South Sudan: The Paradox of the Decentralized Governance in Multi. Abstract Ethnic State

Abstract

Decentralization and local self-governance have become key elements of politi.
cal and administrative reforms in many countries since the J 980s. Diversity in
many developed, developing and transitional countries has been a compelling
Jactor in a choice for decentralization. In that context, South Sudan, hefore and
after it achieved independence had adopted a decentralized form a/governance
within the unitary framework. This decentralization scheme was designed to
harness the challenge of nation-building and nurture national unity. However
it did not achieve the intended objective. Delving into what is thought to be
a normative debate in social science scholarship, this article seeks to explore
the/orm a/governance system that is best suited/or multi-ethnic societies like
South Sudan in light of the current conflict. The article argues that perceived
state exclusionary poliCies, fragmented party system within the SPLM, ethnic
distrusts and institutional domination by some ethnic groups remain the major
threats to national unity in the country. As a result, the article proposedfederal
governance/or South Sudan as this institutional arrangement promises self-rule
to communities while also providing shared rule and fair representation of the
political elite in national institutions.