South Sudan is standing at a defining moment. Across the nation, political mistrust, economic hardship, security concerns, weakened institutions, and declining public confidence continue to erode the foundations of peace and development.
At such a critical juncture, unity among political actors is not simply desirable, it is essential. And nowhere is this urgency more visible than in Central Equatoria State (CES) and other sisterly states facing similar pressures.
Central Equatoria, home to the capital and the nation’s administrative heartbeat, remains a symbol of unity, history, and political identity.
Its stability is not only a local concern; it is a national imperative. When governance in CES is strong and cohesive, the entire country benefits. But when its leadership is destabilized by internal divisions or partisan interference, the consequences ripple across all ten states.
This moment calls for political actors to stand firmly with state leadership. Competition must not become a source of instability. Instead, political engagement should be rooted in partnership, accountability, and a shared commitment to public welfare.
Leaders must place citizens above political ambitions, support governance rather than undermine it, and promote dialogue over intrigue or factionalism.
Unity in CES matters deeply because the state hosts national institutions, diplomatic missions, major investments, and a diverse population representing the country’s cultural fabric. Instability in such a strategic environment triggers widespread uncertainty.
Yet, with united political leadership, CES like other states can restore public trust, provide a secure environment for development, and reinforce the rule of law. This unity can inspire reconciliation and stability far beyond its borders.
Supporting state leadership does not mean abandoning accountability; it means embracing shared responsibility. Every political actor has a role to play in rebuilding trust, strengthening peace agreement implementation, advancing inclusive development, and upholding transparency.
This collective approach is the only path to rescue communities from fear, poverty, and hopelessness.
South Sudan’s founding promises to deliver dignity, development, and peace must not be lost to division. Leaders should protect and elevate this vision, ensuring that politics serves the people rather than destabilizes them.
Let CES and its sister states be examples of how unity, not fragmentation, can guide the country toward recovery.
United, we salvage our nation. Divided, we risk losing it. The choice remains in the hands of our political actors and the time to choose unity is now.
The writer is Hon. Mogga Charles Guya, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, SSNMC – Juba and the views expressed in this opinion are solely those of the author and do not represent the position of Standard News Zone.
