South Sudan’s Shortcut to Riches


By Majur Chol Khor

In the tumultuous political environment of South Sudan, it appears that achieving power and wealth does not depend on one’s hard work, dedication, and merit. Instead, it seems that success is more easily attained through manipulation, opportunism, and slander.

It is disheartening to witness the easy ways in which individuals can politicize and amass riches in this young nation.

One alarming trend that has emerged is the strategy of rebellion and abuse towards the President. 

It seems that if one decides to rebel against the government and start hurling insults at the President, they are swiftly rewarded with positions of power and influence. 

This not only undermines the principles of good governance but also perpetuates a culture of political opportunism. It sends a message to the ambitious youth that one can easily climb the political ladder by simply opposing the current leadership, regardless of their qualifications or intentions.

Furthermore, it is disturbing to witness the ease with which individuals can tarnish the reputation of the businesswomen to gain money and public attention. 

A prime example of this is the case of Achai Wiir, a successful entrepreneur who has been subjected to baseless accusations. 

It seems that in South Sudan, attacking the reputation of a wealthy businesswoman is a surefire way to gain financial rewards and public sympathy. 

This not only undermines the hard work and achievements of these individuals but also discourages entrepreneurship and investment in the country.

Another shocking avenue to political and financial success in South Sudan is the creation of controversial songs. 

It has become a common tactic for aspiring musicians to compose provocative songs that target politicians or other public figures. These songs often contain explicit lyrics and derogatory language, aimed solely at gaining attention and financial rewards. 

The fact that such songs are celebrated and rewarded in the music industry highlights a worrying trend of valuing controversy over talent and creativity.

The consequences of these easy ways to politic and riches are far-reaching and detrimental to the development of South Sudan. They discourage genuine political participation, as individuals may feel that their hard work and dedication are futile in the face of opportunistic tactics.

It is crucial for South Sudanese to recognize and condemn these easy paths to success. Instead, the focus should be on promoting meritocracy, integrity, and hard work. 

The government must prioritize the appointment of qualified individuals based on their skills and experience, rather than rewarding rebels and political opportunists. Similarly, the media and the public should refrain from glorifying and rewarding those who engage in baseless accusations.

It is high time for South Sudanese to reject these destructive practices and work towards a more inclusive, merit-based, and prosperous future.

Author: Majur Chol Khor

Majur is a multi-media award-winning journalist, public relations specialist, documentary expert from South Sudan. You can easily connect with him through various platforms such as WhatsApp at +254 796 523 948, email at majurcholkhor@gmail.com, and social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.