Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: 1 hour ago
Cdr. Agel Machar, former youth leader and political figure – Courtesy
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Former youth leader and political figure Agel Machar issued a stark warning of national collapse on Friday, asserting that the escalating violence across Jonglei, Equatoria, and Bahr El Ghazal stems from a total loss of public faith in the government.
Speaking on Friday, January 23, at a reception ceremony for the newly appointed Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense, Gen. Akech Tong, Machar told military and political leaders that South Sudan faces a crisis far deeper than a simple military “rebellion.”
He argued that the unrest is a symptom of widespread civil disobedience fueled by a broken relationship between the state and its citizens.
“The public has lost faith in its government,” Machar stated. “The social contract between the government and the people is eroding. It is happening everywhere, even in Warrap. If we don’t understand the root of this problem, the country itself can collapse.”
Machar drew a historical parallel to 1955, noting that the cycle of chaos in the region has remained largely unchanged for seven decades. He cautioned that while military intervention is a tool, it is not a cure for the current instability.
While acknowledging the role of the military, Machar emphasized that a battlefield victory cannot replace a political settlement.
“Yes, we can send forces to Jonglei, but at the same time, we cannot forget that we need a political solution,” Machar said. “The army can do its work, and politicians have to do their work.”
Machar concluded with a plea for peace, reminding those in attendance that the cost of the conflict is being paid in South Sudanese lives, regardless of their affiliation.
“We need to find a solution so that the killing of our people will stop,” he urged. “Because those dying on both sides are our people.”
