We can write countless articles attempting to explain the arson that ravaged Custom Market on 1st Dec. 2025, and suggest the solution but unless we confront the deeper and unanswered strategic leadership and security question, expediting the solution, the problem will remain unresolved.

Many commentaries have emerged, each trying to assign the blame or suggest solutions. However, most of these analyses merely scratch the surface – they do not dig deep into the core governance issue at hand – specifically the strategic question of leadership and security issue. Below is why I believe the root cause lies in leadership failures, and what can be done to address them.

The Custom Market arson exposes a broader crisis in government leadership, especially the persistent culture of appointing rather than electing key officials. In South Sudan, it is a known fact that leaders are frequently appointed, reshuffled, or removed at will instead of receiving a direct mandate from the people. These appointments are often not guided by robust policies that ensure performance, accountability, or protection from political interference.

In this environment, vested-interest groups exploit loopholes within weak governance frameworks. They influence appointment processes to serve personal or factional interests rather than the public good. As a result, appointed leaders operate under constant pressure, knowing their survival depends on political alliances rather than citizens’ trust. Consequently, they fear making bold, necessary decisions—even when such actions could strengthen public safety, enforce laws, or enhance service delivery.

This climate of insecurity and instability leads to unimplemented policies, ignored warnings, and unattended public concerns. The tragedy at Custom Market therefore reflects not only security failures but also a systemic governance weakness rooted in leadership instability and a lack of democratic legitimacy.

South Sudan is among the few countries in the world operating under a highly controversial system of governance marked by a highly centralized presidency, weak parliamentary oversight, heavy influence of military elites, and limited separation of powers. It is critical to recognize that several nations with similar systems rank among the world’s most fragile or failed States. 

Examples include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Haiti, where weak institutions, entrenched corruption, and persistent conflict have fueled instability, humanitarian crises, and social fragmentation. Unless South Sudan undertakes substantial reforms to strengthen institutions, promote accountability, and decentralize power, infernos beyond the Custom Market arson across such as yearly negative impact of flood, insecurities, violence etc. are far from being addressed.

Broadly understanding and thinking beyond the confines of South Sudan, it must be emphasized that nations and cities that advance today are those grounded in clear, firm, and democratic governance policies. Successful societies prioritize the collective public interest rather than allowing a handful of self-serving individuals to exploit policy loopholes and manipulate executive decisions at the center of power.

Talk of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania as some close neighboring African economies. If South Sudanese fail to recognize this fundamental truce and create systems that protect the common good, we risk remaining an isolated island – stagnant, vulnerable, and unable to fix our basic problems and compete with the fast-moving world economies around us. But above all, remain in absolute abject avoidable poverty. Only through accountable leadership and genuine democratic practice can we chart a future worthy of our people.

Moving forward

A sustainable solution requires strengthening democratic legitimacy and stability in the country’s leadership. Key public offices should increasingly be filled through free and fair elections rather than frequent appointments. Elected leaders operate with a clear mandate from citizens, which empowers them to act decisively without fear of abrupt dismissal.

‎Additionally, strong legal frameworks must define terms of office, performance standards, and transparent removal procedures, ensuring leaders are evaluated on merit. Capacity-building programs should equip officials with skills in leadership, policy implementation, and public safety management.

Establishing effective oversight bodies—such as empowered local councils, anti-corruption units, and community policing committees – will further enhance accountability. By stabilizing leadership through democratic processes and strengthening institutions, the government can create an environment where policies are implemented consistently, risks are addressed early, and tragedies like the Custom Market arson become far less likely.

The author, Waakhe Simon Wudu, is a South Sudanese journalist and a student of Strategic Security Studies.