The Underlying Paradoxes of the National Anthem of the Republic of South Sudan

Abstract

National symbols are very instrumental items for a country’s peace, unity and prosperity. The national symbol for instance the national anthem is always sung at the learning institutions and or during the country’s special occasions. Though national anthems just like any other national symbols have a noble role in the country, some countries tend to disregard its letter and spirit. One such country is the Republic of South Sudan (RoSS). Being the newest country in Africa and probably the state that experienced a longer period of civil wars and with the bigger number of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), it has been the wishes of the citizens and the people the world over to have a lasting peace and unity. However, since independence in 2011, there have been intermittent ethnic clashes resulting into deaths of many South Sudanese civilians and also loss of property. This is happening despite the fact that its national anthem possesses elements of peace and harmony. In this regard, the paper intends to expose the underlying paradoxes inherent in the national anthem of the RoSS.