19/06/2025
Shut down political allegations against His Excellency Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel
By Koor Mayen Aru
In a country where truth is often obscured by individuals who hinder national progress, I feel compelled to speak directly to the people of South Sudan. The recent appointment of His Excellency Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as Vice President for the Economic Cluster is not just a political event, it is a beacon of hope for all South Sudanese who aspire to see real development in our beloved nation.
This appointment represents a new dawn. And many of you, if we put aside the misleading narratives shaped by those who benefit from ongoing national instability, will come to agree with me. If we allow truth to guide our reasoning, rather than being swayed by the illusions created by opportunists, we will see that Dr. Bol Mel’s rise is a step forward.
There are people whose motives are deeply rooted in maintaining the suffering of South Sudan for their own gain. But we must remember the unity that brought us to independence. South Sudanese shed tears and blood, and many returned from across the globe with a shared purpose: to build a free and united nation. That unity, sealed with the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and heroines, should not be undermined by political sabotage or individual greed.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, as a human being, has led this country to the best of his capacity. Like all leaders around the world, he may have made mistakes. But let us not ignore the progress achieved under his leadership. We must recognize the tremendous efforts and sacrifices made by him and his administration. As citizens, our role is not only to celebrate the good but also to hold our leaders accountable when necessary and always in the interest of nation-building.
We are living in a time where making mistakes is almost inevitable. And let’s be honest: if you or I were elected today, we might also stumble. Why? Because to err is human.
Even in the Bible, in the book of 1 Kings 11:1–4, King Solomon who considered the wisest man chosen by God fell from grace. His downfall came as a result of marrying many foreign women and turning to their gods, breaking God’s commandments. This disobedience led to the division of his kingdom after his death. This biblical reference reminds us that wisdom does not exempt a leader from error. Yet even when leaders fall, a nation can rebuild and realign its direction.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), under the leadership of President Salva Kiir, remains committed to the founding principles of liberty, justice, and prosperity. It is within the SPLM's prerogative to remove anyone who defies these principles and to appoint leaders who uphold them. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel’s appointment aligns with that very prerogative. It has also disrupted the political maneuvering of individuals who have misused resources for personal gain without addressing the actual needs of the citizens.
Those who have long called for leadership that can strengthen South Sudan’s economy and infrastructure should now recognize that their call has been answered. Despite being under U.S. sanctions, Dr. Bol Mel has shown unwavering commitment to national restoration. His passion and vision for economic diversification, especially in agriculture and infrastructure, prove he is more than capable of holding this high office. In fact, given full authority, he could successfully lead South Sudan even as President.
For years, South Sudanese have yearned for an educated, energetic, and youthful leader who could rescue our economy and revitalize national pride. That leader, I believe, is none other than Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. His academic background, professional experience, and patriotism put him in a strong position to drive transformational change.
Let us not allow rumors and politically motivated allegations to distract us from progress. Instead, we should focus on supporting capable leaders and holding them to account in the spirit of unity and truth. South Sudan deserves better and better begins with integrity, wisdom, and forward-looking leadership.
To Be Continued...
The writer is a concerned citizen and freelance journalist who is deeply passionate about the progress of South Sudan.
He can be reached at [email protected]
