22/08/2025
“Nepotism Is Not Tradition—It’s Constitutional Betrayal”
By Amor Moyak Monykuc, Advocate & Legal Consultant
20.08.2025
Article1 (5)
In South Sudan today, the appointment of sons, daughters, relatives, and loyalists to high public office has become so prevalent and normalized that many mistake it for tradition or the order of the day. But let us be clear: this is not culture—it is corruption. It is a typical betrayal of the constitutional promises of equality, transparency, and justice, enshrined in article (1) sub article (5) of the Transitional Constitution 2011 as amended. And it is time we call it what it is: dynastic patronage that undermines our institutions, erodes public trust in the government, and blocks the path to meritocracy which produce strong state institutions.
As a concerned citizen and most importantly an Advocate, I believe public office is not a family inheritance. It is a constitutional trust as stipulated in article 36(5) of the Transitional Constitution 2011as amended. Yet across ministries, commissions, and diplomatic missions, there are disturbing patterns: appointments made not on the basis of competence, but on inheritance basis, kinship and loyalty. This is not just bad governance—it is unconstitutional.
Article (1) Sub article (5) of our Transitional Constitution affirms the values of justice, and equality. These are not abstract ideals that are meant to be on documents only rather they are binding principles meant to guide how our leaders serve the people. When a constitutional officeholders appoint their children to senior positions, or install cousins as governors, commissioners, Directors and etc. they are not just favoring families—they are violating the public trust given by the people who in the preamble of the vey Constitution state; “We, the People of South Sudan, (…….,) Determined to lay the foundation for a united, peaceful and prosperous society based on justice, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law”
The consequences of such practices are devastating. First, meritocracy collapses. Qualified professionals are sidelined, discouraged from entering public service, and replaced by individuals whose only qualification is proximity to power. This breeds mediocrity and entitlement, not excellence.
Whereas our Civil Service Act 2011, Section 8(I) states that: “Civil Service shall be broadly representative of the people of Southern Sudan, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fair competition for jobs, and the need to redress any imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation through the affirmative action”
Second, institutions are captured. Relatives and loyalists often act as informal gatekeepers, shielding their benefactors from scrutiny and enabling illicit financial flows. Oversight bodies lose their independence, and impunity becomes the norm.
Third, the public loses faith. Citizens begin to see government not as a national institution, but as a private enterprise for the politically connected. This fuels civic alienation, resentment, and disengagement—especially among youth who feel excluded from their own country’s future.
Let us be clear: this is not a partisan issue. It is a national crisis. And it demands a national response.
The author proposes four urgent reforms:
1. Legislative Action: We must enact an Anti-Nepotism and Conflict of Interest Act. This law should prohibit appointments based on inheritance and kinship, mandate public disclosure of appointment criteria, and require asset declarations for senior officials.
2. Institutional Reform: We need to reactivate the Southern Sudan Civil Service Commission Act 2011, and truly give this Independent Public Service Commission the authority to vet and approve senior appointments. This body must be shielded from political interference and empowered to enforce merit-based recruitment.
3. Civic Oversight: Media and civil society must be protected and encouraged to expose nepotistic practices. Public education campaigns should promote meritocracy and constitutional ethics, especially among youth and grassroots communities.
4. Political Commitment: All political parties must pledge to end dynastic appointments. They should lead by examples, ensuring their internal structures and candidates selections reflect the values we preach.
Some may argue that loyalty is necessary in a fragile state. But loyalty without competence is a recipe for collapse. Others may say that family appointments are harmless. But when public office becomes a family affair, the nation suffers.
We must remember: South Sudan did not fight for independence so that a few families could monopolize power. South Sudanese fought for dignity, equality, and self-governance. Nepotism betrays that struggle.
As we are approaching the 2026 General Elections, we have a choice either we continue down the path of dynastic politics, where public office is inherited, not earned. Or we choose reform, meritocracy, and constitutional integrity?
Let’s choose reform. Let’s choose a South Sudan where every citizen—regardless of tribe, family, or political affiliation—has a fair chance to serve. let’s choose a government that reflects the people, not the private interests of the powerful.
Let us end dynastic appointments. Let us appreciate our fallen heroes/heroine by restoring meritocracy. Let us honor the Constitution—not just in words, but in practice. The future of South Sudan depends on it.
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the author, has LLB degree from University of Juba. He is pursuing LLM at the same institution. He is an Advocate and Legal consultant. He now writes opinion pieces for the Dawn News Paper regularly. To contact him, you can reach him at his email address: [email protected] or telephone +211926525526
