From the inception of Sudan Liberation Army/Movement in 1983, radical propagandas denouncing tyranny in Khartoum, lauding elective institutions, and proclaiming the 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 beacues 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 accept 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 policy. I have personally work under SPLM chapter in Canada with Martin Majut Yak whose name is now flying in the media almost daily distributing cash to students in Uganda and Kenya. In our office we happen to know who is related to who. With Martin being two high profile jobs, he taped in his relative Mr. Mum Ajak as Goss liaison chief officer in Canada. Mr. Mum and I were secretary and deputy of recruitment and administration respectively under Martin Majut. Honorable Mum might have qualified merits to have him occupy the post but his name weigh more than his credentials. My colleague Mr. Mum is gentle who seems to object preferring tribal friend over others. But what would have bonded him at the hip with Martin Majut if in fact family pact policy is not what he envision? Well, he was then under Martin leadership. It is now his turn to endorse the policy advocated by Martin or 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 corruptions and nepotism. Young people are seeking their voice heard and be equally represented in all branches of government. 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 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. Our bandwagon was upset by a rocket we never saw coming: The power of age in politics and that of family pact rule. I am proud of being one of the sandwiched members waiting for our age to promote 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 six worded sentence in late 19980s or 1990s? No, because we won't have imported the term “red army” then. It is also very unfortunate to reinvent ideologies which were completely omitted before the signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement. All the three categories contributed equally to the liberation struggles. To me, there is nothing wrong 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 naive, for both youths and the sandwiched to think of themselves as highly educated and that they should 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 post 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, sincerity and a heart for our people regardless of where their family hail from, are some of the few techniques badly needed for our nation unity, reconstruction recovery, peace and prosperity. The age mentality will only bring divisions which will affect tomorrow leaders' chance of inheriting leadership skills from the founding fathers. Oops! Did I mention women? Yes, they are part and parcel of those categories. In fact, no country is ever called a father nation. Therefore; women's share in the government should be given an urgent attention. They have unique issues which can be address appropriately only if they are involved in decision makings.
The author is a Behavioural Science student at Canadian University College in Lacombe, Alberta
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