09/05/2025
By Gatluak Thontiop
Dear Benjamin Bol Mel,
In our African culture, when your father feels there are things he can't pursue due to his age, he looks to his capable children and involves one trusted son in matters of his affairs. He cannot tell his son everything, but when that chosen son has a young mind and energy, he can borrow ideas and observe how his neighbours are handling their fathers' affairs.
President Salva Kiir brought you closer to him not because he intends to hand you power as others perceived, but because he wants you to pursue things that he sees as more challenging to him and need a young man like you āthings that require energy and fresh ideas. So please, run well, and make the President appreciate his wisdom in bringing you closer. Make him sleep at night knowing he has a young, energetic son managing most of the affairs.
What I shared below is about army equipment brought to Burkina Fasoā by H.E. Ibrahim Trorae, someone who is far younger than you, Bol. He is just 35 years old, but he has the energy and ideas to liberate his people from imperialism. He may not have cash, but he has ideas.
Please, my brother, given that you are young and educated, make President Kiir proud at his age. Ask him for the little you need from his wisdom, but also open your mind as a young person and bring more ideas to the table. Wake up every morning with a fresh idea and translate it into actions that will have a clear impact on every citizen that loves this country.
Use your brain to manage the responsibilities entrusted to you by H.E. the President, and help to dispel doubts about South Sudan by strengthening the army to the world standard.
Bring in more weapons, and fighter jets, organize the army professionally, raise their salaries, and find ways to pay them on time. South Sudan is richer than we thinkāwhat we need are ideas. Let the army feel valued, and let their wives be proud to buy things for their families like women in other countries. Work hard with H.E. the President to remove those old faces who have been cutting army salaries for decades. Show them the exit and bring in young, energetic people with fresh ideas.
No one should do this but you, as a trusted young person appointed by the President. Donāt let him regret his decision. Do extra to silence the guns across the countryāalthough silencing guns in South Sudan might cost half the countryās lives, please do it. The few remaining will produce the best citizens.
This is the little information I wanted to convey to you as a Nuer son who cares about the betterment of this country.
Office of the Vice President & Chairperson of Economic Cluster, South Sudan
Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel
