It’s been eight years since my first visit to Sudan, now South Sudan. Today, we celebrate our second Independence and as usual, there’ll be jubilation, many speeches laden with promises, ideas, suggestions, hope and dreams.
On 8th January 2005, South Sudanese all over the world seemed to hold their collective breath all day. Many spent time in prayers and fasting, interceding and hoping the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) would finally be signed the next day and bring an end to 21years of war.
God heard!
We’ve moved on since then and survived various critical moments in this Country. I was here when the news came, “Dr. John Garang is dead” Who can forget the pain of that season?. It’s a great privilege for me, to be connected with this land at this time in its history. I cannot trade it for anywhere else.
Several issues stir my spirit as I pray and dream of this land today, musing over its vast untapped potentials and speculating the many how, who, when, where and why, of inescapable matters in the destiny of this land and my ministry within it. I dare to raise just one in this part 1.
Ethnicity. Can we be truly detribalized?
Whenever we seek to find an answer of conscience, there must be some common ground, an accepted value system or an ultimate rule by which we judge our conduct and choices. Tribes, from which our cultures emerge is it.
Thus, no man is without a culture and its accompanying biases.We have where we truly feel that sense of belong. Where we are us and the rest are they.
As our individual and collective efforts lay the foundations of this new Country, we cannot but ask some very honest and painful questions on tribalism. The ugly flowers of tribalism are not hidden here.
It’s even in places of worship and our continued pretense and feigning ignorance will only make room the deplorable fruits to emerge. The body of Christ in South Sudan must not just speak but act by showing good examples.
It is easier to skirt around the issues, getting close enough to ask questions about why the SPLA went to war, or on Islamization or problems with the North or even query the issues that sponsor chinks within denominational affiliations among churches. But one vital matter capable of stalling our development spiritually and otherwise, is tribalism.
At the root of tribalism is a prideful heart. Oh, how God hates the proud and thus resist them!!
The question, “Where are you from?” is investigating your ethnicity and your answer determines among other things, your rights, your gains or losses. Your advantage or disadvantage, your limits, regardless of merits or the rule of law.
This is not a problem unique to South Sudan. Check your local community and you’ll see it there.
As a Nigerian with deep passion and concern for God’s purpose in South Sudan, I’ve commented several times that Sudan and South Sudan mimic Nigeria in many ways. A close look at the world map will give you a few clues, before you dig into history and get wowed.
Do we love South Sudan or do we love our micro tribal countries within it? Is our allegiance to this liberated land because of a common national identity? What is that identity?
As long as the answer is qualified by some other ethnic possibility, however good that may seem, we will never serve God’s causes in this land with all our hearts nor be able to fully lift it from the ashes of war.
Does this mean we will always agree on everything? No! But we must develop systems and structures based on equity and respect for one another while creating civil ways to negotiate, debate and implement truth-motivated changes.
What I say today to South Sudanese, I say to all.
This must not slip by us- As long as tribalism or racism is not addressed intentionally from the grassroots, we’ll be at best a country but never a Nation.
I dream of a Nation, whose core values under God, are rooted in the invisible, more than the visible. In truth, morality, accountability, justice, genuine love for fellow men and for God not mere religion.
Should my tribe or nationality undermine my good intentions or limit my aspirations as I dare to dream and serve Christ’s cause in a place like South Sudan? No!
On account of God’s eternal purpose for which He unleashes great grace, ordinary men accomplish extraordinary things for Him. In time, we understand how and why all that happened, occurred.
May the dreams we bear find their place in Thee o South Sudan!!
May all who seek your progress and peace find same for themselves and those they love.
May the roots of the gospel grow deep in Thee and give Jesus His due in our day!!
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. (Ps 87:3)
South Sudan Oye!!!
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 