14 Years of Independence: It’s Time for South Sudan to Unite and Live the Dream

14 Years of Independence: It’s Time for South Sudan to Unite and Live the Dream

On July 9, 2011, South Sudan was born. It was a moment of overwhelming joy, a day when flags waved high and people across the country celebrated the end of a long, painful struggle. For once, the world’s eyes turned toward us not for war, but for hope. We had finally won our independence, and with it came the promise of peace, dignity, and a better life for every South Sudanese.

Last week, we marked 14 years since that historic day. But as the songs faded and the speeches ended, a difficult question lingers in many hearts: What have we really achieved since independence? And more importantly, are we truly united as a people?

The truth is, the journey has not been easy. Just two years after independence, the country was torn apart by civil war. Violence, mistrust, and political power struggles turned neighbor against neighbor, and in many cases, tribe against tribe. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives, and millions were displaced. Instead of moving forward together, we found ourselves pulled backwards by the very divisions we hoped to overcome.

One of our biggest challenges has been tribalism. Our country is home to many tribes, each with its own rich culture and proud history. That diversity should be our strength. Yet for too long, tribe has been used to divide us; in politics, in government jobs, even in daily life. We’ve allowed ourselves to view each other with suspicion instead of solidarity. But no one tribe can build South Sudan alone. The poverty, insecurity, hunger, and poor roads affect all of us, regardless of where we come from.

It’s time we stop seeing ourselves only through the lens of tribe, and start embracing something bigger: our identity as South Sudanese. We need to stand together, not just in celebration, but in action. We need to stop blaming each other and start working together. That’s how real nation-building begins.

And while the road has been difficult, let’s not forget that we have made progress. We’ve built the foundations of a government. Civil society is growing stronger, and young people are stepping up to demand change. South Sudanese artists, athletes, and scholars are making us proud both at home and abroad. And above all, the resilience of our people; our ability to endure, to hope, to keep going, is something to be celebrated.

But we cannot stop there. Too many of our children still grow up in refugee camps. Too many families live without access to health care, clean water, or schools. Too many leaders serve their own interests instead of the people. Corruption is stealing our future, and silence is allowing it to continue. We must do better, for ourselves and for the generations to come.

To the youth: This country belongs to you more than anyone else. Don’t inherit hatred. Don’t be used as tools for violence or division. Be the generation that chooses unity over tribalism, peace over revenge, and progress over politics. Use your voices to push for change. Speak for the voiceless. Dream bigger than the boundaries others set for you.

And to our leaders: South Sudan does not need more promises. It needs results. It needs leaders who put the people first, not their tribe, not their party, but the country. True leadership is measured not by power, but by service.

As we reflect on 14 years of independence, let this be more than just another anniversary. Let it be a turning point, a moment of truth and responsibility. The dream of independence wasn’t just to have a flag or a national anthem. It was to build a country where every South Sudanese can live in peace, with dignity and opportunity.

We still have time to make that dream a reality. But only if we unite. Only if we heal. Only if we rise together, not as tribes, but as one people. United. Hopeful. Ready to move forward.

The future of South Sudan is in our hands. Let’s build it together.