Crisis of Youth or Crisis of Society in South Sudan?

Abstract

The newly independent nation is beset by a host of problems of underdevelopment arising from slavery, wars and fragmentation of society. The serious hardships facing young people, who are the majority of the population, should be seen in this context and addressed urgently

On July 9, 2013, the Republic of South Sudan will celebrate its second anniversary. The jubilee that initially welcomed South Sudan into the community of nations has begun to fade and the reality of crises has gradually taken front stage. In particular, South Sudan faces two daunting challenges as it attempts to build a state and bring its diverse nationalities into the framework of a nation. The first problem is that of security, law and order. The second is that of building a viable developmental state capable of spearheading the national objectives contained in its guiding framework: Vision 2040. The two challenges are related.

For sustainable development to occur South Sudan must be stabilized and violence contained. The rule of law must be instituted and enforced. Given that the majority of the population in South Sudan is under the age of 30, this paper discusses the youth- who constitute the majority of the population - and their place in the nation-building process. The first of several important questions is this: Does South Sudan face a crisis of youth or a crisis of society? Then, what is the place of this youthful majority in the emerging nation? The essay will discuss demographics, political violence and the role of youth, the effects of an ever growing generational gap and finding the best way forward.

Keywords: crisis of youth, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, East Africa, Africa, violence, development, sustainable development, gender, disparity, youth