In Now City Of Fear Analysis

Undeniably, authoritarian power has dictated the political and social hierarchy of society for centuries. This structural power resembles a pyramid, with the base composed of civilians, the middle of higher authority officials, and the narrowed top claimed by kleptocratic elites. Kleptocracy is a form of authoritarian government, offering leaders self-enrichment and overwhelming power at the expense of citizen rights. Through enforcing warfare to attain wealth and power, the South Sudanese government exemplifies kleptocratic corruption.

To begin with, South Sudanese officials are recognized as kleptocratic by initiating violence upon the country to control abundant resources and profiteer from those resources. First and foremost, South Sudan’s
In his article, “In South Sudan, City of Hope is Now City of Fear,” Jeffrey Gentlemen expounds upon the idea that leading politicians “manipulate” and “exploit” ethnic divisions. Reporting a first hand account of Diu Tut, a member from the Nuer tribe, Gentleman exemplifies the South Sudanese citizens’ fears of death from government forces. In his story, Tut explains his fear of exiting a South Sudanese displacement camp because of his Neur background, a heritage that is being heavily persecuted by the Dinka affiliated government forces of Kiir (1). Accordingly, the civil war has strengthened the division between the Nuer and Dinka tribes, as each of these tribes have taken stances in supporting either the president or vice president, respectively. Another instance of human oppression in South Sudan is the experience of Elizabeth Nylet, a mother who faces the hardships of living through the raging civil war. Waake Simon Wudu records Nylet’s experience in the article,“Waiting for Food, Hoping for Peace in South Sudan,” characterizing the common struggles of hunger, disease, and insecurity among citizens. Wudu emphasizes food shortages; the low ration of 28 kg shared among Nylet’s family of seven leads to a three month fast (3-4). Residents of South Sudan struggle through appalling conditions and are in need for life necessities. Because the government prioritizes power over the well being of citizens, kleptocratic corruption is prevalent in repeating failures of international peace efforts, diminishing the hope of citizens. Essential rights will continuously be stripped from citizens due to fear and manipulative government