In a letter dated February 2, the family expressed “deep concern and distress” over what they described as a “serious cultural and spiritual violation,” arguing that the inclusion of a deceased person in political appointments is both administratively erroneous and culturally inappropriate.
A Republican Order issued last Friday listed Budia as a member of a political party’s leadership body and as a stakeholder in election-related dialogues in Juba, despite his passing in 2021. The family maintains that this error has caused emotional and spiritual disruption, not only for them but for the wider community.
“The appointment of a deceased person is not only an administrative mistake but also a profound cultural and spiritual violation,” the letter stated. “In our traditions, it is unacceptable to invoke or ‘awaken’ the soul and spirit of the deceased without the knowledge, consent, or involvement of the family.”
James Boboya Edimond, a representative of the family, emphasized that the incident has left members “dismayed, emotionally affected, and spiritually disturbed.” He underscored the need for proper reparations to restore the dignity of the late politician and to honor cultural norms regarding the treatment of deceased leaders.
Following the issuance of the Republican Order, the Office of the President reportedly issued a clarification, acknowledging the inclusion of Budia’s name as an “unintentional administrative error” and indicating that steps were being taken to amend the order. While the family welcomed this acknowledgment, they stressed that the matter extends beyond mere administrative correction.
“The clarification is appreciated, but it does not fully address the cultural and spiritual ramifications of this action,” the letter read. “Proper recognition of our family’s rights and the integrity of the late politician’s legacy is essential.”
Steward Sorobo Budia had a notable political career in South Sudan. He served as Commissioner for Greater Yei and later as Minister of Information and Communication.
At the time of his death, he was the head of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and a signatory to South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement.
Budia’s contributions to political dialogue and governance have made him a respected figure among his peers and the community at large.
The family’s demands include the immediate rectification of the Republican Order, a formal public clarification to acknowledge the error, and official recognition of their right to designate a representative to carry forward Budia’s political legacy—an arrangement reportedly granted to other deceased political leaders in similar circumstances.
“We trust that the Office of the President will treat this matter with the seriousness, respect, and urgency it deserves,” James Boboya Edimond said, reading from the family’s statement.
Additionally, the family requested assurances that similar administrative mistakes will not occur in the future, emphasizing the importance of careful record-keeping and culturally sensitive procedures when handling appointments and official communications involving political figures.
Observers note that this incident highlights a broader challenge in South Sudan’s administrative system: ensuring that bureaucratic errors do not inadvertently disrespect cultural norms or the legacies of prominent figures.
The family’s demands include the immediate rectification of the Republican Order, a formal public clarification to acknowledge the error, and official recognition of their right to designate a representative to carry forward Budia’s political legacy—an arrangement reportedly granted to other deceased political leaders in similar circumstances.
“We trust that the Office of the President will treat this matter with the seriousness, respect, and urgency it deserves,” James Boboya Edimond said, reading from the family’s statement.
Additionally, the family requested assurances that similar administrative mistakes will not occur in the future, emphasizing the importance of careful record-keeping and culturally sensitive procedures when handling appointments and official communications involving political figures.
Observers note that this incident highlights a broader challenge in South Sudan’s administrative system: ensuring that bureaucratic errors do not inadvertently disrespect cultural norms or the legacies of prominent figures.
While the Office of the President’s clarification may resolve the technical mistake, the family’s call for cultural and moral reparations underscores the weight of traditional customs in the country’s political and social life.
Political analysts suggest that South Sudan’s government, while focused on maintaining procedural governance, must also recognize the symbolic and spiritual significance of deceased leaders in shaping national unity and community identity.
Political analysts suggest that South Sudan’s government, while focused on maintaining procedural governance, must also recognize the symbolic and spiritual significance of deceased leaders in shaping national unity and community identity.
Errors such as the inclusion of Budia’s name, though administrative in origin, have the potential to provoke public concern and erode confidence if not addressed comprehensively.
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