There is a widespread belief that Dr Bol Mel’s appointment as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan will promote national unity. However, many citizens are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. They perceive this appointment not as a proof of Mel’s qualifications, but rather as a result of personal connections and loyalty.
Mel, along with his family and friends, should be aware that President Salva Kiir’s friendships and loyalties are often temporary and contingent upon specific agreements between him and those he appoints.
It was reassuring for others who previously received employment contracts from President Kiir. It is important for Mel to understand that President Kiir exercises his power unpredictably. When he offers a contract, there is no way to predict when he might terminate that employment.
Nobody could have predicted that he would dismiss his close friends, such as the late Telar Ring, Gen Paul Malong Awan, who fought to help him maintain power; Dr Majak Agoot, who stood by him from the inception of the liberation struggle; and former spy chief Gen Akol Koor Kuc, who was known to be both feared and fiercely loyal to President Kiir. These men were exceptionally close to him, always vigilant in guarding and protecting him, and were prepared to die for him. However, he removed them from their positions so unceremoniously.
Despite his strong ambition to assert himself as a leader, Mel should exercise caution. His ambition is unhealthy for the country and himself. He must keep in mind that President Kiir, known for his sharp wit and skillful political strategies throughout East Africa, is a savvy and tough intelligence expert with considerable experience.
Mel should acknowledge that he is just one of the individuals appointed by President Kiir. However, the people of South Sudan have lost faith in most leaders appointed by the President, as these individuals often appear to take pride in their positions rather than serving the citizens. As a result, public expectations for Mel’s leadership and emergence are diminishing.
I argue that, in addition to providing substantive advice to the President as the Vice-President for the Economic Cluster, Mel, who is affiliated with the SPLM and shares similarities with many vice presidents in other countries. He can play a crucial role in promoting good governance. The governance South Sudanese advocates should reflect the core values of a democratic society, rather than the values he wishes to impose, which are characteristic of militarized states.
President Kiir needs help in the free flow of ideas of good governance and development. However, Mel seems to be inclined to influence the President to appoint him as his successor in case of any political vacuum.
The political atmosphere has risen since the appointment of Mel as a vice president. This is because he has been involved in arrogantly commanding every quarter of the government, dismissing people at random, and even shaping the military operations and harassing the security directors and the Chief of Defense Force.
Since Mel’s appointment, I have been observing the dynamics and relationships among SPLM/A veterans. It appears that there is a lack of respect and connection for the freedom fighters and the veterans. This situation implies that Mel should pause and consider his origins.
The implications of the succession politics between President Kiirt and his business partner, who subsequently became the vice president of the economy, are significant. They suggest that the country may face further turmoil, and there is a risk that the SPLM will lose its cohesion. So, Mel must watch out.
The family and friends of Mel, especially his communication team, should focus on helping him communicate effectively. The communication team in Mel’s office needs to prioritize clear communication instead of merely wearing suits or boasting about their achievements during their short tenure. Simply stating, “I work in the office of Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr Bol Mel,” will not provide him with the support or protection both at home and abroad.
Youths will raise their voices because the ambition portrayed by Mel is dangerous.Mel is incompetent and is relying on the appointment of other incompetent employees.
Emmanuel Malual Makuach is a South Sudanese journalist and researcher focusing on the impact of social media triggers in the conflicts of 2013 and 2016 in South Sudan. Contact him at malualmakuach77@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.