QUOTE: “Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail. What you gain at one end you lose at the other. It’s like feeding a dog on his own tail. It won’t fatten the dog.”
~Mark Twain~

BY: DHAAL MAPOUR ATERDIT, RUMBEK, LAKES STATE, MAY/10/2013, SSN;

South Sudan is a country characterized by serious and weighty brutal tribal conflicts. These clashes led to heavy extinctions of human lives and great loses of material properties. It brought about a profound setback in the area of development. A huge lump sum of money is allocated for insecurity across the country. These funds are either given directly to the States’ Ministries of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, Army Divisions or given to the Federal Ministries of Defence and Interior.

This was at any rate considered as a good trial, and must be applauded. All these trials were made for an attempt to quell the tribal wars across the country. There were some of the international organizations which funded the processes for making South Sudan a country free of communal conflicts.

The concern of both Juba government and international bodies was uniformly staged against needless deaths necessitated by pitiless clannish or tribal fights, destructions and losses of properties.

Although these efforts didn’t bring the conflicts to an end in full measures, I must send the waves of thanks to those who contributed positively to the well being and social stability of South Sudanese.

During six years of semi-autonomy which is in other words referred to as Interim Period in Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) up to the present moment, our country has been undergoing cycles of tribal fights. Analytically, these conflicts are seen as continuation of the traditional and ancestral fights carried over by the generations of ancestors to their heirs.

There are some traditional mythologies and ideologies that convey perceptions which might both be wrong or factual and harmfully affect today’s innovative philosophy.

The only way I have seen as an instrument for combating insecurity in this country is to promote education at all levels. Education is necessarily essential to be prioritized as a number one main concern by the Republic of South Sudan. This is just because education is the tool for any progress and civilization.

The crucial portrayal of education is the change of behaviors. I am very optimistic in a way that if our illiterate masses are allowed access to education, the occurrences of all these wars will decline.

According to a research report by the World Bank, it storied that about 27% of South Sudanese can be able to read and write while 73% is illiterate. The report showed that the percentage of trained teachers is only 10% compared to 90% of trained teachers in East Africa.

Vitally, this research reported that South Sudan spend less than 4% of an annual budget for education and much of the budget goes for insecurity and salaries.

In order to prioritize education, our government needs to adapt and authenticate Dr. John Garang’s initiative of “taking towns to people not people to towns.” Most of the primary and secondary schools exist in towns. This makes it so difficult for determined and interested rural dwellers to pursue studies because coming to towns for learning is hindered by lack of accommodation, food and other prerequisites for life in towns.

Many children whose thirst for education drive them to towns may perhaps end up in burglaries and their acts become integral part of insecurity in the towns and emit rays of headache to the government. The clear paradigm of this point is what is happening in Juba.

The places like Hai Mahona, Jebel Market, Jebel Kujur, Khor William, just to mention a few are very risky to visit at night because hooligans have penetrated much there. I have talked about places in Juba City as examples, but in actual sense a number of cases happening in other major cities are identical to those in Juba.

The “Go to School Initiative” campaign which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Instruction was one of the luminous ideas hit upon by the government. It sent a litmus test of educational system in the country.

However, as time went by, the ministry failed to put into service this initiative. Yes, the project was telling all the school-age persons to go to school when the administrators in the ministry didn’t find a necessary pathway for schooling.

The history itself revealed that South Sudan is a country denied educational privileges for so long. The educational system in South Sudan during the two decades of the then Sudan civil war was disturbed by the continuous wars in the country.

Seeing that the country has achieved independence, there is much work to be done to take schools to the people not people coming to schools. If the government considers the idea of children coming to school, this will add stack of sand and filth to its own eyes.

There are no boarding facilities built for students of far distances to live when following their learning programs in school.

Instead, I really value taking schools to the deep villages of our country so that everyone gets access to education. Those who will have chance of seeing a change will create a center of attention for their brothers and sisters to join schools and this will mean progress in all aspect.

If the president of the Republic of South Sudan could make education a rule, this will in actual fact help elevate the national economy as well as decrease of insecurity.

BY: Dhaal Mapuor Aterdit, RUMBEK, Lakes State, APR/29/2013, SSN;

It’s a no doubt that there are a total of sixty four (64) South Sudanese tribes in existence as am writing this piece. They inclusively constituted what was formally pronounced as the “193rd UN Member State” by UN General Assembly. That day, in other words, was called the “Birth of a New Nation,” it was amiably prized by all South Sudanese and the world alike. “At this moment… in this place… the world gathers to say in one voice: Welcome, South Sudan. Welcome to the community of nations,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said after the Assembly adopted a resolution, by acclamation, to admit Africa’s newest country.

The birth of the Republic of South Sudan was what I would herein refer to as nationalism. It was not perceived as a triumph of an individual ethnic entity. It was a work well-done by all South Sudan’s sixty four tribes. They finally voted themselves out of sweltering injustices, mass-slaughters, sufferings and under-developments……..this was the perception when secession was declared a reality.

It is without skepticism to emphasize that our independence was not attained because of a certain tribe. Although there are some other substantial historical events in the struggle for total autonomy in South Sudan which shown the lesser contribution of a few tribes, the fact remains that South Sudan was sweated for by all South Sudanese.

“I am confident that South Sudan will contribute to promote the objectives of security, peace, prosperity, friendship and cooperation between peoples as they are promoted by the United Nations, and this for the good of the people of South Sudan, for the good of the region and for the entire African continent.”—- Joseph Deiss, President of UN General Assembly said this during hoisting of South Sudan’s flag at UN Headquarters.

In this sense, I can significantly imagine that South Sudan was not allowed a break-way from the Sudan by international community to come and play politics of tribes. We didn’t opt for independence to come and mutilate ourselves. So many people in various tribes tend to talk political ills against other different tribes.

Surprisingly enough, many of our top politicians align citizens on the category of tribes. The comprehensible case in point is the incident of the Republican Order issued by President of the Republic of South Sudan and broadcast by State owned Television (SSTV).

The surface of the republican order was the withdrawal of extra-executive powers from the Vice President. But alas, it didn’t entail the depth of both the typical executive powers and reasons that led to withdrawal of these powers.

This event generated a public concern between the country’s two major tribes (Dinka, the President’s Tribe and Nuer, The Vice President’s Tribe). That was the first political episode in the new nation. It marks the start of political struggle which is opinionated along the tribal lines.

Talking about tribes, either against or in favor of a certain tribe is an eye wink in South Sudan. The tribes’ names have thoughtlessly occupied most South Sudanese’s brains. It is regrettable to have seen even the highly learned and level-headed figures in the country preaching tribalism.

Talking about tribes is not bad because they’re our identity. They’re what bind us to our ancestral beliefs and culture. What makes distinction here in South Sudan is how we have perceived ourselves as tribes.

The young nation is growing into the realm of tribes which adversely will throw the country into abyss of misery and despondency. It’s without a shred of doubt that tribes do exist in the world. The state of affairs in South Sudan makes it particular in ways that portray a false idea so as to this country might be the only spot on earth where tribes exist.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online, nationalism is defined as “loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.”

Nationalism in its practical exercise in our country is adverse. The country is clinging so compactly to a tribal chauvinistic state. There is much abhorrence amongst tribes. We have not accepted ourselves as a people and as a nation.

Our nationalism is flawed by our strong belief in tribes. This ideology has been killing the progresses in many countries in the world. It has stunted South Sudanese nationalism and democratic course of action has been skyjacked by tribal political principles.

This belief is revealing an extent in which the country will promptly bump to the verge of an all-out tribal civil war.

2011 is a remarkable year in the political history of our nation. The architects of independence as they usually describe themselves would have put the issue of tribal conflicts as a primary precedence by allowing the politicians break in their duties whether at national or state levels to go to their people in the villages to talk about “loyalty and devotion to a nation.”

If the locals at grass-root echelons understand this, this will mean peace and reconciliation, and on other hand implies nationalism.

Lamentably, our politicians in Juba and State capitals are the ones exercising tribal and clannish politics. Appointment to Constitutional positions is based on tribes where a politician comes from.

I pray that South Sudan be a democratic and pluralistic state where behavior of every citizen is not primarily guessed as the deeds of is/her tribe.

I pray that all South Sudanese excel for nationhood as a common cause for all of us, together with those who cemented our national identity with their blood for autonomy of this country.

I pray that we become a free tribalism state, that we accept ourselves as one people and put forward the HOPE of becoming a democratic nation.

Date: April 25, 2013, SSN;

Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan,

Your Excellency,

Ref: Requesting your Urgent Intervention to Stop Killing, Burning of Properties & Displacement of People of LOREMA & KIKILAI Boma of BUDI County, Eastern Equatoria State

We, the Buya and Didinga Community in Diaspora, hereby call upon your office to expeditiously and immediately call off the current military operations carried out by the Government of Eastern Equatoria State, under the leadership of Governor Luis Lobong, in collaboration with the military authorities in Juba, against the innocent civilians of BUDI County.

Your Excellency, on Monday April 16, 2013, we received very many phone calls from people in Chukudum, Lorema and Kikilai, all Bomas saying that Governor Luis Lobong had ordered/authorized unprovoked attack using the state’s military, particularly in Lorema Payam. The orders were carried out in response to Saturday April 13, 2013 incidence where some raiders who were youths had gone to raid cattle from the communities of LOTOME and BIRA Bomas.

The incidence coincided with the presence of the governor who visited and conducted a meeting with local people. Upon learning that there was raiding activity going on nearby, the Governor ordered 8 wildlife officers who were present at the meeting and some of his security guards to go after the raiders. Unfortunately Your Excellency, the 8 officers immediately fell into a fatal cross-fire with the raiders which ended up with all of the 8 officers plus 5 raiders killed. It was tragedy, which we profoundly regret and wish had never happened.

Following the BIRA/LOTOME incident, Your Excellency, the BUDI County authorities in Chukudum convened an emergency meeting to look into the matter as soon as possible. The authorities concluded the meeting with a pledge and solid agreement to pursue the raiders, locate the raided cattle and return them to their rightful owners. It was also agreed that the stolen guns from the killed wildlife officers would be sought after and located from the raiders and would be handed over to the government through peaceful means necessary.

Astonishingly Your Excellency, Governor Luis Lobong decided to act on his own by unleashing collective, punitive and lethal force against innocent women, children, and men of Lorema and Kikilai Boma respectively. We, in the Diaspora perceive governor’s actions as yet another clear violation of human rights in South Sudan. According to numerous witnesses, a mixed force of SPLA proper and Wildlife troops entered Lorema Boma, at the orders of the Governor Luis Lobong. These armed forces started firing indiscriminately at young men herding goats. They then proceeded to the ONLY Health Centre in the area, where they attacked health center staff and those who were with in the clinic at the time. The armed forces also set fire to much of the village completely destroying sixty eight (68) nearby homes as well as forty seven (47) shops. Another twelve (12) homes were partially destroyed in the fires.

As a result of this catastrophic event, Your Excellency, the people of Lorema Boma have lost their ONLY medical officer responsible for the Health Centre Mr. Peter Longorio Lopotongu, and several of the supporting medical staff. The incidence took place as follows:

• Mr. Peter Longorio Lopotongu was dragged out of the Health Centre, the gun held under his armpit and the bullet shot right through his heart.
• Two of his medical personnel were also dragged out of the Health Centre, forced to the ground, and shot exactly in the similar manner.
• Mr. Marko Aboho Nakabale who was within the Health Centre premises and in an attempt to escape the attack got shot from the back and he fell and died instantly.
• A female Nurse who tried to flee the scene of this despicable and cowardice act, also got shot from the back but sustained life threatening lung injuries.

We have also been informed that Ten (10) civilians sustained bullet wounds and other injuries during the attack. These have had to dislodged bullet fragments from their bodies without any medical attention since the clinic was destroyed and the health workers were among the killed and injures. These injured civilians have not been able to seek medical attention in neighboring areas due continuing military presence in the region. Many fear of being arrested if they attempt to seek medical attention in Chukudum Civic Hospital.
Additionally, the events in the village prompted many people to flee the area, and a number of children are unaccounted for.

Your Excellency, you can imagine the commotion, the confusion and the state of panic witnessed by the young children, women and men of all ages as a result of the unexpected presence of troops in the area. The soldiers fired indiscriminately into the village area, producing a chaotic scene and prompted the pupils from the nearby school to scatter in different directions. Some of these fled to neighboring villages, one was killed and several more of these young students are still missing. A body of a young school boy, Lokang, who was the son of Oyabei was found a few days later not so far away from the school. 20 school children had ran and are currently housed by a local organisation CDSSS in Nahichod. Ten (10) others managed to reach Chukudum.

Until now, some parents have not been able to locate their children. And because of this unexpected invasion, Your Excellency, fighting erupted between the local people and the SPLA troops. A battle ensued all day until dawn and the SPLA troops retreated back to Chukudum town leaving behind three (3) soldiers dead and 13 seriously wounded, including the commanding officer.

Your Excellency, we deeply regret the loss of lives on both sides, and dozens of other wounded soldiers & civilians during this incident. We know and believe that they were only following orders from their superiors which led them to this unfortunate loss of lives. A loss of life in this manner is quite painful to any human being, be it soldier or innocent civilian.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, the community sustained significant damages to personal and public property, much of which are critical to the wellbeing and security of the community. The amount of cash money excluding the value of goods destroyed during this incidence for Lorema Boma’s local businessmen is $100,308.00 US dollars. In addition to the loss of cash and damaged goods, the three (3) grinding machines were also set on fire and destroyed completely. At the medical centre, the Radio Communication System, the Solar Panel and Converters which is the only source of power had been set to fire and destroyed as well.

Your Excellency, we, BUDI Community in the Diaspora and those on the ground, condemn, in the strongest terms possible, these atrocities inflicted upon innocent families of Lorema Boma by the government forces. We equally condemn the local raiders who had raided the people of Lotome and Bira, which ended up with unnecessary loss of lives. We believe this matter would have been, and should be handled and settled amicably through healthy discourse between the affected communities.

We are aware, Governor Luis Lobong included, that cattle rustling syndrome existed for many decades, and it has always been a tragic tradition of all of the affected communities. We believe in permanent solutions. But these cannot be achieved through violence and collective punishment. Ordering military armed forces to terrorize innocent local villagers and burn homes, businesses and clinics does little to end the cycle of raiding violence.

There are peaceful methodologies to apprehend the raiders and hand them over to the authorities for serious disciplinary action. However, the choices made by the Governor Luis Lobong, are quite uncalled for and deemed deplorable and unnecessary.

Another approach to this unfortunate situation would have been for the Governor to consult BUDI County State representatives, the Commissioner, local chiefs and elders of both sides. But for whatever reason, Governor Luis Lobong disregarded all the proper mechanisms to tackle this sensitive matter. What he did was a collective punishment, which is a direct violation of human rights which deserves legal arbitration in a court of law.

This act of killing innocent people is uncalled for, especially at this stage, when we are all seeking peace and reconciliation in our beloved nation, South Sudan. We cannot tolerate reckless actions such as the one initiated by our Governor. These actions will only act as catalyst to the already rampant insecurity, peace instability and under underdevelopment in Eastern Equatoria State.

Your Excellency, while the families and the people of BUDI County at large are mourning those who were killed by the SPLA troops in Lorema Boma, we were shockingly alerted of yet another incidence of raiding on Friday April 19, 2013 taking place in Ngauro/Lauro Payam. This time, it’s the Toposa of Kapoeata East County who had raided the cattle and killed two (2) during the raid. Three (3) people were confirmed wounded and were rushed to Torit Dioceses Medical Center in Kapoeta. At the Torit Diocese Medical centre in Kapoeta, one of the wounded died upon arrival. This brings total deaths to three (3) for this particular incidence. The reported raiding took place at about Four O’clock (4:00 A.M) local time. In addition to those killed and wounded, the raiders also left six (6) houses burnt down to ashes.

Your Excellency, this is tragedy for the people of BUDI County and we are absolutely perplexed by this series of atrocities endured by out people. The burning question to Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Luis Lobong is this; will he deploy SPLA troops to go after the raiders from Toposa tribe in a similar fashion (Same as the deployment of SPLA troops in Lorema and Kikilai Boma)?

We would never wish such a tragedy on another community, but feel that the issue of the government pursuit of raiders in Eastern Equatoria has not been even handled across the various communities.

Your Excellency, not only are we bothered by these rampant raiding activities in our County and from these other neighboring communities, we are also fed up and outraged by the labeling of BUDI County as security LEVEL 4. This categorization of BUDI County as security LEVEL 4 block many non-governmental organizations from going to BUDI County, hence depriving people of BUDI County much needed development services such as health, education, road, food, among others.

Your Excellency, we the BUDI Community in the Diaspora, have been closely monitoring the situation of this incidence from day one. We are also very disturbed by statements of the Governor and other state officials which claim the atrocities carried out in Lorema and Kikilai Bomas were committed by soldiers who deserted the operation carried out to pursue the rebel leader, David Yau Yau in Jongolei state. This is nothing but a pure propaganda aim at covering out the truth.

We, BUDI community strongly condemn this deliberate covering out of truth by governor and his spokesman; we would like to vehemently refute this allegation, and call upon UNMISS to go to BUDI County and conduct thorough investigation for this allegation.

Your Excellency, we Budi community in Diaspora fear that this approach of tackling community-based issues will destabilize peace in the region. We express our greatest concern over the leadership of Governor Luis Lobong. We are made to believe that the Governor is conducting ethnic cleansing in region in order to gain loyalty from those who admired his leadership style. This is very worrying and quite unwelcome gesture in the name of apprehending the raiders from particular community.

We know BUDI County people are exchanging cattle raiding with Toposa, Logir and the people of Lotome. But each time BUDI County people are raided, the Governor has never acted by ordering military or police operation to pursue the raiders. How discriminating is that? The Governor should exercise equitable action against the raiders from all the communities raiding each other in the region.

Your Excellency, we, in the Diaspora request for your immediate intervention and perhaps see into it that peace and reconciliation is sought in Eastern Equatoria State as soon as possible. We also request maximum and robust security force to be deployed in the affected areas of cattle raiding.

Your Excellency, we, in the Diaspora request for your immediate intervention. We would like for an inquiry to be set up to determine who is responsible for the actions of April 13, 2013 and bring them to justice. In addition we hope that your office can promote an equitable and just peace and reconciliation process among the communities of Eastern Equatoria. Additionally, we request maximum and robust security force to be deployed in the affected areas of cattle raiding.

As you know very well Your Excellency, Eastern Equatoria State is a very vital conduit to South Sudan economy because of its borders to our sisterly neighbors, Kenya and Uganda. If you don’t act and decide on what needs to be done to avert the heighten tension in the region, the situation will get worse and that will not be a good thing for anybody, including our young nation.

Your Excellency, to prevent similar situation from happening again, we BUDI Community in the Diaspora demands/resolved to the following:
1. Immediate withdrawal of the ordered SPLA forces from Chukudum town
2. Independent investigation headed by independent body such as UNIMISS
3. Immediate food relief, medical aid and non-food items to help the victims
4. Removal of the Level 4 stigma, which has been selectively and indiscriminately labelled against BUDI County since 1990s, inspite of the fact that BUDI County is a lot safer than some of the counties in Greater Upper Nile and Greater Bhar el Ghazal regions.
5. Compensation for those who lost their lives, properties and livelihood
6. Sincere and unconditional apology from Governor Luis Lobong and Philip Aguer for misinforming to the world.
7. Deployment of rigorous law enforcement teams at the strategic locations where raiding activities are common and frequent.

Yours Sincerely,
BUDI Community in Diaspora

Cc: H.E. Dr. RiakMacharTenyDhurgon, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan.
Cc: Wani Iga, Speaker of National Assembly
Cc: Minister of interior, South Sudan
Cc: Luis Lobong Lojore, Governor, Eastern Equatoria
Cc: Mr. Joseph Bakasoro, Governor, Western Equatoria State
Cc: Mr. Clement Konga, Governor, Central Equatoria State
CC: Maurice Kaunda, Budi Commissioner
CC: BUDI County State and National Members of Parliament
CC: BUDI Local Chiefs
Cc: Human Right Commission, United States of America??
Cc: Amnesty International
Cc: United Nation Mission In South Sudan
Cc: President Barack Obama, The president of the United States of America
Cc: Hon. Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister
Cc: Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of United Kingdom

List of Petitioners

1. Mr. Richard Lokure 2. Mr. Aldo Lokonyen 3. Mr. Mario Konyen 4. Mr. Amedeo Awai
5. Fr. Nicholas Nyabanga 6. Mr. Augustino Luciano 7. Mr. Patrick Awuas 8. Mr. Maurice Aduto
9. Miss. Flora Iyaya Lujana 10. Mr. Alex Wani 11. Mr. Mengisto Bilan 12. Miss Christine Nakuwa
13. Mr. Simon Biro 14. Mr. Peter Lohidichi Nangole 15. Mr. Jima Jacob 16. Miss. Lucy Najie
17. Mr. Lowate Daniel Novato 18. Mr. Robert Nataba 19. Mr. Kennedy Apii Nakwa 20. Mr. Fortunato Longok
21. Mr. Joseph Anyanga 22. Mr. James Ipee 23. Mr. Victor Longole 24. Mr. Darius Lowuach
25. Mr. Joseph Lomoti 26. Miss. Lucy Amoo 27. Miss. Sabina Pio 28. Mr. Lino Nakwa
29. Mr. William Natemo 30. Mr. Simon Loboi 31. Mr. Jackson Kabarika 32. Mr. Samuel Aduto
33. Mr. Peter Barnaba 34. Mr. James Lokoro 35. Miss. Christine Amoo 36. Mr. Clement Loki
37. Mr. Hector Malamoi 38. Mr. Paul Lagu 39. Mr. Maurice Anyanga Anthony 40. Miss. Elizabeth Ikaa
41. Mr. Joseph Odeng 42. Miss. Stella Aki 43. Miss. Rose Lokwang 44. Mr. Samuel Adiang
45. Mr. Jane Alima Loki 46. Miss. Esther Yaya Peter 47. Miss. Josephine Lore 48. Miss. Alima Jane Loki
49. Mr. Francis Lovok 50. Mr. Peter Loparamoi 51. Mr. Justin Lokoni 52. Mr. Paska Daud Loki
53. Mrs. Anisha Daud Loki 54. Miss. Mary Apoo Luka 55. Miss. Catherine Krumuk Kuam 56. Miss. Nunu Ben
57. Mr. Automoi Nakuwa 58. Mr. Marino Mauro 59. Mr. Peter Lodai 60. Mr. Gabriel L. Lonyume
61. Mr. Maurice Lobalu 62. Miss. Jackline Kulang 63. Mr. James Lomwa 64. Mr. Peter Nakuwa
65. Mr. Joseph Dario 66. Mr. Maurice Moro 67. Mr. Charles Macharinyang 68. Mr. Aurelio Lodai
69. Mr. Michael Kadenge 70. Mr. James Lomuria 71. Miss. Grace Lobalu 72. Miss. Peninah N.Yarish
73. Mr. Kamilo Philip 74. Mrs. Christine Kamilo 75. Mr. James Loboi Anthony 76. Mr. Peter Lokang Juma
77. Mr. Peter Lokonyen 78. Mr. William Lokiru 79. Mr. Philip Amura 80. Ms. Margaret N. Darius
81. Mr. Philip Lokang 82. Miss. Grace Victor 83. Mr. Mark Narikan 84. Mr. Stephen Lopulumoi
85. Miss. Stella Natodopura Salvatore

BY: William Deng, JUBA, APR/21/2013, SSN;

Few days ago, President of South Sudan, Lt. Gen. Salva Kirr Mayarditt, sent a message on South Sudan Television (SSTV) in Juba, which read two decrees from the president: Decree one was for reduction roles the president said he has delegated to his Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny. The other degree was the cancellation of a fore waiting national reconciliation consultation for people of South Sudan.

The news of cancellation and reduction of vice president roles was shocking for many in South Sudan and around the world. Everyone looked for someone else to interpret what exactly Pres. Kiir meant by cancelling reconciliation and reducing the roles of his vice president.

It was a puzzle, and many questions were asked, such as: are we in peace? Are these constitutional roles or additional tasks that Pres. Kirr might have assigned to his vice? What else remains with Dr. Riek? Are these assigned roles delegated with decrees to Vice Pres. Dr. Riek Machar? When were the roles delegated? How much politics play in these decrees announcements?

Why cancel reconciliation? What would these decrees decisions really mean to the relationship between two big men in the country, and to what extent would Pres. Kirr decrees decisions demand on the volatile trust with average individuals who are in dire need of peace and reconciliation in South Sudan?

In short, let me attempt to share my dismay in regard to this news of cancelled reconciliation, as well as thoughts about the reduction of the vice president’s roles, while trying to answer some of these questions.

To address these unanswerable looming questions among many South Sudanese in Juba and other parts of the country, including diaspora, is a simple attempt since no one can exactly envisage what is inside the man’s hat though everyone needs aid for independent interpretation precisely on what Pres. Kirr intends in reducing the roles of his vice president and cancelling reconciliation of peace effort.

Are we in peace in the country?

There are wars in the country from different communities. Seven out ten states have no peace in their communities. In addition to rebel operations in Jonglie state, Rumbek, Eastern Equatoria, Waw, Unity State, to name just a few, have some community problems within or with their neighboring states.

People are raiding cattle; killing people include women and children, as well as forcing others to flee their homes. There is mistrust among members of different communities, while lack of access to local services have encouraged tensions within these tribal communities.

Are these constitutional roles or additional tasks that Pres. Kirr might have assigned to his vice?

Though there is a significant power delegated to one man in the country, still South Sudan Transitional Constitution does not allow president to take constitutional roles away from his vice president without a majority vote in the legislature branch. Article 105 and 106 stipulate what president can or can’t do with or without approval.

The executive duties of the vice president are constitutional duties, and president shouldn’t easily remove them without a vote from legislature branch.

“I read the read decree and looked at the transitional constitution and found that the president did not touch any constitutional powers assigned to the vice president. He [Kiir] had only withdrawn powers he had in the past delegated to his deputy. So let our people understand that the vice president is still a vice president with all his constitutional powers”, Igga told reporters.

Therefore, the power that president reduced with decree from the vice president is a simple task such as coordinating of national reconciliation or organizing and coordinating of a specific task with a time frame. None of these roles required special provisions from the Transitional Constitution, and THERE WAS NO NEED FOR A DECREE TO REDUCE THEM!

What else remains with Dr. Riek and when were the roles delegated?

What else left with vice president is certainly a lot but how? Vice Dr. Riek has taken on his shoulders to see South Sudan thrive as a successful nation. He wants to see a developed South Sudan where its people live in peace and love one another regardless of their tribal or political affiliations.

He sees a south Sudan with modern technology, roads and bridges, hospitals and schools, agriculture and entrepreneurs, clean water and rural developments, etc. This is the South Sudan Dr. Riek sees, BUT THIS IS NOT THE SOUTH SUDAN WE HAVE NOW; however, this can happen, but there has to be a trust and political will, as well as work relations between vice president and president to see these ensue.

Pres. Kirr nominated Dr. Riek from the beginning for the very reason stated above; yet, being a vice though is a role that functions in partnership. Vice president is an advisory to the president who listens and believes in the partnership and has strategic vision and mission for his country, a president who doesn’t just listen to a few from his inner circles, but a president, who perhaps, has vision for the entire nation and not immediate family members.

Are these assigned roles delegated with decrees to Vice Pres. Dr. Riek Machar?

Based on information collected, none of the reduced roles were delegated to the vice president with a decree. Pres. Kirr should have talked to vice president the same way he delegated some of these tasks without using the decree, and this is why people are confused.

Dr. Marial tried to clarify the confusion a bit when he addressed the media, “Riek Machar is still a vice president with all constitutional powers. General Salva Kiir Mayardit is a still a president with all his constitutional powers. They are all in office. What the president had done is that he had withdrawn powers he had previously delegated to the vice president. It is like you asking me to do some work for you when you are preoccupied. This is exactly what happened and it should be understood in this context”, Marial said Tuesday.

The logic question is, why did president use constitutional decree to reduce unconstitutional delegated powers? Why president fears to just call on his vice and discuss the removable roles and the reconciliation since this seemed to be the number one reason for his political action, and then diminished misperception in the country and around the world?

As James K. Ruea stated, there were huge confusion about this action, and Pres. Kirr should stop causing misunderstandings. “There is confusion. People were confused when they heard it. Some people called yesterday to ask whether I have heard [about the] removal of the vice president. These were literate people. They are educated. They read and write but because they were misinformed they thought all powers of the vice president were removed,” Ruea said.

How much politics play in these decree announcements?

This decree thing is Stone Age political propaganda that is only used by countries and leaders that fear modern democratic principles. This is all politics, but it is unhealthier one because it confused people and could generate anarchy like it almost did, and it could trigger unstoppable chaotic situation in an already divided country.

What would these decree decisions really mean to a relationship between the two big men in the country, and to what extent has Pres. Kiir’s decree decisions demanded a volatile trust he has with average individuals who are in a dire need of peace and reconciliation for South Sudan?

It is true that, “Kiir’s actions may be linked to Machar’s reported intention to run for the chairmanship of the ruling SPLM at the upcoming national convention.” http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article46254, but this is unfair for a country that had lost significant numbers of human lives just to reverse what it was against.

Late Points
South Sudanese communities need reconciliation. If Pres. Kirr does not trust his Vice Pres. Dr. Riek for political purposes, you, Pres. Gen. Kirr, lead the reconciliation process because we need it. The peace can’t come if people don’t talk about the importance of peace among themselves. Peace is a belief between people and that’s why effective leaders prioritize trust for peace than war and intermediations.

No one can win people’s hearts with guns, and if it were so, South Sudan could have been independent state almost 50 years ago. Please, President Kirr prioritizes peace and never fear your political enemies by denying them their political democratic rights which had caused lives of many South Sudanese.

South Sudan has to be a democratic nation; otherwise, we would not live in peace despite any effort you or any one in your position would like to attempt. South Sudanese are exposed to democratic principles, and it is important for their leaders to understand not to repeat the mistake SPLM Politic Bureau did in 2010, which was a fundamental source of the current chaotic situation; otherwise, Somalia would be better than South Sudan.

But, nothing would be reasonable unless my SPLM party led by you, Mr. President Kiir, adheres to core principles that our beloved relatives, include my own father, sacrificed their precious lives for. SPLM that was supposed to stand for peace, justice, human rights, freedom, non-discrimination, regardless of gender, tribe, religious, etc., development, democratic principles and more is different now than ever.

The party becomes a property of shortsighted leaders who care less about young people like myself except their own children. The party is owned by those that don’t want to diversify or include others that they deem enemies because of challenging their shortsighted vision for the country and peoples services.

The party of Dr. John Garang and all fallen heroes, included my father, was a party of new ideas and development, but has become a greedy party.

This party is a peoples’ party, and it has to stay as a peoples’ party by listening to what is importance for lives of people of the South Sudan. People need peace among themselves; we need good leadership, a transparent leadership that minimizes corruption, favoritism, etc.

We need development, such as roads and bridges, good education, access to clean water, hospitals and employment for all young people and not only those with connections in the government. Our party should be a party that welcomes young people’s ideas, as well as respect democratic principles for all people in South Sudan.

Please, Mr. Pres. Kirr hears our call!!!

William Deng is a South Sudanese Community Activist.
Author lives and works in Job South Sudan. E-mail me: williamdeng26@yahoo.com

BY: KUACH Y. TUTKUAY, South Sudanese, APR/19/2013, SSN;

Quote: “The game of an eye for an eye will only leave a blind country.”

It is a privilege I will never regret to be a south Sudanese, and if I were to choose between south Sudan and one of the developed countries, say America, I would definitely choose south Sudan and if someone asked me to produce a reason for my choice, I would write a book.

My dear readers, I have got an issue of concern to share with you and in fact I am expressing this idea with very deep sorrow for I know we will face a lot of obstacles in the morrow.

My conscience tells me that south Sudan has lost tract of social coexistence and there is no doubt this has manifested itself in many forms. The practice of tribalism fueled by lack of political ethics among the politicians, with their naive belief to know more than they really are, has led this nation astray.

The issue of these war-weary politicians alone would not bother me because their grey hairs symbolized their short fall, but my fear is that these traditional politicians will make disciples among the youth and will sow the seeds of hatred instead of peace.

This is a concern I believe every patriotic citizen of this fragile nation would put into consideration.

Youth are the heirs of the past, co-owners of the present and owners of the future, but we need to be very careful of what we should inherit and what we should not. The long civil war has corrupted our past and our present, because through the bush life, we have adopted a new culture of war which was not there during the time of our ancestors.

Our ancestors during their time lived together, shared water points, grazing land and cultivated together without any significant conflict. The same spirit applied to our soldiers when they were fighting for our freedom, they fought irrespective of tribes.

Presently, employment in all public institutions is based on tribal affiliation, a kind of “technical know-who” has replaced “technical know-how.” Tribalism has been the slogan of the current government and this has signified itself in employment and settlement around Juba which are based on tribal clustering.

The introductions of al-Qaeda style of killings—slaughtering a human being — which had never happened in the history of south Sudan, are now happening in Juba. This is a grotesque present which I don’t think the youth can co-own. The future is too blurry but there is always a way out for an optimists.

Now that it is crystal clear that the past is neither worthy inheriting nor does the present worthy co-owning, what do we do? Will we pass through this pitfall the liberators passed through?

NO! We are the future of this nation; therefore, we have to leave this path of tribalism. I want us to understand that our diversity is our strength but we should not regard it as a factor for our division.

Change will never come to us as a miracle but we the youth must accept changes by standing up and say no to divisive politics in a way that is self-expression rather than politics. Let’s leave politics to politicians because it blows us into division, “us against them” kind of politics.

Humankind has been a primitive segregator of what God the creator has put together; when God created human beings, He did not segregate them into tribes or races. He created them in His own image and I guess He must be very proud of them, but because of the divisive nature of man, they clustered themselves into groups which became an impediment to peace and co-existence today.

And now that this has proved itself to be the most problem facing us, we tend to escape the problem by finger-pointing at others that “they did it, not us,” but this will not help in any sense because a problem get solved only when you accept it as your fault and seek alternative way forward.

The fact that you are born of one particular tribe should not be an excuse to pay your loyalty only to that tribe and despise the rest. I believe that even if I were not born of my tribe, I would have been born of another tribe within south Sudan because south Sudan deserves me and I will still be proud of being a south Sudanese, so why should I be proud of my tribe instead?

One tribe cannot make a nation; it is our diversity that makes us look beautiful. Take an example of a rainbow, it has seven colors but if you removed one of them, will it still look beautiful as it used to be? I believe not.

I know all of us are patriots and have love for this country, but the only thing we have forgotten is that when we don’t love ourselves, how can we claim to be patriots to our country? This means we don’t also love this country.

Last, but not least, I need to advise my friends, the journalists who hold the sole responsibility of enlightening the citizens of this country. I always read all your articles but I think one principle of journalism must be missing. The principle of neutralism is missing among most journalists, though there are still qualified ones.

It is not so interesting to a nationalist like me that you are using your tribal or personal interest as a watermark to your articles. An example of these are from the citizen newspapers, those who beat the drum of the truth should beat a drum they have first confirmed to be the drum of the truth, otherwise, they may end up beating the drum of tribalism.

Media is very important and we should not join it with a prime objective of protecting the reputations of our tribes, the author is very much concerned about what we post in the media. Media messages affect more than any other things, therefore, we need to furnish our words in making sure that they will not draw negative attitudes in the minds of the public.

If the writers could not abide by this principle then it would be better for the media organizations to reject some of the messages that they deem negative in the social set up.

The success and failure of this country is in our hands, especially we the youth. We need not only to depend on the information provided; we also need to refine our own. Politicians normally bring us messages based on their interests, and if we pick it bare, we are no longer neutral.

Let the spirit of fairness and honesty guides this nation, and most of all, may peace and co-existence prevail in abundance.

If my article harms anyone, please, I am sorry! I just want to point out what I think can bring us together as youth because we have a lot of things ahead which call for our togetherness, otherwise, thanks for your time.

The author could be reached at: kuach444@gmail.com

0956006442

BY: Deng Mangok Ayuel, AWIEL, South Sudan, APR/12/2013, SSN;

It was an incredible morning before I woke up from bed last Sunday to have learned that ‘peace’ has been fading like the morning dew in our hearts. The morning was as impossible as draining Kiir river with a tea-spoon. As I lay idly on the bed, exclusively powerless like a bull being led to the slaughter house in Aweil, I realized that the mood around me was extremely bumbling. It was like a dream to a cowardly memory scared by tragedies. Perhaps, I should play games on the screen of the computer at a free time instead of browsing the web to panic on killings in Jonglei or cattle raiding in Rumbek.

Before I go to the church for prayers on the same morning, a friend of mine phoned and told me about his cousin who was killed by rebels in Jonglei. He said that they received a message yesterday while he was killed sometimes in February. Should I go to the church or funeral?

Where is God in these difficult times? Where is ‘peace’ in South Sudan?

I was nearly frustrated, almost wishing a solid wall would instantaneously collapse on me inside a dark room. Did tragedy in Rumbek have anything to do with me in Aweil? I was conflicting with my thoughts, blaming myself for being here and there to see people suffering in our country.

I found myself staring pointlessly at the roof, but my attention was on the strange thoughts invading my solitude. I heard myself exclaiming under my breath: peace, peace, peace!

What is peace? What do I want from it? And where is it, now here? What is expected of me also as a citizen in the country? And why am I not from South Africa? From Ghana, why not somewhere else?

Or why am I not born as a reptile, bird or fish to escape poverty and austerity measures in South Sudan? It is invincible, but I need peace.

How about a wife? Why do I need someone who shall not be in peace with me? Maybe everybody is getting a wife? Who and where? Must she be tall, fat, thin, or short? A beautiful girl from Somalia, Europe, Togo or Kenya!

Many wives, many mouths to feed, many enemies and there is no peace at home? Is this a life?

How about children, big office, big title, many cars, big house and big bank account? How are all these necessary to my mission and purpose on earth as a man?

Maybe my exertion on earth if envisaged by those who schemed to bring me here required of me to be lonely, poor, with nothing but my voice and body without peace?

To what end are all pain and emotional stress in me? What wrong thing did I do to be punished, and how should I know I have failed to be punished?

And where am I going from here? So will I be no more someday? When, how and why? Will that day be fearful, painful, mournful, and joyful? God knows.

I ask again! What is life all about? Why kill someone? Why loot cattle? And where is the law? And I heard myself saying I am deeply scared. Perhaps it not a great idea to be mad on Sunday morning when one is expected in the church.

What is in the church? The thoughts came rushing in again. Maybe Worship God! Who is God? Male, female, old, young, Muslim, Christian or Machardit …? I gave unto God what was happening unto me. God really knows what He planned for His people.

All in all, I shouldn’t remain laying on the bed to mourn a missing part of my social life. I can’t change any system in our village if villagers are not united. I can’t also do something good if I don’t have resources or hands to help others.

If people desire to have lengthened and indefinite periods in leadership, be honored or respected, they should do things in peaceful and helpful way toward one another if they wanted to be recognized and remembered as people who have done better things to others in this world.

Deng Mangok Ayuel lives in Aweil. He can be reached at:mangokson@gmail.com

BY: Mangar Agok Marial, JUBA, APR/09/2013, SSN;

You cannot believe your eyes given the above astonishing percentage of South Sudan’s youth immersed in alcoholism. It’s undeniable and unquestionable that the country’s future remains ambiguous and undecided as long as the youth continue to remain loyal and faithful to Mr. ALCOHOL. The war that was fought for 22 years with the Arab north has been won but not long after that, another serious one which could prove more tedious to deal with is threatening in youth sector, the war of ALCOHOLISM among the youth of this nascent nation.

The above figure (90%) is not a assumption nor presumption but a well-researched number. This percentage includes both literate and illiterate males and females between the age of 15-45. However, before the author talks about the WHYs of drinking, it is more important to know about the brief history of alcohol globally.

Alcohol was made from fermented grain, fruit juice and honey (ethyl or ethanol) for thousand years. In Africa, alcohol has been historically regarded as a conduit for religious and political expression mainly for male elders. Over the past one century, the graph of alcohol production and consumption kept on climbing high. Uganda tops the list of African nations with its per capita of alcohol consumption at 19 liters per year compared to the average of 4 liters in other African countries. This report was filed by ALLAFRICA, one of the media houses dealing with Africa affairs entirely.

As per our beloved country South Sudan, historically, alcohol was seen as an elderly food. The young and the women were not allowed to drink and perhaps a taboo for them. We used to have locally distilled alcoholic drink namely SIKO, ARAGI and MAWHER. However, due to economic liberalism, alcohol production and consumption is marketable here in South Sudan with all classes of persons becoming stakeholders be it young or old, rich or poor man or woman.

However, both educated and uneducated are crucial to the future development of this nation. The author managed to uncover the stimulating factors that have led to the exploding drinking rate among the youth and here are some of the push-factors:-

(a) Some of these young men have attributed drinking to what some of them called the state of joblessness. ‘I am a graduate with bachelors of economics from Makerere University while jobless, so drinking helps me feel less stressed given my situation of being redundant,’ said a young man clad in navy-blue suit.

(b) Others drink because of peer pressure. They said they are being influenced by their social groups be it friends, workmates or age mates.

(c) Stress relief: alcohol provides temporary illusion of a situation hence the youth drink to escape in a short time their stresses.

(d) They drink to lose their inhibitions. Some have said that when drunk, they can be able to fearlessly and shamelessly act in anything they do and in any situation anywhere.

Nevertheless, having excavated why the youth are accelerating their drinking rate, we also need to know how alcohol would affect their lives as human beings, more likely in a negative manner. These effects can be seen more socially and medically. The effects of alcohol however, depends on the following factors: age, sex, specific health problems and even family history.

More so, the magnitude at which alcohol harms you medically or socially depends on the rate at which one consumes alcohol. For instance the more you drink, the more you risk your health and morality. Some of the health problems stems from BINGE DRINK or drinking beyond the recommended level includes: high blood pressure, increased risks of various cancers like throat cancer, mouth cancer and the list is long, liver problems, reduced fertility and heart attack are some of the health complications encountered by all classes of drinkers be it low-risk-drinkers, increasing-risk-drinkers and high-risk-drinkers.

However, alcohol also affects our social behavior and cohesion they can be seen in the following forms:

(a) family problems like increase in family tension, increase in level of quarreling and violence, destabilizes relationships, partners may become anxious, depressed and socially withdrawn. Detrimental effects on the children leading to behavioral problems and under-performance at school, increased rates of divorce.

(b) Work difficulties notably poor performance at work, conflict with colleagues and poor attendance record which may result in repeated dismal and ultimately lead to long-term unemployment.

(c) Crimes like theft, fraud, driving offences, sexual offences and crimes of violence are being committed under the influence of alcohol.

However, the purpose of this article is to send a wake-up call to the youth of this new nation that they have been yellow-carded in this deciding match with Mr. Alcohol leaving their side venerable to red cards at any zero hour. Nevertheless, this article doesn’t target the youth only but also South Sudanese who are seriously involved in too much drinking of alcohol to deep-six if they can’t denounce alcohol.

Conclusively, it’s is incumbent upon the youth to refrain from being the profligate consumers of alcohol to less or non-consumers. Youth are for future use, so stop playing around with the country’s future.

By Mangar Agok Marial, the author is a student of journalism at South Sudan Christian University of Science and Technology, Juba, South Sudan.

Reach me at mangarjames@yahoo.com or call 0955726597 for comments.

BY: Kuir é Garang, ALBERTA, CANADA, APR-04-2013, SSN;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOOK TITLE: Is ‘Black’ Really Beautiful? A new viewpoint on Race, Color and Racism

Many people take the color used to describe them for their essence, their humanity. They don’t see it only as mere description, whether fitting or vilifying. Why are people proud of their descriptions (color) instead of their true essence: humanity? How would we call someone who’s simply proud of his/her Race?

Calgary, Alberta – April 1, 2013 – South Sudanese prolific author and poet, Kuir ë Garang, launches his sixth book, Is ‘Black’ Really Beautiful? Dehumanizing and Intentional Ethics of Descriptions and Vilifying Philosophies of Naming, on April 6, 2013 in Forest Lawn Library (12.00 pm – 2.00 pm). The launch will showcase the book to the Canadian public and present a new angle through which Canadians should tackle Racism.

Racism is a phenomenon we all hate and would want to eliminate. However, long after the end of slavery, racial segregation and colonialism, Racism still shows its face in our everyday lives. This book redefines Racism and the essence of Color as related to people, and present a new angle through which our fight against Racism can be facilitated.

The book humbles those who harbor ‘racist’ feelings and gives a voice to those whose racism has been a continuous burden. The book also subjects everyone to self-re-evaluation in an attempt to humble humanity. A strongly inculcated and meaningful humanity can only be underlined by real humility. A humble self doesn’t discriminate.

The book is now available for sale on all online retail stores and will soon be available in book stores. The retail price of the book is 17.95 CAD.

The Author
Kuir ë Garang moved from Sudan to Canada in 2002 after having lived as a refugee in different African countries. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and has taken a number of graduate courses at University of Calgary. He has strong grasp of philosophy and Race issues.

Having lived in Sudan under religious and racial discrimination and moved to Canada to be subjected to some form of racial biases, Kuir has a wealth of information to share. Kuir also has over four years of experience working with immigrants from different racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. He’s now published six books and he’s editing two more manuscripts.

His personal experiences in racially diverse environments, his philosophical training and his work with immigrants of all races and religions furnishes him with information that will be valuable to Canadians and the world in general.

For more information about the book and the author, visit WWW.KUIRTHIY.INFO or HTTP://THENILEPRESS.COM. For contact 587-892-1243 or contactnilepress@gmail.com