The Tribal Dementia Is the Problem in South Sudan
By Abraham Madit Majak
South Sudan gained independence with the hopes and dreams of millions of people who sacrificed their lives for freedom, dignity, and self-rule. Citizens expected that independence would bring peace, development, justice, and unity among all communities. However, years after independence, the country continues to struggle with political instability, violence, corruption, and social divisions. Among the deepest challenges facing the nation is what I described as “tribal dementia” a condition where tribal identity overshadows national identity and people forget the larger purpose of building one united country.
The phrase “tribal dementia” does not refer to a medical illness. Rather, it represents a dangerous social and political mindset where individuals lose the ability to think beyond tribes, clans, or ethnic loyalty. It describes a situation in which people judge others not according to their ideas, qualifications, or character, but according to where they come from or what language they speak.
South Sudan is blessed with cultural diversity. The country has many tribes, traditions, and languages that should be celebrated as a national treasure. Diversity itself is not the problem. The problem begins when diversity becomes a weapon instead of a strength. When citizens begin to see fellow South Sudanese as enemies simply because they belong to a different ethnic group, the nation starts to suffer.
Many conflicts in South Sudan have been fueled by tribal divisions. Political disagreements that should remain political often transform into tribal confrontations. Leaders may have personal or ideological differences, but supporters sometimes turn those differences into ethnic battles. Communities then inherit hatred that they did not create.
One of the most dangerous consequences of tribal thinking is selective justice and selective sympathy. When violence occurs, some people condemn it only when their own tribe is affected. When corruption occurs, some defend corrupt officials because they belong to their community. When poor leadership appears, some remain silent because the leaders come from their ethnic background. Such behavior weakens national unity and creates a culture where wrong actions are protected rather than challenged.
Tribal dementia also destroys opportunities for young people. Instead of encouraging merit, skills, and education, society can sometimes prioritize connections based on tribes. Qualified citizens may be overlooked while less qualified individuals receive opportunities simply because of ethnic affiliation. Such practices discourage hard work and reduce trust in institutions.
The younger generation faces a serious challenge in this environment. Children who are born after independence are growing up hearing stories of tribal hatred, revenge, and division. If they continue inheriting these ideas, South Sudan risks creating generations that know tribal identity better than national identity. A child should first learn that they are South Sudanese before learning political hatred against another community.
The responsibility for addressing this problem belongs to everyone. Political leaders must avoid speeches that divide citizens. Religious leaders should preach unity and forgiveness. Teachers should educate students about national identity and peaceful coexistence. Media institutions should report responsibly and avoid spreading tribal narratives that inflame tensions.
Citizens themselves also have a responsibility. South Sudanese must begin asking difficult questions: Why should tribe determine friendship? Why should tribe determine justice? Why should tribe determine leadership? Why should citizens hate each other over political disputes created by elites?
The liberation struggle was not fought by one tribe. It was fought for South Sudan as a nation. Thousands of people from different communities stood together with one vision: freedom for all citizens. That spirit of unity should not disappear after independence.
South Sudan’s future will not be built by tribal loyalty alone. Roads will not be built by tribalism. Hospitals will not function through tribalism. Schools will not improve through tribalism. Economic growth will not come through tribal divisions. Progress requires national thinking and collective responsibility.
South Sudan does not suffer because it has many tribes. It suffers because some people have allowed tribal identity to become stronger than national identity. The country does not need more tribal competition; it needs more national consciousness.
The day South Sudanese begin seeing themselves first as one people and one nation may be the day the country starts moving toward lasting peace, stability, and development. Tribal dementia can be overcome, but only if citizens decide to remember one truth: before being Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Bari, Zande, or any other tribe, they are South Sudanese.
Opinions expressed in articles published by RSSVP are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Rescue South Sudan Village People. RSSVP assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, validity, or reliability of claims made by contributors.