This is How We Used to Think in South Sudan, Just as Gatluak and Mony-luaak
“Gatluak and Mony-luaak” is a captivating fictional work that delves into the root causes of human suffering on Earth. The story traces the journey of two young men determined to uncover the fundamental reasons behind humanity’s myriad struggles and tribulations.
Recognizing that every situation stems from specific origins or factors, the story critically examines the task of identifying these sources.
Through the engaging dialogues between the characters, the readers are led on an introspective and illuminating journey of self-discovery. This short story is a vital read for anyone aiming to understand the complexities of human distress and the quest for solutions.
Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide
What Causes Suffering?
“I understand why we suffer,” Gatluak initiated, a brief, sweet, yet sometimes contentious conversation.
“What’s the cause of human suffering?” Mony-luaak inquired, gazing intently into the eyes of his distressed younger brother. The blistering sun seemed to exacerbate the world’s existing woes.
“Aren’t you aware of why we’re in pain?” he questioned, averting his gaze from his older half-brother, sharing the same father but not the mother. Gatluak never met the gaze of his siblings, particularly those from a different mother.
“I presumed you knew the reasons, which is why I asked,” Mony-luaak continued. He then, still facing his brother, rested his left hand on his right shoulder for a good five minutes.
“There are countless reasons. So many, in fact, that I cannot list them all right now. I need to reflect, Mony-luaak. I need to ponder, brother. The causes of our suffering are numerous, and you’re aware of them. You understand what I’m implying.”
“Could you name just a few?”
And so, Gatluak and Mony-luaak continued their search for truth and meaning.
“I want to know if we can address at least one of the causes,” he proposed.
“I can list several. For instance, our government is a primary cause of our suffering. Since 2005, where has the oil money gone? Some believe God is another cause, responsible for all suffering.”
“I’m uncertain about God, but I believe the government isn’t our sole issue. The rebels are also a problem, and, admittedly, so are we, the people.”
“How can you blame the rebels and the citizens? Which came first, the government, the rebels, or the people? I believe the government was first. It was established to set rules and policies for a new nation that everyone is expected to follow. Our people suffered, and then the rebels took to the bush to address the situation.”
“I understand, brother. I recognize your concern for our people. However, the government alone isn’t the issue. You might see it differently if you were involved with the government. Yet, I maintain that our people are fundamentally responsible for their own suffering.”
Why Are We in Refugee Camps?
“Tell me, why should our people deserve such a plight? Are you aware that many are scattered in refugee camps worldwide? Countless are also in IDP camps, enduring great hardship.”
“Our people faced their own challenges even before 2005. Are you familiar with cattle raiding and child abduction? Were these the government’s doing? And what about the killings among our people? Did the government incite these conflicts?”
“I’m well aware of all these issues and more. However, what actions has the government taken to address each problem? Where are the policies to manage a nation of diverse tribes and groups? I believe the government has neglected the issues of tribalism and nepotism. It’s their duty to address them!”
“Look at me, my brother. We cannot lay the blame solely on one individual or an institution like the government. Are you not aware of the numerous failed attempts at civilian disarmament by the government? They failed because our people do not comprehend the role of the government. They resisted their own government as they resisted the Arabs, rejecting any form of rules, laws, and regulations.”
“If we wish to see our people prosper, who is truly at fault? Isn’t it evident that the government is too feeble to govern its citizens? I believe it is the government’s obligation to implement laws, rules, and regulations, not the civilians. Every nation has its populace, but it is the government that ensures adherence to the country’s laws.”
Comparing our country to others is not a fair assessment. It’s akin to a man comparing his wife to others, or a woman her husband, which often leads to domestic strife. Our government has made efforts, is making efforts, and will continue to strive to realize the changes you wish to see.
In our towns, clean drinking water is scarce despite the revenue from oil. Our infrastructure is lacking; roads that should connect states, regions, towns, and even cross borders are inadequate. The state of our schools and hospitals is far from ideal. We rely on water delivered by foreigners from rivers, using their trucks. Piped water, as seen in Sudan, is absent here.
Were it not for the rebellion, had our people chosen peace, these amenities might already be in place. The government cannot achieve significant progress without the cooperation of its citizens. Yet, internal conflicts over minor issues lead to violence and rebellion against the government for power, shifting the blame entirely to the government.
Is It 100% Government’s Fault?
“Yes, the government is at fault. There must be laws that work for and against everyone based on their actions. Additionally, there must be services for the people. Do you think people fight each other without reason? It’s because they are idle. Introduce investment and numerous operating companies, then observe who will still fight. Our people are kind; they are the most obedient in the world. However, they lack a government.”
“If our people lived in peace, many issues you’ve raised would resolve themselves. Yet, there can be no peace without unity, no unity without love, no love without forgiveness, no forgiveness without truth, or openness to one another. Openness requires negotiation, hence the government’s call for a national dialogue, allowing people to speak and seek peace.”
“Mony-luaak, our people cannot live in peace without law enforcement. The disarmament you referred to was not conducted properly. Some communities were left armed, implying favoritism, and the government you defend fails to protect the disarmed, vulnerable communities. Is it right for a national government to support one side and neglect the other?”
“I concur with you on many points, but the government cannot act alone. Our people must collaborate with the government to address insecurity in our villages and towns. Subsequently, the government can provide services like building roads (highways), schools, and healthcare centers. These developmental efforts follow peace, which is unattainable if our people continue to kill each other and rebel over governmental positions.”
“Are you suggesting that civilians alone can achieve peace? That people shouldn’t resist when they suffer and the government remains indifferent or ineffective? Are you implying that civilians can independently construct roads?”
“No, not to all your questions. However, success is possible only if our citizens collaborate with our government. But as you’re aware, people are engaged in conflicts in the villages. Those in the cities are preoccupied with trivial discussions rather than productive work. Thus, pointing fingers won’t lead us to any positive outcomes.”
“I believe we are no different from any other humans on earth. Yet, in some countries, citizens comply with government directives. The government establishes peace, generates employment opportunities tailored to job seekers’ skills, and ensures public safety. Hence, the government has distinct responsibilities, separate from those of the civilians.”
“Gatluak, I maintain the hope that one day, when our people recognize their personal and communal duties, as well as the government’s obligations, we will collectively build our nation.”
“But when will that day arrive? Do you expect it to happen without effort? Without the populace voicing grievances or rebelling to transform the current regime, that day you envision will remain elusive. Our government consists of individuals more focused on personal advancement than national development. They prioritize connections over competence in employment.”
“Do you believe that fighting and complaining pave the way forward? Can fighting teach the government to establish peace or construct roads? Isn’t fighting and killing those who survived the major and civil wars destructive? I believe violence is harmful and should not be encouraged. We must be patient and continue our efforts until the day for change arrives.”
“Mony-luaak, my question remains: when will such a day arrive? You have yet to provide an answer. I seek to know when and how such a day will dawn—a day when the government will enforce security and law. A day when, if a community attacks another, the government will intervene to prevent it rather than take sides, support it, or even instigate it. When will the day come when the government, which you endorse, stops violating women and girls in our villages under the guise of disarmament or searching for rebels they know are not hiding there? Will such a day ever arrive, or will it happen on its own?”
“That day will arrive when our people realize that everyone has a role in this country. The timing or manner of its arrival is irrelevant, but I am certain it will come. I hold onto the hope and belief that it will come, someday, at some point. When it does, there will be peace and a sense of unity among tribes and people groups. We will then possess the country, and the country will belong to us all.” ~ Mony-luaak.
“I hope it’s not akin to the day believers anticipate for Christ’s return to earth—a day not even Christ knows. Such hope seems futile. It fails to address our current suffering. Nonetheless, we continue to endure. We need immediate answers. We must act, for I believe God will not resolve our human issues; it is up to us.”
“Gatluak, we have exhausted all our options, yet nothing has brought that day any closer. Our rebellion against the government has not succeeded. Do you still think rebellion is the sole solution?”
“Ha, do you really believe that surrender is the only hope or solution? Surrender is not an answer. We must voice our concerns loudly enough for the government to understand our struggles. Otherwise, they will remain oblivious to our needs. If our grievances fall on deaf ears, we must stand up against them until they respond to our demands and act for the benefit of the people and the entire nation. This is the only path forward, not an endless wait for nothing. We must take action, and we must do it now. If the government truly represents us, it will heed our call and undertake what we cannot do on our own. That’s how I see it, Mony-luaak.”
The Final Remarks
As the two young men conversed, it was as though I wasn’t listening. I found myself agreeing and then disagreeing with each, based on their arguments. Yet, they are both correct in their perspectives.
Humans perceive things based on various factors. Knowledge and beliefs play significant roles. Gatluak and Mony-luaak are not alone in this, are they? However, Gatluak and Mony-luaak still possess their unique viewpoints. Do you concur with Gatluak and Mony-luaak? Do you believe they are both right and wrong at certain points?
It’s intriguing why these men seem to agree to disagree. Could it be because their names are nearly identical yet distinct? Their differing views stem from focusing on different aspects of the same issue. One sees the government as the be-all and end-all, the source of problems and solutions. The other perceives it differently, believing in a collaborative effort between the people and their government for successful outcomes.
As a reader, what is your stance? Do you find yourself in agreement or disagreement with them? Are they both right in their own ways? Why or why not?
I, Mut Peter, hold a distinct perspective, a different outlook on life than Gatluak and Mony-luaak. Nonetheless, I trust that everything happens for a reason. There is a season for everything under the sun.
While humans have roles to play, there are countless elements beyond our direct control, including our nature, minds, thoughts, words, and actions. Therefore, let’s do what we can and leave what we cannot manage.
I hope the discussion between Gatluak and Mony-luaak was enlightening for you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Shalom!
Further Readings
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