The Politics of Family Pact: Rule and the Experiences of the Old Age in Southern Sudan Government.

From the inception of Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army/Movement in 1983, radical propagandas denouncing tyranny in Khartoum, lauding elective institutions, and proclaiming peoples' right and liberty circulated widely in Sudan and to an extra mile in Southern Sudan in particular. This self professed politics to garner people support is dashing after the formation of the Government of Southern Sudan in 2005 because the Southern leader has adopted a policy of family pact rule. To make the case worse, it is simple fact that doesn't need scientific proof that the president of Southern Sudan encircle himself with his family members who are deemed to be academically fit but bold when it comes to enriching tribal mates, fire anyone whose name doesn't carry weight that the family pact have and keep the lions in office when the people they govern voted them out. When you compare what had occurred in Juba and take Lake State for example, the readers will simply concur with me that the rule of law though not on paper has been redefined as the rule of family pact with exceptions to those who have made their way in through different means. Some readers will encounter my argument with explanations that are not new but mere defense of the family pact course of action.

I have personally work under SPLM chapter in Canada with Martin Majut Yak whose name is flying in the media almost daily distributing cash to students in Uganda. In our office we happen to know who is related to whom. With Martin holding two high profile jobs: Goss director for presidential affairs and Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement national secretary for syndicated organizations taped in his closest friend Mr. Joseph Mum Ajak as Goss liaison chief officer in Canada. Mr. Mum and I were secretary and deputy for recruitment and administration respectively under Martin Majut chairmanship. Honorable Mum might have qualified merits to have him occupy the post but his name weighs more than his credentials. Although his appointment has been heavily influenced by Martin, comrade Mum has equal right like any of us to fill that vacancy if individual does not requires family ladder. However, this right is clouded by being bonded at the hip with Martin Majut Yak. It is now his turn to endorse the policy advocated by Martin or risk be considered disloyal family member, a tougher road that will only make him shine on one side of the coin.

In the ten states of Southern Sudan, complaints are building up that the politics of age is replacing the rule of law, hindering the president's fight on corruption and nepotism. Young people are seeking their voices’ heard and be equally represented in all branches of government. This bandwagon was upset by a rocket they never saw coming: The power of age in politics and that of family pact rule. The sandwiched generations or the leaders in waiting are lucky enough that they can move back and forth when opportunities are allocated. The problem with this group though is the expectation that the light would quickly turn green so that they take the driver seat. This looks a lot like a mirror image of oneself. Time will tell probably before interest fades away. I am proud of being one of the sandwiched members waiting for our age to promote our seniority which I hope will even be better.

The experienced, as the name indicates be it in politics or militarily, are the breadwinner. Accept it or not, it is common proverb today in Southern Sudan to say 'you are too young’ for politics. Well, did we use this four worded sentence in the late 1980s or 1990s? No, because we won't have imported the term “red army” then. It is very unfortunate to reinvent ideologies which were completely skipped over before the signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement. All the three categories contributed uniformly to the liberation struggle. To me, there is nothing erroneous with young person to be appointed to a senior position as long has that individual is knowledgeable, has a will to serve as a public servant and most importantly, if s/he has plan to execute his or her duties intellectually. In the same token, it would be naïve, for those in the formative years politically and the sandwiched to think of themselves as highly educated and that they ought to be rewarded instantly. There are people who have sacrificed their lives and education for the sake of liberation. They must be respected and assisted when need be or else the ministry of presidential affair would be dissolved in the first place.

Sneaking in through relatives holding government position is equally as bad as sitting back and watch the game of politics. Somebody somewhere has to do something to bridge the gap which is currently widening. My colleagues and the younger friends should not just show a nice sheen of respectability hiding a non-functioning mechanism that is designed to appease, but is really beginning to breakdown. Patience, cooperation, justice, respect for the ownership of land, sincerity and a heart for our people regardless of where their family flag down to are some of the few breathing spots badly needed for our nation unity, reconstruction recovery, peace and prosperity. The policy of family pact rule and age mentality will solitarily fetch divisions among Southerners which will interrupt future leaders' chance of inheriting leadership skills from the founding fathers.

The author is a Behavioural Science student at Canadian University College in Lacombe, Alberta. Send your comments to  or at