The Republic of South Sudan, the world’s “youngest country,” gained independence from Sudan following decades of civil war in 2011, with fanfare, high hopes, and great expectations. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), the primary military force that fought for independence, transformed into the political rulers of the new country and lost its vision of a free and prosperous nation. Within two years of independence, the country has quickly degenerated into internecine warfare with fifty thousand to one hundred thousand dead, four million more refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), and half the population of the country (six to seven million) facing starvation. The blame for this state of affairs rests primarily on the SPLM/A leadership who have failed to put the interests of their people ahead of their own corrupt interests. In this firsthand analysis of the South Sudan, the authors explain how the corruption, leadership struggles, infighting, and undemocratic culture of the SPLM/A have led to the current crises. The majority of citizens felt that their novel cause has been stolen by their selfish leaders and the hope for a better life has just disappeared like the morning mist.

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