Open Letter to His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit
By Dr. Stephen Dhieu Kuach, PhD
His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit,
President of the Republic of South Sudan,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
— Nelson Mandela
I begin this letter by invoking the blessings of the Almighty God, the God of the people of South Sudan, and seeking His continued guidance upon your leadership. May He also bless the memory of our heroic martyrs, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. May His divine wisdom empower you to carry forward their noble legacy and lead us toward a future that honors their sacrifices.
• South Sudan’s struggle for independence, spanning generations from the early 1950s to our hard-earned liberation in 2011, cost us dearly in blood and tears. The courage and resilience displayed by our fallen heroes must remain a constant reminder of the profound price we paid for the sovereignty we now hold. Their legacy, Mr. President, must continually inspire and inform the decisions of those entrusted with the responsibility of governance. It is upon this sacred foundation that I respectfully present this letter, intending to offer constructive reflections that I hope will inform your continued leadership of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU).
• The State of Trust and Governance in South Sudan
• The people of South Sudan have endured years of conflict, economic hardship, and political instability. They have sacrificed tremendously, placing their trust in a leadership that has often faltered in delivering on its promises. Many South Sudanese, who once stood united in the pursuit of freedom, now face disillusionment, having witnessed repeated betrayals by those who once shared the liberation struggle. These betrayals have led to a profound erosion of trust in the institutions of government.
• The result, Your Excellency, is a pervasive sense of skepticism and disillusionment toward the state. The promises made to the people are seen as hollow, and the once-celebrated vision of unity and peace appears increasingly distant. I am deeply concerned that unless decisive action is taken, the political system will continue to experience an erosion of public confidence that could undermine the effectiveness of government institutions and policies.
• As someone who has observed South Sudan’s journey, I believe that while the challenges we face are formidable, they are not insurmountable. Through a deliberate and well-coordinated effort that prioritizes accountability, integrity, and a commitment to the public good, South Sudan can emerge from this crisis stronger and more united. However, this requires an immediate and thorough reassessment of the policies and structures that govern our nation.
• Restoring Trust: A Call for Transparent and Accountable Leadership
• Your leadership has been instrumental in steering the country through tumultuous periods, yet the time has come for more profound and transformative reforms. The people of South Sudan are yearning for change, but for such change to be credible, it must be accompanied by clear and demonstrable efforts to address the systemic issues of governance that have contributed to the prevailing crisis of trust.
• To restore the confidence of the people, I humbly propose the following action points:
• National Anti-Corruption Campaign:
South Sudan is in desperate need of a comprehensive and sustained anti-corruption initiative. This initiative must be robust, far-reaching, and institutionally empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels. The creation of an independent, well-resourced anti-corruption commission, equipped with the mandate and authority to operate without fear or favor, is an urgent necessity. The results of this campaign must be transparent and publicly disclosed, with accountability mechanisms in place to ensure that those found guilty of corruption, regardless of rank or status, face justice.
• Decentralization of Governance:
One of the most critical concerns raised by South Sudanese citizens is the over-centralization of power. Many people feel that decisions affecting their lives are made far from their communities, by leaders who are disconnected from the realities of daily life. To address this, I urge you to champion decentralization, empowering local and state governments to make decisions that are in closer alignment with the needs of their communities. This will foster greater public participation and a sense of ownership over their future, while simultaneously easing the burdens placed on an overextended central government.
• Electoral Reform and the Timely Holding of Elections:
The upcoming elections in 2026 present a pivotal moment for the nation. They must be conducted on time, with the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity. Electoral reforms must be instituted to ensure that these elections are free from fraud, manipulation, and violence. I recommend the establishment of an independent electoral commission with both national and international support to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process. Holding elections that are widely regarded as legitimate will go a long way in restoring public trust and reinforcing the democratic fabric of our society.
• Enhancing Civil Service Capacity and Welfare:
The civil service in South Sudan has long been neglected, and yet it is the foundation upon which effective governance is built. South Sudanese civil servants are underpaid, overworked, and often disenfranchised. Their salaries must be reviewed and increased to reflect the critical role they play in the functioning of government. Moreover, investing in the professional development of civil servants through training in governance, ethics, and leadership will help to cultivate a more competent, accountable, and motivated public sector.
• Addressing the Economic Challenges: Building a Sustainable Future
• South Sudan’s economy is endowed with vast natural resources, but mismanagement, corruption, and political instability have hindered the potential for sustained economic growth and prosperity. To address these challenges, I propose the following strategic actions:
• Diversification of the Economy:
South Sudan’s heavy dependence on oil exports has left the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diversifying the economy is crucial to achieving long-term economic stability. By investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, South Sudan can create new opportunities for growth, employment, and wealth creation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be supported with access to capital and entrepreneurial training to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Infrastructure Development and Job Creation:
Infrastructure deficits—such as the lack of roads, electricity, and water—remain significant barriers to development in many parts of South Sudan. Priority must be given to projects that have direct impacts on the livelihoods of ordinary South Sudanese. By focusing on infrastructure development, your government can create much-needed jobs, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the quality of life for the population.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Public Financial Management:
Sound fiscal policies are essential for sustainable development. The release of unapproved budget proposals, such as the recent 800% salary increase for political appointees, sends a damaging message to the public about the disconnect between government priorities and the needs of ordinary citizens. A more disciplined, transparent, and accountable approach to fiscal management is required to ensure that public funds are allocated in a manner that prioritizes the long-term development of the nation and serves the collective interests of the people.
• Sustainable Management of Oil Revenues:
The wealth generated from South Sudan’s oil must be used for the benefit of the entire nation. To this end, a transparent and accountable mechanism for managing oil revenues must be established. This should include the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to save for future generations and an independent audit system to monitor the allocation of oil revenues. This will ensure that oil wealth is not misappropriated by elites, but instead used to foster broad-based national development.
• A Vision for a United and Prosperous South Sudan
• Mr. President, South Sudan is at a critical crossroads. The decisions made in the coming years will define the future of our nation. You possess the power to unite the people, restore confidence in government, and steer the country toward sustainable peace and prosperity.
• However, this will require bold, visionary, and inclusive leadership. You cannot succeed alone—true progress will only come through the collective efforts of the political elite, civil servants, and citizens, all working in harmony toward a common vision.
• You are the father of this nation, Mr. President, and your leadership must reflect the aspirations of the people. The government must act as a nurturing force, providing the foundation upon which our society can build. The people of South Sudan are like children, whose future depends on the strength of their leaders to guide them.
• As the late Dr. John Garang famously said, “If the mosquitoes get into your net, you are the one to be blamed.” This wisdom speaks to the weight of leadership and the collective responsibility borne by those in power. If our nation falters under your stewardship, the responsibility will rest upon you, and the people will look to you for the vision and guidance to lift them from the hardships they face.
• May God continue to guide you in your leadership, as you take the necessary steps to lead South Sudan toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
• Yours sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Dhieu Kuach, PhD
E-mail: dr.stephen.dhieu@gmail.com
X: @dhieu_phd
