29/08/2024
The journey to self-determination for the people of South Sudan is a profound narrative filled with struggles, sacrifices, and resilience. At the heart of this journey is a story of visionaries who dared to dream of a nation free from oppression and guided by the principles of self-governance. Yet, as with many movements that challenge the status quo, the quest for self-determination was initially met with skepticism, mockery, and dismissalโoften from those who could not see beyond the immediate realities of the time.
The Early Days of the Movement
The idea of self-determination for the people of South Sudan began to take shape during a period when the region was engulfed in the shadows of the long-standing civil war. For decades, the people of the South had been subjected to Arabization, Islamization, and severe marginalization under successive governments in Khartoum. The struggle for equality and autonomy had been ongoing, but it was often met with fierce resistance and, at times, outright brutality.
In the early 1990s, the notion of self-determination was still considered far-fetched by many, including some within the leadership of the Sudan Peopleโs Liberation Movement (SPLM). At that time, the dominant vision within the SPLM, under the leadership of Dr. John Garang, was the concept of a united "New Sudan." This vision sought to create a reformed and inclusive Sudan where all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, could coexist in peace and equality. It was a noble vision, yet one that was deeply challenging to achieve in a country so deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines.
The Nasir Declaration: A Turning Point
On August 28, 1991, a significant event took place that would forever alter the course of Sudanese history. Dr. Riek Machar and his colleagues, including Dr. Lam Akol and Gordon Kong, led a faction within the SPLM that broke away from Garang's leadership. This faction, known as the SPLM-Nasir, after the town in Upper Nile where the split occurred, issued the "Nasir Declaration," which for the first time publicly championed the right of self-determination for the people of South Sudan.
The call for self-determination was revolutionary, but it was also met with widespread criticism and ridicule. Detractors, both within and outside the SPLM, dismissed the idea as unrealistic and divisive. They argued that the notion of an independent South Sudan was a pipe dream, one that would only lead to further bloodshed and suffering. Many saw the breakaway faction as traitors to the cause of a united Sudan and as opportunists seeking to exploit the ethnic differences within the SPLM for personal gain.
Dismissal and Mockery: The Birth of a Dream
The skepticism surrounding the idea of self-determination was fueled by years of entrenched thinking that a unified Sudan, albeit under different governance, was the only viable solution to the country's problems. The idea of breaking away, of forming a new nation, seemed impossible to many. Some even went so far as to mock the proponents of self-determination, labeling them as dreamers disconnected from the harsh realities of war and politics.
This dismissal, however, only served to galvanize the movement for self-determination. Dr. Riek Machar and his supporters understood that the road to freedom would not be easy, but they also recognized that the people of South Sudan had endured too much to settle for anything less than true autonomy. They believed deeply in the right of their people to determine their own destiny, free from the domination of Khartoum.
The Vision of Ngundeng B**g
The struggle for self-determination was not just a political movement; it was also deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural identity of the South Sudanese people. The prophecy of Prophet Ngundeng B**g, a revered Nuer spiritual leader, played a significant role in shaping the collective consciousness of the movement. Ngundeng had foretold that one day, the people of the South would be free from northern domination and that a great leader would arise to unite the land under a just and righteous rule.
For many, Dr. Riek Machar was seen as the fulfillment of this prophecy. His leadership in the fight for self-determination was viewed as part of a divine plan, one that would eventually lead to the reunification of Sudan under a democratic and inclusive system rooted in the values of the Kush*te civilization, a heritage that dates back over 3,000 years. This belief in the divine order of events gave the movement for self-determination a sense of inevitability and purpose, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Triumph of 2011: A Dream Realized
Despite the ridicule and the numerous challenges, the movement for self-determination persevered. The second Sudanese Civil War raged on for years, but the resolve of the South Sudanese people never wavered. Finally, after decades of conflict and negotiation, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in 2005, granting the people of South Sudan the right to vote in a referendum on independence.
In 2011, the dream of self-determination became a reality. The people of South Sudan overwhelmingly voted for independence, and on July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the worldโs newest nation. The mockery and skepticism of the early 1990s had been proven wrong. What had once been dismissed as an unrealistic aspiration had become an undeniable reality.
The Ongoing Journey
The birth of South Sudan was a monumental achievement, but it was also the beginning of a new chapter filled with its own set of challenges. The legacy of the struggle for self-determination continues to shape the nation's identity and future. Dr. Riek Machar, along with other leaders, remains committed to the well-being and prosperity of all Sudanese people. The vision of a unified Sudan under a Kush*te democracy, as prophesied by Ngundeng B**g, remains an aspiration that speaks to the deep historical and cultural ties between the people of North and South Sudan.
The journey towards this ultimate unity is one that cannot be rushed; it is a process guided by both history and divine order. The people of South Sudan, having achieved their long-sought independence, now face the task of building a peaceful and prosperous nation. As they continue this work, the dream of a united Sudan, free from tyranny and oppression, still lingers on the horizonโa dream that, like the quest for self-determination, may one day be realized.
In conclusion, the idea of self-determination for South Sudan began as a seemingly impossible dream, one that was ridiculed and dismissed by many. However, through the unwavering commitment of its leaders and the enduring spirit of its people, that dream became a reality. The journey from mockery to independence is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the belief in a better future. The struggle for self-determination was not just a political movement; it was a declaration of the South Sudanese people's right to chart their own courseโa right that was finally recognized by the world in 2011.
"The truth will set you free"
