“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
By Cde. Sirir Gabriel Yiei Rut,
August 12, 2015 (Nyamilepedia)—-That is what we South Sudanese who want to create a better future for all regardless of tribe, gender or political affiliation must firmly believe in and hold onto especially in these times of discontent and hopelessness.
Martin Luther King, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi among many others before us were right for there is nothing more meaningful and edifying indeed than the pursuit of the achievement of the common good for humanity because out of that we become more and can only live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Of course, I watched the demonstrations carryout in different states in the country, the people protest against the IGAD Compromise Peace Agreement. Stating some areas of disagreement, the angry citizens express thy views on what seem not to favor them and I certainly felt that change is in the air. The Word of God remains powerful and relevant. Freedom is coming so get ready!
However, my message is that our freedom can only be created by us South Sudanese and nobody else. Certainly not by SPLM because they have sucked dry the blood of our hopes and dreams for quiet too long and to this day continue to suck our country dry of its wealth and potential. But as the Bible tells us, these dry bones shall live!
There is no political or social system that is based on exclusive entitlement and privilege to power can survive forever especially in a society that is pregnant with unmet aspirations and dreams which have been deliberately suppressed. No nation can remain under bondage of a few forever and South Sudan will rise. Something has to give.
It is therefore our responsibility to create that South Sudan we imagine.
It may tarry, but by God’s grace we will get there.
I think that for now we must focus on what we want to create and banish all imagined political divisions and petty disagreements. South Sudanese all want the same things. ‘PEACE”.
Unity against tyranny is our only hope. So for a moment, let us forget our past mistakes and stop labeling each other, but come together for posterity.
The attainment of freedom is never a comfortable journey, ask those who fought the Sudan People liberation movement(SPLM) but are now marginalized. It involves pain and sacrifice.
It involves the pain of having to embrace those who yesterday oppressed or killed us. It also involves the pain of standing hand in hand with our brothers and sisters who have seen that SPLM’s formula of power was never designed for their advantage, but for the power and advantage of one man and his cabal.
There is also the sacrifice of having to waive our personal ambition for the greater good. There is the sacrifice of others of their lives for ours. That is the ultimate cost of freedom.
My view is that the Republic of South Sudan needs healing and that healing cannot be led by our politicians, but by civil organizations and our churches.
Our challenge is to create that opportunity when change comes in 2015, 2016, 2017&2018. However this change will only come by us rejecting those amongst us who are focusing at personal gain.
I actually laughed out loud at the arrival of some political party leaders at the event.
Fast cars, drama and multiple bodyguards — what a joke! That to me is one big challenge we face. Some of our political leaders really like to behave like little gods in public — what if they get into office? We’ve got problems.
Yes, we certainly can come and reason together. There is no logical reason why SPLM-Juba must stay in power beyond 2017.
So in 2017 I predict and declare that we shall all gather in the John Garang Mausoleum Grounds yet again and announce the birth of a Federal Republic of South Sudan significantly different from that Republic of South Sudan which started there in 2005-2011.
Yes, we can rise again and these dry bones of 10 years of tyranny and oppression shall surely live again!
All in all the mass population need PEACE now not tomorrow.
God bless South Sudan!
I have spoken my words and may the gods of the land hear my voice ……………………..
Cde. Sirir Gabriel Yiei Rut is Chairman of SPLM-YL Chapter in Egypt; can reach him through sirirgabrielyiei3@gmail.com
