By: Chol Ajak Demac
August 3, 2011 (SSNA) — First, I would like to seize this opportunity to congratulate the people of South Sudan for achieving and celebrating our independence, also, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to President Lt. General, Salva Kiir Mayardit for his wise leadership that guides us through all the difficulties, until we reached the shore. Thus, I will not forget to salute our fallen heroes, heroines, and martyrs whose blood cemented Our National Foundation, they can now rest in peace because; their dreams comes true, and the mission has been accomplished.
Your Excellency, after the dust of celebration has been finally calmed, there is a lot of work that need to be done accordingly, by the Government, and the public, Therefore, many questions in minds that need to be asked by ordinary Citizen of the Republic Of South Sudan (RSS), personally, I am one of them. And the questions are as follow:
Mr. President;
1. Fifty years from now are we going to look like North or South Korea?
2. In years to come are you going to be remembered as Nelson Mandela, or Robert Mug Abe?
3. Fifty years after independence are we going to look like India or Pakistan?
4. Are you going to support the term limits on the new RSS constitution? Dr. John Garang once said this “No war of liberation, as we are fighting is fought in order for a particular person to became head of State or leader.”
5. What are you going to do about the corruption? Again in the word of Dr. Garang “ There are many, here and elsewhere, who think that peace is about job allocation, appointment of position of authority, is about lining the pockets through misuse or abuse of public assets, or is about lording it over others. Those who thus think must be reading from a different script than mine.” you said; “There will be Zero tolerance on corruption.” Are we going to see some actions in this matter soon?
6. Is your Government going to work hard to take the city to the village and not the village to the city, and if, so, how? South Africa former president Mr. Nelson Mandela once said “Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.” Or in the word of our late leader, Dr. John Garang “ Democracy, whether in the North or South, should no longer and solely be a struggle for power but rather as a competition on providing good governance, and delivering social services for our people, and restoring the dignity and wealth sharing with every man and women.”
7. Lastly, but not the least, Mr. President; are we going to be the beacon of light and hope in Africa or a laughing stick of the World, and northerners brothers too?
Mr. President; these are the questions you would have to answer throughout your terms in the office, not only with words, but, with actions. Our almighty God; is your witness.
God bless you, and may God bless the Republic of South Sudan?
The author of this article is former secretary general of SPLM chapter in Arizona State. (USA), and can be reach at [email protected].