24/09/2025
The Major Issues Of South Sudan Are Often Misunderstood.
By Deng Chol
Many people think that the Dinka as a community are standing with Salva Kiir or blindly supporting the government.
But to me, that is not the truth.
The real issue is the way criticism is expressed.
Whenever frustrations are raised, they are rarely directed at Salva Kiir as a leader or at the government as an institution.
Instead, the anger is directed toward the Dinka people as a whole simply because the president is from this tribe.
This kind of generalization is both unfair and harmful.
It makes it look as though every Dinka person is responsible for what Salva Kiir or a small group of elites are doing, when in reality, that is far from the truth. Most ordinary Dinka people, myself included, are not benefiting from this government in any way.
In fact, the majority of Dinka are suffering in silence facing hunger, insecurity, displacement, and lack of basic services just like every other community in South Sudan.
Only a handful of privileged families are truly benefiting, and yet the blame falls on the whole tribe.
When criticism comes at the Dinka people instead of the government, it forces many of us to retreat into our tribal lines.
Not because we want to support tribalism, but because we feel collectively attacked for something that is beyond our control. Speaking for myself, I do not support tribalism, and I don’t believe in protecting wrong leadership just because of tribal ties. But when people attack me as a Dinka rather than addressing the failures of the government, it puts me in a position where I feel cornered and misunderstood.
I want my brothers and sisters from other communities to know that being Dinka does not mean I automatically support Salva Kiir or the system in Juba.
I strongly believe that tribalism is one of the biggest reasons our country is stuck in endless conflict.
I believe in justice, equality, and unity, and I know that no single tribe can build this country alone.
For me, the day I see someone rise and speak clearly against the government not against tribes, not against the Dinka people, but against corruption, misrule, and injustice that will be the day I fully stand with that person.
Because the truth is, I long for change, fairness, and a better South Sudan just like everyone else.
So my message is simple: do not mistake my defense of my dignity as blind support for the government.
Do not confuse my identity with my political choices.
I am Dinka, yes, but I am also a South Sudanese citizen who suffers, who struggles, and who dreams of a country where all tribes live in peace and fairness.
The future of South Sudan depends on our ability to separate individuals from tribes, and leadership from ethnicity.
If we continue to blame entire communities for the actions of a few, we will only fuel more division.
But if we learn to fight the real enemy corruption, injustice, greed, and mismanagementthen we will finally stand together as South Sudanese.
This is not about us versus them. For me, it is about all of us finding a way to live as one nation.
I am Dinka, but I am not your enemy.
My enemy, like yours, is bad governance and injustice.
That is where our struggle should be directed.
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