By: Otwari Dominic Oromo
South Sudan is a nation of young people. The youth make up the majority of our population, yet we remain sidelined in decision-making, exploited by politicians, and trapped in a cycle of ethnic hatred that does not serve our future. It is time for us to break free from this cycle and reclaim our destiny. For too long, young people have been used as tools in political conflicts. During the liberation struggle, many of our fathers, uncles, and even some of us were forcefully recruited into the war. They carried the burden of fighting for freedom, yet today, we are denied the opportunity to lead and shape the country we sacrificed so much for. Instead, we see leaders who manipulate us, feeding us lies that divide us along tribal lines, while they enjoy power and wealth at our expense.As youth, we must reject tribalism and ethnic hatred. These divisions have not only fueled conflicts among our communities but also led to suffering, destruction, and lose of opportunities. We must refuse to be pawns in the hands of self-serving politicians who fuel hatred for their own gain to remain in power. Instead of fighting each other, we should be fighting for better education, job opportunities, and a seat at the decision making table.Social media has become a battleground where hate speech spreads like wildfire, inciting violence and deepening divisions. But we can use this same platform to promote peace, unity, and development. Let us be the generation that silences the voices of division and amplifies the voices of hope, progress, and inclusivity.We are not just the leaders of tomorrow we are the leaders of today. We must seize every available opportunity to develop ourselves, whether through education, entrepreneurship, or innovation. South Sudan needs doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, and business leaders more than it needs tribal warriors. Let us focus on building skills that will help us transform our country rather than engaging in political sycophancy that only benefits a few individuals.Creativity and innovation should be our weapons in the fight against poverty and unemployment. We must invest in ideas that can uplift our communities rather than waiting for handouts from leaders who only remember us in the path for elections instead of investing in our generation. By working hard, thinking critically, and staying united, we can create a South Sudan where youth lead the way in development and prosperity.The struggle for independence was not just for the old generation, for a specific tribe, clan or region but every South Sudanese collectively contributed to birth of this young nation whether, refugees, asylum seekers, diaspora or those exiled it was all of us and for all of us. Yet, when decisions are being made, young people are often ignored and told to wait for their time as if there was a stipulated time for the young people to be handed over the leadership. We must demand our rightful place in leadership, not through violence but through competence, integrity, and unity. The future of South Sudan depends on young minds that can think beyond tribal lines and work for the good of all people. To achieve this, we must prepare ourselves. We must educate ourselves, build strong networks, and engage in constructive dialogues. We practice right models of governance in our associations, Unions and other youth networks. Lets support leaders who prioritize development over division, and hold those in power accountable for their actions.South Sudan cannot move forward if its youth remain divided along tribal lines as Samora Machel once said “For a nation to thrive, the tribe must die”. We must stand together as one people, not Acholi, Dinka, Kuku, Mundari, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Lopit or any other tribe, but as South Sudanese. Our identity is not in our ethnicity it is in our shared dreams and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous nation. Let us be the generation that ends tribalism. Let us be the youth that refuse to be used as tools of destruction. Let us be the builders of a new South Sudan where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.The author is a prominent voice for youth advocacy, for feedback or further
discussion on this article, please contact the author at otwaridominco@gmail.com or +211929931917
