Fellow County Men and Women,
15 years ago, we fought for our independence together using referendum ballots. Months later, we celebrated the independence of our struggles. It was a moment of joy, peace, love, and unity in diversity—a moment to reckon and never forget. Everyone felt at home, and we knew ourselves as brothers and sisters, determined to set models for others.
Every community in South Sudan felt our peace, love, empathy, and dignity. We hoped for a brighter future and a prosperous Magwi County. Although a few political leaders tried to undermine our unity, we stood firm against them. Kudos to everyone who participated in the struggle for freedom.
However, this story was fleeting. We did not cause the problems, but we felt the heavy consequences. Hundreds lost their lives. Properties were vandalized. Women were raped. Thousands were displaced due to the recklessness, senselessness, and selfishness of those cannibals in Juba.
We bore the burden not because we were happy. A few sycophants and beneficiaries of failed systems exploited our intellectual vulnerability. We gradually slipped into endless hatred and betrayal. Furthermore, we were deliberately infected with diseases intended to destroy us. With some government assistance, we stood against dubious threats and defended ourselves.
Thank you for your intellectual responsibility towards the lives of the Magwi people, although lives have been lost somewhere. Your innocence may continue to incite restless individuals to seek what belongs to your ancestors. As Maponga Joshua says, "A landless African is a powerless African." Do not become landless, my dear people.
History is taught in schools to remind students to avoid repeating the past. As your brother, I kindly suggest letting the past be past. As we celebrate the 14th anniversary of South Sudan's independence, let us reflect on Magwi County's past, present, and future. What resolutions do we have? What do we think about our lives, lands, and natures?
As a true son of the soil, I am aware of land misuse in some parts of the county. Outsiders are given land while locals are left behind. I am concerned about our young girls whose futures are bleak due to early, forced, and unprepared marriages. I am also concerned about the degradation of our nature, which harbours love, protection, and life enhancement. Tree felling without replacement is a particular concern.
Going forward, I call upon every youth, woman, and politician, and the diaspora to prioritise the empowerment of our young girls, youths, and women. Let us embrace the Ubuntu spirit, promote love, and build peace. Protect our ancestral lands and nature, for they are our lives. Let us work together, using wisdom and emotional intelligence, to safeguard our lives and county. Be protective; be a brother's keeper.
Finally, as we celebrate independence, let us strive
for true freedom—freedom from hunger, anger, hatred, insecurity, land abuse,
and social disorders. Let love lead, build peace, and promote coexistence. Let
us fight poverty, not each other. We shall rise and shine, and Magwi County
shall reign.
ABUNERRY Ayella John Bosco
Writer, Critic, and Teacher
Advocating Justice and Protection of the Vulnerable
Inspired Text: Psalm 82:2-4
How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality
to the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and
needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked.
