Dr. Joseph Siegle warns that South Sudan’s failure to pay civil servants and armed forces may lead to state collapse, deepening lawlessness and empowering warlords. He cites the lack of political will for elections, the need for independent governance institutions, and civil society’s role in the transition to democracy as key issues. The ongoing regional conflicts further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, necessitating a strategic response from both domestic and international stakeholders for sustainable peace and stability.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Joseph Siegle, the Director of Research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, provided an in-depth analysis of South Sudan’s prevailing governance issues and the risks posed by the ongoing failure to pay civil servants and armed forces. He emphasized that this financial crisis illustrates the underlying weak governance realities in South Sudan, potentially leading the nation toward failure as a state. This scenario could result in heightened lawlessness, empowerment of warlords and militias, and further fragmentation of the state. Dr. Siegle criticized the recent two-year extension of the transitional government and the postponement of elections until December 2026, deeming it a predictable outcome of the political leaders’ reluctance to relinquish power. He attributed South Sudan’s difficulties in democratic transition to a lack of political will and incentives among leaders, who avoid elections that could jeopardize their positions. He recommended establishing independent bodies capable of conducting essential processes like censuses and electoral registration as a pathway toward meaningful governance reform. Dr. Siegle acknowledged the limited understanding among South Sudanese citizens regarding their rights and roles in holding leaders accountable, yet noted the active engagement of civil society demanding reforms. He also highlighted the critical need for security sector reforms to achieve political stability, stressing that without a unified military under proper command, insecurity and fragmentation will persist. The ramifications of the conflict in Sudan were also discussed, as the influx of refugees has exacerbated South Sudan’s economic crisis and humanitarian woes, with a significant portion of the population requiring assistance. Finally, Dr. Siegle expressed hope for the Tumaini Peace Initiative, which seeks to mediate between the South Sudanese government and holdout groups, urging that real change must stem from a shift in political will. He concluded by advocating for civil society to lead the transition process, emphasizing that empowering these actors is crucial for restoring stability and governance in South Sudan.
South Sudan has faced persistent governance challenges since gaining independence, culminating in widespread socio-economic turmoil. The government’s inability to pay civil servants and military personnel for extended periods has raised alarm about the state’s stability, prompting concerns regarding its potential descent into a failed state. This situation is compounded by external factors, such as regional conflicts and internal displacement challenges. The international community and regional actors play vital roles in addressing these crises, yet the domestic political landscape remains fractured and polarized, hindering meaningful progress towards democracy and stability.
Dr. Siegle’s insights underscore the multifaceted crisis in South Sudan, linking governance failures with the worsening humanitarian situation and the implications of external conflicts. The necessity of fostering political will among leaders, alongside empowering civil society, emerges as a pivotal solution to navigate the transition towards stability and democracy. The proactive engagement of independent bodies is essential to facilitate crucial electoral and governance reforms, allowing South Sudan to begin addressing its pressing challenges effectively.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
