Why our martyrs 'died' in vain? By: Ladu Lomeling, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
MAY 20/2011, SSN; Allow me to salute the memories of our martyrs in remembering their heroic sacrifices for our ultimate freedom. Let's observe a moment of silence in their honor… I’d likewise, express my sincere gratitude to the SPLM Leadership and all those who’ve continuously stood firm in defending our inalienable rights as a people through the span of our liberation struggle. Although we may be commemorating the 16th of May with pride and dignity that befits it, it is pertinent to also evaluate our performance regarding issues centered around good governance. This will grant us the impetus to chart a clear way forward in attainment of a democratic society in the South. Needless to say the least, amongst the mountains of bones and skulls that dot the four corners of our country, are those of our relatives, friends and loved ones. We should re-call to memory great names that resonate in our hearts – Fr. Saturnino Ohure, Joseph Oduho, Ali Gbatala, Dr. John Garang, a few amongst many whose blood was shed for justice to reign supreme in this part of the world. They all perished in the evil hands of our adversaries while at their prime… It is truly a grim day to many of us to commemorate, yet a day that should give us strength with which to reflect on it’s significance. We tend to belief that all of us are “revolutionaries” striving at carrying the mantle forward in realizing the vision for which our martyrs perished to achieve, but do our actions portray the actuality? Against such a backdrop, I’d rather pose the hypothetical question – “Why Our Martyrs Died in Vain?”, with aim to scrutinize our performance over the years, and set a platform for debate. As we move towards a new political dispensation on July 9th, probably it is imperative to go back to the drawing board to right our wrongs (short-comings), where possible with maturity and honesty. And not with rhetoric, intrigue, antagonism nor bickering…something that has come to characterize our current political culture! It seems that our politicians are indulging more in fighting to garner affluence, yet mercilessly at the expense of those they govern. The national agenda to them is not essential, thus we continue to witness a situation of nothing but corruption, nepotism, lawlessness, lack of social service delivery, impunity and anarchy – despite their pretences that all these vices do not exist! What a white lie?! The citizenry has truly grown weary of becoming victims of our actions, and have come to silently live with it! Without being a prophet of doom, the early signs of pockets of insurgency in some parts of the South (though truly unjustified at this period we are in), may be reflective of the disgruntlement deeply rooted in the hearts of some who think they’ve be deprived of partaking in issues of national decision-making, or simply left out from the “eating spree,” – something that tells us to quickly address before it gets out of hand! We should swallow our pride, and embrace the culture of reconciliation with the various insurgents, so that our people (especially in the rural areas) can enjoy the fruits of their struggle. Why do we want to subject them yet again to sufferance when we’ve now secured our own nation after five (5) decades of war? The late SPLM Chairman, Dr. John Garang, did say “there are many rooms in South Sudan”; then what is making it hard for us to accommodate everyone should they deserve…instead of allowing them to take up arms and brutalize our own kindred. This has become mind-boggling…and a puzzle to reckon with! Therefore, we must embark on peaceful engagement (dialogue) with our “prodigal sons”, who are now sadly misguided and blindfolded by money and ignorance, and are desperate to tear down the hard-won victory. To them, what matters is not the stability and prosperity of the people of South Sudan, but personal aggrandizement! Definitely, if we fail to evolve an all-inclusive system of governance, the South may disintegrate Somalia-like… hence, our martyrs would have died in vain! We should begin to consolidate firm public institutions (such as the anti-corruption, judiciary and the police), which are vigorous and genuine in combating issues of mismanagement and fraud, via lotion of human rights and bullying of the unarmed. I do strongly believe that, nobody will afford to see a government that championed a good-fight to liberate her nation from chauvinism, might eventually be tempted to usher in a “reign of terror” against it’s citizens (simply to protect a narrow interests of a minority clique). What is happening in Libya is a reality that elucidates that “dictatorship,” maybe aggressive, but will only last awhile. Now that, the National Congress Party (NCP) or the Arabs at kept at bay from indulging in our affairs as a sovereign state by the magic vote of independence last January, whose shoulders must now carry the “cross” of escapism from our own misdemeanors? Are we going to resort at pointing fingers at our shadows…than concentrate in acknowledging and rectifying our deliberate “political mistakes?" Much as we close our ears to issues of corruption, nepotism, lawlessness and impunity…, indeed, our martyrs died in vain! The writer is a journalist and can be reached on [email protected]. 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