Is the Lack of Service by the Government of President Salva Kiir Akin to Old Age?

In a startling revelation, President Salva Kiir confirmed that there has been a lack of effective governance in South Sudan since its inception. In a candid admission, he acknowledged that the previous governments he led have failed to deliver the much-needed change that the people of South Sudan have longed for. However, amidst this acknowledgement, President Kiir has expressed his willingness to employ young people who can bring about the transformative change that the nation desperately needs.

The question arises: are the failures of the previous governments solely attributed to the presence of older individuals in positions of power? In my honest view, the lack of service by the government under President Salva Kiir can be attributed to his failure to establish independent and accountable institutions in South Sudan. The success of any government lies in its ability to build strong institutions that can effectively serve the needs of the people. Unfortunately, President Kiir’s leadership has been marred by a lack of focus on institution-building.

Without independent and accountable institutions in place, there is little to no oversight or checks and balances on the actions of the government. This lack of accountability leads to a culture of impunity, where corruption and mismanagement thrive. As a result, the people of South Sudan have been left without essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

The absence of independent institutions hinders the government’s ability to effectively plan and execute policies and programs. Decisions are often made based on personal interests rather than the needs of the people. This lack of strategic planning and coordination has resulted in a fragmented and inefficient system, further exacerbating the lack of service delivery.

Young people will not be able to work miracles and bring about significant change if President Salva Kiir continues with his current kleptocratic leadership style. The lack of independent and accountable institutions in the government hinders the progress and development of the country, leaving the youth with limited opportunities for growth and advancement.

If there were independent and accountable institutions in place, the potential for the youth to flourish and contribute to the nation’s prosperity would be immense. Instead, they are left grappling with a system riddled with corruption and nepotism, where only a select few benefit from the country’s resources. This not only stifles the aspirations of the young generation but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality and underdevelopment.

If there were old people providing services to the people of South Sudan, I would have been the happiest person, free to roam the world and witness the remarkable work of my uncles rather than being entangled in the chaotic realm of politics. The wisdom and experience that come with age are invaluable assets capable of shaping a nation’s destiny for the better. Unfortunately, under the government of President Salva Kiir, the lack of efficient and effective service delivery has become a glaring reality, leaving the citizens of South Sudan disillusioned and yearning for a leadership that prioritizes their needs.

President Kiir’s failure to establish independent and accountable institutions has directly contributed to the lack of service by the government. Without a strong foundation of institutions, it is difficult to expect any meaningful progress in addressing the needs of the people of South Sudan. It is imperative for the government to prioritize institution-building in order to effectively serve its citizens and foster sustainable development.

The writer is Dr. Gai Chol Paul.

Chairman, People’s United Forum