As the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) conducts its primaries ahead of the December 2026 general elections, citizens are calling for a new kind of leadership. They want leaders who can make a tangible difference in their daily lives, addressing pressing issues such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education and clean water. This is not an unreasonable expectation, but rather a fundamental aspect of leadership.
The current style of leadership in South Sudan, often characterized as "mama mboga," is centered on personal connections and the pursuit of positions, rather than a genuine commitment to serving the people. Citizens are looking for leaders who can move beyond campaign promises and deliver concrete results. They want to see improvements in the condition of hospitals, schools, and roads, as well as opportunities for young people, farmers, and traders.
Effective leadership in South Sudan requires a willingness to listen to the concerns of citizens and take responsibility for one's actions. Leaders should be accessible, hearing the views of ordinary citizens, including farmers, teachers, health workers, and traditional leaders. They must be able to make informed decisions that respond to the needs of their communities, rather than simply relying on advisers and political allies.
A key aspect of leadership is taking responsibility for one's actions and being accountable for the use of public resources. Leaders should be willing to acknowledge mistakes, correct them, and work to improve government performance. Citizens have a right to know how public money is spent and what has been achieved with it. Accountability should not be seen as an attack on leadership, but rather as a fundamental aspect of holding public office.
As the SPLM conducts its primaries, party members have an opportunity to carefully consider the qualifications and leadership experience of candidates. Rather than relying solely on party loyalty and personal relationships, candidates should be assessed on their understanding of the challenges facing their states and administrative areas, as well as their plans for service delivery and willingness to be accountable.
The choice of leaders extends beyond party loyalty, and voters across all political parties should demand the same level of accountability from candidates. Citizens should look beyond campaign speeches and assess what each candidate has done, what they intend to do, and how they plan to achieve their goals. Ultimately, the people must decide what kind of leadership they want and set the standards for those seeking their trust.
The measure of a leader in South Sudan should not be their personal power or influence, but rather the positive impact they have on the lives of citizens. The country needs leaders who are close to the people, understand their problems, take their responsibilities seriously, and work to improve their lives. By demanding leaders who listen, serve, and deliver, citizens can help bring about a new era of effective governance in South Sudan.
Key points
- Citizens in South Sudan are demanding leaders who can deliver on promises, listen to their concerns, and take responsibility for their actions.
- Effective leadership in South Sudan requires a willingness to listen to citizens, take responsibility for one's actions, and be accountable for the use of public resources.
- The choice of leaders extends beyond party loyalty, and voters should demand accountability and a commitment to service delivery from candidates.
