions by all South Sudanese without conditions or dependence on outsiders.

This journey requires deep reflection, honesty and shared responsibility. It demands that we focus on the common good, not personal interests or satisfaction. Each of us must be guided by a sense of purpose to mobilise our people and resources to rebuild our nation.

South Sudanese must remain committed to seeking local solutions, even when they challenge our pride, selfishness or social position.

Considering US President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly the withdrawal of certain privileges previously granted to South Sudanese refugees in the United States, many of our citizens abroad may soon face deportation or forced return. This reality presents South Sudan with a difficult choice: continue in rebellion or embrace the hard work of building peace.

Building peace is not an easy task. It requires rejecting tribal hatred, selfishness and the misuse of national wealth for personal luxury and family prestige. President Trump’s announcement must be examined carefully and preparations should begin to receive those who may be forced to return. The government should establish a committee to develop a national plan for welcoming them back and helping them rebuild their lives.

To my fellow South Sudanese in the United States, brothers, sisters, parents and children prepare to return and take part in rebuilding our homeland. True peace requires humility, forgiveness and unity, even with those we may distrust.

It is time to stop beating the drum of hate and war and start beating the drum of love, reconciliation and peace. Protecting only personal or family interests will lead us to ruin, destroying both our human and national integrity.

This is a moment that calls for obedience, forgiveness, respect and unconditional love. Without these, there can be no peace or escape from suffering.

Our challenges will only deepen if we continue living in denial, believing things will fix themselves. A better future demands truth, justice, and fairness in managing community and state affairs without favouritism or discrimination.

It is time to revisit our duty to protect national interests, uphold values and secure the future for the next generation. Sadly, many public offices have turned into markets where services are sold to citizens who already pay taxes. This happens because officials feel they must demand extra money to survive, creating a system of corruption and mistrust.

We are now paying the price for our dishonesty and misuse of national resources financial, human and moral. Each time we fail our country, we offend the Almighty God whose mighty hand helped us achieve liberation. If we do not change, we will continue to suffer the consequences of our negligence.

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