
Aiming for zero cholera in South Sudan (04.08.2019)




The Troika (the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) reaffirm their commitment to the IGAD-led South Sudan peace process and to the lasting peace the people of South Sudan deserve. The significant drop in political violence and the presence of many opposition politicians in Juba are welcome developments. However, with less than four months until the new deadline for the end of the pre-transitional period, time is running out. While there is progress, lack of momentum to fully implement the peace agreement may threaten the successful formation of the transitional government and prospects for the peace process.
We call on the parties to redouble their efforts to resolve the most pressing remaining issues, which includes ensuring agreed security reforms are delivered, through the mobilization of necessary support. We repeat calls by the region and South Sudan’s civil society in calling for regular engagement between President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar. Focused discussions on outstanding tasks are critical for progress towards the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, which will set the foundation for effective joint governance. Credible elections in South Sudan in 2022 are another important milestone.
We are encouraged by the appointment of His Excellency Stephen Kalonzo as the Kenyan Special Envoy on South Sudan; this is an important demonstration of commitment from an IGAD member state. The Troika also welcomes the commitment made by the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad hoc Committee (the C5) at the AU summit on 6 July to re-engage in South Sudan’s peace process. The role of IGAD countries and the wider international community remains critical, and the Troika stands ready to support the region’s engagement.
For the peace process to remain credible, it is important that the parties demonstrate their commitment to peace, and meet the assurances they made in May. The Troika stands by the people of South Sudan and looks forward to working with the peace agreement’s mandated reconstituted transitional government to support a successful transitional period.





“Oh God!
We praise and glorify you
For your grace on South Sudan
Land of great abundance
Uphold us united in peace and harmony
Oh motherland!
We rise raising flag with the guiding star
And sing songs of freedom with joy,
For Justice, Liberty and Prosperity
Shall forevermore reign.
Oh Great Patriots!
Let us stand up in silence and respect
Saluting our Martyrs whose blood
Cemented our National foundation,
We vow to protect our Nation.
Oh God, Bless South Sudan!” (South Sudan Oyee! – South Sudan National Anthem).
Well, were here that the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardiit has decreed that only in his presence and at his functions this song can be played. The National Anthem, the song that celebrates the Republic of South Sudan can only be sung when his around. That is what the newest decree is all about(!). This is not a joke; this is the SPLA/M-IG way of spreading the love of independence to the public.
Eye Radio reports: “Addressing the media, Makuei said the instruction states that the national anthem shall be sung only in the presence of the president. “It’s been observed that the national anthem is been played all over,” he stated. “Everybody is playing the national anthem. For the information of everybody, the national anthem is only meant for the president, and functions attended by him.”” (Juan Evalyn & Alhadi Hawari – ‘Kiir bans singing of national song in his absence’ 22.07.2019, link: https://eyeradio.org/kiir-bans-singing-of-national-song-in-his-absence/ ).
We can clearly see the message and the idea behind the songs in the eyes of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) and the President. That this song, only function to be at functions where the President resides. Who cares about the sons and daughters who became martyrs, singing it all over the nation, as their sacrifice is the reason for the existence of the Republic? Nah man, their cause and their sacrifice for the freedom and liberty from Khartoum, was so that people could sing around the President. This is how it seems, because, this is a song that is supposed to unify the nation. The song that everyone should know to be patriotic about the Republic, not the ones who govern it. However, that seems a bit foolish now.
Why this is kind of shocking, because this is usually what an National Anthem is supposed to do: “The national anthem, like other national symbols of a country, represents the tradition, history, and beliefs of a nation and its people. Hence, it helps evoke feelings of patriotism among the country’s citizens and reminds them of their nation’s glory, beauty, and rich heritage. It also helps unite the citizens of the country by one single song or music. During the performance of the national anthem, citizens of a nation, despite their ethnic differences, rise up in unison and listen attentively or sing the song with great enthusiasm” (World Atlas – ‘What Is the Purpose of a National Anthem?’ 05.02.2019, link: https://www.worldatlas.com/what-does-the-national-anthem-mean.html).
Surely, the National Anthem of South Sudan isn’t meant to unify or be a remembrance for the citizens. It’s supposed to only be a vital part of the ass-kissing of the pride and glory of the President. Everyone else has to figure out other ways to be unified and find something to be united over. Especially not this song, as that has been banned from being played when His Excellency is not around. Peace.



