The protracted liberation wars in South Sudan, spanning from 1955 to 2005, forced countless citizens to flee their homeland in search of safety and opportunity. Many resettled across Africa, North America, Europe, and Australia, where they acquired dual citizenship and established new lives. While the South Sudanese diaspora has played a vital role in supporting their homeland, its influence has been a double-edged sword—offering both hope and harm.
On the positive side, diaspora communities have been instrumental in sustaining families and communities back home. Remittances from abroad have provided a lifeline during crises, covering essential needs such as food, education, healthcare, and even dowries. During the 2013–2016 conflict, for instance, South Sudanese in Australia organized collective fundraising efforts to support those suffering in the war-torn nation. Money transfer agencies like Dahabshiil reported up to 500 daily transactions during peak periods, underscoring the scale of this support.
Beyond financial aid, diaspora members have contributed intellectually and politically. Many served as advisors and policy advocates during key moments in South Sudan’s history, including the negotiations leading to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. Their involvement in think tanks and peace dialogues has helped shape national discourse and offered valuable perspectives from abroad.
However, this same diaspora has also been implicated in actions that threaten the social fabric of South Sudan. Some individuals, while abiding by the laws of their host countries, have used their platforms to sow discord back home. Through social media, they have spread misinformation and disinformation, exacerbating ethnic tensions and undermining national unity. Financial contributions, instead of fostering development, have at times been funneled into arming ethnic militias, fueling violence and displacement.
This misuse of influence is deeply troubling. While enjoying the peace and stability of their adopted countries, these individuals contribute to instability in South Sudan—encouraging tribalism, supporting opposition factions, and inciting youth toward destructive activities. Such actions not only violate the spirit of patriotism but also hinder the nation’s fragile journey toward peace and reconciliation.
It is imperative that South Sudanese in the diaspora reflect on their responsibilities. They must draw inspiration from the democratic values and social cohesion of their host nations and channel their resources and voices toward unity, development, and peacebuilding. The government of South Sudan, too, must take proactive steps to regulate the misuse of social media platforms, ensuring they are not weaponized to fracture communities or incite violence.
South Sudan stands at a critical juncture. The diaspora has the power to be a force for healing and progress, but this requires a conscious choice: to rise above tribal loyalties and political divisions and to embrace a shared vision for a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
May God Almighty bless our beloved country.
The writer, William Sunday D. Tor, is a South Sudanese political analyst, columnist, and university lecturer specializing in Security Studies and International Development. He can be reached via email: williamtor2011@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.