In essence, 2022 was supposed to be a year of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and partially it was. Partially because of unprecedented interruptions, for instance, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The invasion of Ukraine triggered a breakdown in the global supply chain causing a rise in commodity prices or inflation.
In brief, it was a very difficult year globally because of inflation and extreme weather conditions.
Here at home, the situation wasn’t different, it was a bad year of mass suffering due to flash flooding and poor preparedness by authorities. South Sudanese rural poor were left in despair and in a hopeless situation. Many of these rural poor starved and die from preventable diseases.
Then, came another disappointment, a sponsored violence in the upper Nile state leaving many displaced especially women, children, and the elderly. Tens of thousands were displaced and many were killed. To date, the community-sponsored violence by power-hungry politicians is ongoing in greater Jonglei and the upper Nile states
Another shocker was the two years extension of the R-ARCSS, the peace parties, and the unelected parliament extended the agreement. They failed to seek a fresh mandate from the South Sudanese people who have been suffering since 2013. It was an uncalled-for war manufactured by a few power-hungry who failed to read the signs of the time and the suffering people of South Sudan.
They plug the country into a circle of unprecedented instability leaving tens of thousands of people dead; hundreds of thousands internally displaced, and thousands of people forced into refuge in Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and even Egypt. That was 2022, for a typical South Sudanese.
Those intricacies stand out for me in 2022, even though the list is quite long
2023, can one predict it?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, if we use our eyes and intuition, and history. We can draw a near-perfect prediction on how 2023 will likely present itself, but since one can’t predict the future with certainty, it will be wise to think about it in a scientific mode using hypotheses.
One can use hypotheses to predict 2023 challenges. I find the use of the hypothesis as a safe way to read without certainty and unsubstantiated assertions that may turn out untrue because in life anything can happen and things change without you knowing.
In short, in 2023, we may experience the extension of 2022 problems and emerging news challenges for 2023.
And to survive 2023, we need to set goals and be pliable in an environment of risk and uncertainties.
To young people and entrepreneurs be on the watch out for the 5 things we should do in 2023 to have a fruitful here.
I know it wouldn’t be easy but if we prepared for the year by planning well, working hard, and above all putting God first we will have a manageable even if challenges emerge along the way we will have an exit strategy as we adjust to survive in the year.
Wishing you all a blessed 2023.
@ Omiri, December 31, 2022.
