A list of topics
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced systemic governance failures characterized by a militarized kleptocracy where public resources, particularly oil revenues, have been diverted to sustain elite patronage rather than public service delivery. This deeply entrenched system prioritizes personal gain over institutional stability, with state resources used to consolidate power among select groups, exacerbating inequality and conflict. The monopolization of oil revenue, paired with unchecked financial mismanagement, has contributed significantly to the economic crises and humanitarian challenges the nation faces today.
Problem Statement
Leadership and Governance: South Sudan has been led by President Salva Kiir since its independence, following the death of the intended first president, John Garang, in a helicopter crash. Despite the existence of a constitution, governance has been predominantly exercised through presidential decrees, undermining institutional checks and balances and sidelining the legislative process.
Centralized Power and Ethnic Imbalance: Power has remained concentrated within a single ethnic group, the Dinka, while the remaining 63 nations have been marginalized politically, socially, and economically. This imbalance has led to unequal representation, resource mismanagement, and tensions over ancestral lands. Governors are appointed directly by the president without adhering to constitutional mandates, which require elections within 60 days of a vacancy.
Federal Governance Proposal: The centralized governance model in South Sudan has fostered a political marketplace where power is retained through the allocation of state resources rather than democratic legitimacy. To break this cycle, the proposed federal governance model will establish three semi-autonomous regions—RolNaath, Equatoria, and Bahr el Ghazal—each with the authority to manage its own resources and public services while adhering to national unity principles. This structure aims to reduce power concentration, ensure equitable representation across all 64 Nations, and create a governance system rooted in accountability, fairness, and shared prosperity. This structure would devolve power, enabling local governance over ancestral lands while promoting equitable representation and shared responsibility in national governance.
Corruption and Resource Mismanagement: South Sudan ranks among the most corrupt states globally, with public resources routinely diverted for elite benefit under a militarized kleptocracy. Oil revenues, which form the bulk of national income, have been misallocated, while public services and infrastructure remain neglected. The lack of accountability has worsened poverty and deepened inequalities across regions.
Elections and Representation: The only national election in South Sudan was the 2011 referendum for independence. Since then, electoral processes have been continuously delayed, with elections now tentatively scheduled for 2026. Repeated extensions of transitional arrangements reflect the government's reluctance to advance democratic reforms and power-sharing mechanisms.
Human Rights Violations and Extrajudicial Activities: The militarized kleptocracy in South Sudan has also fueled severe human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. These violations often serve as tools to suppress dissent and maintain elite control over state resources. Addressing these systemic issues requires both constitutional reforms and the establishment of independent mechanisms to safeguard civic space, such as a National Human Rights Oversight Committee with representation from civil society and international partners.
Armed Factions and Instability: Exclusionary policies and ancestral land disputes have fueled the rise of numerous armed factions, many of which are tribally aligned. These groups often advocate for federal governance as a solution to power concentration and resource mismanagement. However, unresolved historical grievances and unaddressed structural inequalities continue to fuel conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis: The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, with over 8 million people facing food insecurity due to flooding, conflict, and economic collapse (World Food Programme). Healthcare services are primarily provided by international NGOs, while local hospitals remain poorly equipped and under-resourced. Meanwhile, political elites seek medical treatment abroad, highlighting the neglect of domestic public services.
National Security Service (NSS) Abuses: The National Security Service (NSS), reporting directly to the president, has become a key instrument of repression, with documented cases of surveillance, torture, and disappearances reported by organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The NSS’s 15,000 agents have infiltrated civic life, suppressing public debate and opposition.
Peace Agreements and Stalemates: Multiple peace agreements, including the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), have failed to address structural causes of instability. Deadlines have repeatedly been extended without significant progress, while ongoing initiatives like the Nairobi Tumaini Peace Initiative have struggled to gain traction due to limited engagement and political resistance.
Role of International Actors:The international community, including the UN, EU, US, UK, and Norway, has provided support for peace processes and capacity-building efforts in South Sudan. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) currently deploys between 12,000 and 18,000 personnel focusing on peacekeeping, human rights monitoring, and humanitarian aid. However, long-term structural reforms have yet to be effectively implemented.
Infrastructure and Public Services: Corruption and inefficiency continue to plague infrastructure development. Most public services, including education, healthcare, and roads, are funded by international donors and NGOs due to poor financial accountability. This neglect has exacerbated inequality and dependence on external aid.