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THE RAMPANT ROAD ACCIDENTS IN MAGWI. Is it devils' work, and can prayer solve it?

Photo: Voice of Freedom FM.

"Let us avoid enabling Satan by giving credit to him in the name of black spirits working."

Introduction

I was puzzled that the faithful in Magwi Payam organised a two-day prayer and fasting about the rampant accidents occurring in the area. They attribute accidents to the black spirits, with some attesting to it. While these allegations might be true, I disagree with Faithful’s prayers to prevent accidents. There are reasons accidents occur, ranging from recklessness to poor road signs and development. Prayers offered to prevent accidents are like chasing the wind that we cannot catch unless we address the real issues, such as improving road signs, road development, sensitisation, and education. I write this to remind the faithful to direct their prayers correctly where they matter and help the local people to avoid spiritualising some of the real issues coincidentally.

Possible Causes of Road Accidents

First, one of the causes of an accident is recklessness in handling the automobile. I have witnessed several accidents because of our riders recklessly riding their bikes, even in an area that requires carefulness. Including Magwi, no roads in South Sudan are safe to ride or drive any form of vehicle because of their conditions. Any reckless riding and/or speeding is likely to cause an accident.

Second, poor riding skills are also another cause for road accidents. In developed countries, all drivers or riders undergo driving and riding skills tests before they jump on the road to avoid unnecessary accidents. Many of the youth, in most areas in the country, are overwhelmed by pride; with a lack of skills, they do not know what a road is. Probably, others cannot mention any part of the vehicle they drive by name. This is dangerous for roads.

Third, inadequate traffic rules and knowledge contribute much to road accidents in South Sudan. Magwi County is not exempt from the inadequacy of these regulations. The traffic police are uninformed to the level that they think their duty is only to collect bribes, ignoring responsibilities for lives.

Lastly, I utterly blame the government for poor road signs and development. I do not live in Magwi but frequently cross the town to my home. The roundabout, which the people are blaming for taking lives, is completely in an open space that any sensible and sound driver will not fault crossing. The only mistake is the lack of proper road signs in place. Road signs like bumps are missing; as a result, drivers drive at their own speed, ignoring other road users.

Possible Solutions to Road Accidents in Magwi

Actually, the above points do not warrant prayers unless we do not understand what accidents are. As a concerned citizen, I suggest the following possible solutions to curb road accidents in Magwi Town and other parts of the county.

The stakeholders and the faithful should emphasise the proper use of roads. They should call on their members to respect all road users by carefully following road signs and other demands.

The local authority should develop road signs and fix them at all the points of concern. Creating slowdown speed controls. This will reduce recklessness and enhance the safety of travellers.

Despite poor skills, motorcycle riders should develop the heart to spare life. They should constantly check their machine for efficiency. This will save them from unwarranted breakdowns, which can lead to an accident.

Concluding Remarks

My comment here does not negate the fact that there are people involved in black magic in the town. I do not know how their magic works, but as many believe, I will not dismiss that fact. One thing we need to know: Satan is as powerless as his agents are. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. So, claiming that the road accidents in Magwi town and other parts of the county are not only false but also being naive about spiritual things and abuse of responsibilities.

While prayer is important in the Christian life, there are certain things that we need to carefully distinguish from prayer. If we think prayer will solve our very recklessness, then we are not far from testing God. It is dangerous to put God to the test. When it comes to road accidents, one of our roles is to warn about dangers associated with recklessness, lack of knowledge, disrespect for government regulations, and pride in life. Let us avoid enabling Satan by giving credit to him in the name of black spirits working.


Abunerry, Ayella

Writer, Critic and Pastor-Teacher

17th September 2025

Magwi Town


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