Two years after South Sudan became Africa's 54th country and the 193rd country in the world, progress is a mixed bag but the committment to move ahead is evident.
09.07.2013 Two leaders of civil society organisations from Eastern Equatoria and Jonglie States, Peter Lubana and John Bullen, reflect on progress to date.
Director Peter Lubana Alexander, Community Development Support Services (CDSS) is a mature and well formulated man. He clearly states that the setting up of a central government is a major achievement in the newly independent South Sudan.
"We need a democratic structure that is responsible to the people".
Program Coordinator John Bullen, a charasmatic and visionary leader, agrees: "Government officials must realise their responsibilities. And people must also realise their own responsibilities.
Luckily, we are now seeing more collaboration where communities contribute for example to a school building site which the government has approved and built."
At the same time, states Peter, "My biggest concern is about governance. The local people are not involved enough in saying what they want the government to do! They are not consulted and yet decisions continue to be made. We need to organise a system where local voices are more clearly listened to."
Development in Jonglie and Eastern Equatoria
Peter Lubana's work is to improve rural food security in Budi county, Eastern Equatoria. His small organisation is a force to be reckoned with. Equipped with new knowledge of the government's responsibilities to its citizens, CDSS is slowly and consistently pushing for improvements that government is responsible to provide. Program Coordinator John Bullen has just completed a strategic planning process with his organisation, Church and Development in Bor, Jonglie.
They both agreee that infrastructure improvements also are an obvious challenge. And although some progress has been made, both men agree that much more is needed.
"See the paved road from Juba to the Uganda border, and the new roads in Juba, our capital city. A new oil refinery will soon be opened in Upper Nile. These are visible signs of progress which we so sorely need more of," say Peter Lubana while John Bullen points out the water production factory in Bor which now produces tasty clean bottled water for sale all over South Sudan.
More women in action
John Bullen think that more women are participating and that gender issues have improved.
"Even more than the 25 % that government is asking for. Women are taking action, at both country, payam (traditional assembly) and at household level. Women are now breadwinners! One woman Rebecca in our village savings and loan association is now paying for 3 kids in Uganda and 1 in private school in Bor. Enrollment in school is now 2 boys for each 1 girl. This has improved."
John Bullen also states that Food security has improved. "Government and NGOs and communities are doing more; you can even see mechanised agricultual production, Information and knowledge about farming......this is sinking in. The hunger gap in June-July is not as hard as before. We are now able to purchase seeds from farmers in Bor: locally produced seeds are best."
Security and stability
Both civil society leaders talk of the challenges with the border conflict, conflicts with cattle raiders, and vulnerability around oil production and revenues, as main concerns.
The relationship between South Sudan and Sudan governments is a worrying factor. "People impacted by the border conflict flee to neighboring countries or stay in their villages but fear stops them from farming their land, " says Peter.
Community Development Support Services (CDSS) in Chukudum, Budi County, Eastern Equatoria state helps to increase local knowledge, access to improved variety of seeds and implements including promoting of intermediary technology that boost agriculture production and market development. CDSS is also working with rural women to improve their economic status through building local capacity to mobilize savings and offer credits using Village Savings and Loan Associations, Peace building and Natural Resource Management. CDSS is recipient of DANIDA funds.
Work is awaiting
As we move toward an election year in 2015, South Sudan has much to be thankful for but there is work ahead. The disconnect between government and local communities must be at the top of our agenda. Access to justice is important to communities.
"Government needs a push. They need to keep on the right path - we need to work with them to teach them," says Peter.
John Bullen adds, "Positive development is a process. A long one. I know this. I have been here before war, during war and after war. We are on the right path. This is the place and time we need to do something. That spirit is in people."