A columnist with One Citizen Daily Newspaper has shared her thoughts on South Sudan, challenging the common narrative that the country is defined by its problems. Catherine Lunkuse, in her op-ed, wrote that before visiting South Sudan, she had heard stories about the country's conflict, poverty, displacement, and economic hardship. However, after spending some months in the country, she discovered a more complex and hopeful reality. Lunkuse's article was published on September 22, 2026.
Lunkuse's experience in South Sudan led her to conclude that the country is defined by its resilience, not its problems. She observed that people in South Sudan wake up every morning and go to work, despite the challenges they face. She saw traders opening their businesses, professionals reporting to their workplaces, and parents worrying about school fees. Lunkuse noted that resilience is not always dramatic, but rather it is the everyday actions of people adapting, improvising, and working towards a better future.
The columnist also highlighted the hospitality she experienced during her stay in South Sudan. As a foreigner, she was welcomed into conversations, workplaces, and communities, challenging some of the assumptions she had before arriving. Lunkuse discovered that behind the country's difficult headlines are ordinary people who laugh, celebrate, build relationships, and raise families. She noted that South Sudan is not simply a story of suffering, but a story of courageous people who face challenges with hope.
Lunkuse emphasized that every nation faces its own challenges, and South Sudan is no exception. She acknowledged that the country's difficulties should not be seen as criticism, but as part of understanding the realities they face. The columnist called for continued efforts to strengthen services and expand opportunities for the people of South Sudan. She noted that young people deserve opportunities to work, innovate, and build businesses.
The columnist particularly highlighted the opportunities that could emerge from investing in women and young people. She noted that women are already contributing to households, businesses, and the economy, but many still face barriers to finance, formal employment, and business development. Lunkuse emphasized that young people represent enormous human potential, and if their energy and creativity are connected to education, vocational skills, and employment, they can become powerful contributors to South Sudan's economic transformation.
Lunkuse also noted that South Sudan does not lack people with dreams, but rather, there is a need to create pathways for those dreams to become reality. She called for the creation of opportunities for women and young people to access finance, markets, education, and leadership opportunities. The columnist emphasized that communities deserve an economy that allows hard work to translate into sustainable livelihoods.
The op-ed by Lunkuse has sparked a conversation about the narrative of South Sudan. Other opinion pieces have been published, including "NATION TALK: Intensify security to stop road ambushes" on September 29, 2026, and "OPINION: The retirement of 5 Vice Presidents will drive South Sudan’s development" on September 28, 2026. Additionally, "NATION TALK: Newly appointed caretaker governors must prioritise protection of civilians" was published on September 26, 2026.
Key points
- The columnist, Catherine Lunkuse, argues that South Sudan is defined by its resilience, not its problems.
- Lunkuse calls for continued efforts to strengthen services and expand opportunities for the people of South Sudan.
- The columnist highlights the need to invest in women and young people to unlock their potential and contribute to South Sudan's economic transformation.
