By Mading Ngor
It has been over a year and a half since Garang John was released from prison in February 2023. Since then, the former SSBC anchor went into exile and immediately launched into unceasing public criticism of the government that incarcerated him for 60 days. His below-the-belt attacks on the personality of the President, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and his family, raise questions about the nature of his actions. Is he a champion of justice, or a self-serving antagonist? Are his attacks fueled by personal animosity, or a genuine concern for the public good?
A Closer Look at Garang John
It’s essential to engage with his criticisms critically to determine whether he’s practicing journalism or activism. A close scrutiny of his background will furnish us with more information about what makes my former friend and SSBC news anchor and presenter tick. At his peak, Garang John was the hottest broadcaster SSBC has ever produced. He was a beloved budding journalist whose evening newscasts were delivered with bravado and punchiness. Garang was the sole author of his rise. Armed with a journalism diploma, he labored within a span of ten years to be a well-recognized face on SSBC by the time South Sudan attained independence in 2011. He was accorded rockstar reception everywhere he visited.
He relished the attention, and he deserved it to boot!
His symbiotic relationship with the incumbent administration of Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit made him indistinguishable from the regime. His rapid growth within SSBC also meant that he reaped handsome privileges within the J1 political patronage club and enjoyed unfettered access to any office in the land. By 2016, Garang put up a lavish and star-studded wedding with the assistance of nearly the entire government. Incidentally, his trials and tribulations commenced as soon as his wedding concluded.
A Fall from Grace
In a stunning reversal of fate, he was intermittently locked up in jail on problems associated with money. As someone who had special affinity with Garang, his arrest was shocking as it was mysterious. He was laughed at derisively and his marriage and social standing were irretrievably affected. His career took a nosedive thereafter as he elected to go underground. Undeterred, Garang plotted his comeback. His many friends in the system including Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, gave him a second chance to pursue his bachelor’s degree studies in Kenya, which he completed successfully.
A Return to the Spotlight
Upon his return to South Sudan, Garang tried to regain lost faith in humanity after all that he went through. He reluctantly returned to SSBC to begin afresh with the hope of a better position. In January 2023, Garang was arrested and kept at the Blue House for two months in connection with a viral video of the President. After his release, Garang forfeited his reporting gig in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and his prospects of authorizing his comeback.
With his move to exile, Garang John has become a thorn in the side of the South Sudan government, launching scathing attacks on the regime’s alleged improprieties. It’s crucial to examine the specific content and impact of his diatribes. Are his criticisms factually accurate and supported by evidence? Do they contribute to constructive public discourse, or do they simply degrade and humiliate?
From my journalistic perspective, Garang seems to have overstepped his role as a watchdog. While freedom of speech allows us to speak truth to power and be the “voice of the voiceless,” it’s essential to exercise this right responsibly.
While Garang has the right to criticize the government, his constant personal attacks on the President seem excessive and counterproductive. He should refrain from using journalism as a veil for his personal vendetta.
Another concern is Garang’s reliance on secondary sources. Those providing him with information may have ulterior motives, and blindly accepting their claims without verification can be misleading.
Garang’s selective approach to exposing corruption, focusing on certain individuals while ignoring others, further undermines his credibility as a journalist. The unintended consequences of Garang’s digital rebellion are also worth considering. His actions may have unintended negative impacts on the very people he claims to be advocating for. False accusations against individuals perceived as his informants can have serious repercussions. Garang must acknowledge the potential harm his actions may cause and adjust his approach accordingly.
In conclusion, while Garang’s criticisms may raise valid concerns, his methods and selective approach cast doubt on his intentions. A more balanced and evidence-based approach would be more effective in holding the government accountable and promoting positive change in South Sudan.
