Disarming of Civilians the Way for Peace in South Sudan

August 28, 2007 - The trouble with security and life in the world is that none can do anything without it leading to something else either in the form of victim or culprit. Every action produces a reaction and this is true even in situation were we seem to get no result.

When we compare this scenario to the former and current situation of our infant nation South Sudan, the government under our experienced leader Salva Kiir with all his counterparts have indeed done a praiseworthy job by magnificently reducing both corruption and security by some individuals and groups. Despite these steps taken by the government to restore security and alleviate the so called corruption many people are still hurling indecent assaults on the presidency and the government branding it as weak and incapable.

However, such people need to stumble to the fact that the trouble with security all over the world is that no nation or individual has ever had enough of security and life-span. In his excellency Salva Kiir's recent visit to Bortown -Jonglei state where he touched some crucial statements on full restoration of security threat by Murle, he genuinely is fighting the South Sudan's big enemies and that is security threat and corruption which he is on the verge of winning.

Some people who reside overseas have used the privilege as an avenue for taking into their own hands the laws and governance positions to declare re-armament of the already disarmed Jonglei civilians citing neighbourhood threat. I came across an article posted by one of Jonglei youth leader living in the western worlds on SouthSudannation.com announcing their youth to call the Red Army to re-arm themselves. The article further accuse the Jonglei governor, Philip Thon Leek, of playing double standards against their tribesmen.

Such security issue in South Sudan should be carried out by those fellows appointed by the government into the governing position, but not relay the governance system into the hand of their colleagues in the western world. Being in the western world means that we must strive to contribute something that can bolster the security of our long suffering civilians instead of encouraging anarchy under the disguise of the western world.

It was nerve shattering to read some security threatening messages written by the chairmen of some groups calling for re-armament of the so called Red Army. These security risks could not be simply stopped by re-arming our civilians but rather through a well planned dialogue and intervention of the government which I believe is the only viable option to attaining peace and security within our neighbourhood.

After all security on the globe is never ever enough for any nation even in the western world countries whom we seem to think that are the most secured. Even if anyone could use the world's most security alarm, still our states would experience minor insecurity due to some law by passers like the Murle.

Life on earth on the other hand was ruined by both Adam and Eve and as such we must not expect an inland of peace and security. Nevertheless we have to struggle to erect a moderate atmosphere of peace and security among our shattered communities but not inflame the situation by seeking re-armament.

Life as we all know is a sacred gift from God and hence we must not be so inclined to take it away by re-arming ourselves as one blood and soul. The problem of Murle is an irritating phenomenon which our government has to swiftly address by all possible option it could gather. This is why our president recently visit Jonglei to assess by himself how it has affected the vulnerable people of our state. Resorting to re-armament would be of little help but instead it would aggravate the already fragile situation between neighbours.

Politics and relationship as well have to be keenly separated especially when dealing with issues pertaining to our neighbourhood or a nation. We must achieve this through acknowledgement of our skills, knowledge and experience as a tool for the whole marginalized victims of South Sudan but not on tribal lanes.

It is always so sad to see our future generation grappling with problems solving on tribal bases which in itself is an enemy of peace and unity within our nation. Win and win as a solution to our differences can prevail when we do not hold tight to our tribal affiliates. Some people are even branded as DAVID BECKHAM just because they are so sick with the desire to sacrifice their own self-esteem and character for the sake of our peace and unity. Such unnecessary re-naming could undermine our unity, peace and eventually blockade passage of relationship which is the ultimate bond of tranquillity.

Chaos which shoulder the messes of the past has a purpose all over the world and the more we study and learn from them, the better we would be prepared to solve the hurdle ahead of us. Peace in itself could be an enemy to itself when it is treated in plural form. Therefore, the adequate security which we aspire for can be achieved when each and every Southerner makes peace within him/herself.

Michael Madit Magot,

Victoria, Australia,

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