The Interest Groups and Mischief’s of Faction in South Sudan

By Daniel Abushery Daniel

May 2, 2011 (SSNA) — Public consultation is essential and healthy where there are a verity of communities with different ideologies and prejudice among its members, especially in a newly born nation like South Sudan, not to mention the nation – state relationship, which is mostly vague, because they can’t seem to agree on specifics. But make no mistake about it. It shouldn’t be surprising that different view of federalism should emerge.

The truth of the matter is that, South Sudan is multi cultural, traditional and religious. You can also call it a homogenous country, if you will, and that’s due to all these various tribes dwelling in. But, despite all of the above, the influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular ethnic groups. However, with federalism, it will enable them to spread a general conflagration through other states. Because in a large federalist system, there are always many checks and balance on a majority faction – more interests competing with each other and large distances to separate those who might scheme to deprive others of liberty.

Because the causes of faction could not be removed without placing too many restrictions on freedom, its effects had to be controlled by a properly constructed government, if a faction were less than a majority, it could be controlled through majority rule. Nonetheless, if the faction were a majority, it can lead to limit the ability of a majority to carry out its wishes. “It’s Interests” and that was through well articulated and constructed constitution of the land.

What’s the word interest means?

The definition of the word interest may vary, but the common definition divided into two types; private interest groups that seek economic benefits for their members or clients. For example; business, labor, and agriculture.

The second is; public interest groups, which always lobby for political and social causes, if they succeed, benefits are shared more widely than by just the members of the group.

For example; here in America, the Taxpayers Union Lobbies for reduced taxes not only for its members but for everyone who pays taxes. Another example is; Amnesty International lobbies for the rights of political prisoners around the world even though none of its members are prisoners. Although nearly all groups think of themselves as pursuing the public interest, the label applies to those working for other than personal or corporate interests. However, “public interest” does not mean that a majority of the necessarily favors the goals of these groups.

The points that I am trying to stress here is: Yes, we have many tribes and communities in South Sudan, but we cannot achieved our interests through those communities, but through social, economic, and   political parties, if we really mean to succeed and share the benefits. It will be faulty perception for a single group to achieve their own interests excluding other groups in the region.

Therefore, we urge all parties, all forces and all citizens to stop escalating violence in greater Upper Nile, and Bahr El gazelle regions and embrace a culture of peace and to reject hostility, and return away from division, incitement, hate speech, rumors and accusations and learn to resolve dispute through dialogue in a spirit of unity, remember, we are all brothers and sisters regardless of geographical boundaries, ethnicity, religion, culture, or political affiliation, with the insisting on mutual respect for diversity.

Furthermore, in the coming July, 2011, we need our unity and solidarity in order to move forward. This shouldn’t be such a tough undertaking, simply because we share the very same interests. And in my personal judgment, Federalism is the answer.

We must continue calling upon the run-away generals to submit to the call of 1st Lt. General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of the Government of south Sudan (GOSS) for peaceful settlement to the conflict, and let them remember that crimes don’t pay. Only peace does. More so, the king amnesty granted to them by our leader has its limitations. It’s not forever, nor should it be.

God bless you, and God bless Dawela Jenub El Sudan… Peace.

The author is a peace loving citizen of South Sudan, can be reached at: [email protected] or [email protected].

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