Lakes State
The state that provides hope
By Zechariah Manyok Biar
June 7, 2013 – Sometimes the prevailing situation of lawlessness and lack of tolerance to views that differ from one’s own leads to a feeling of hopelessness in South Sudan. But there are good examples out there that can help us become a good country based on real democratic principles. One of the good examples is Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
The citizens of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have a mature way of handling issues. Gurtong on June 6, 2013 quoted one of the representatives of Peace and Reconciliation Commission of South Sudan as saying: “Northern Bahr el Ghazal has ranked the best and the most peaceful state among the 10 states of South Sudan due its calm and peaceful relationships within the residents and with neighbours. This does not mean that they don’t have internal problems but they have mature ways of handling them. I wish this could be applied to the rest of the ethnic groups in the new nation.”
No formal survey was carried out, however, to rank states in South Sudan, but mere observation will tell you that the above statement is correct. I visited Northern Bahr el Ghazal State in October, 2012 and I chatted with some State Government officials who absolutely believe in solution of political issues through talking.
Even people who do not like the current State Governor in Northern Bahr el Ghazal like the way he responds to citizens in the State. In public gatherings, for example, citizens insult the Governor and the Governor insults them back. But that is all they can do. No violence. They believe that politics is about good talking, not good fighting. This is why the State is the most peaceful state in South Sudan.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State is not the only good example. There other good states that could fit Northern Bahr el Ghazal State example.
Despite what happens in Western Bahr el Ghazal State in December, 2012, for example, we would regard it as another good example. You can see how the citizens in the State easily moved on after those tragic incidences in which protesters were brutally killed by security forces as well as some citizens killing other innocent citizens. Western Bahr el Ghazal citizens seem to have gotten over these challenges and they are moving on with life.
The third good example is Western Equatoria State. This State often gets challenges that stain its reputation from outside their State. For example, they sometimes have tribal conflict with cattle keepers from Lakes State. But generally, Western Equatoria State is not a bad example even though it cannot be compared with Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
The bad examples include my own State of Jonglei and Lakes State. These states present challenges that cannot be generalized to one condition. If little diversity is the one that leads to peaceful politics like in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, then Lakes State is mainly dominated by the Dinka just as Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. If diversity could be considered as good, then Jonglei is one of the diverse states in South Sudan and it is chaotic.
So, there must be a culture that Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has developed which other states, including the central government, should learn from. The idea that good talking rather than good fighting is the best way of problem solution is what other states and the central government are lacking. They believe that force would lead to silencing of the opponents, not knowing that force increases discontent and more opposition.
Nobody would believe in another in this world because of the use of force. But people can easily understand and believe in the one with good arguments. That is what Northern Bahr el Ghazal State believes in. I am proud of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Zechariah Manyok Biar can be reached at manyok34@gmail.com
Article source: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46857
Understanding the parameters of Lakes authorities’ extremism
By Agook Mayek
May 28, 2013 – The case of Lakes State’s ban on both alcohol production and consumption is very corporeal and at the same time interesting, particularly, when one looks at its pros and cons.
In the olden days of Khartoum regime, there were profound constrictions to alcohol production and consumption in the country, which constituted an allegiance to sharia Laws. However, the radicalism never became a panacea, as people could still creep secretly to brew and consume it.
That was Khartoum phenomenon, but what is the verdict of this extremism and alcohol ban in Lakes State? As an eye witness to some of the most atrocious inter ethnic clashes in the state, I could see a glimpse of sense in the decision, though there is no any clear provision in the state’s Transitional Constitution. Recalling what I refer to as “Makuriric Holocaust” early this year, there were substantial reports of the cattle keepers’ binge drinking on the night before they could clash. One must assume that the atrocities wound up as a result of individuals being under influence of alcohol. Truly, the ban is a consequence of a political will and an endeavor to identify the real cause to the State’s enormous inter ethnic clashes and civil unrests. This must be applauded as a magnificent effort by the state authorities to resolving them, regardless of how unconstitutional this might be.
In addition to alcohol consumption being one of the likely causes of crimes in the state, it also carries other elements of negative social effects, like breakdown of families, where individuals squander money in debauchery and fail to meet their families’ obligations, as well as leading to jobs loss.
Last but not least, over indulgence in alcohol comes with precarious health effects and economic costs. Too much drinking leads to health issues like high blood pressure and stroke, liver disease and many more. However, where a scaling machine is tilting to one side, a careful examination must be done.
Alcohol is part of Lakes State’s culture and way of life. Traditionally, in the state, people drink alcohol to relax, socialise, celebrate, and for its taste. Lakes State is also a home to different international communities and other cultures, with different social organizations and values related to alcohol. Economically, alcohol is a source of livelihood to some of our humble citizens. On the night of the raid, there were reports of shattered widows and single mothers, as their income mainly comes from brewing local alcohol. In addition, the individual members of Lakes State, whose shops and houses are rented by retailers, would automatically lose rent and much more, and the government itself losing alcohol related levies.
Therefore, the challenge for Lakes State authorities is to balance alcohol’s place in
the culture, economy and the shortcomings associated with over indulgence in its production and consumption. Still, how does one unravel this conundrum, especially when you have the grip of power?
The following proposals could be deliberated by the council of ministers and the State Legislative Assembly, with guidance from both the transitional constitutions of South Sudan and Lakes State, and subsequently pass into law:
- Restrict the hours of sell and consumption of alcohol
- Have and restrict trade licenses
- Have reasonable increases of alcohol taxes if deemed necessary
- Restrict alcohol sales to business facilities
- Restrict alcohol sales to persons 18 years or older
- Heavily fine the evaders
- Tailor mechanisms and special fines for the target group “the cattle keepers”
- Monitor and evaluate the progress
The author is a citizen of South Sudan and can be reached at amriak@yahoo.com.au. This story is released by Sudd Institute, a Juba based independent research organization .
Article source: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46743
Understanding the Parameters of Lakes State Authorities’ Extremism on Alcohol Production and Consumption
Sudd Institute
Weekly Review
May 28, 2013
By Agook Mayek
The case of Lakes State’s ban on both alcohol production and consumption is very corporeal and at the same time interesting, particularly, when one looks at its pros and cons.
In the olden days of Khartoum regime, there were profound constrictions to alcohol production and consumption in the country, which constituted an allegiance to sharia Laws. However, the radicalism never became a panacea, as people could still creep secretly to brew and consume it.
That was Khartoum phenomenon, but what is the verdict of this extremism and alcohol ban in Lakes State? As an eye witness to some of the most atrocious inter ethnic clashes in the state, I could see a glimpse of sense in the decision, though there is no any clear provision in the state’s Transitional Constitution. Recalling what I refer to as “Makuriric Holocaust” early this year, there were substantial reports of the cattle keepers’ binge drinking on the night before they could clash. One must assume that the atrocities wound up as a result of individuals being under influence of alcohol. Truly, the ban is a consequence of a political will and an endeavor to identify the real cause to the State’s enormous inter ethnic clashes and civil unrests. This must be applauded as a magnificent effort by the state authorities to resolving them, regardless of how unconstitutional this might be.
In addition to alcohol consumption being one of the likely causes of crimes in the state, it also carries other elements of negative social effects, like breakdown of families, where individuals squander money in debauchery and fail to meet their families’ obligations, as well as leading to jobs loss.
Last but not least, over indulgence in alcohol comes with precarious health effects and economic costs. Too much drinking leads to health issues like high blood pressure and stroke, liver disease and many more. However, where a scaling machine is tilting to one side, a careful examination must be done.
Alcohol is part of Lakes State’s culture and way of life. Traditionally, in the state, people drink alcohol to relax, socialise, celebrate, and for its taste. Lakes State is also a home to different international communities and other cultures, with different social organizations and values related to alcohol. Economically, alcohol is a source of livelihood to some of our humble citizens. On the night of the raid, there were reports of shattered widows and single mothers, as their income mainly comes from brewing local alcohol. In addition, the individual members of Lakes State, whose shops and houses are rented by retailers, would automatically lose rent and much more, and the government itself losing alcohol related levies.
Therefore, the challenge for Lakes State authorities is to balance alcohol’s place in
the culture, economy and the shortcomings associated with over indulgence in its production and consumption. Still, how does one unravel this conundrum, especially when you have the grip of power?
The following proposals could be deliberated by the council of ministers and the State Legislative Assembly, with guidance from both the transitional constitutions of South Sudan and Lakes State, and subsequently pass into law:
- Restrict the hours of sell and consumption of alcohol
- Have and restrict trade licenses
- Have reasonable increases of alcohol taxes if deemed necessary
- Restrict alcohol sales to business facilities
- Restrict alcohol sales to persons 18 years or older
- Heavily fine the evaders
- Tailor mechanisms and special fines for the target group “the cattle keepers”
- Monitor and evaluate the progress
About Sudd Institute
The Sudd Institute is an independent research organization that conducts and facilitates policy relevant research and training to inform public policy and practice, to
create opportunities for discussion and debate, and to improve analytical capacity in South Sudan.
The Sudd Institute’s intention is to significantly improve the quality, impact, and accountability of local, national, and international policy – and decision – making in South Sudan in order to promote a more peaceful, just and prosperous society.
About the Author
The author is a citizen of South Sudan and can be reached at amriak@yahoo.com.au.
Article source: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46743
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