The other day on the radio
The other day I was listening to the radio (yes the radio!). Well, I was half asleep, but I was listening to the CBC radio show, The Current. The topic at hand particularly spiked my interest because it was discussing South Sudan. This was the tagline:
The newest country on this planet is South Sudan, created by referendum amid much excitement just last year. But all weekend, Sudan’s military was bombing South Sudan sites on orders of a president indicted for war crimes. But the new country’s rebels and its new military aren’t blameless and the civilians are – once again – caught in the middle.
Basically, the host, Anna Maria Tremonti, interviewed a couple of people about their experiences in/with South Sudan. One of the guests was speaking from Juba, the capital city which quickly made me think of the family I have living there currently. I miss them and I wondered (and still wonder) how long before I return to them.
Generally, I was saddened by the show because of all the issues that will continue plaguing this fragile little state – especially its complicated relationship with Sudan. What a horrible neighbour Sudan is! Goodness, why is Bashir still in power? He does not respect South Sudan, he is an obstacle to peace! I don’t understand why the people of Sudan allow this man to remain in power and represent them!
Anyway, I digress.
Currently, I guess what I do in my everyday life here is useless to South Sudan. I totally ignore South Sudan generally. I hate hearing stories about the conflicts in the border, the tension between the various tribes, the corruption in the government, etc. I can’t stand it. The violence and tension especially just wreak havoc in my mind because I start worrying about my family in South Sudan. And then I keep telling myself that there is no way that I can return to live there under those conditions.
During the interview, at one point, one of the guests did mention the fact that South Sudan needs all the South Sudanese living abroad to return home. South Sudan needs their (our) education and experience. Gosh, there’s so much that this country needs. I could probably do something much more useful there than I am doing right now, but I am just not convinced that I can be happy there. Yes, my happiness is still a priority on my list!
Goodness. Well, I guess that gives you an idea of where my head has been lately… maybe.
I don’t know. I feel like I have an obligation to return to South Sudan, but I don’t want to live any where out of obligation. My life here is not that interesting and certainly not that fulfilling, so maybe I should just give South Sudan a chance right? Maybe I will be happier in South Sudan after all. Plus, who says I have to go and NEVER return right?
I don’t know… these are the thoughts of the day.
Well, while I think about that – here’s a link to the podcast of the interview that provoked all this:
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120430_39298.mp3
Still kickin’ and screamin’
I’m still around folks, just haven’t had inspiration for anything recently. But I will try to write something soon!
South Sudan Music – “Jesh SPLM” by Nyajouk K
Here’s one of those songs that I just love not knowing exactly the meaning behind it.
According to the title, it’s about the army and the political party currently in power. SPLM stands for the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement; it branched from the SPLA – the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army.
It’s an awesome song, enjoy!
Why did the Arab spring skip Sudan?
I admit, I am not that much of a news junkie, but you didn’t have to be one this past year to be aware of the massive political changes reverberating around the world. Two thousand eleven was a year marked by bravery from some of the world’s most deprived citizens. Countless number of people put their lives on the line and lost it in the name of democracy. They were willing to die for the cause if it meant a possibly better world for the rest of their country men and women.
I am proud to live in a world where fellow humans are willing to do that for one another – despite everything else happening!
There is still so much to do and as Syria is proving it to us every day – it’s not easy being brave. Changing the world is a risky business. But, they’re still striving on and I salute them for that and hope for the best.
The one country that I have personal ties with is of course Sudan. I look at it and wonder – why did this Arab Revolution skip Sudan? Are Sudanese people satisfied with their leader? Are they indifferent? Are they already protesting against him? Or do they fear the awful consequences of action?
This man and his tactics is giving Sudan a bad name. He’s making it difficult for Sudanese and South Sudanese to get along. He’s wanted by the International Criminal Court for goodness sakes!!! What does it take to give this criminal mind the boot???? I have to admit, I have a hard time respecting the Sudanese people in general when I don’t hear anything from them against this brutal man….
This time for Africa
Can’t get enough of this one!
Thank you opportunity - you are great to all of us!
The reason I said this trip was an adventure none of us ever imagined possible for our family is because we have been here for so long – 20 years. We all grew up in this setting. All our memories, all our languages, all our cultural idiosyncrasies were largely extinguished by the hands of time.
And during that time, our living conditions never wavered beyond meager; so the idea of travelling – especially to Africa – and especially with the entire family – was an idea that for all these years always seemed out of reach (and with the gap widening).
Beled Sudani – another joyful experience courtesy of South Sudan
This one needs no explanation from me because English subtitles are conveniently available! This one also knows how to really tug at my heart strings – the images really make me miss South Sudan, especially the one of the children.
I found this song while searching for a different video that I wanted to share with you. While I continue the search – you can go ahead and enjoy this song as sung by a Children’s Choir from Juba and as inspired by a couple of bible versus that I will provide following this sentence.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, rand will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known
1 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
When will facebook recognize South Sudan?
I was just in facebook world and it has yet to recognize my dear country beautiful South Sudan:( I know it’s just facebook but still, it would be nice if facebook would keep up with the South Sudanese.
It’s 2012…independence was so last year, so why don’t I have the option of selecting “South Sudan” as my country. Facebook is forcing me to be from Sudan.
Facebook I am not Sudanese anymore – I am South Sudanese!
Is it really that big an act to make the “South Sudan” option available? Is it not a matter of just typing another 10-letter title?? I think it’s as simple as that, but tell me if it’s not.
In the meantime, I’m just confused, wondering what’s up with the people of facebook! What’s up with that? What’s taking so long? There are thousands of South Sudanese in facebook living as Sudanese by default! By the way – no offence to Sudanese by all means, I just rather be from South Sudan. It’s so brand new and made just for me, why not splatter it on facebook too! Come on facebook get with the program!
Google stayed current and recognized:
You can read all about it here - At Last, Google Recognizes South Sudan’s Independence
When will facebook get on board already? I mean – the facebook people do know by now right??
The Silver lining in South Sudan
This musician goes by the name ‘Silver X’ and this song I am posting about is called “Fetus Shukul.” Judging from the content of the video, you might think this song is about girls and sex or girls girls girls and/or the joy of chasing them. The content of the song couldn’t be any further from the content of the video ( – otherwise, it wouldn’t have made the list! The list that makes the awesome soundtrack to my South Sudan experience!).
This young South Sudanese lad is singing about the hardships youth (and perhaps the general South Sudanese populace) experience as they search for work. It’s challenging for the average South Sudanese with no connections to gain meaningful employment in Juba especially. He lists all the barriers that are brought before the young South Sudanese as he/she searches for work to feed his/her family. If you are lucky enough to reach the interview state, instead of being questioned regarding education, qualifications, work experience, skills – all the expected standards of an interview. The South Sudanese is questioned about his background, which village he/she is from, his/her parentage and of course, his/her tribe.
But I think Silver X has hope. Because he says roughly, ‘you can have today and tomorrow will be mine.’
……the chorus goes like so:
ana lifu dunia mama, fitishu shokol madang [?]
lakiin, bii kelimu gali – ‘come tomorrow’
ana biga taban, ‘tomorrow’ tomon de
akiir to mafi mama
…..and roughing it in translation goes like this:
I have traveled all over the world looking for a job
But they say to ‘come tomorrow’
This ‘tomorrow’ of theirs, has no end
AWESOME message! This song ruled the airwaves during the summer of 2011 (possibly longer, but I was only there for the summer months and heard it all throughout!).
It sucks that the video spoils it!lol I have no idea who was in the room with this guy when it was suggested that the video revolve itself around gyrating hip actions! Why didn’t someone speak up on behalf of this awesome message? Why didn’t Mr. X himself say no to pointless gyrations – gyrations with no connection to the song! Thankfully, enjoying the song and hating the video are not mutually exclusive. So press play and look away – unless you like that stuff of course…then by all means, enjoy!
[the audio and video are not synchronized with this one, sorry couldn't find a better version!]
Nelson Mandela telling it like it is
