Hope for a “New South Sudan” But Not with Patronage Politics
Last week, I had the privilege of attending an international political exchange program, Raising Civil Voices: Political Party Youth International Exchange, organized by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The initiative brought together young (aspiring) political leaders under the age of 35 from over eight countries, including South Sudan, Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana. Notably, almost half of the participants were from South Sudan—the youngest member of the international system.
Although I have previously lectured South Sudanese students, I had never taken the initiative to engage them deeply about their local politics. However, this particular group was remarkably engaging and offered a refreshing opportunity for meaningful interaction. What stood out was their dynamism—representing diverse ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations from across South Sudan, including both pro-government and opposition parties. Their active participation and political awareness reflected a strong commitment to shaping their country’s future despite its complex and fragile political landscape.
From their vibrant political discussions on their nations’ politics, I gleaned several key insights. First, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of protracted civil war between the North and South. However, the elation of independence was short-lived, as the country soon descended into internal conflict fueled by deep political, ethnic, and military divisions. Although multiple peace efforts have been made, including the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), violence resumed in 2016. A renewed effort led to the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018, offering a new but fragile path toward stability.
Despite these agreements, South Sudan’s political landscape remains volatile. Recent events, such as the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and escalating clashes between government forces and opposition groups, have raised concerns about a potential return to civil war.
After extensive discussions with the South Sudanese participants, it became increasingly clear that the ongoing crisis in South Sudan is fundamentally a power struggle between two dominant figures—President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar—whose long-standing rivalry has paralyzed the country’s political progress. At the heart of this impasse is a profound lack of trust between the two leaders, rooted in unresolved historical grievances, ethnic divisions, and competing visions for the nation. Despite their repeated commitments to peace agreements, both have failed to demonstrate the political will necessary to place the country above personal ambition. As one participant aptly noted, if they cannot set aside their differences for the sake of national unity and stability, then both bear equal responsibility for the suffering of their people. The persistent tension between them continues to derail the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty and fragile peace.
This division has unfortunately trickled down to the youth, with some aligning themselves with the government and others with the opposition, a trend likely driven by the politicization of youth leagues. It appears that young, bright minds are being groomed to inherit and perpetuate the Salva Kiir–Riek Machar brand of strongman politics, which is deeply rooted in rivalry, factionalism, and mistrust. This is particularly dangerous, as it risks entrenching generational divisions and prolonging a legacy of conflict long after the current leaders have exited the political stage. Instead of being nurtured as a unifying force for national renewal, the youth are at risk of becoming vessels for recycled hostilities.
In my opinion, while there is a small yet promising segment of non-aligned youth in South Sudan, those who articulate progressive ideas and advocate for reform appear to be drowning in a political environment dominated by the Salva Kiir–Riek Machar dichotomy. Despite their forward-thinking stance, the overwhelming influence of the two strongmen has deeply infiltrated youth structures, leaving little room for independent voices to flourish. The system tends to reward allegiance over merit, making it difficult for these reformist youths to gain traction or mobilize broader support. Their struggle reflects a wider challenge of breaking free from a political culture defined by division, patronage, and historical rivalries.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is important to remember that the ongoing conflict disproportionately affects the civilian population, particularly the youth, who make up the majority. This reality underscores a troubling possibility: if the divisive politics of Salva Kiir and Riek Machar are not addressed and contained, their legacy of mistrust and polarization risks being deeply embedded in a much wider segment of the population. Without deliberate efforts to break this cycle, an entire generation could grow up normalized to factionalism, undermining hopes for lasting peace, unity, and democratic renewal in South Sudan.
The youth of South Sudan must begin to rise above partisan loyalties and unite in pursuit of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous nation. Their collective power lies not in echoing the divisions of the past but in forging a new path rooted in unity, reform, and national interest. This goal is not beyond reach as Africa’s history offers numerous examples of young Africans who transformed their nations through political courage, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to liberation.
Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, known as “Africa’s Che Guevara,” led a revolutionary government at just 33. Patrice Lumumba became the first Prime Minister of an independent Congo at 35, advocating for unity and economic sovereignty. Amílcar Cabral, in his mid-30s, organized a powerful anti-colonial resistance in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. Steve Biko, in his early 20s, galvanized South Africa’s Black Consciousness Movement, inspiring generations even beyond his tragic death at 30. Closer to home, Joshua Nkomo and a young Robert Mugabe played key roles in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle through their activism and nationalist vision.
These leaders, though diverse in ideology and context, share a common thread: they refused to be confined by the political limitations of their time. Similarly, South Sudanese youth have the capacity and the responsibility to rise above factionalism and lead their country toward genuine transformation.
There is hope for a new South Sudan, but only if its youth choose to rise above political manipulation and demand more from their leaders. It will begin with its youth refusing to be instruments of the past. South Sudanese youth must now reject the politics of patronage and inherited division. Unity, not division, must define this generation. Accountability, not blind loyalty, must shape political participation. It is through the courage and clarity of young voices that South Sudan can finally begin its long-overdue journey toward healing and inclusive prosperity.
