Diing Deng Mou
South Sudan
South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, internal conflicts, political instability, and widespread corruption overshadow the promise of a new beginning. Among the most pressing issues is state capture - a form of systemic political corruption in which powerful individuals, institutions, or groups manipulate policies and regulations for their benefit. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for governance, development, and social stability in South Sudan.
Born and raised in South Sudan, a nation rich in potential yet weighed down by systemic corruption, I have seen the devastating effects of corruption on ordinary people’s lives. I saw schools without teachers, clinics without medicine, and communities struggling for survival. Funds meant to uplift impoverished areas vanished into the hands of a few, leaving dreams unfulfilled while powerful elites prospered at the expense of the common good.
My life’s path has been one of resilience and service. My leadership journey began as a child soldier during the War of Liberation; being involved in the fight for freedom at the age of 12 made me develop a moral zeal, a deep sense of justice, and an early resolve to fight for the greater good. Later, I served in various military and administrative capacities, including as a platoon commander and director of the diplomatic protection desk within the National Security Services (NSS).
My experiences in various public services gave me a firsthand understanding of systemic and deeply entrenched corruption in South Sudan. It deliberately undermines the institutions meant to safeguard our nation.
One pivotal moment that strengthened my resolve to act was witnessing the hallmarks of a government plagued with greed. Seeing the collapse of governance, with unchecked power running rampant in the judiciary, legislation, and all the executive branches, had a deeply personal impact on me as I was still in active service. Our civil servants and organised forces go for months or a year without their salaries due to corruption, an affront to human dignity and justice.
As a good citizen of my country and a victim of these injustices, I decided to act. I felt a personal responsibility to contribute to combating state capture and corruption. It is a moral obligation for good citizens to confront unethical practices and hold their leaders accountable. I realised that silence and inaction are not options for high stakes.
Hence, I chose to leave the system that perpetuates corruption. I co-founded the 7 October Movement to advocate for transparency, accountability, the rule of law, democratic reform, and good governance. My efforts were met with resistance and imprisonment, but the struggle deepened my commitment to change.
Recognising the power and need for a collective movement, I collaborated with other reformists after being pardoned from prison. We formed the South Sudan Democratic Alliance (SSDA), where I serve as Secretary General. SSDA aspires to build a democratic and equitable South Sudan through mass-based reforms. My journey is not just my own but a reflection of our collective struggle for dignity and hope.
I envision a future where resources benefit all citizens, where institutions uphold justice, and where young leaders rise to shape the nation’s destiny. My ambition is to be remembered as a catalyst for transformative change, inspiring citizens to reclaim their country and build a united South Sudan.
The challenges of corruption and state capture do not exist in isolation—they are wounds that cut across every segment of South Sudanese society. When powerful individuals manipulate institutions for personal gain, they rob us of our shared future. Public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, critical to building a cohesive and prosperous nation, become collateral damage in a system rigged to benefit the few.
As a nation, we have endured decades of war and sacrifice in pursuit of independence. Our collective story is about resilience and the hope for a better tomorrow. Yet, the betrayal of our sacrifices by leaders prioritising personal gain over public good has stalled our journey. One striking example is the African Road Construction (ARC) contracts. In 2022, ARC was awarded contracts worth $3.5 billion for road construction and maintenance without a transparent bidding process, driven instead by insider connections. While these funds could have revolutionised South Sudan’s infrastructure, roads essential for farmers, traders, and ordinary citizens remain incomplete or nonexistent. This is not just a story of elite greed; it is a story of stolen opportunities for every citizen—farmers who cannot access markets because of impassable roads, children who cannot learn because there are no schools, and patients who die because there are no hospitals or the hospitals, lack the resources to treat them.
All these injustices are not abstract; they touch the lives of specific people in every village, town, and city. They hurt the farmer in Aweil, the teacher in Juba, and the displaced family in Bentiu.
These acts diminish us as a nation, but we are not powerless. Our history of unity in adversity demonstrates our capacity to act. We are a nation of strong communities, courageous individuals, and determined citizens. Together, we can reclaim our institutions and rebuild our nation on the principles of integrity and accountability.
The stakes have never been higher. The urgency lies in the devastating ripple effects of state capture. Today, over half of our population relies on humanitarian aid due to resource misappropriation. Corruption has entrenched itself in every facet of governance, undermining development and worsening poverty. Our oil revenues, a lifeline for the nation, are mired in corruption, leaving the economy vulnerable and the people to fend for themselves.
When we allow elites to siphon off resources meant for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we rob our children of their future. We must act now to halt the descent into further chaos. If we fail, the cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, and instability will continue to plague South Sudan for generations.
Corruption is not someone else’s problem—it is a crisis that affects every South Sudanese citizen. It denies children an education, families access to healthcare, and communities the infrastructure they need to thrive. But it also presents an opportunity for collective action. By joining forces, we can dismantle the systems that enable state capture and rebuild institutions that serve the people.
The fight against state capture and corruption is our fight. It affects us all, and it will take all of us to end it. Start by refusing to engage in corruption yourself; lead by example in your home, workplace, and community. Hold your leaders accountable—demand regular reporting on public finances and insist on merit-based governance.
Join me in creating a movement of integrity and justice. Support organisations that champion good governance, attend community meetings and lend your voice to calls for reform. Together, we can build a South Sudan where resources are used to benefit the many, not the few.
This is our moment. Let us not squander it. Our challenges are immense, but so is our collective potential. By choosing action today, we can lay the foundation for a just and prosperous nation that honours the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. Let us rise together to meet this defining challenge of our time.
Hope for a Better Future
Despite the enormity of the challenges we face today, let us remain optimistic about South Sudan's potential. I believe in a South Sudan where every child has access to education, every family receives quality healthcare, and every community enjoys the benefits of transparent governance.
Our history as a resilient and determined people gives me hope. South Sudanese have overcome immense adversity to achieve independence, and that same spirit can drive us toward meaningful change.
By taking action today, we can move closer to that vision. Let us harness the power of our shared story—the story of a people determined to reclaim their future. Together, we can turn the page on corruption and state capture, writing a new chapter defined by accountability, transparency, and prosperity for all. The time to act is now. Let us rise as one people, united by our commitment to a better South Sudan.