Should the history of and struggle for South Sudan begin in 1983?

By Binya Benson

Before 16th May 1983, a lot happened among Southern and Northern Sudanese. I suppose that these happenings began after the conclusion of the infamous Juba Conference of 1947, a conference whose aftermath gave birth to struggles for equality in service provision, end to marginalization, and self-determination by Southerners.

The years that followed 1947 saw the rise of Anyanya I, Anyanya II, SUNU, SUNU Inside, SUNU Outside, Southern Sudan Liberation Movement, prolonged civil wars, and peace agreements etc. If I have understood the history well, by 1983, Southerners had grown profoundly disaffectionate towards the then Central Government in the North, following the undesirable continuity in marginalization felt by the people in the South. Subsequently, from May 1983, a more robust and determined struggle for total change began, under the auspices of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). This led to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005, a timetable for a Southern Sudanese independence referendum, among other aims of the agreement, thanks to IGAD’s encouragement. Till date, the major outcome we can proudly brag about is the existence of our own, and Africa’s youngest country, the Republic of South Sudan. If there is a difference between my text and what is true of our history, the cause is a lack of one accepted history book. I am even inclined to ask: Should I forget about the events before 1983? Should there be a book containing our history?

History is vital: It informs us about the past and help us shape the future. Being born after the 90’s, I think that I and the next generations deserve a comprehensive book from which we can learn about the history of South Sudan. I suggest that this book is known as, “The History of South Sudan.” If it comes to life, I propose that the book is kept in a museum, to be known as, “The National Museum of South Sudan” which I suggest should also contain the names, biographies, and even sculptures of South Sudan’s key freedom fighters. In front of the museum could stand a large statue that recognizes the sacrifices of all freedom fighters.

In summary, South Sudan’s complex history, struggles for freedom, pains, losses and gains prior to its independence is important to write, accept, and protect for today and the future, to inform about the past and shape the future. Our collective history could provide a strong foundation for genuine national identity, patriotism, and peace. With the SPLM being a key factor in our struggle and the ruling party, it has the greatest ability to fix it.