12/10/2025
: Dear President Salva, reform begins when friendship ceases!
By Dr. Sunday de John
Let me state this clearly: many leaders have been appointed, and President Salva Kiir Mayardit has publicly acknowledged that he is searching for a solution; specifically, a solution to the economic meltdown. He is correct in his assessment; things are not working as he expected, nor as the public desires.
While multiple finance ministers have tried to implement measures for economic recovery, South Sudan remains on the brink of both promise and peril. Their rhetoric has consistently outpaced their actions, nonetheless, the underlying issues continue to thrive unchecked.
Talking is not reform. Extraordinary measures must be taken to implement effective reforms, as true reform cannot flourish in an environment where corruption prevails. We cannot plant seeds in toxic soil and label it agriculture; we must first purify the ground.
Experts from various fields of development and economics have engaged in debates to chart a path toward the redemption of South Sudan. Some economists have indirectly advocated for or referenced Jeffrey Sachs' shock therapy, a rapid liberalization that transformed Russia into a haven for oligarchs. In contrast, others have suggested the Deng Xiaoping gradual reform approach, which involves a slow, disciplined opening that succeeded largely because China had robust institutions.
While we discuss these important theories, we must remember that our economy is not like Russia's or China's. South Sudan is a young and wounded nation, deserving of a chance for rebirth.
I want to emphasize that the “shock therapy” approach, which many see as a viable solution, would be detrimental to the poor citizens of our country. While gradual reform has its merits, it cannot succeed without a foundation of justice; otherwise, it would merely entrench corruption. Thus, neither approach can independently rescue us.
A hybrid reform model is vital for the salvation of our country. This model must be rooted in our context, serving as a mechanism to alleviate our suffering and finally establish a functional system that can infuse new life into our young nation.
Reform is undeniably an uncomfortable responsibility. Reformers will face significant backlash, and those affected by the reforms will experience enduring discomfort. Therefore, as a nation, we must brace ourselves to endure the challenges that reform will bring. To truly invigorate South Sudan, the process should not start with markets; it must begin with “morality.”
It must not begin with privatization; it must begin with purification. Inspired by Brazil’s model, we propose the South Sudanese Car Wash. This initiative should serve as a thorough cleansing of the public service, the contracts, the ministries, the parastatals, and the oil cargoes that have become personal vaults.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit could be remembered for much more than monuments and medals if he were to cut ties with friends and allies, both living and deceased, who have looted the country. I hope history will remember him for his courage in purging the thieves in the Republic of South Sudan.
South Sudan has the potential for revival, and it is indispensable to honor the legacy of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his colleagues including Dr. John Garang de Mabior. However, simply addressing superficial issues won't suffice to save the country or their legacies. A decisive and impactful action, a thunderbolt-like strike against corruption or the corrupters is necessary. This could take various forms, but the most effective would be comprehensive audits of government accounts, road contracts, oil consignments, and procurement deals amongst many others.
From my observation, the people of South Sudan are not asking for miracles; they are seeking the truth. What has happened to their vast resources? They contend that thieves have siphoned off a significant portion of the national wealth.
The domestic economic exploiters have successfully maximized their economic abuse. They have managed to control citizens' ability to acquire, use, and maintain financial resources, thereby undermining their economic security and self-sufficiency.
After effecting their abuse, there has been no threat to their comfort in exploiting the economic freedoms of the citizens. Some individuals conceal their actions behind peace agreements, while others actively perpetuate conflict; these warmongers have become instrumental in exploiting the people. Through their inaction, the governing clique has effectively denied or delayed justice. Justice delayed under the guise of peace is, in reality, not peace at all; it is a prolonged act of betrayal.
For the country to progress, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit must undergo significant changes. His face must be different from the usual one. He needs to cut ties with certain friends and allies and prioritize the establishment of a Special Tribunal on Grand Corruption. Moreover, he should create a National Anti-Corruption Taskforce with the authority to take decisive action. It is also necessary for him to collaborate with the parliament and the judiciary to create and implement a Whistleblower Protection Act. Following these steps, there must be strict and implacable enforcement.
The convicted corruption suspects must face incarceration or the death penalty. Any verdicts issued by competent tribunals should not languish on presidential desks. They must be executed immediately, with firmness, fairness, and impartiality.
To achieve this, we will require individuals of strong conviction. We may need the expertise of Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, and Dr. Nguen Monytuil Weijang, along with other generals recognized for their fairness and never-ending dedication to upholding the law. We need patriots with the resolve to implement justice without compromise.
After cleansing the nation, we can initiate the reform process. This must be a careful and intentional endeavor, not a hasty one. We need to liberalize key sectors that nurture internal growth, such as agriculture, energy, and telecommunications. We should generate South Sudanese wealth through hard work, not inherit it from corrupt family legacies. It should be built through effort and dedication, not taken unlawfully.
This is what I refer to as the hybrid reform model. It combines elements of Car Wash accountability, which we can adopt from Brazil, with a nationally guided approach to economic renewal. This model would not be foreign; it will belong to us. Therefore, we must ground it in justice, nourished by truth, and protected by courage.
Emerging leaders like Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit must take up the responsibility of advancing this mission. They need to demonstrate that integrity can triumph where impunity once prevailed. I am confident that we can restore South Sudan. However, to rebuild it, we must fully embrace honesty, allowing us to confront without mercy the issues that led to its downfall: the betrayal of public trust.
When we confront the truth, expose the thieves, and ensure that justice prevails, reform will evolve beyond mere rhetoric. It will become a true rebirth that benefits all citizens.
Till then, yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler!
