Jellaba conspiracy in SPLM Those who want to replace Dr. Riek Machar with Mr. Igga haven't come up with any reason as to why Machar must be changed or even as to why the chairman must have only one deputy at the time that the secretary general has three deputies? Even the president of Sudan has two deputies so what is unique about SPLM?
Beware, all these are conspiracies of the Jalaba in the SPLM spearheaded by Yassir Arman. Not long ago, Mr. Igga toured the Northern states and that was part of this game.
Dr. Riek replacement will tilt the regional balance and create an unnecessary division within the southern community. Yasser Arman wants to cause all these confusion to destroy the 2011 referendum. I think Mr. Igga is happy in his current position and chairman Kiir must be careful and wise enough as to not be fooled by Luka Bioong. They've marginalized Dr. Lam Akol and now turn to Dr. Riek and next is Pualino Matip.
Be careful brothers and sisters and know that the corrupt millionaires in Juba will run away with the money and reunite with their families in luxurious houses in the first world and hence our poor people will be the victims of this conspiracy.
Peter Andy, Sudan

Choose a patriot, not tribal chief Let democracy take its course and its results be final. We should not be amateurish in democratic politics of our motherland. Why should we turn to tribe to choose our leaders as if they are tribal chiefs. We need to choose a leader whose vision goes far beyond his tribe and region. A leader who glues southerners irrespective of tribe, religion, and region. A person who never condones land grabbing, nepotism, corruption, and tribalism. We need a leader who is a patriot. A person who lifts up the interests of the motherland. For us to focus on tribal leader to lead multi-tribal society is wrong and might mislead the entire nation of South Sudan. Year 2011 is not quite far. Whoever comes to that seat must put Self determination of Southerners top of all his political agenda. We need to be free from Jallaba forever.
 
Look at Juba now. You find garbage almost everywhere in the capital of South Sudan. A short journey to Yei, Maridi or Yambio by road is a nightmare. Roads are multiples of potholes. The bridges are death traps. One wonders where is the oil wealth? What about the 4.5 billion dollars earmarked for development of Sudan by world community? The dust, dirt, and failure to have good roads in South Sudan speaks alot about the type of government we have at home. Mind you it is home found nowhere in the world except where it is in the globe. It is dear to us. Any one can call anywhere home but South Sudan is special to us. It is therefore clear that we should choose a capable leader for the good of the homeland otherwise we are doomed for disaster. Bismark Bura, Australia

I'll never endorse Machar Mr. Tut: It will be prudent to mention that Dr. Riek was proposed to challenge Salva Kiir by Unity State but not Greater Upper Nile.
Yes, he is at liberty to contest for any position he wishes to in the SPLM but it is blatantly wrong to say that he was endorsed by Greater Upper Nile.
One thing I do know quite well is that Riek does not have any credibility to be supported by anybody in Jonglei. He used us against each other and we have now learnt the hard way.
We, the people of Jonglei (Nuer, Murle, Dinka Bor, Dinka Ngok, Anyuak, and Kachipo) are struggling reconciling ourselves after Riek's split cut what held us together.
So, any dirty politics by Riek this time should be confined to his home area of Bentiu.
We in Jonglei do not want to be divided again on the basis of tribe.
Salva has a very clear history of fighting for Southern course and we will never be the first people to betray him. However, Riek does have the right to try his hands on anything he wants since that has been his ambition over and above Southern interest.
Moreover; it is good to remember that Dr. Riek got his current position as a compromise from H.E James Wani. So, if Wani wants to claim back the position at the ballot boxes, then the onus is his.
I come from Greater Upper Nile and I don't and will never endorse Riek for any chairmanship. If I want Nuer as the equation may demand, then John Luk and Marial Benjamin are there for us to support, why Riek? Deng Diar

Salva is backing down Dr. Wutgueth, first of all I have never heard of any name, Wutgueth among the Nuer delegates to the Convention, at least as somebody who can understandably claim to know more than any Nuer. I mean you may not be popular among the Nuer and therefore should not claim to know more and challenge others to know less, unless you are a non-Nuer in disguise. Secondly, Let us tell facts, most of the Nuer figures you named and claimed to have opposed Dr. Riek Machar's leadership were all in the Nuer community meeting which endorsed Dr. Machar. They spoke loudly expressing their endorsement. Where did you get the opposite information? I come to believe that you were not in the meeting, which I myself attended. Dr. Riek, John Luk, Dr. Marial Benjamin, etc. were also invited but they did not show up, not because they did not want the endorsement, but because they were in the meeting of the SPLM Interim National Council at the same hours. They all explained their endorsement to those who represented them at the meeting. If you imagine that Dr. Riek Machar is weak, you just don't understand the definition of weakness or strength. What kind of weakness do you mean? Or you just want to put some word across for the sake of wanting to sound like a critic! Now Salva Kiir is backing down from his previous position after learning that Dr. Machar wants to contest for his position. He doesn't want to compete with Dr. Machar for chairmanship position and instead opts to keep the SPLM historical hierarchy, in which Dr. Machar should remain the first Deputy Chairman. Tut Gatwech, South Suan

Doubts on Machar Machar is a good leader but his political agenda is not known. probably he may again betray southerners once he emerge as top SPLM leader. Jacob Lado, SouSudan

Response to: Dr. Riek Machar: Dichotomy within SPLM convention Whoever wrote this article ,you don't speak for the Nuer people. You are supporting him because you think when he takes the leadership he is going to bring more development to our Nuer people, nothing at all. Instead he will continue with his power hunger search. Riak is not fit and he can't be endorsed by all states following his previous records. Riak brought more problems to our people and used our people in Upper Nile and this resulted in mass displacement. He went to Khartoum, what did he bring back to the south--- nothing. Is he a person we'd entrust the fragile south Sudan to? I don't think so. Riak has not yet been tried for all the atrocities he had committed in south Sudan- so why should he be allowed to lead? Gat Chuol, Canada

God bless the Nuer and give them the power they need in south Sudan and be able to put to an end to formation of factions. Achol Majok Macut, Norway

Riek urged to challenge Kiir for SPLM chairman The Greater Upper Nile region community in Juba has urged the Vice President of GoSS and Deputy Chairman of the SPLM, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, to contest for the position of the SPLM Chairmanship following some recent developments leading to the SPLM Second National Convention. Sources in Juba say the decision was reached on Monday night after learning that the current Chairman, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has conspired against Dr. Riek Machar, endorsing Wani Igga as the Deputy Chairman and Taban Deng Gai, the defeated Unity State Governor, as the Secretary General. The sources also reported that Greater Upper Nile region respects the decision taken by James Wani Igga to take the second position, considering regional representation in Southern Sudan. They however disapprove and disrespect the conspiracy to endorse Taban Deng Gai, a defeated fellow from the grassroots, to represent Greater Upper Nile. The meeting also disapprove the conspiracy that attempts to exempt the position of Chairman from any democratic contest. Finally, the community of Greater Upper Nile region made its position clear by proposing two alternatives; 1) that the Convention should abide by the current SPLM hierarchy, endorsing Salva Kiir as chairman, Dr. Riek Machar, as Deputy Chairman and James Wani Igga, as Secretary General. This is to avoid any disagreements or struggle for positions during the interim period and before referendum; 2) Or if James Wani Igga is told to contest for the position of his senior comrade, Dr. Riek Machar, the Greater Upper Nile region also respects this decision of Greater Equatoria region and therefore urge Dr. Riek Machar to leave the position comrade Wani Igga and to instead contest for the position of Salva Kiir.
The region also calls on other democratic communities in both Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions, Southern Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan and Abyei and the SPLM Northern Sector to rally behind Dr. Riek Machar for SPLM Chairmanship position, should the constitution change the current historical SPLM hierarchy system. Tut Gatwech, Sudan

All Nuer behind Machar Att: Tut Gatwach: we're all aware that Dr. Riek Machar is not a Ngundeng but now in Juba, all Nuer are behind him. If SPLM replaces Dr. Riek Machar with James Wani Igga for example, I think that will be the end of so-called Nairobi Declaration and so called Juba Declaration and all Nuer will leave the GOSS and the future of the CPA will be in danger. For your information, I've no interest on that, but I talk to the people here in Juba, while they are waiting for the SPLM second Convention. Atem Garang Atem, Juba, Southern Sudan

Bravo, Bravo JEM, I welcome the JEM troops advancement that reached the heart of the Sudanese Capital for the first time in the history of Sudan. Even though the attempt assault you made against the Khartoum Regime did not materialized, please continue fighting for your rights until the Khartoum regime will collapse. My message to other Darfurian factions, please you must join up forces with JEM and orchestrate the final Push once for all and it will be the last fight." United we stand” the more you unite the strongest you become, and the more easily you will win the next fight. We black Sudanese African must continue fighting for our rights until the power in Sudan is transfer from Arab minority to black Africa majority in Sudan. Lual Nyanthon, Ramciel

Never Lam or Marial You lost your mind brother! Lam Akol, and Benjamin are your choices, never as our leaders. Deng Kiwen Thonydor, USA

Criticizing Kiir from Nairobi Kiir was among the pioneers of the SPLM and has a significant image that he hasn't retreated nor surrendered during the tortuous thorny struggle, Mr. Sebit. What Kiir did not do is killing South Sudanese but all other things Sebit has mentioned are already in place. Development is not like destruction, it is a slow process that requires commitment from all the concerned citizens. You are now criticizing Kiir in Nairobi, where you the one who developed it? Do you think Kiir can build you a good home like the ones in Lang'ata and then book for your departure for that house? Emmanuel Sunday deJohn, Sudan

Riek Machar is not Ngundeng. I'd like to advise those that put words into Dr. Machar's mouth concerning the prophesies of the Nuer Prophet called Ngundeng, who lived more than one hundred years ago. If things happen during our time, it isn't Riek Machar's fault or wish either. He has no power to stop any thing from happening. Tut Gatwech, Sudan

No threat to Machar I agree with the writer Mr. Tut, Dr. Riek Machar is a liberal democrat, he should not be intimidated by grassroot politicians who are unpopular and incompetent to Machar. Toang Tiang Tot, Sudan

A true soldier not paid yet John Sabit Atar, you must be merely foolish knowing nothing in South Sudan. Why should we not sense logic and the fact and give respect to our leaders? Development does not come in one day or fighting corruption eliminated in one hour, it needed time and resources. Come and help in developing south Sudan, but I fear if it happens tomorrow you are given a position in the GOSS you will fill your mouth and run back to Kenya to enjoy the fruits of that nation leaving your brothers and relatives to suffer behind.
Personally I'm a true soldier and an army officer at the same time but since CPA was signed, I decided to sit in my house to enjoy the remaining time of my life for when I joined SPLA I was 18 years old. Till to date, when the wages were established, I've never been paid a single coin and not complaining-- why because to be independent is more better then being a servant to jalaba.
Please brothers, let us unite and get our full freedom from jalaba. Anthony Anei, Akon- South Sudan

No segregation by resources This is a response to Gardluck Mech who is a Nimule native.
My brother, your point is not convincing no matter how hard you try to advocate this segregation. The reason is obvious. GOSS will not allow its citizens to segregate themselves based on the resources such as land or minerals. The land you call yours alone is for all the Sudanese by the right of citizenship. Every body pays money to the State authorities to own a plot. The people you are chasing away have paid for the plots they occupied. Majority of the people you want to chase away are civil servants who are working as wildlife officers, nurses, teachers, police officers, prison wardens etc. Are you proposing that these people should work in Nimule without homes to go and sleep after their regular duties? You're insane! Go to other areas and you will find that people from Nimule are working in other areas without any disturbances of discrimination.
 
This is a pure hatred which will not take South Sudan forward. Talking about Madi land being occupied by Dinka does not make any sense. There are un-accountable plots which are not occupied by the Dinka or Non-Madi. Unless you claim that plots which have been allotted to non-madi are the best. Where have you been to miss those nice plots?
 
Look! it is almost four years now since the wealth sharing began. All the revenues that are being spent in South Sudan come from petroleum which is extracted from Nuer land and Dinka land. The economic resources (minerals) from Equatoria or Madi land have not been shared yet if there are some. So if you are chasing non-Madi away from your land, then Equatoria or Madi will not run their services using the money from oil revenues. Simply because the oil which brings the revenues to Sudan is not from Nimule. Mangoor

Kiir can't rule without those dead Not only the president Kiir "was crying, but also Bona Malual" the mastermind behind the scene of corruption in GOSS, shedded more tears than Kiir during the funeral ceremony in Bilpam headquarters in Juba. The above quotation about why, "the President Kiir Mayardit, cried too much for the demise of the defense minister, Dominic Dim, and the president's adviser Justine Yach, and he did not cry too much like that when he lost comrade and his former boss, the late Dr. John Garang" is a very big question that has captured the media interest and I believe that individual viewers will digest and analyze the story differently. The two deceased fellows are close related in blood with Kiir and since there is no man living in this planet without relatives, I could not blame him for shading tears because death has a power over humanity when it happened like that.
 
If John Garang was alive, the late "Dominic Dim Deng" couldn't have been appointed as the defense minister in the South. Many southerners knew very little about the late Dominic Dim Deng. Instead of Dominic Dim Deng, that post of the defense minister could awarded to Thomas Cirilo, Oyai Deng, James Hoth, Kuol Manyang, Bior Ajang Dut, Mark Nyipuoc, John Kong Nyuon and Elias Nyipuoc; those people had fought jallaba a lot and they deserved that position. Kirr's appointment of Dominc Dim Deng who never fired a single bullet against Jallaba was a clear evidence that there was a special interest being pursued under the aegis of Bona Malual. Kiir has seen himself being flung by two giant elephants, loosing those trusted comrades in an unexpected accident on the same day may have contributed to the heart break of our president.

Justine Yach Arob was a radical fellow Dinka. Not only that but also he was autocratic and the brains of Kiir who designed all programs as well as governing system in the South; without him, Kiir will have tough time for administering that nation. Dominic Dim Deng was a threat to Oyai Deng, the "hero" that many eyes of Southerners were watching at him as the next defense minister. Late Dr. Justine Yach was a threat to Riak Machar, the "vice president" of the GOSS.

The big big question today is that, Who will replace the late Dominic Dim Deng as the defense minister in the government of South Sudan. Lual Nyanthon, Sudan

Putting words in Nhial's mouth Shame on Wani Tombe. How dare you put into Nhial's mouth what he would not say? Nhial is not seeking any position Salva Kiir is the president for the South until the time for independence. If you want to destroy the SPLM I am sorry you will fail and the SPLM vision will prevail. Demayen Deng, SoSudan

Southerners did not Sign a Contract for Liberation by Dinkas: Now Junubin (Southerners) are scratching the wounds of the Kokora and of the 21-Years of SPLM/A war. Surely we are becoming prisoners of the past and we might not like the consequences of that imprisonment if we continue like that. I want to put across these points: 1) Nobody or no tribe signed a contract to be liberated or go to liberate others in South Sudan; it was a voluntary war. Even not all those who joined the SPLM/A went there for the right course because some of them were run-away convicts, criminals, thieves, murderers, and people who were escaping from problems they created in their societies or with their governments. So to use a justification that it was the Dinkas who liberated Junubin is not a helpful idea for Southerners (including the Dinkas themselves). 2) As much as we desire good things that Kual Manayang did for the SPLM/A, we should not forget to regret some of the bad things he did as well. Here we need to be prudent for a balance. If his evil side over weighs his good side then it will not be right to propose him for the Position of SPLA Affairs. But if his good side over weighs his evil side, then he deserves to be proposed. Also he has the right to reject or accept the nomination because he might be happy and successful with the current position as governor where he lives closer to nature in his home roots. Moving somebody now and then from here to there is not a right thing to do because it might fail him out of lack of focus. I think Kual Manyang is doing well and will do well as a governor as we are seeing from his actions in Jonglei State, so let us not remove him from this success. Remember that he was not doing well in the GoNU when he was the Minister because he so often got sick there as a result of not feeling at home. If I were him, I will stick to where I am happy and successful even if people try to push me to another position. 3) If you want to justify that the Dinkas have done a good job in the South, please do it without insults to other tribes. Show them the concrete development results you have achieved and they will get convinced that you are better than the Arabs who controlled them before you took over. Otherwise they are also aware that some Dinkas are looting South Sudan Money and exporting it outside the Sudan instead of utilizing it inside for the circulation benefit of the locals (including the complaining Equatorians) even from the corrupt money. I think this will be less evil than threatening other Junubin by mechanism of 'the tyranny of the majority' as it is used now by the NCP in GoNU. Remember that the minorities can coalesce to become a majority if they see that their interests are at risks. I do not think Dinkas are the majority if they risk provoking and disrespecting other tribes of South Sudan! So please my people let us create a brotherly environment for all Southerners rather than enmity. James Okuk, PhD student, University of Nairobi

I saw Kiir cry for Garang Look here, Tungawan Chol, I really don't know why you people are so narrow-minded and prone in taking things out of context.
 
Your views shows no sense of maturity in you at all. Kiir Cried not because late Gen. Dim and Dr. Justin came from Bhar El Gazal but it's quite obvious that this particular tragedy is the second most emotional crash after Dr. Garang death. I saw Kiir shedding tears in New Site when Dr. Garang's coffin was being viewed by SPLM Cadres. This incidence could prompt any caring person to shed tears as stipulated in the Bible that "a man should cry with those who cry and laugh with those who laugh".
 
This alone and the fate of the departed leaders having perished along with their beloved wives are the reasons that prompted Kiir to cry considering how hard it would be on the left behind children of our heroes to cope up with this great lost. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so callous when the Country mourns the death of her loved ones in Friday plane crash. my prayers are with the affected families. Akot Marial, Cairo

The disease in the GOSS Plane crash history in Sudan is becoming a phenomena in the South. If we continue to sacrifice our elites at these rate, then very soon we will be handicap in south Sudan. Four years for training pilots is not a thousand years.
 
On one hand, power struggle among SPLA/M in the GOSS should be critically analyzed. We could be the very enemies to ourselves. The division amongst SPLA/M. that is, the "Separatists, Unionists, and the Undecided group" is a clear indication of power struggle within SPLA/M. In any place, political rivals among the leaders is very dangerous. Before the recent incidents, there was a serious debate following the coming convention.  There had been a number of blackmail activities here, in which some of our leaders themselves lined up in antagonistic series. "Withdrawing Dinkas IDPs from Equatoria" was one of the areas of concern among some GOSS officials. But retention of Dinkas in Equatoria happened to be one of political agenda in the history of SPLA/M. Considering the division in the GOSS, the leaders themselves are not happy about each other. Before pointing at any body across the country, let us have a look into our home problems. Lack of common understanding among SPLA/M officials is a disease in the GOSS. John Gau Kai Siliviouse, Gambella Camp, Ethiopia

Kuol Manyang for next Defense minister? This is an important Ministry that deserves an important person to run it. Gen. Dim tried his best and the button should go to another patriot who would do the same or more than the deceased.
 
Some scholars and writers already advanced names such as Gen. Thomas Cirilo, Gen. Elias Waya, Gen. Daniel Awet, Gen. Tahir Bior, Gen. Majak Agoot, Gen. Paulino Matip, Gen. Mamur Mete, Gen. Pieng Deng, Gen. Bona Bang Dhel, Gen. John Koang Nyuon and Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk. All of the above are perfect officers of the liberation struggle and their contribution for our freedom is quiet an extraordinary. They have been excellence officers running our battle fields with success and commitment and hence its in tune to have the said candidates table to the President to choose from among them.
 
But I tend to think that factors such as military seniority, affinity and closeness will determine who would get that job. It would be an acid test for our Commanding in Chief (C in C) to produce an acceptable candidate if he chooses to narrow his choices around his people (tribe). People would be critical. There are indeed capable junior Generals outside the circles but there is no way of course for anyone to by pass Gen. Oyai, Gen. Bior, Gen. Mathok and Gen. Mamur unless one schemes to court trouble. The other Generals at old age bracket have their own individual problems given the enormous task ahead at the Defense Ministry. So, what are we going to do? I will tell you my take shortly after this.
 
For us to make real our intention of making unity among our communities a reality, let’s trust each other and stop fearing each other. Let’s develop culture of the ‘right man at the right place’ irrespective of his backgrounds. Ability is ability whether you are white, black or red; whether your tribe is small or big. Once we move away from prejudices or negative branding such as this ‘tribe or clan can’t do this or that’, we will go along way. There is too much stuff we got to change to allow us move forward. Some positions must not be reserved for special communities or tribes; we must quickly run away from such schools and open up to each other. It sounds like a lecture, yeah? Not really.
 
From my experience in the bush, there is this one man who happened to be in the High Command and then to the Leadership Council and now occupies top state position. This man, beyond any reasonable doubts, proved to many people as an individual with a character (strong and positive). He has lived and acted beyond tribal scripts and tough enough to assume challenging responsibilities. He is a soldier 100% and a manager 100%; who do you think is he? A person who is both ways, at our presence time? Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk is this man in depiction; he is unifying figure our leader Salva Kiir should try. He should have been given this job long time ago.
 
He is faithful to the cause and not afraid to make changes that are for the common good. A fighter who sustained bullets wounds during the war. His troubled Jonglei State is better off now and if Jonglei cares enough (as they often pride themselves for being ahead of others) they should release Gen. Kuol to do larger challenge than their state perennial issues. There are cases such as the disarmament and demobilization coming up soon and that is where the experience of this man would come in handy. Gen. Kuol would make the President to enjoy full time doing others. But if the President thinks otherwise, we could still respect his decision and give support to his choice; he’s the President. Isaiah Abraham, Juba

Garang's statue collapsed? Did you hear that? What is behind the sudden destruction of late Dr. John Garang's STATUE at Bilpam, the SPLA General Headquarters in Juba? A friend of mine called me from Juba telling me that about six feet tall and very huge statue of late Dr. Garang, which was built last year in the compound of the SPLA HQ in Juba suddenly collapsed without any warning. He said the incident happened just minutes after the burial of late Lt. General Dominic Dim Deng in the same compound of Bilpam HQ yesterday. This occurred while all the leaders and military officers assembled to bury the dead. I personally know this huge statue, I saw it one time when I visited the HQ about three months ago. It was a huge one compared to that of Sadam Hussein which was dismantled after the fall of Iraq to the American troops. It was well built. The question is: why did it suddenly collapse, new it is, just minutes after the burial of Dominic Dim Deng. Tut Gatwech, USA

Run-away Nhial Deng seeks to replace Kiir as  SPLM Chairman I have learnt from an informed source in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, that the former Minister for Regional Cooperation, Nhial Deng Nhial, is back to South Sudan to seek votes in the upcoming SPLM National Convention to become the new SPLM chairman.
 
What an opportunist leader like Nhial Deng Nhial, who after just a few months in office as a Minister, decided to quit and take a break in London. Unlike his late father, William Deng Nhial who was a respected and courageous leader, Nhial is a lazy, weak and lacking endurance when faced with challenges.
 
If the group calling itself Garang's boys wants somebody they feel belongs to the them, they should bring forward somebody else to compete for the seat otherwise, let them join the flock in selecting the right leader.
 
Nhial Deng would lose, repeatedly at the Presidency and would shy away from heated discussions with Omer el-Beshir like what we currently blame Salva Kiir for doing.
 
We should put aside such selfish groupings and let the eligible voters of the National Liberation Council in a nationalistic. Wani Tombe, Sudan

About Time to Stop Boarding the so-called ‘Ancient’ or ‘Brand new’ Planes
Dr. Garang’s mysterious death seemed to be the South Sudanese's fate. I think our government needs to be realistic and starts to apply a strict scrutiny standard in boarding the so-called the ‘ancient’ or ‘brand new’ planes to stop mysterious deaths from repeating itself as it did. Indeed, the thousands of thousands of people we have lost in the North-South Strife died for our cause of freedom and pursuit of happiness. I suppose we are all aware of that. Simple flying objects, such as planes should not be the defining fate in determining and taking the lives of our surviving heroes or heroines, in vain as it did. We need to find a formidable solution for these uncalculated deaths.
If there are culprits out there, who are masterminding these puzzling deaths, then why not start the investigation to bring them into justices. Life is precious and we should not lose it as simple as that.
Also our representatives in the government are paid to do this kind of inquiry. So if they are unable to find culprits, why not give back the jobs to citizens who would be able to protect their citizens from these mysterious deaths.
This is not a blaming game. As a concerned citizen, I expect government and its representatives to do the jobs to which they were appointed to do it effectively. They should not be sitting back on their armchairs and watch this as an inevitable and prevalent death. This is not the first time we lost eminent people in the plane as such. Prominent people like Dr. Garang died of this kind of inexplicable deaths.
We should be spending billions of billions pounds on those who are concerned and are able to avoid it from happening and deliver services to their citizens as expected. If there are no experts on planes, then why not hire people who will do the job. We should not be saying that these ‘monies’ are cheaper because we get them from oil resources. Absolutely not, we have all sacrificed in our own different or unique ways.
We need to stop booking the so-called ‘ancient’ planes. If this private commercial company cannot afford brand new planes from the 21st century, why not stop booking from them. This is not the Dark Ages, or the Medieval eras. Indeed, we are in the 21st century with advance technological planes or moving forward planes.
If people can’t stop buying tickets from them, then why not government start to reinforce or enact a law, which would prohibit buying from the phony commercial company like that. I am so sick of this and I urge government to urgently step in and do something by passing a law which would save lives. Stop buying tickets from them so that they can learn a lesson, would be a great idea.
Finding countries, whose this commercial company buys their planes, would be helpful and a terrific idea. There must be countries out there, which just care for money they get from their planes and do not care for qualities of the planes, they manufactured. So please you need to investigate this commercial company, whose plane crashed recently.
I am a survivor of North-South Civil War and I deeply concerned for those who have survived to this point of post-civil war. I believe the 21 souls we have lost recently from the plane crash, thus far deserved this inexplicable deaths to be figured out. We ought to stop these mystifying deaths from being a fate. This is just a flying object and it must have a solution, in whatsoever.
Enemy within please stop and use educated lens to see a big picture of the Sudan’s problems. Being a silent vengeance in masterminding cold deaths to procure your ends, is not the spirit of Sudan to which all sacrificed for. Deng Wuor Deng, NY, USA

Speaking up for the people Dear Prof. Wani, you've said it all and I agree with you. Of course the irony is that Southern Sudanese are becoming SPLM/A subjects and that gives the mediocres in SPLM a room to play with our peopl's affairs. currently. SPLM is run by people who have no business being on the top since they don't have any experience.
The census fiasco should be blamed on Luka Biong and the mediocres who thought that they can play with our people's interest just to appease Yassir Arman and the communists in the Northern sector.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and I encourage you to speak up and encourage others to do the same.
Constitutionally, the South is decentralized and the citizens of the ten states must run their affairs without SPLM or GOSS lording it over them. Peter Andy, Sudan

Plane Crash solution: Please forward it to GOSS I suggest our people are to exercise caution otherwise all our leaders will finish in such a way.
This is my suggestion to GOSS to avoid such big losses in the future:-
1. The GOSS is to come up with scholarships to send some young men and women to a Piloting and ground technician school. Ethiopian Airline Piloting School is one of the best on the continent, this course will take two to three years with total cost of about $47,000 (piloting) and $17,000 (Technician). This might cost GOSS a lot of money but it'll save the lives of our prominent leaders.
 
2. GOSS will have its own crew whenever there is a huge delegation of such, all the planes will be ground checked by our own technicians to ensure safe trip.
 
I know this suggestion will be ignored and it will not even reach to the GOSS offices, but for those who might see this it might make sense to forward it to GOSS ministerial offices. David Geri, USA

Why no action? My sincere condolence to the families of my comrades who have passed away in the tragic plane crash. My complaint goes directly to the Southern Government: that why no immediate actions taken? Chol Maker, RUMBEK

The egocentric and Stingy government of Yirol West County in Lakes State.
 The Apak based government being led by Agook Manyiel Dhieu seems not to be thinking about other communities in the County. Everything is being centered in two payams of Apak, like employment. The few people from other Payams who are holding senior positions in Yirol West County are being employed in state level and then transferred to County. It starts right away from Commissioner's office. The Office Manager is from Apak, and the list continues from the same place. The rest loiter and find their own ways of living.
On the other hand, are his (Commissioner) stooges? These are people like SPLM County Secretary, who have been rigged in by Commissioner during the SPLM County election. This guy fell gloriously the election and since he has a solid back up from man above he was declared winner. How can SPLM claim to be having the slogan of being Democratic and Just?
 
During the State (Lakes) SPLM Congress elections, the two men (the Commissioner & SPLM County Secretary) made it again to rig in some of the delegates from their Payams and this resulted into some of the Payams having less number of delegates. Like Payam I come from (Mapuordit) was having only four.
 
The Current Apak regime has really marginalized and mistreated many payams in the County and especially Greater Ngop Payams. Agook Manyiel has sent a committee to Greater Ngop Payam late last year to investigate the problem between Kuek of Anuol Payam & Roor-Kech of Mapuordit Payam. This group acted corruptibly. The fine they gave is completely unbelievable. I talked personally to one of the culprits, and he told me that he was fined ten Thousand (10 000) U.S. Dollars. He sold everything he had but still not paid all. Where on earth can a local court give high fine that way? Only in Yirol West can such things happen. Even in the State level, the court of Appeal can not fine thirstily like that.
 
My appeal goes to the government of Lakes State being led by Comrade Awet Akot whom Greater Yirol Vote for Unanimously yesterday for SPLM Chairmanship, which I do not know why? Should send an open hearted and patriotic team to Greater Ngom Payam to arrest this group and think what can be done. To be clear, I am not for the idea of Commissioner being replaced. I am communicating the fair treatment in the County because he was not put in that seat to let the few who are related to him benefit but everybody must enjoy.
Mabor Malou Johou, Rumbek

What next when unexpected death strikes?
My personal condolence goes to all Sudanese who are mourning for this great and incomprehensible lost of our dearest in southern Sudan. We have lost them truly!!! What a trouble pain in our hearts? I pray to the almighty God who is a greatest therapist and most abrupt healer of our souls when such events. May He comfort us instantly in this tragedy event that afflicted southern Sudan government and whole population. Abraham Chol Weel, Kenya

Allow me Mr. President of GoSS and all people of south Sudan my condolences for the deaths of our leaders in the plane accident yesterday. William Sunday, Sudan

The Management committee of Nuer community and entire Nuer community in Victoria -Australia are sending their sincere condolences to the government of Southern Sudan in particular to those families who lost their loved ones in the plane crash on it way from Warrap state to Juba the capital of South Sudan, we are deeply mourn their deaths, and as community we very much acknowledge their outstanding contributions during the war and after the war, may the almighty God rest their souls in peace.
Written by Nuer community chairperson
James Gatkoy Tot, Victoria-Australia

Waiting for yet-to-be born Yirolists Brother or Sister: You are extremely right but where are the elders to break it away since we don't have potential ones who are able to advocate for it, the inability of elders to take up the position of chairmanship of SPLM party in lakes state is a great shame as they all said there was no better Candidate for it......Thanks for saying that but let us wait for you and me plus others who will break away Yirol from Lakes State not the current feeble elders. Dodd, Sudan

Do SPLM leaders know? I think most of the SPLM members do not know the vision of the movement, because you can't talk about the democracy while your still practicing corruption. Also eradication of tribalism. Garbel Lam Chol, SouSudan

Great Yirol Must Break Away From Lakes State! What prompted me, a concerned citizen, and a common man to say what I said is purely for the will and the interests of the neglected Great Yirol Community but not for any ill intention, not to stage any coup or am I looking for any political position whatsoever? However, I am deeply concerned by the large underdevelopment inflicted in the aforesaid great land.
 
To hit the nail on the head, the issues which the community raise are: That there is no fair and just representation to the government to what so called 'Aram Weer' [Lakes State] which some leaders use as a pretext to milk the community of Great Yirol, that there is utterly no equitable and equal sharing of resources nevertheless the little resources which people hope to be fairly shared are only used to develop Rumbek-their Lakes Lake they mean, that there is unfair employment in what we believed to be the state for all which the opposite is true to say the least. What a hell!
 
I candidly express this as a citizen that is truly concerned for, a citizen that advocates for and presents the rights of others in order for the government that is meant to be for all, by all, to all the citizens to come to its senses and realize its grave mistakes it inflicting on its people and therefore for the sake of serving the interest of it community must quickly come so to amend and bridge the widening social, political and economical gap which previously created by former tyrant regimes [Arabs] to mention a few.
 
If no action to this call, Great Yirol won't develop at all and the only you and me will see at the end of the day is nothing then confronted with social, political and economical disparity which will ever exist in the Great Yirol.
 
Please Yirolists discern this and take a decision that serves the will of your people and mind you any quick step you make toward this call will make a great impact on you and your Community of Great Yirol. Concerned Citizen

Resolve land problems now The issues of Equatorian land occupation is becoming complex as the responsible people are encouraging the act. Today if the surrounding of Juba is forcefully taken, which parts of Equatoria are still not occupied by Dinkas? It's a problem for Equatorians to solve. If what Mathias Wani Jumy mentioned in his article is true, then some Dinkas need a total reformation, or else we may find our selves in a serious trouble in south Sudan leave alone the north. As I am writing, Nyarubanga (Southern Bari area) has been occupied by Dinkas right after CPA. Majority of Dinkas started invading Equatoria after CPA as they were forced by their elders to go to Equatoria in search of new land for permanent settlement. I am calling for attention of all the Equatorians, these problems need to be handled before they become tragic. The 21 years all was predominately fought in Equatoria in which we lost a lot in terms of lives and resources. After loosing resources and lives, now that land is going away on a daily basis. This must be prevented.
Oryema Wilson Odong, Khartoum, Sudan
 

Is Pagan now a tamed tiger? The SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum, was known last year for mobilizing the crisis between his party and the National Congress Party (NCP) over lack of implementation of some key protocols in the CPA. He strongly recommended that the party should pull out from the Government of National Unity, which actually happened, and supposed to continue until the issues were resolved. The man could not rest making contacts with foreign governments to recognize the SPLM position.
 
The crisis ended up being resolved after President Beshir reshuffled the SPLM component of the Cabinet that led to Pagan Amum being appointed Minister for Cabinet Affairs in Khartoum. The crisis ended although other main issues that led to the very crisis remained unresolved. From that time, the man became a tamed tiger and could not bother to react to any recent developments including the decision by the National Congress Party’s dominated Presidency to carry out the poor organized national population and housing census in the South.
 
What happened to Pagan Amum, or has he just achieved his goal of Cabinet position or possible additional bribes from the NCP? Tut Gatwech, Sudan

My take on South Sudan democracy
Democracy, so simple to pronounce and so hard to practice. What a hell! Really I do agree with what it'll call the 'non democrats' that say democracy is not a good system of governance, but to me, there is no another system of governance better than democracy if and when its values and principles are followed rightfully and executed sincerely so to speak. Honestly, Sudan at large has never experienced democracy. The democracy which I have a concern for, the south in particular is in question and it's really at stake crying for help from all the democrats. In fact for southerners to realize democracy to prosper, the leaders must take a lead to practice the principles and fundamental values of democracy at all level of whatever they do and above all provide a platform to all the citizens particularly youth which are the future leaders to have a say and participate in exercising their democratic rights without fear and intimidation. Youth are healthy assets a nation must have. We and the whole nation should not want to build a nation of frustrated little adults and our leaders should not see youth as a threat to the government but as an asset that amounts to building a successful strong nation.
 
Often I feel sad when i see some of our leaders totally diverging from the essence of our vision, the vision that serves the will and interests of all the citizens with honesty. M.Rwei Gach - GREAT YIROL

Now occupation of Juba area Ethnicity and Tribalism serve to bring to your attention the on going land crisis in Juba. According to the capital city location, the surrounding land 65 miles after the city still belonged to us as natives of the land. Its not surprising that three weeks before the census commenced, some Dinkas landed here from no where and claimed that these land had belonged to them. Its quite unique to understand, but most Bari who are residing there had been literary displaced. The government of south Sudan seems not to be government of the people. What does planting Dinkas all-round Juba means for GOSS politicians? There is mistake some where for GOSS to pay attention or there will not be peace in south Sudan for generations. The issues of land occupation forced us to fight the Arabs and today some Dinkas are doing the same thing thinking that Equatorians will sit and watch them mishandling our land.
Mathias Wani Jumy, Muniki, Juba, Sudan

Dead or injured SPLA don't get paid Jallaba are quoted as saying that southerners can't govern themselves and if you give them much they will kill each other as has already been proven by some of military leaders and their civil administration leaders. Oyai Deng Ajak and Salva Mothak have cast off the integration 7,000 soldiers and not less than a week later; clashes broke out in Late State which caused the lives of numerous innocent people. Conditionally, if Salva and Oyai had sufficient amount of soldiers, why didn’t they send some soldiers to discontinue the fight? Also,  some cattle hustlers went to Malakal and stole cattle and run away despite the fact that are a lot of soldiers in Malakal. Of course a great number of soldiers were ordered to follow the cattle hustlers and fight them and if they win, bring back the cattle; they unenthusiastically went to the bush for a while and came back with empty-handed. When  asked about the cattle they responded, "we refused to fight them because a couple months ago a war broke out between the Soldiers and Polices in Khorflus’s military camp. The families of those soldiers who got killed were not allowed to receive their husbands salaries. Also those badly wounded and can't make it to the lines had to stand for 3 hours due to the wounds, and their wives were disallowed to get their husbands salaries as well. So why would we allow ourselves to get killed once we knew that the lives of our families will not be honored?" That meant if soldiers got killed in the south their lives are ended and they won't got any compensations whatever. This is too risky to believe, but that’s exactly what's happening right now in the south. Choul Dugak, USA

Juba Declaration on Unity and Integration between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) is dead.7,000 SSDF Soldiers were rejected by Salva Mathok, Deputy Chief of staff of SPLA. These 7,000 SSDF soldiers were told to joint the Arab’s Army. This statement violated the policy of Integration of SSDF into the SPLA, as well as the preamble of this agreement. The same group wants to violate Nairobi Declaration between the SPLA/M and Dr. Riek Machar. Now these people are talking about replacing Dr. Riek Machar in the next Month SPLM Convention. I think that will be the end of the CPA and the SPLM will be divided between John Garang ‘sons led by Pagan Amum and Salva Kiir Group. The NCP will get us one by one. What do you think about this Declaration? Atem Garang Atem, Juba, Southern Sudan

Things falling apart in southern Sudan Tribalism, corruption, and the CPA are limping in the great African Rich Region, the South Sudan. On the other hand, the NCP are getting closer to the south that they'd abandoned during bitter fighting and signing of CPA. In addition, the president of GOSS Salva Kiir has no room between Bashir and Taha. I think southern Sudan is going back to square one if there would be no changes in the Government of southern Sudan in the coming SPLM national convention, as well as in the military high command which is so weak to combat the insecurity in the south. Southern Sudan is a great nation where there is abundant wealth. Do the job first than you will be rich, if you are executive in the government posts, since we have all natural resources that will satisfy any individual in the country if we are faithful to our country and its people. Let's come to tribalism which is accompanied by corruption where the ministers are employing relatives instead of educated people to deliver the services, while the incompetence have nothing to add to the development of the region but loss of income revenues that could promote development. Unfortunately, the lack of communication of bureaucracy between the national unity government and the GOSS had degraded the minister of information in the south. In all, things could be falling apart if the south doesn’t set and make critical judgment to establish an administration that is transparent, set priorities and promote the integrity of its people to build a better government in the south Sudan. I love my country. Thonmajuk, Sudan

Amputate a political cancer It is good that Martin Majut Yak has been exposed of late. This corrupt man has been known for his tribalistic attitudes since school days. And further more for his records of mega corruptions as a local government administrator when he drove 300 head of cattle to Gogrial from Bentiu (Unity state) where he was the executive officer by then. His expenditure against his salary could not have afforded him buy 30 head of cattle leave alone acquiring 300 if it was not for the fact that corruption was part and parcel of his upbringing. Our beloved president H.E. Salva should amputate the cancer and leper known as Martin Majut Yak immediately to resort confidence in his leadership.  I fully concur with the whistleblowers about Mr. Martin Majut's overdue removal from the office(s) of the Vice President forthwith. H. D., Melbourne, Australia

Ethnicity and tribalism I'd like to address my dear compatriot South Sudanese that identifying ourselves through tribes and ethnic groups has a lot of negative impact to our nation. I believe it is one of major factors of continuous deadly clashes and resentment even when people meet to discuss national issues as Sudanese or Southerners. Sometimes some people tend to defend or criticize some elements in leadership of GoSS based on ethnicity or tribe. Many people on this website always talk ill of Dinka, Dinka are bad but can you believe that there are no good Dinka in South? I think this is because we identify ourselves in tribes and ethnicity. For example, I can criticize Dr. Riak as individual and our leader but not because I am a Dinka and he is a Nuer and vise versa. I believe our leaders would change otherwise we quoted those bad ones for future. I really detest identification by tribe or ethnicity and I appeal to all my brothers and sisters to use southerners instead of tribe and let's respect our leaders. They are even better than others who are always fond of talking. Ghor Dhal Manyiel, Rumbek

What's the stand of SSDF? I might have been dreaming, but if I was not dreaming, then there is something that caught me by great surprise from my comrade Peter Ngor, chairman of SSDF forces. What is the stand of SSDF for your party or military wing?. Let me answer myself that it is stand for South Sudan defense force. But defends South Sudan from who? Nyiel Dot Duoi, USA

Insecurity in south due to lack of leadership Having read the topical clash which led to the 95 dead souls and 42 wounded, has made me to conclude that the GOSS has a lot do to control the insecurity predicaments that are still flowing in the south. People like Oyai and Salva Mathok recently opposed the integration of 7, 000 soldiers into SPLA forces if the sources were reliable. The two Commanders haven't realized that the south's domestic affairs and its insecurity situations cannot be handled without physically powerful soldiers. Their immature decisions will only fetch the timidity in the south. They sensed only about the budget cost for military while they forgot that GOSS is getting all its money from its former foe NIF regime. Believe it or not, lack of effective leaders whether in military units, civil administrations or in parliamentary is the main cause of insecurity in the south. Choul Dugak, USA

Tribal Clashes threat to Census. I'd like to appeal to the entire community of South Sudan that the current tribal clashes are a great threat to Census while there are no any tribal clashes happening in the north at the moment. Why is it only in the South? Why is is it actually at the time of the important Census? I never ever believe that South Sudanese were such stupid people who actually portray there mismanagement and prove the challenge by Jalaba that the Southerners are not and will not ever be able to rule themselves. The jalaba went as far as saying that the Southerners are the worst terrorists, you can give them money and they will kill their own fathers. My condolences to the parents and the relatives of the deceased persons in the tribal clashes between Luany-Jang and Pakam of Maper. Dennis Marial, Sudan

Can Riek Machar ever become Pres. of South? Mr. Tut, you can not threaten the people of the consequences of division because we really got those consequences from Dr. Riek when he slaughtered innocent Bor Dinkas in 1991. I respected Dr. Riek but hated what he did to the people during the struggle for freedom. I can even conclude that Riek is competent but that does not mean that he's better than Kiir. Riek is an opportunist who run between the parties for his survival. Can you hand the leadership to such untrustworthy man who is hungering for powers? Let me assured you, if Riek become the president of Southern Sudan it is like a former girlfriend being united with her former boyfriend. Arabs have intimacy with Riek and they don't see him as a fighter. I see you are kind of people who don't appreciate, you have been moving since the beginning of the movement, when will you settle for peace and freedom of southerners? Let build a nation with oneness. Mading Akueth Deng, Kenya

Joining the leaders I think what had happened is a technical mistake, whatever the condition let us support our leader as he is committed to serve the people of southern Sudan. Let us come together in time of difficulties and plan together with H.E Salva and Council of Ministers (GOSS) in order we make the homeland a better place. Ziinu Uyo Uku, Juba

What a fool Joseph Kony is In south Sudan, the GOSS presidency are trying so much to bring peace to northern Uganda and Kony but yet he is still making the people of South Sudan who has had suffered enough during their own war. In this case I can name Kony movements as a movement against South Sudanese because he is killing and abducting them always more than Ugandans.
GOSS should do some thing to protect the poor people of South Sudan who are suffering from the hands of LRA and Joseph Kony who is the murderer. Abraham Chol Marial, South Sudan

Tribalism in Lakes state being used as tool of kicking the opponents. The idea of politics in Lakes state is coming to a tribal level than an open political campaign just like in the rest of the countries in the world. What is the difference between the politics in Lakes State and the rest of the States including the other countries in the world? Completely there is no difference only that these politicians in lakes state want to put their selfish interests ahead of the communities they are serving. They do this by making sure that they defeat their political rivals or the leaders they do not like by inciting their communities against the communities of the leader in place or by inciting their own people against each other such that the only thing they will have to report for suspension of elections is the insecurity in the areas to make sure that the elections are done in the state headquarters where the community is very far from participation. The winner will have all the reasons to be happy about winning the elections when all this was done in a closed room. Are elections supposed to be carried out in closed rooms or in an open area? The loser will always be willing to look for ways of making a revenge and the cycle continues as long as the solution is found for the opponent. Is a party supposed to have an opponent internally? No, these things happen because those who have been always reported to have failed in a corrupted elections do not exactly know how they have to fail in the elections. But it is true; they have not failed because they have made sure that they have secured the communities’ votes instead of securing the fall of community. The failures are “the real men of the people” because they make sure they value the community more than themselves and their positions they are hoping for. The rest would always want exploit their people whom they are not even sure of whether they are their opponents or their supporters. Most of the patriotic citizens of Lakes state are not currently happy with the way they have been represented at the SPLM offices because there some lead. Let’s not forget our own people and where we came from. Malou, Sudan

Salva Kiir the Gullible: All, Salva Kirr, the man from Warrap state, has finally revealed what he and Omar Beshier agreed upon regarding the exclusion of the question of race, ethnicity and religion from the census questionnaire. While speaking at the enthronement of Archbishop elect Daniel Deng at All Saints Cathedral in Juba on April 20, 08, Kirr is quoted as having said that "the presidency of Sudan have agreed on the issues of ethnicity and religion that were omitted from the questionnaires to be addressed separately soon after the census is concluded." How is the question of race, ethnicity, and religion going to be addressed outside the census exercise? Speak, Mr. Kirr--How is that going to be addressed outside the census exercise? Silence. Just as I thought. When have the Arabs lived up to their words? If things don't pan out as agreed between you and Beshier, please do not repeat your theatrics of playing the role of an abused wife, as you did during the celebrations of the second anniversary of the CPA in Juba, when you moaned and groaned about Beshir not keeping his end of the bargain. They say: "when you deal with a fool, milk him for all you can get." Yes, Beshier is laughing all the way to the bank. Please, Mr. Kiir step down, you are an embarrassment.
Onwards, Ohisa Atiye Oyemu

Know Sudan by its meaning No one else in Sudan has better right than us who know ourselves to be blacks. Well, all I know as the real meaning of Sudan is that, Sudan is the land of the blacks. So, whoever in Sudan consider himself or herself an Arab is okay, but they should call themselves as Arab Sudanese. Meaning they were Arabs and became Sudanese. And they will never change us to be an Arabs. They could change to be Africans. My question is: How and who is going to unite the black people who are the majority in Sudan, who are unknowingly being cheated by the few Arabs all the times? William Makuach Kuch, USA

Good but still Awet must go Bravo Ghor Dhal and Agar Marol, for your great views. I'd rather agree with Gov. Daniel Awet on the issue of Islamization being now brought gradually to the South in the name of CPA. This won't be allowed to exist in Lakes State as an SPLA Liberated area and would encourage Awet not to relinquish his stance on this point, Salva Kiir should respect our Liberty as citizens of lakes State to prevent anything that is not welcome for the sake of Public good as Lakes State is predominantly Christian and African Traditional believers.
 
But to embark on the other olive branch of Governor Awet not eyeing for contesting a seat in the next General elections can not give him all the immunities to misuse power and rampant corruption being perpetuated by his Minister of finance in regards to State resources. He lacked the moral fiber to be a leader and should therefore, honorably resign to pave the way for a lean and honest government. Akot Marial, Cairo

No Existence of Mosque in Rumbek Market, A big NO. I don't understand why some people openly support the existence of a mosque which is located in Rumbek town centre. You guys, you have to differentiate between the word re-allocation of the mosque said by the Governor of the state sometimes back and the word respect of religion. The governor did not reject Muslims religious rights in the state but the mosque was re-allocated, that's clear. Jallaba allocated mosques in town centers when they're decision makers in the Sudan and to show that Islam is the only best religion. The allocation of mosque in the town centre by then was part of mobilization/Islamization. Look! the two churches of ECS & Catholic were not located in the town centre, why? Also, there are no churches in Khartoum city center, why? Governor Awet must go ahead with his plan of re-allocation of mosque. The citizens of Lakes State in general and Rumbek town in particular are ready to answer not only President Kiir in this regard but even Bashir and Ali Osman. Have they freed Khartoum from sharia law as stipulated in the CPA? NO! People are still being detained on charges of drunkenness or brewing of local beer. Then, have they respected others rights? Don't be scared of any political confrontation. Arabs are not trusted nor do they regard Non-Muslims as a human beings of equal status with them, even if you converted to Islam. You cannot be Imam to lead prayers in Mecca in Saudi Arabia during pilgrimage. Ghor Dhal, Rumbek

What is Sudan? The question whether Sudan is an Arabic country won't bring fruitful results on both sides in the country. There were many issues which were  omitted out during in the peace agreement signed in Kenya. I've been talking before the peace agreement was wrong. Dr. John Garang himself was not having the good reasons and causes of the war against the government in the Sudan Republic.  What was the problem? Chief Abiko, USA

Open Letter to Lt Gen.Daniel Akot Thou, Governor Lakes State First you are an elder figure of Lakes, the history won't forgive you even if the suffering ones forgive. Why did you allow yourself to be dragged by your corrupted minister of Finance, Mr. Philip Marol Mading?
At present, employees of Lakes State are approaching the month of May without their monthly salaries since February up to this moment.
Are you really aware of the damages caused by your administration in terms of individual properties lost or looted by your brother Brig. Bol Akot? Millions of dollars robbed by your minister of Finance, 1000 heads of cattle which you knew collected from 8 counties of Lakes State, SIPAD money, CANS money, former SSCC monies, revenues generated from local and international companies operating in Lakes State and 10% taxes of SPLM imposed on the employees of Lakes State despite other different political inclination whether an SPLM member or not?
Do you forget that your children have a role to play in this country now or in future? Yes we heard that you are not ready to contest in the coming election of 2009, what about your children?
It's a human being nature to work and earn wealth in any way as you are doing it, but do not forget the history and masses are watching, you General.
God bless you, Agar Marol, Rumbek

No Islamization in Lakes state Those who complain about the mosque being targeted in Rumbek, the land of Rumbek is the right of Lakes State citizens. Therefore Lakes State citizens have right to refuse the mosque which is the primary way for Arabs to organize War and Islamisation because if you go through Arab history, they came to Sudan through Islam and trade and now you can see how they've turned out in our own country of black people by saying it is an Arab State. That's why they didn't mention ethnicity and religion in the census questionnaire.
Let the Arabs leave their Islamic religion behind when they are in this state of Greater Lakes.
We don't want to be the victims of Islam as they do in other regions. Abraham Chol Marial, Sudan

Census not useful I think GOSS has to think twice before rushing into conducting Census in the South comes next week. It won't do any good at all nor will it determine the long awaited people's verdict between Arabs and African claims on Sudan. It's not just an issue whether Khartoum had sent census money to GOSS or not, what is really important now is the question, is Sudan an Arab or an African Country? To determine this delicate appalling situation issues of ethnicity and religious must be included on the forms. We need not be fooled on the road map to South Sudan Sovereignty when it's just an extra mile away. Akot Marial, Cairo University

GOSS be steadfast GoSS, stick to the CPA, even if the NCP is holding up the processes, as usual we know-- it will be known by the international community—the international community is observing; they want to see who will first break the CPA, and let us not worry, time will come when the NCP will cease—and it will be for the benefit of the people of South Sudan. By the way you have already won the Government of Sudan (NCP) —and so let us not waste this ready chance. First of all your withdrawal from NCP last year, and this one of the census have threatened the NCP and this has shown that you have the power to rule the country—of course it is your country and your right. So there is no need to hide your grievances. And this has now made the NCP to be at a greater pressure.
For this coming census, please stick to the issue of :religion and race before the census kicks off—by now you would have made them aware: this is far more important than any thing else, other issues like, the issue of the IDP’s and the Darfur problems will come later —Religion creates unity among the South: And it is the religion issue that will defeat them (Arabs). I do not want again to see the records, Christianity is less than 10%, yet the whole south and even some in the North are Christians. It is a shame when I tell people here (western world) that the Christian population in Sudan is above 50%, yet they write 10 % and they call it Arabic country—which is completely wrong!It is an African country consisting of predominantly black people. I am a South Sudanese student at a college from Italy. Charles Lumago

Miscalculation of military issues in the south will lead to threat to south Sudan. In support of Akolde N. Jinub, Rumbek. Surely, SPLA/M cannot leave SSDF unattended. Oyai Deng Ajak should be considerate and his delusion should be treated for the future of south Sudan in the field of military. Unless these guys are integrated, we may not be sure of peace in south. If we can not integrate them, then what come next? Are we going to disarmed them? Fellow southerners, let us be realistic about the called of unification from SSDF. If no unification, what is GOSS plan for rehabilitating these military personnel?
Charles Mangrove Pony, Loa, Sudan

Theorizing on Census without Practice: In my opinion, GoSS got it wrong to say that Sudan Census exercise can go ahead in the North while it is postponed in the South till the end of this year (2008) because of the the case of the un-repatriated IDPs and etc. Logically this implies that those IDPs should be counted in the North because they will be found there during the days of counting in the North (which GoSS seem not to be opposed to). Will the IDPs be counted again in the South if GoSS manage to repatriate them there before December 2008? That is, will they be counted twice by de facto ( first in the North and next in the South)? I think some sense is missing here and GoSS should wake up from such kinds of slumbers for blunders! I am also surprise that most of those who are supporting the postponement of the Census are just making terrible noises while they are enjoying their life abroad with foreign nationalities. If they really care about increase in the counted numbers of Southerners they should not be hiding in Diaspora by this time. They should have been right now making opposition while on the ground of Southern Sudan. Otherwise, they are not sincere for the common good of Southern Sudan. They are just theorizing without practice. James Okuk, University of Nairobi.

A slap in the face of southerners President Kiir should be articulate and decisive in dealing with issues of national concern and precisely give adequate instructions on the direction the South should follow in regards to the Fifth National Census.
 
It was officially announced by Juba that South won't be part of the Census because of one reasons or the other but what surprises me most is the dilemma our President is putting us in as a result of his recent meeting with Bashir and Taha which put him on scale to see how much he would react then he went on reversing South decision on the Census controversy which stated that Census would go on as planned. This shows how gullible is our head of state and of course a slap in the face to the people of South Sudan.
 
President Kiir should know that dealing with Arabs is not an easy task and therefore, shouldn't be approached with soft power because all Arab Countries sees South autonomy comes 2011 with negativity and now are working day and night towards the down fall and casting shadow on the realization of the Vision of South Sudan.
 
Where on this planet can a government talk of demographic arena while its people are scattered all over if not outside national borders, a handful of Southern IDPS in Khartoum and above all it's rainy season which will deter free movement in all corners of the South? Why is the GOSS giving in to the ruckus of Khartoum at the expense of its people? I think our president should think outside the box before giving answers to Bashir's grilling if he believes he is the true Jousha that will take us to the promised Land. Sudan is at crossroads and any decision taken with trivialities will have great impact on the people of South Sudan. Akot Mabor Marial, Cairo University

Bravo Oyai Lt. Gen Oyai Deng has taken the right move by rejecting the pro arab forces. Theirs main interest is to destroy the SPLA from within.
Bravo Oyai Bravo SPLA mother/proper. Demayen.

THE ELUSIVE AND ILLUSIVE SUDAN CENSUS OF 2008:
A couple of days ago, the GOSS, through its Min. Changson, declared the postponement of the Census.
There were many plausible reasons. I mention here only a few important points according to me.
Out of the blue, a new 22nd April coup (in favor for a new go ahead of the Census has just belied the GOSS earlier declaration. This is mind boggling for the citizens. Is it so easy for Omer-cum-Kiir to conduct any NIF/SPLM choir, in a duo, without consultation of the grass roots or the GOSS Parliament in Juba?. My few questions:-
1) Where to have the reasons of the 2m IDPs of being taken hostages by the Khartoum and north/NIF been thrown, as per the Min. Changson declaration?
Were they not supposed to go all back(North and South) to their Constituencies for the Census?).
2) Where have the Darfur movements (accepted by the SPLM/A) thrown to?.
3) Where is the Abyei/border problem thrown to?.
4) What happened to the 1956 Kiir (SPLM)border intent versus the 1905 Omer (NIF) stand?.
Now is the rainy season. The North has fair good roads (besides the Islamic invasion of the numerical requisites called by Khartoum to fatten the northern population et.
Will the GOSS abide by the Omer-cum-Kiir meeting or will it stand by the former decision?.
5)Above all, why the GOSS has avoided the solving of the issue of the whole country which the Arab/Islamic North calls the Sudan as an Islamic country and under the Sharia law?
Fr. Hilary. Hilary Boma, Germany

Militias are opportunists Dear Ngor, I'd want to mention that the fact that SPLM is trying to reconcile South Sudanese, it should not be taken for its weakness. When you talk of destruction in the GOSS because SSDF is getting sidelined, you are mistaken. SSDF is not and will never be an equal partner with the SPLM in running the affairs of the South. SSDF fought against the CPA proponents (SPLM) until it was signed and not until there were salaries in GoSS, it could not join the Southern voices. So who is the true citizen of the South? To be very honest with you, time to intimidate South Sudanese is over. If ex-SSDF cadres still think that NCP will use them against the South anytime as it was before CPA, then think twice, NCP is more vulnerable than the SPLM. Some of us volunteered for the course of South even on empty stomachs. You think history will just be discarded?? We know SSDF cadres are in Juba because of their allegiance to 50% but not to the course of the people of the South. I personally still consider militias as opportunists and shameless bunch of bigots who are led by their stomachs but not integrity. Deng, South Sudan

Setting religion fire should be avoided. The proposal of building Mosque may revel some political understanding, but its not the time to behave in that way. Although south Sudan happened to break as an independent country, still we may have some Muslims in the south. It will be there religious right to worship Allah in Mosques. The most important thing to do is to engage the local people to be aware of Islamization. Change should not be given to them, but proposal of building mosque any where in the south is dangerous. Thought our struggle seems to be changing from liberation of south Sudan to colonization of Equatoria, still as south Sudanese, we have a lot in common. What will be the focus of the north if mosque is established any where in the south? Here we need to be careful. The governemnt officials should do something to unite all the south Sudanese so that we can resist northern influence together. Clement Ogili, South Africa

No Mosques building in south till Sharia abolished in Sudan Sudan is called an Islamic country. As such the NCP and those before them presume the "fait accompli" that mosques can be build anywhere in the Sudan. Churches need special permit...
On this note, may I call your attention to the following:
1) In 1905 the first government law to control the church was issued by the then colonial government.
2) 1957 came The Societies Registration Act.
3) The 1957 Act was amended in 1962 and then called "The Missionaries Societies Act"
4) In 1994 came the third amendment to control the churches. It was called "The Miscellaneous Amendment"
To make it short: since 1969 the Christian faithful have not been allowed to build any church in the Sudan. Tacitly, even the Christians had accepted that the country be called an Islamic country. Mosques grew like mushrooms all over the country. Churches died a slow death. Building "tukuls" or make-shift places for worship have been and are called by Khartoum as churches. Do we call the "khalwas" mosques?.
On top of that, when Jaafar M. Nimeiri made the Sharia` "territorial" instead of "Personal", the Christian Sudan kept silent..etc. Since that time no church has been built in the whole country. Not even in the christian south.
Now, I agree with Gov. Awet of Lakes State that the building of the Mosques should be stopped in all the places with christian majority citizens, till the issue of the Islamic Sudan, the Territorial presence of the Sharia' is solved etc. Our GOSS leaders should not keep quite, even if this problem was not, unfortunately, included in the CPA.
Wishes. Fr. Hilary Boma, Germany

SPLM/A WILL BE IN DILEMMA.
The full implementation of CPA was seen by the people of southern Sudan when SSDF of strong man Poulino Matip Nhial came and joined GOSS as a result of Juba DECLARATION. It may be very difficult for CPA of Oyai Deng Ajak and Salva Mathok to go smoothly, if Poulino Matip was supporting jalaba up to now. Let me tell you brothers, SSDF at this time will not go back to Khartoum to support jalaba again, but will fight you if you are in need of that and this is where the other supporters of SPLM/A will join SSDF to defeat and get ride of you in southern Sudan and more importantly, the SPLM/A of corruption Oyeeeeeeeeee at this time will be SPLM/A down!
We are unhappy of hearing SPLM oyeeee without doing what the people of southern Sudan want.
by K.Deng Muong, South Sudan

Closing mosques  after South independence Chief Abiko, We can not stop the Muslims from the South not to worship their God. If we do that, it will affect the national policy because we have the Government of National Unity which means that we are one Country. We have also the great number of Christians in the North Sudan follow their right and if the Government of Sudan attempts to violate their right than the world will put on pressure against the Government of Sudan, That is why the GOSS President has involved in the state affair. Let us give a chance to the GOSS to struggle for our independence and after that, we will continue closing the Mosques all over South Sudan. Marko Grinti, South Sudan

Negligence will bring the GOSS down sooner than later. Why is the government refusing to integrate this soldiers? We still have front line in the north, does it means SPLA/M FORCES is enough to face the war in the front line? In my opinion, president of GOSS should review his statement and do something. The alarming situations in the south Sudan is not visible for GOSS since the people holding those responsible offices thought they have finally reached to their destinations. Refusing to integrate these soldiers would mean a lot to south Sudanese. Because we have already seen that GOSS is operating in two parallel lines. Unless there is total peace in south Sudan, GOSS cannot refused completely building its forces by means of integrations. It also came into my understanding as you have read what is going on in Equatoria, from different websites, GOSS is a multipurpose government which will bring disaster on her self by using SPLA/M forces for crashing the Equatorians over their land. Why is the president of the people act in that way in support of his tribe to settle in Equatoria permanently? Its not the first time we south Sudanese have witnessed such inhuman behaviors of SPLA/M. Just to bring to your attention, I personally quit SPLA/M when SPLA.M leadership used his personal commandoes to crash the Didingas in Chudukum during the bush war. If today the same thing is still happening as websites are reporting  the situations of Dinka occupation of Madi land, no doubts that GOSS is preparing us for another chapter in the history of Sudan. When I was making research on the matter to prove the validity, I found that its a single tribe interest in Equatoria and most GOSS officials in south Sudan and abroad are trying by all possible means to draw international attention to what Dinkas are making in Equatoria to be their rights to do so. Every time you read statement from some people, "any Sudanese has right to live any where, or to live where a person feels better." Gabriel Gau, UK

Purse good governance Wow, what is in the mind of Dinka and it notorious Shullik, what's SPLA leadership thinking? We southerners need harmony instead of division. I don't think it's logic at this movement to start another conflict while SPLM as a party still rumbling with Khartoum government on who's to control Abeiy. Please Salva Kiir this will not help your administration, if you mind to pursue good governance you should get ride with those who intend to divide South for their selfish political ambitions. Simon Nguthdell, Sudan