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The Bigger Picture in the elections As campaigning begins to take shape in the first multi parties, nationwide election in the Sudan for the first time in my generation life time, images have started to pour in, strongman Kuol Manyang walking tall covered in a colorful bed sheet with Bashir, Malong Awan flip-flopping between Bashir and Arman, Kiir finally opening up to the public as Lam Akol criticized the southern Sudanese masses for the separatist leaning, a revolutionary soldier, a husband and a father, turned politician captain Zack Kot gunned down in cold blood in his bed room, old man Bona writing a confusing article full of hypocrisies in support of Bashir. Are these the images that will decide Sudan election? I hope not.
First, these politicians are campaigning on the layers of issues unresolved in the Sudanese society since its inception.
1. Nation state: the huge issue of creating homogenous nation (nation in this context referred to the people in the Sudanese boundary) the Semite ( Arabs), Bantus (Darfuris, Zande), River Lake Nilotics (Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Acholi), plain Nilotes, ( Mathah, Murle, jie) and others.
2. Religious identity: did Islam succeed in being the sole Sudanese religion, did traditional religions, commonly term, “pagan” gods disappear in the society.
3. Un-development: There is serious, beyond the pale underdevelopment in the country, particularly Southern Sudan,
4. Civil War: what is the healing process being offered by these politicians
5. The concept of government and God. Who is the high authority in the present Sudan, is government on God’s will, or people’s will
6. Unity of the Country: It seems unity of the country has pretty much dominated this election.
Few weeks ago, Bashir was quoted in the media as saying, I paraphrase that southern Sudanese need to vote unity for their own economic prosperity. Really, sir, unless you did not take Econ 101 in your Islamic schools, economic prosperity of southern Sudan does not depend on North Sudan but on good economic policy goals that a very nation pursues, such as economic growth which is simply achieve through stability and ingenuity of it citizens. I take your assertion as a threat to deny southerners Stability or else you are challenging our ability to generate growth in our society. Indeed It the easier arguments to make, but does not win votes. The second economic goal to prosperous society is equity and fairness that you have denied southerners for year. For example, I was in Khartoum last summer, if you take a look at education system, it is an abomination on southern dignity. Education system simply designed to integrate our children in salafin paradigm. Lastly, productivity is the foundation of economic goals which requires allocation efficiency; a fact that southerners will not come to an inch to achieve as long as they remain under a society that continuously produces product that they do not want.
As a chicken come home to roost, I hope our voters will give Bashir and his season middlemen what they deserved, as well as take what belongs to them. Mading N Cienggan, USA
Bor knows Dr. Riek more Dinka Bor are not protesting about their innocent ones who lost their lives during the defection of Riek Machar when Machar accompanied Salva Kiir to Bortown. Yes, peace and reconciliation in South Sudan is essential, but let me tell you brother Majok Adar Kedum, that Dinka Bor are not protesting for the killing that was encouraged by Riek Machar forces in 1991.But they want to hear the false arguments of Riek in Bortown.
I don't think you have reasonable arguments because you forget that Dinka Bor lost their civilians due to Riek Machar defection from 1991-1992. My friend, if you didn't know, then the intention of Lam and Riek was to destroy the greater Bor because those two leaders were aiming to kill the Bor civilians because of their hatred against Dr John Garang who was the son of greater Dinka Bor.
Please bear in mind that nobody valued Karbino Kuanyin in Warrap state because he caused similar incidence like the one of Riek Machar in Borland. Do you think you can understand the feeling of Warrap citizens toward Karbino Kuanyin now? Dinka Bor are not complaining for any leadership in the South. My advise to you is that stop talking against Dinka Bor because we know Riek Machar more than you do. Bol Deng Bol, USA
Government responsible for corruption We have talked so much about corruption and still will continue to talk about it. The government is squarely responsible for that and seems not to notice. All the people who are involved in corruption are Government officials who are greedy to become rich overnight or those who steal because the salary they get does not meet the rising cost of living. This is where the government is to blame because there is no control over commodities prices, rent, transportation and healthcare, to mention but a few. The ministry of commerce and Industry (industries which are non-existent in the south) must be very strict with checking of prices both from items coming into the country and those produced locally.
The Election is in the corner and some politicians are using CORRUPTION as a case. South Sudan is a consumer society and not a producing one and that makes it hard to make ends meet. Give salaries to people that is going hand in hand with the cost of living. People should not live beyond their means of survival otherwise corruption will not die away as long as the cost of living is beyond the salaries people get. What can you do if your rent is more than your salary, you will definitely resort to corruption to fill the gap. Cut down the cost of living and salaries should be based on that if the war on corruption is to be fought effectively as corruption comes in many forms. Justin Chicago Opiny, Canada
Southerners need reconciliation, Unity This message is a reply to Akol Aguek or Lost Boy who is now residing in Vermont, U.S.A. My brother Akol and the rest of Bor Dinka who aren't happy with Dr. Riak Machar going to Bortown, Jonglei State. Calm down your protests about Bor sufferings in 1990s and let's move forward with big ideas of liberating our land from enemies and not focus on naggings incidents that happened two decades ago. Not only Dinka Bor have been massacred by Riek's militias, there were widespread ethnic cleansings in bordering areas of Jieng and their cousins, Nuer. Many killings had taken places in Yirol District: Shambee, Adior and other areas that bordered Western Nuer and also did occur in Rumbek, Cueibet, Tonj, Gorial, Abiei, Paring and other many areas of Dinka.
You have never heard these people complaining about Riak, Lam, Karbino, Arok, Deng Kelie, Galario Modi and other Southerners who had allied with our enemies during the war of Liberation and even within SPLA/SPLM. We've forgiven each other through CPA since we are one people divided by our shallow minds by Arabs. Your devil brother is better than your enemies. Majok Adar Kedum, Rumbek
Just to correct Chol Deng response to Bona Malwal's writing Dear Mr. Chol, you have the right to write about what you think about Bona but Bona Malwal had never worked for or had any political relationship with Al-Mahdi, since day one. Just to correct your claim! Mawien Deng, USA
CPA can be implemented without Bashier It's quite absurd for Mr. Bona Malwal to say that CPA is not going to be implemented if the Southerners fail to vote for the war-indicted Criminal Bashier. A question on this context may ask itself why is it possible to go ahead without late Dr. Garang as the one of the signatories’ of the CPA? I think his is a pure discrimination, if a Southerner is not around people can do without them but not the Northerner. Mr Bona, CPA is neither for Al Bashier nor Salva but for the people of Sudan who suffered for over fifity years. Michael Mathiang, Cairo, Egypt
Bona, your advice is our suffering Dear Uncle Bona Malual, it's your civic right to vote for Omar El Bashir but not your right to ask Southerners to vote him back in Power. Remember, Junubin have known you for what you offered them in the previous government of Nimeiri, Sadig al Mahadi and Bashir. You had been asking Southerners to support these regimes and again you want them to bring back Bashir for your own political gains. This is unacceptable.
Why is it that you think CPA will not be implemented in absence of President Bashir? It is completely absurd to think that Bashir is the only person that owns the CPA. This time, Southerner are more determined to choose their political destiny unlike in the past where few elites like Bwona Malual confused the illiterate majority. Please leave Junubin alone to decide on their own otherwise your advice to Southerners had been their sufferings. Chol Deng Yol, Sudan
Southerners will decide their own leader Mr. Bona, your article is disgusting to all south Sudanese people because it has contradicted the arrangement made during the CPA. I don't think that Bashir is the right candidate to be elected president of Sudan while he has been indicted by the ICC. It is time for Southerners to determine who will fight for their self-determination in 2011. Southerners had waged war under Bashir leaders for 22 years until the world had forced him to accept peace. I don't think a person charged for crime can be elected President of a nation. Guess what, the time for theocracy has gone and it is the time for southerners decide their own leader in up coming election. Moses Miyen, USA
What has become of SPLM/A? I am deeply perplexed by some of the political views of our intellectuals on matters that concern our dear home. Nowhere else on earth can we find South Sudan a place we all call home. Indeed it is our ancestral home!! Unless we forget history and set our eyes on short term gains over our dead who sacrificed a lot for our independence, freedom and justice then we can accept to be termed sub-humans and let things go the way it is now.
History that is supposed to be our teacher is being abandoned. History told us the reason why we have no schools, dispensaries, clean drinking water, paved roads, electricity and paved reads is the Jallaba rule over our home. With that rule our loved ones were killed for failure to renounce their natural identity, religion and above all refusal to allow them settle in our homeland freely so that they can disseminate Islamism and Arabism amongst our people down to the rest of Black Africa. With arrows and bows we put a halt to those ideals of Jallaba means of imperialism. How can today yesterdays enemy be a genuine friend? Imagine Bashir to claim that he is now ready to bring development development to South? Has he abandoned NCP policy now? Why is he not supported by Salah Gosh, Mustapha Ismail and their likes instead of Joseph Lagu and Bona Malwal? Has the blood of those Southerners who died in 1992 in Juba dried for him to go around claiming what he wants to do the victims of Jallaba atrocity just close to the tomb of ex- great African statesman Dr John Garang.
Yesterday he claimed he opened the resumption of rail link between Babanusa and Wau. Is that a developmental priority for us? It is there because they strategically plan to use it for ferrying armament for the work they did not finish. So is also the Unity road that they are working to finish between Kosti and Juba.
We need democracy amongst us in its true sense and not hand picked people to represent the common man. The use political bureau in selecting those not chosen by the people is by far undemocratic and it sends bad message to people. Worse still is an example of a governor hand picked by SPLM PB endorsing Bashir openly. What has become of SPLM/A? Bismark Bura, Australia
Bona Malual being fooled by Bashir Mr. Malual, you could as well be fooled by Beshir and his cliques who want to find way out of the international indictment and who with all possibility will use that legitimacy to turn against the CPA and referendum. What makes you so certain that Beshir will keep his words?
To remind you, in recent weeks, Beshir said he is ready to protect Islamic state in the Sudan. in the same vein, he is hoping for southerners to vote for unity under an Islamic state? Egyptians had wanted to test Khartoum's reactions when they alluded to the problem of Islam in national politics and how this is responsible for south Sudan's secession. Beshir talks fondly of Ingaz [Islamic salvation] that brought him to power in 1989 and that shows contradictions in all conceivable manners.
The whole truth that southerners need to know is that Beshir is playing politics against the indictment and to lure southerners in legitimizing him in to power, after which he could find anchor to de-legitimize the CPA! Bona Malual, should also know, Beshir did not give us the CPA. we worked for it, and we shall protect it under Beshir or any other Arab fanatics.
We shall vote for reality and ideals we believe embodies our future. As per now, the north itself has people, Fur, Nubians, Funj and Beja who distaste Islam in politics and Khartoum hold their position contemptuous.
Please, Beshir has done a lot of damage to south Sudan through Islamic fundamentalism compared to many before. Rengo Gyyw Rengo, Jr, South Sudan
Akol Paul, an NCP Saboteur in the SPLM PB I have been following keenly the erroneous comments made by Mr. Akol pertaining to independent candidates in the last few months. As reported by sudantribune on January 27, 2010, “Youth League and member of the party’s Political Bureau, Akol Paul Kordit, announced on Tuesday that the party would not allow any of its members to stand as independent candidates.” He repeated this again, on the SPLM official launching of elections campaign by saying with utter disgust that, “how can one contest as independent candidate while the South is not yet independent?”
To me, this is a total disregard of peoples’ choice by the SPLM. They have undermined the principles of democracy on which platform they have been campaigning and waging war of liberation, for the last 27 years. To make matters worse, Kiir has allowed an NCP agent, Akol Paul, to wreck the peoples’ party from within. He is a recent recruit in the SPLM who made his way through to the SPLM highest organ, the SPLM Political Bureau, as a result of his corrupt political intrigues. By the time most of these so-called independent candidates were organizing troops in the bushes of New Sudan, Paul Akol was in Khartoum, organizing rallies for Popular Defense Forces on the streets. When these comrades were chanting, SPLA OYEE! to boost their soldiers morale, Akol Paul was loudly chanting ‘ALLAHU AKBAR,’ and death to the infidels in a highly charged Mujahedeen rally. Today, he is claiming to be a genuine member of SPLM and dismissing others as dissidents.
Inherently, Akol is a reactionary within the SPLM party and he is resisting and obstructing democratic changes within the SPLM. Moreover, he is clandestinely working on terms of capitulation with the peoples’ enemy, the National Congress Party.
Mr.Akol, South Sudanese want to assure you today that such inflammatory statements needs not to be made by you, but by genuine members of the party, who had supported wholeheartedly, the peoples’ party and movement, SPLM/A. Remember, these comrades have never stepped foot in Khartoum since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the 9th of January 2005 and are for total liberation of South Sudan. They will be the first to command troops if war broke out today. They have been engaging the people’s enemy in all theatres of war in New Sudan. The likes of Dau Aturjong, George Athor, Chol Gai Arou and Alier Ayom just to name a few, have contributed immensely to our liberation struggle. You should not be demonizing them in the eyes of Southerners. Don’t deny our heroes their democratic rights.
To maintain our unwavering support for the SPLM, the SPLM chairman, Salva Kiir, needs to fire this naïve and treacherous boy immediately and replace him with a democratically elected youth leader. In addition to that, the chairman in collaboration with SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum need to convene a National Youth Conference so that a legitimate youth leader is elected and who is going to be in a position to extend respect to our veteran freedom fighters, the bulk of them being independent candidates. Further abetted, Akol Paul will extend his gruesome attack on most senior members of the movement- Salva Kiir,Riek Machar and Wani Igga. It will be prudent to dehorn him at an earlier stage before he will inflict irreparable damage to the movement. Garang Lual, Juba
The Candidacy of Lt. General George Athor It is not late for the Independent Candidate Lt. General George Athor Deng to make a quick turn from being a leader to the manager. It was not long ago when Mr. Athor ordered his SPLA soldiers to wage a killing of Nuer civilians during what he called a disbarment phase. John F. Kennedy once said, “Forgive your enemies, but do not forget their names”. I believe this is the problem to Mr. Athor among the Lou Nuer communities in Jonglei state. Not to mention or talk about his other past and careless military actions, Mr. Athor and his supporters should educate the citizens of Jonglei State of how they are going to manage not to lead since we are tired of the innocent killings. I know a lot of the supporters have argued that, Mr. Athor will be good at restoring peace and prosperity in the state of Jonglei as a response to prove the saying that says; “set a thief to catch a thief”. This is not going to work this way and as a concerned citizen, I expect more out of whoever our next governor would be. We should at least have an understanding of politics as not just being a game but what comes and goes with it. I personally appreciated those who have called it “risky” for our Independent candidate to resigned his current seat and run for the governorship. As both a leader and manager, you should at least have steadiness in your thoughts and actions; Mr. Athor has been going back and forth about the party; of which, I think will pinpoint him among his supporters.
The most common perception that leaders are born, not made may be true to some extent because many people display some intrinsic traits right from birth, which put them in the position where they are looked up as leaders. I agreed that a person’s authoritativeness, confidence in speeches and actions and the ability to handle crisis without panic would be considered some of the most effective leadership qualities, which sets people apart from the crowd. If I were to votes, I would base my voting decision on the above qualities of a leader to make the right judgment between the current Governor Kuol Manyang and Mr. Athor Deng. Anyway, they are all leaders in one way or another but Jonglei state at the moment needs a situational leader who will be there to pick the problems the locals are struggling with. The candidates including the NCP picks have done a lot, both positives and negatives to the citizens of Jonglei and the choice of the people must be made available without cause. PEACE IN THE GREATER STATE OF JONGLEI. Thon Gai Thiong, Schweinfurt, Germany
Yes to Al-Bashir If He Can Honor Self-determination: Dear Southerners (Junubin), at last the voice of wisdom has spoken through the savvy veteran politician, Hon. Bona Malwal. Take him seriously and the South Sudan shall achieve its independence peacefully; ignore his elderly and experienced message and you will regret to get your independence by war. Even the SPLM PB candidate, Yasser Saeed Arman have already declared it publicly that he should be elected so that the Sudan can remain united. To hell with Arman and his unity appeal! If electing Omer Al Bashir can bring separation in accordance with the CPA provisions and with peace, then let Southerners go for him in the elections boxes. This is where the sole interest of the South should lie even if it means electing a devil who can respect our desire. Dr. James Okuk
George Athor will win Reply to my brother, Lual B Nyuon in Australia Your opinion may sound good to you but there is something I want to correct. The fact that George Athor is taking political risk that is something query. What political risk are you talking about? Kuol has had enough of power. George must contest and may I tip you that he is going to win overwhelmingly unless there are riggings which every body knows would be the last resort for the SPLM. George is a true and more SPLM than any body and he will remain so. Kuol with his team must bade farewell. Peter Pal Chol, Khartoum
Kirr should be very careful. Referendum 2011 will not be done in parliament as he said. It will be a grave mistake altogether at this point! Referendum will be done by vote by Southerners themselves in the South as it has been part of the principles in the peace accord signed in Kenya in 2005. Southerners are not well united. Some Southerners are not well informed what to be done in CPA. Some Southerners are totally adamant on division of Sudan between South and North. Kirr should be very careful! Taking advices from international community will put South on the brink of an abyss! Chief Abiko, USA
Good Hope from Change of failed GoSS Leadership: Brother Tut Gatwech, your point of explanation (not point of correction) is well taken. However, an achieved peace talks without signing the deal finally is like playing an excellent football match without scoring any goal after all. The team who score a goal even if they did not play well are always the champions. The fact that Joseph Kony failed to show up to sign the final deal unlike what Dr. John Garang and Mr. Othman Taha did in Nyayo stadium of Nairobi in 2005, is also a good judgment that Dr. Riek Machar failed to score the expected goal. I was Dr. Riek fan, and of course I went away disappointed and defeated after the end of his game with the LRA and its fans or call them peace spoilers. Remember that what we are using here are just analogies to prove a point; they may not apply to a real situation accurately. Thus, even if we graduate Dr. Riek from a player to a referee in the same field of match, still the basic fact remains; he was not a successful referee because the match did not end well as the players refused to acknowledge each other's goals at the end. The whole affair ends up as a joke and waste of time, energy and resources even if 10% of public monies was under the custody of the GoSS.
Independence of South Sudan in 2011 shall not come by a miracle if the present government is a mess. And it is not wise and strategic at all for Dr. Riek to sit on the shit of another leader because he will find himself dirty and smelling too. Yes, patience is a virtue but not always, because when many things are running bad, especially with the governance and leadership of the people, it is bad to pretend on patience. I hope we are understanding each other here. Thanks dear brother Gatwech, son of the Country. Keep up your good work and let’s hope for the best from the genuine change we need in the South, championed by Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, starting right now until the bright future arrives. Dr. James Okuk.
Dr. Machar is not to blame directly for LRA Hi Dr. James Okuk. There is something I want to correct from your article which has fallen short of your expected analytical skill. From the best of my knowledge as someone who was reading every article posted on Sudantribune website about the LRA peace talks in Juba, the money spent during the talks could not be termed as a wastage by Dr. Riek Machar.
First of all, Dr. Machar negotiated the peace talks very successfully to the end of the negotiations. There was relative peace because of the effort during the talks. Several protocols were signed between Ugandan government and LRA since 2006 up to 2008. The Final Peace Agreement document was compiled and what remained was a ceremony for the signature of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Joseph Kony of LRA.
Unfortunately, Joseph Kony refused to show up during the signing day. He alleged that some SPLM/A officials/GOSS officials and other friends of his informed him that Dr. Machar and Museveni had a secret deal and would arrest him on that day or when he is in Kampala and hand him over to the ICC. He listened to these peace spoilers from within and from without and refused to sign.
So, looking at the unfortunate incident, it would be unfair to blame the situation on Dr. Machar. He did mediate the talks to the end! Even if Kony were to change positively today he would have just signed it without any further negotiations. It is done!!!
What if Dr. John Garang was indicted by the ICC and some officials in the Sudan government and other international friends with the aim to spoil peace told him of the secret deal between Omer Bashir and General Lazarus Semboyo (Mediator) to arrest him during the signing or hand him over to ICC once he is in Khartoum. Do you think Garang would have signed that CPA?
And if Garang in the last day refused to sign the CPA, would you blame the failure on General Lazarus Semboyo (the successful mediator) and call his efforts his direct wastage of money? Please let us keep being fair judges!
Again, if you didn’t read those posted reports about the financial sources of LRA talks, 90% of the funding came directly from foreign countries. It was not meant for South Sudan either and without the LRA peace talks the funds wouldn’t come to South Sudan for the projects you were talking about. If GOSS could not do development just because of the 10% contribution to LRA peace talks budget, then don’t dream of the 90% of LRA budget because it was not for South Sudan.
It would be unfair to criticize somebody who has successfully mediated the talks, but the supposedly signatures could not show up on the signing day.
And don’t forget that GOSS’ initiative to bring peace to Uganda is a very important strategic move in the interest of the people of South Sudan. Blame the peace spoilers who were jealous about any thing to do with Dr. Machar’s success.
As for Dr. Lam Akol, only time will tell and we have only five weeks left for the Presidential elections. Tut Gatwech, USA
Call for voting in Salva Kiir in the coming elections is baseless. We can not spare him and will vote out other SPLM candidates. The selection process of SPLM candidates had shown us how far is the SPLM political Bureau from democracy. It's now too late to reform this deformed system, because SPLM has already lost the trust of the citizens of Southern Sudan, but a lesson learned so far is; Don't work against the people's wishes. P. Akoldid, Sudan
General failure of SPLM party It seems our SPLM party is soon going to face a lot of challenges from the other political parties in South and Sudan in general because of their failure to bring South Sudan civilians together. Death has become the common thing in the South between the tribes and the government do kept quite without interfering to intervene in this critical situation. Therefore, you can see them now they are day and night focusing of the election and they turn their blind eyes to the crises which are happening on the local community in rural areas. In Rumbek there is a tribal conflict which is going on there and as well as Yirol. Meanwhile the government has never taken any initiative to rescue the lives of the people in those areas. Michael Aleu, Aweil
When did Clement Konga become SPLM loyalist? Right Mr. Barach Dau. I am an SPLM/A cadre but I am so disappointed with the decision reached and endorsed by the so called SPLM PB. The independent candidates for governorships are right and we all want to stand by them. I want to start with the said CES SPLM loyalist. When did Clement Wani Konga become an SPLM loyalist? It is fallacious. How can SPLM PB trust Clement just within a fraction of four years; to the extent of disowning the SPLM/A diehards? Clement has ruined CES economy and its people. Our president talks of taking the towns to the people. How can this happen when every person needs to buy the basic needs for life, food, have shelter security and the likes (refer to the Maslow's hierarchy of needs.)
CES workers have now gone to six months without salaries. Where did Clement get his money to buy DT-Yamaha motorcycles for campaigns? Is this not the same money that could have been used as salaries? Yet CES is one of the richest states in the South. On 1st March 2010 Clement said if voted in he will pay workers their salaries. This sounds malicious and direct that he has used the money for campaigns. We in CES are tired of this man called Clement. Or unless the leadership of the SPLM are behind this unwarranted mistreatment of the people of CES by him and would want to contribute to the same downfall of CES people?
I also want to comment on a statement uttered by one of the senior members of the SPLM that we should vote for the candidate nominees of the SPLM otherwise how will the SPLM leadership cooperate? This is wrong and dangerous to us the beneficiaries of the States' government. Are governors going to serve the top leadership's opinions/needs or the masses on the ground? I strongly and kindly advice the President and loyalist PB members to reconsider these independent candidates as SPLM members after and even before the elections because many are going to win whatsoever. If the incumbent governor, Clement is promising heaven and earth to those who would want things to move as if there are no laws Wani Adalla, Sudan
President Bashir shall miss the Election while on unexpected political visits! Let's look at a timeless Sudanese president, his recent announced political campaign visit to some South-Sudan towns is out of the plan. His visit is scheduled to the following cities, Juba, Capital of the South; Torit, the state capital of Eastern Equatoria; Yambio, the state capital of Western Equatoria; Yei and Magwi counties.
Bashir’s statement, "Call for Peace and Development" as the aim for the visit is too late, instead he should keep that money for his own family, which shall be soon in exile when he misses presidential seat.
It is too late for the out-going president to call for peace and development in a month to go! Bashir is in a squeezed time known as timeless president. His visit shall cause him to miss the election in April which will never be adjourned no matter somewhat!
Calling for Peace and Development should be left to Yasir Arman the expected next winning presidential candidate. Kuer Dau Apai in Sydney-Australia
Why vote for a genocidal president? The question voters must ask themselves when they go to ballot boxes come April, is whether they will vote to protect the candidate, or to protect the Country. Obviously, those who will vote for Omar Al-Bashir are protecting the candidate; in contrast, those who will vote for Cde. Yasir Arman are protecting the Country. This is because we all know that President Al-Basher is a fugitive of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for killing innocents’ Sudanese citizens. Recently, over 550,000 lives have been vanished in Western region of Darfur, and about estimated 2.5 Million killed in the South before the agreement was signed. So let us face it, why should Sudanese people vote for genocidal’ President? Why should we choose through ballot someone who thinks that the only solution for domestic debate on the citizen rights or an intellectual disagreement is a killing? In reality, with uncertain future ahead of us, Omar Al-Bashir isn’t a right leader for this critical time. In fact, those who nominated him for this post are aware with fact that the man doesn’t have new ideas to solve Sudan’s problems that he himself created. He is nominated by his party to use the executive power to protect himself and his followers from the ICC’s persecution. Ring Machar, Sudan
Kiir's the known devil we vote for Deng T Liem was smart on Yasir Arman's case but a supporter of Lam Akol I quite concur with your position of withdrawing Yasir Sayid Arman in order to give southern Sudanese a position in secession. This is because Yasir is a unionist as you put it and will achieve his objectives if allowed to climb the ladder.
Lam Akol is a man who has reigned the south for so many years beginning in 1991 and would not be allowed by the southern Sudanese to lead the country because he is another unionist.
Kiir is a devil we know and deserves the position of presidency in the south. John Garang Akot, Bor
SPLM-DC is exerting efforts but all in vain. The reason to why this is in vain is because that the leader of DC himself is not fit to be a nation leader as he used to point out his hands at the failure of the southern government and he was once there in this government. As such he did not say anything when he was in power at the Foreign ministry but now after being laid off, this is where he came to know the mismanagement of the GOSS and that seems as if he is right voice of the south and completely nothing. He is wasting his time as he is marked with many signs of misconduct of his rebellion and the formation of his party. Shame on you greedy leader Aburoma Thiik, Sudan
Present Scenario fails united New Sudan. My brother Ogilo. With due respect to your article prospecting the SPLM to win the national presidency in the name of its candidate Yasir Saeed Arman and thus the revival of the political course for a united New Sudan, I would say this is an impossible guess. Please there is no way the NCP of Omer Al-Bashir will lose this election! They will not afford to lose it! This is not because they are popular and will get the voluntary votes a party or leader would need to win. They will rig it!
Please I advise you to study the past history of NCP; how it has been in power for more than twenty years now since 1989, making it the longest serving political party ever in Sudan's history. And study how many elections it got involved in and the results. NCP always survives either using outright militarized dictatorship or false democratic elections.
NCP will rig the elections even if Sadiq Al-Mahdi and Yasir Arman get more votes than Bashir. NCP can turn 7% it got into 70%, and this will happen under the watchful eyes of any observer, either international, national or local. Forget about Yasir Arman winning the elections.
If Al-Bashir will feel that for whatever reasons it will make it difficult to rig and win the elections, he will postpone it until opportunity to win it (call it rig it successfully) knocks at his door.
The coming election to him is just about him winning and getting more legitimacy to use for bargain against the ICC's indictment. It is not about a democratic transformation process during which a peaceful transfer of power is witnessed as called for in the CPA. We need to understand that!
The so-called unionists have no way to kill the aspiration of the South Sudanese for independence if they believed that their so-called "New Sudan" would be realized through Yasir Arman taking over the Khartoum palace.
Bashir would be ready to declare a State of Emergency (SE) in the Sudan if he feels his seat is threatened and send CPA to its coffin like Nemeiri did to Addis Ababa agreement while the South would be ready to declare a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI).
The building up scenario as of now points towards maintaining the status quo and the disintegration of the Sudan at least into North and South before Darfur comes next. No way for the so-called united New Sudan! Gatkuoth Deng, USA
Are the contestants serving the people? As Sudan approaches the chosen season for elections, many are beginning to worry about the results and how things are going to turn out. I believe that the trauma of war has created so much fear in many Sudanese that bold and courageous individuals have gotten confused to the point where they sort of lost the chance to participate in the contests to win posts in the parliaments and higher government institutions.
It is a shame that many are seeking positions to advance and elevate self-interest rather than serve in the realm of governance and national development with a noble cause and purpose. It is known in Sudan that people know what to say, but they are often incapable of doing what needs to be done. Although thousands profess to be believers, lack of faith in doing what is the best continues to persist and lack of development and fundamental change remains the strongest and undefeatable challenge.
Mr El Bashir has been the president of Sudan for 20 years now. He is still running for the presidency of Sudan to rule for more years to come. Other parties in the North have announced their respected candidates. The Oma Party is headed and represented by Mr. Sadiq Al Mahdi a very familiar face in the politics of Sudan. Mr. Al Turabi has nominated a Southern Sudanese to run for the presidency of Sudan.
SPLM has nominated Mr. Yasser Arman who would like to be seen as the Obama of Sudan at these critical times of the country history. In Southern Sudan Mr. Lam Akol and Mr. Salva Kiir are expected to fight for the post of president in the autonomous region of South Sudan. I am sure all these leaders and their parties have been pretty well-informed about how to work as leaders over their constituencies.
They are all educated and are strong politicians. They have wealth of experience and the wealth of resources as well. The question is not about whether they are competent, but the question is about how does each of them intend to rule and govern the people of Sudan ? Whether in the government of the national unity or in the government of Southern Sudan. Darfur is also a part of Sudan that is seeking a solution for its predicament that started in 2003.
In order for peace to really be comprehensive, the problem of Darfur has to be addressed as well. In my opinion I would like to mention that the person who will bring about the needed change will be a person with the spirit of service. A person who would like to serve others rather than himself. Desired leadership means serving others, rather than the opposite.
When you are a leader you can receive services from your people, but they also look for services from you as their leader. Your subjects if you are a king would need to trust you. Also a president needs to be trusted so that he can work with confidence and optimism. The key to becoming a good president in Sudan or Southern Sudan is to embrace humility. There is a difference between humility and humiliation.
A humble leader is the one who succeeds. He does not give room to arrogance and pride. He does not allow pessimism to affect his work, rather he remains humble and optimistic. Many of our citizens are very pessimistic. They are not optimistic. They do not believe that we can accomplish great things if we stand committed to the cause and remain strong in the struggle.
My question to all these contestants is are you humble ? Are you willing to serve us the people of Sudan ? If you are arrogant and proud and believe in your own skills, you will end up serving yourself and entrusting you with leading us will be a mistake that we will never want to make again in the future. I pray that a humble leader emerges and takes charge so that Sudan is placed in the right direction. Moses B. Mathew, Sudan
Beware of empty election promises Could I know how many SPLM-DC candidates are standing for elections in the North especially for the seat of President of the Republic and Governors? If not, then I can say Dr. Lam has an agenda behind talking all the issues relating to GoSS.
Secondly, How many investors has Dr. Lam brought in the South while serving as Foreign Minister in Sudan or how many schools, hospitals and water points has he constructed in his constituency as MP for his area? If there really tangible answers to these question then I will believe Lam is a national figure.
If I may ask also, who implements the CPA? GoSS or GoNU? Because as far as I know GoNU implements the agreement since NCP and SPLM make the biggest ruling powers in Sudan. Why can't Dr. Lam ironically tell NCP, "I want you to demarcate the N-S border ASAP" These are words which proves one's loyalty and side in Sudan.
Anyway, besides all the challenges, I need Southerners to give us a break! When you visit Juba, Malakal, Aweil or Rumbek of 1980/1990, you will honestly have a reason to say GoSS has done something. I guess before 1980, nobody can challenge Sudanese President but today we can do it. These are true signs of progress, my dear Southerners. Let's not be rallied with empty promises that will temper with our destiny. Malish John Peter, Sudan
Unwise decision by SPLM to disown independent candidates The SPLM Political Bureau has made unwise decision to disown independent candidates in Southern Sudan and this is a great lost ground of democratic formation in South Sudan, it is also harming advocacy of SPLM for preaching to have a New Sudan country which will be guided with democracy.
SPLM was a hope to allow full democratic system in all corners expected in Sudan. All those independent candidates were liberators of the struggle and I hope that struggle which SPLM/A aimed is unfinished because Referendum is on the way. Justice, Democratic, Equality and Fairness had been the logo that SPLM focused on since the CPA was signed in 2005 - before the CPA was not signed, SPLM usually promise to compensate everyone in search of getting New Sudan as independent country out from Khartoum government regime.
SPLM leadership must also note that democracy they dream could not be put according to their driving in Southern Sudan as well as in Sudan as a whole - democracy is an individual choice that cannot be hijacked in the interest of particular groups or persons.
Time of presidential decree has gone. Using presidential decree, you can impose the man of your choice to people and now people are dismissing presidential decree through choice of people's interest.
There is no democracy that could come without people who oppose some part of any ruling government policy.
I wish SPLM will revise it decision immediately to reown her independent candidates because other political parties will benefit from the crisis of SPLM. I hope we shall continue with this phase of democracy to ban presidential decrees which brings unacceptable people to rule a majority of wise people. Manyang Mayom is a Sudanese young journalist.
A man (Dr. Lam Akol) pulling his community to the pool of fire Thank you dear Gatcharwearbol. I congratulate you twice because of your well directed and contrasting document on the two leaders Lam Akol Ajawin and Salva Kiir Mayardit. The two leaders have to think twice before they start competing for leadership because they are born in critical period and have to serve their people in critical period.
I think Dr. Lam Akol will never rule southern Sudan although he is a PhD holder. Riek Machar is a PhD holder too and he is doing a lot to people of Southern Sudan now and he is so patient to claim the presidency. Does it mean Riek Machar is not a leader? Or is he not serving his people in negotiating and monitoring CPA in the North? While he is in Khartoum has Lam helped Dr. Riek and President Kiir one time in that " Re-negotiation" and monitoring of CPA? Not at all, because this gentleman is serving his own pocket and supporting Arab's ideology of Unity which turn south Sudanese and other marginalize people to be second class citizens in their own Country. Can that work to me? Not at all, because when I see the infrastructure, human development and political participation of southern Sudan in the same Country then, there is nothing that reflect my living together with northern regime.
Therefore, Dr. Lam will have to remain in the north and when he will realized his homeland with his people together, then we will welcome him back to south and he will lead at that time when he changes himself from his Arab face and ideals, not now. Ariik Chol Ariik, CANADA.
Time of War is Different from that of Peace: Another voice of wisdom and prophesy has spoken through the article of Dominic Woja Maku in addition to the previous voice of Dr. Justin R. Ambago. It is time for the people to practice the power given them by electoral law accordingly to vote out the bad leaders who have messed up the South for five years now after the signing of the CPA in 2005.
Even if an electoral nominee was so courageous and firm during the military guerrilla life in the Bush but have never shown any good leadership after the end of war and entrance into democratic peaceful civilian life, he should be voted out without any fear so that a right leader can be given a chance to try his best to serve the people in the South with timely services, security, transparency and impartiality. War time is different from peacetime. War heroes of military combats are not necessarily peace heroes of democracy and development. Even sociology has laid it down as a theory that the war heroes are never successful leaders in peacetime because the way peace is supposed to be conducted is totally different from the way of war management.
Thus, it is time for the SPLA/M war heroes to heed to this theory because of its truth on the current SPLM leadership in the South. It is better for them if they remain in military barracks where they could do better when it comes to safeguarding the South from any possible external encroachment. They should get convinced that war is not peace. For the South to become a viable state it needs competent leaders who don't compromise with those who embezzle public monies that are meant for delivery of services and other peace dividends.
There is no waiting up to 2011 to deal with bad leaders in the South; it has to start now in April 2010 so that it continues when 2011 arrives. We have to start voting in the right leaders and continue voting them in courageously and even with risks from those who don't want to leave public offices while they have proven themselves a failure to lead South Sudan. Long live the voice of the people even in an environment of unfair and dictated elections. Dr. James Okuk
Lual's education dangerous to citizens Like brother like brother! Lual Achuek Lual is just a copy of his greedy brother Dut Achuek Lual who during his reign in 1994 as the chairman of Lobone II displaced camp in Eastern Equatoria, allegedly stole special foods items meant for malnourished kids like flour, oil, milk, for sale in Uganda. His bad habit of stealing from dying kids was put to an end by the effort of Lobone II women who went angrily to his house and tried to burn it only to be restrained by soldiers. They sang nasty songs about his greed. This coward called Lual Achuek Lual who never shot a single bullet against the enemy is now tearing apart communities of Wangulei Payam who have peacefully coexisted together for centuries. What a shameful act by a doctorate degree holder! His doctorate degree earned while hiding from war in London is turning disastrous like Riek Machar’s, with Riek’s better because his was Nuer vs Dinka. Lual Achuek Lual education is just proving dangerous to the citizens of Wangulei just like his greedy and selfish brother proved to the dying kids of Twic & Bor in general in 1994. John Barach, Australia
Immature behaviors lead to apathetic scapegoating.The Ayual-Daucek clashes around Wangulei Payam in Twic East County were actually caused by the very scapegoating, wacking, talkative, no self controlled folks such as Chol Pajieth Bul. The provocative sections of Ayual community sparked the conflict in the first place and would always want as usual to look around for people to point fingers of blame at.
It is a typical way of people who hate to face their responsibilities. Mr. Bul Pajieth, humans do not only have rights, they also must bear their corresponding responsibilities. Crying like babies, looking around for someone to point fingers of blame at is not a mature way of thoughts.
Reconsider your attitude and the attitude of your community then blame anyone or institutions you want to scapegoat. Blaming the commissioner, SPLM/A, governor, police, the 7 judges and Dr. Lual won't change a thing. It may make you sound victimized or the aggrieved party at Wangulei and your attempt to assign your own guilt to others makes you more guilty, immature, irresponsible and a hopeless escapist. Aaron Yong, USA
Money can Buy everything: Manyok Biar, I can't tell you why everyone whom you mentioned seem to be against Ayual, but I'm pretty sure some of the people are involved in this marginalization tactics. First of all, governor Kuol Manyang heard the news, but commissioner Diing didn't report how the conflict started to him formally. Duot Ajang Duot, and his team were given what has been done by commissioner Diing and your uncle Dr. Lual. Awai Ajang was allegedly given 30.000 Sudanese pounds.
I don't want to waste my time debating this issue with you, but let me know whether your great-grand parents had ever claimed these places before? Guar itself (where Dr. Lual has dug the well) was the old home of Ajak Kur Ayuel's mother (Guar). Tell me whom that place belonged to you in your section. Pajieth was the home of my great-grand father, Pajieth Awer Nyichuk, and you can simply identify this from my father's name. Explain to me if anyone from your section has the same name like my father? Remember my great-grand father Pajieth didn't allow his daughters to bear the name, so that's why you can not get this name anywhere except Pan-Pajieth.
It is known in the history of Twic that Dachuek, and Awuliel have no Toch at all, so if Dachuek was having these places, then why your great-grand parents didn't claim them before? Are you telling the audience that this generation of Dachuek is more brilliant than the past generations? This is to justify to you that Dr. Lual's agricultural money influenced the outcome of the court, and that's why commissioner Diing and Duot Ajang adjourned the court ruling until Dr.Lual was back from Washington DC. Remember Diing met Dr. Lual in Bortown before the court outcome. Please stop joking. Chol Pajieth Bul, USA
GOSS can't intervene in Twic Dear Chol Pajieth, I agree with you that leaders like Dr Lual should care or work for the common good of Bor-Twic East citizens. However, I would like to tell you that it's not something that GOSS or GONU could involve with, it's the job of the state and county leadership. GOSS could be involved with something that includes tribal line, state to state problem but not within state. Mawien Deng, USA
Call off Dr. Lual's project Though the intentions for the agricultural project in Twic East was meant to eradicate hunger not in Twic East, Jonglei State, but the entire South Sudan region; I supposed it wise to call off the project until a thorough review to Dr. Lual's project is conducted since it will cause the bleeding of our loved ones. Nothing is really wrong with the project per se but the lack of educating the community itself. This project would have brought down the record unemployment in the community but not lives as it turned out now.
John Junub, UK
Thumb up here! for Dr. Justin Ramba. "Too Late For Taha's Envy" on a statement said in Egypt by Vice President, Taha, there is no darkness darker than the darkness the South have been in for almost 100 years now - due to a twist, turn, hatred and wrap-downs played by the North against the South as well as to the rest of the Country. Khartoum knows very well that South's referendum in 2011 is a referendum to many oppressed regions in Sudan. To hell with the North come 2011 and we will say this in chorus - in thousands villages and on thousands of streets in Southern Sudan. This article is just a job well done. Keep on writing on the same, Dr. Justin Ambago Ramba. Makuei Tor, USA
Don't waste time on Juba Southern Sudanese don't waste your precious time on Juba as being Capital for Southern Sudan. We are going find a new Capital for southern by 2012.
What's happening nowadays in Juba is legalized Kokoro by Bari tribe, not to confuse it with all Central Equatoria nationalities against all the southern nationalities because of their great presence in the Juba Town. The many other ethnicities came to Juba as their seat of GOSS in order to explore some business opportunities because of its large populations. The more Bari assumed that their land and other resources are being shared led to hatred of so-called land grabbers. The most hated nationalities are Dinka, Nuer and other Nilolitics due their huge presence in Juba.
However, Bari intellectuals and kokorists should bear in mind that Juba did not developed to such great extent, surpassing other nine capitals because of Bari's land richness or their ingenuity, but it is through these strangers or land-grabbers of nine states that make Juba a viable city in southern Sudan. During the British rules and their Arabs, hut taxes came as far as Bentiu areas, Awiel, Gorial, Wau, Raja, Malkal, Maridi, Yambio, Rubek, Tonj, Torit and many other resources collected by force by British and their allies from Southern Warriors such as the case of Aliab Dinka who led a revolt against Jalaba mumurs and their masters in 1889{Mahdi revolution} and again 1917-1921{Former Governor General of Mongalla province}who was killed by Aliab Dinka with seventeen officers and slaves as known as Equatorial Corps and north Sudanese. After their defeat by a combination forces of great Kon Anok, British resorted to plundering of Aliab Dinka Cattle, they took 10,000 heads of cattle to Mongalla and then to Juba and used them as government assets. The Sudanese government after departure of colonial masters used meager resources of southern Sudan to develop Juba from 1956 to 1960s. Then came the Addis Ababa Agreement, all the resources of southern Sudan were used to developed Juba city until the outbreak of civil from 1983 up to the time of Khartoum Peace Agreement 1996 in which Southern Sudan Coordinating Council, the de facto government of south prior to CPA. Gatkuoth Deang Bol, Nasir
Let's not abandon SPLM My view as an individual is we shouldn't abandon the SPLM before the Referendum of next year even if the dog is now representing it. Let's take a look at the time of the War and now, there is a great difference. Lakes State will not loose the seats on SPLM tickets. Chol Maker Malual, South Sudan
I won't vote for the confusion of Dr. Lam For the case of GOSS-presidency, I don't think whether Dr. Lam who initiated Nasir Faction that almost brought the liberation struggle to its knees and again formed a militia and an NCP wing called SPLM-DC shouldn't frustrate the future of SOUTHERNERS. Therefore as somebody who loves to see
that our coming generations should be free and live independently will not vote for confusion in form of my brother, Dr. Lam but VOTE for the caring southerner who is Salva Kiir Mayardit. Majok, Sudan
Independent candidates are not SPLM members Mr. Omunu, your article, "Democracy deficit,' I think you have a point to argue about the democratic transformation and SPLM candidates selection process which were fraudulent according to you and have some irregularities according to SPLM SG. Nonetheless, you veered off the point and made erroneous analogy by going as far as comparing the SPLM South Sudan to the Islamic Republic of Iran. I think that was over-statement maybe due to personal grievances toward the party or adventure of appearing critical toward a system.
I do not know which country in the West you reside? But whatever or wherever that country is, I think you might have learnt what its means to be a member of the party and being an independent. You cannot be both at the same time, you may be an independent with certain ideological leaning but independent candidates do not belong to any party. So those who declared themselves independent from the SPLM must not belong to the SPLM anymore. I do not see why SG Pagan is cracking his head about them.
The the revolution that the SPLM fought and is leading is different from the Ayatollahs of Iran revolution and if you want me to respond to your article I will give you full account in the next issue. Aaron Yong. USA
Talk about the good and bad Did this website just by accident carry the SPLA/M name but is not with SPLA/M? Everywhere in life, there is a bad and good side. However, in a commentary if you're not a critic, you should compare both sides. How much SPLA/M achieved for south vs. setback? In my opinion the answer has no comparison especially if you look back just until CPA. Another thing I am surprised with the point on the weakness of Kiir but never talk about the weakness of Al Bashir. Nik Wol, USA
5-Years of CPA might have been a wasting time in the South!!! The SPLM Party in the south known as GoSS is getting closer to prove to the world the doubt that southerners could not manage their own nation when given them the freedom of self-determination as a South Sudan Nation. The SPLM flexibility in political activities is almost causing the confusion to the true loyalists of the party such as creating the vacuum for individuals to campaign independently while the party has not yet reached to the point of culmination. The strong and experienced politicians of the party must stay still to the reviewed critical decision made when addressing the public and political matters. The best dancer is someone who can manage to attract and/or capture the interest of the observers. How comes that the only party in the south fails to convince the southerners so as to avoid such decisions of the independent candidacy?
Southerners should have already learnt and experienced how to settle their own disputes in five years of CPA. It is a big challenge to the GoSS if they still expect their political issues to be resolved by the lawyers in the North. It could be a suicidal decision if a lawyer from the north settle the case of political agendas in favor of the SPLM-Party.
The message to the independent candidates, it would have been worthy/better and/or a society concerned if you had waited to campaign for such leadership positions after the final decision during the Referendum. Leadership is never lost.
The second message to the SPLM Party, the southerners took the gun in 1983 because of mistreatments, mismanagements, misrepresentations and all other negative attitudes played against the southerners by the Arabs’rules.
Let still keep our current leaders of GoSS in their positions with the objective that to take us to achieve the remaining parts of CPA instead of just pushing them away. Thank all by Kuer Dau Apai Sydney-Australia
It's up to you to interpret Kokora Why are some south Sudanese so obsessed and desperate to grab properties, which under no circumstance do not belong to them? The properties in question are the utmost land of motherland Equatoria. For heavens sake, God has provided each nationality with land, they call home.
Development cannot be used as pretext of grabbing other people native land. What is so different in Juba that cannot be found in your area? For those tribal minded selfish individuals, talking about liberating Equatorians, could they go and see a psychiatrist, who will be in a better position to tell them which people in south Sudan are in need of liberation.
You cannot claim of liberating others! ... You are the ones in need of 360 degree of mental and social liberation. Come on why not call a spade a spade?
Juba and its surroundings are better off without GOSS, for those with limited knowledge about this town should know. Keep your oil money in your states. John Yugu, Canada
Bari will miss share of revenues if City moved Dr. Alfred Lokuji, so what are you up to? Should the City be moved to another location or you want the GOSS to still remain hostage to the mercy of your community? When did the Physical infrastructure ministry of CES become the Bari people? We all know it'is a manipulating thing for the South Sudanese.
One time I wrote about this subject, but I ceased to pursue it further because it was simply a wastage of energy and thoughts, the CE and the Bari people are those who are so much self-centered, not looking at what others have sacrificed for the city to be in Juba and how National resources are to be shared. Land in Juba is not any better than all the Lands in other parts of South Sudan where the city can fit very well with no daily nagging of the coined phrase 'Land Grabbing.'
I do not know where were you guys when that land was an open defecating ground by the Jalaba? You don't pose and ask where the current wealth of South Sudan is coming from, and the revenues shared equally among all states as if it showers from the skies not from the land? Even skies have owners but they have to exercise responsibility and objectivity when it comes to resources.
I know we southerners like talking for our people even if they are on the wrong but one thing that Bari should know is that they do not know what they are rejecting and doing. They will come to regret when all come to behave like them by moving away that city from there, denying them any revenue that comes from any part of South Sudan and marginalizing you guys to the level you are doing to the rest.
You will feel the pain because that government that you have failed will have to be shared by all southerners in terms of employment because currently all drivers, cleaners, cooks and those Directors that go for funerals every day at the expense of Government work, even for deaths that they do not know, will equally give way to others.
What about all the benefits that come because of the city will all go, so it time for you you to think, for us we have shut up.
What a paranoiac and senseless community that even a self proclaimed Dr like you goes to a bogus site like Wikipedia to write a bogus article that does not carry any argument but simply copy and paste junks of information. Carry on, I blame people like Isaiah Abraham for wasting their time for some thing already decided and waiting for major issues to be settled but it will not take a day or month being wrangled about where the city should be, come after 2011. You brought us here but you have rejected the city, it will be you guys to decide on whether the City goes or stays-- one of two and any of the choices would not benefit you.
I would encourage the wise not to buy any land and enrich you guys, we lived in dews and rains to liberate this region for 22 years to earn these humiliations from sel-proclaimed Central Equatoria that denies every thing, even when they have 6 ministers out of the 24 ministers shared among the 10 states. They keep saying we are not part of the GOSS.
SHAME ON YOU AND your incompetent politicians who do no reflect on state of affairs of things like these. You deserve no words from me. David Char Akau
Bari Land: Beating the drums of division Isaiah Abraham, Please write what you think will let Southern to advance rather than provoking the situation. What you have written is only in one angle. why don't you view things first in different dimensions then comment? Have you ever make a research and come out with that finding?
If that is the situation Bari Community is behaving, what is your contribution toward the success of southern Sudan to move forward? I am sure your are beating drum for someone else, not in the favor of so called second class southerners as you called it. Richard Jada, India
Kiir and the Company are about to Enjoy Opposition Benches: Good Work from SPLM-DC Team under the competent leadership of Chairman Dr. Lam Akol and Secretary-General Eng. Charles Kisanga. It is just a matter of days for the people to vote out Salva Kiir as the worst president who have ever ruled the Southern Sudan and Vote in Dr. Lam Akol as the best possible president to rule the South.
Let SPLM SG, Pagan Amum Fret and Fur with his SPLM-DC Phobia. He and his failed Chairman will enjoy opposition back benches soon if not the retiring chairs at their homes in Australia and USA. Now the SPLM is running in the elections with two factions: Dr. Riek Faction with the SPLM-PC (Popular Candidates) on his side against Salva Kiir with SPLM-PB (Political Bureau) handpicked candidates. Surely, both of them are going to divide the votes of their few supporters and they shall all lose even if they try to campaign all for Salva Kiir.
Dear SPLM-DC and Alliance of South Sudan Political parties, keep up the flames of genuine change and surely the victory is certain because the people want to go forward rather than backward. Dr. James Okuk
Bravo to the SPLM for allowing Independent Candidates to contest independently. If in fact, the SPLM had made prudent decisions like this one in the past, I think the party's popularity should’ve been phenomenonal and taken over the whole Sudan. The reason why many people extremely dislike INGAZ/NIF is because it’s a totalitarian regime which imposes itself on people by force.
SPLM officials on the other hand, has tried their best by preaching change to the people of south Sudan using those good sounding words like democratic transition while in fact its inner secret has just got revealed by Independent Candidates. It is good for SPLM Political Bureau to know that being a democratic government is not an easy thing. As British former Prime Minister Churchill used to say “democracy is not a good word, but there is no other word to replace it.” This is factual if you think critically about it because it allows ordinary people to have power and express their concerns freely. And if that happened, people especially government officials will have to reason first on to what they’re going to say in public before they can say it.
Honesty matters here we don’t need contradictory statements where government officials say something today and tomorrow say something else, no. That is Jellaba double talk.
Finally to our Secretary General Pagan Amum, please don’t rush to the media and tell us your opinions which are not of the party, we respect your position so be consistent when you speak to us and tell us the facts not fictions. Choul D., USA
From Warning to Endorsement of Independent Candidates: What a funny SPLM elections game without basic democratic rules: the independent SPLM candidates like the wife of Dr. Riek Machar running against the dependent SPLM candidates like Taban Deng when they are both from the same party. Why don’t we just call the game: Popular SPLM candidates running against the PB handpicked SPLM candidates. Why waste our time with SPLM party rules and procedures if they can just be dishonored in a second so as to allow the rule of opportunism to supercede everything.
How can such a politcal party that does not respect the rule of law be respected and entrusted with another mess in power. Surely, with SPLM ever-messy funs in the South, wonders shall never cease!!! Let’s wait and see how both the independents and the dependents of the SPLM shall be declared winners by the SPLM after the elections.
God of democracy, have mercy and save us from SPLM hell and free us from the democratic mess of SPLM Polical Bureau. Is there a value of unity of a party that does not respect democratic principles and dictates? If I were Pagan Amum I will resign from such a contradictory politcal party and leave it to fall from its own misgivings like an overripen fruit. Dr. James Okuk
Salva Kiir and Riek donated six vehicles to six paramount chiefs of Unity State When you run out of political ideas and strategies to keep you afloat and every window snap shut, the only option is outright bribery. As seen elsewhere in sub-Sahara Africa, Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar have embarked on their African past and present colleagues' practices. This is what the late Bongo of Gabon, Troitich of Kenya, Dos Santos of Angola, Museveni of Uganda, Zenawi of Ethiopia, Afreworki of Eritrea, Mugabe of Zimbabwe, and the late Sseseko of Zaire among others are/were known for.
Instead of using the booming oil revenue for development for all as it was in the case of Gabon in the early and late 1970's to early 1980's, the late leader used it to buy loyalty from the well-placed few chiefs, politicians, and elites to the detriment of the masses. To Gabon's leader, there was no reason to invest in local manufacturing and agriculture to boost the economy. He was too obssessed with how to keep his leadership.
The result? 40+ years of Mr. Bongo's presidency and when he passed away a year or two ago, he left behind a dirt poor Gabon, worser than it was under the French colonial rule. Good luck Southerners! Deng Akuei de Garang, USA
Hypocrisy and conspiracy in UN Why if South and North Korea separated into two nations more than fifty years ago nobody expressed skepticism but today if Southern Sudanese express the same nationalistic feeling, everybody seem to have a say how the history of Sudan should be shaped? Who is going to dwell in that unity which people seem to favor? Is it the UNO Secretary General or Jean Ping or French foreign Secretary? It is malice and nonsense. Who does not need freedom? Southern Sudanese need freedom as other people do; they need liberty, freedom, fraternity and equality.
We are tired of being involved in the war that they have nothing to do with. We do not need to carry a wrong passport which reads: YOU CAN GO ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT ISRAEL. The world should be sensible and understanding when it comes to the issues of southern Sudan. The solution to the problems between the South and the North of Sudan is separation. The world should not act like the rich fool. Southern Sudanese are no longer to be deceived with kisses; we know the damage that was already done in that illusive unity. The world must know that southern Sudan is neither Biafra in Nigeria nor Katanga region in Congo, her people will never accept the same kind of mob justice that the above two regions were subjected to, when they expressed their nationalistic sentiments forty years ago. They will be in standby to face any opposing groups in case the world miscarriages the upcoming referendum.
The time has come, the cloud is coming up in the south and the south wind is blowing, why does the world not detect this? The issue of the south is not going to be decided by ‘speeches and resolutions of majorities, but by blood and iron’ if the other options failed.
There is no point of pretending here, I want to tell the UNO Secretary General, Mr. Ban Kimoon, that the extravagant comment he made some days ago about the viability of the unity of Sudan had hurt us and we will never forgive him! It is perfidious and treasonous. The issue of Southern Sudan cannot be decided by anybody, but only by the common man. Hands off Southern Sudan, leave it alone. Daniel Juol Nhomngek, a High School student in Kampala Uganda
Comrade Yasir Araman+ free and fair elections= President of the Republic of New Sudan I have no doubt in my mind that the incumbent president of Sudan will not be the president of this country if there are going to be free and fair elections come April 2010. This is for a simple and logical reason that Sudanese people have suffered more than enough under the current regime since its inception by coup in June 1989.
The majority of the people of Sudan need change of system. People need democratic system which is accountable to the people. No single minded person would love to live under oppression like what had happened and continue to happen under the current regime since 1989 up to date.
The people of Sudan would therefore vote for someone who would want to see everybody free and happy in this country regardless of race, religious or political affiliation. This has not happened and will not either happen under the current totalitarian regime of the National Congress Party. The National Congress Party has never known anything like freedom or liberty in its code of conduct. Racial and religious discrimination are the best known way of dealing with people in NCP’s code of conduct. Oppression is the rule of dealing with those who do not think, act or behave like radical elements of NCP.
It is very clear that Sudan will not thrive under the National Congress Party given its attitudes towards the majority of the people of Sudan be they in the north, south, east or west.
Given the above well known indicators of the failure of the current regime in governing the people of Sudan, it is logical to conclude that Mr. Yasir Araman should be the next president of the Republic of New Sudan if there is going to be free and fair election in April 2010. No one shall vote for Elbashir except those who enjoy suffering of others. No one shall vote for Elbashir except those who managed to control the resources of this country by virtue of being diehard members of NCP.
The people of Sudan who have suffered and continue to suffer under this regime should not hesitate to vote for Comrade Yasir Araman as the only hope for establishing new country that would peacefully accommodate all of us regardless of our names, color or tribe. Dr. Thuou Loi Cingoth, Sudan
UN and AU menace It is indeed very provocative by the AU and UN chiefs to say that they will work very hard to see that secession of south Sudan does not go through because of Darfur will also ask for self-determination. It is up to Darfur people to decide their destiny. You will never know the shoes hurts until you wear it. The Problem of southern Sudan started in 1955 and can not be part of the problem of Darfur that is why the CPA is not part of the Darfur problem that started in 2003 because of a green pasture for the Animals. Justin Chicago Opiny, Canada
NCP readjustment to SPLM nomination is a strategy to defeat SPLM in the coming election No blame when cheated at the first time but sounds foolish on the second attempt. The Southerners of today are not those of Mr. Abel Alier and Mr. Joseph Lago of “Anya-Nya One” who were misled to sign the Addis-Abba Agreement that killed William Deng Nhial and turned to loss of Southerners fighting for decades. It doesn’t make sense for the NCP to dispute or reject the successful nomination made by the SPLM!! In a democracy, all the campaigning-parties can contest for presidential candidacy. Therefore, one party won’t have a say nor propose other party to readjust their nomination so as to be defeated. At this time, we need to examine the deceptive tricks that may be made by the NCP to cheat the SPLM party and others during this upcoming election.
The SPLM choice is within the scope of winning the election and that is now putting the NCP to panic. NCP dream is foreseeing the high chances of losing the election. One of the interested moves made by the GOSS’s President (Mr. Kiir) and the Vice President (Dr. Riek) is the nomination of Yasir Arman as the SPLM Presidential Candidate to challenge the sitting-duck President Bashir of NCP. To view this with critical thinking and political analysis, it could tell the southerners that our president and his vice are not greedy for powers but their political agendas hit to aim for the success of the party and to address the benefits of the people who demand to be freed by the SPLM-party. Armon, is logically an Arab by birth, a clear Muslim, and a party deputy-secretary (many positions were before him), indeed, it means that the political nomination can tell the international community and the world at-large that the SPLM party in Sudan is the only party pushing the unity in Sudan and deserves to be the ruling party in the next election for the positive changes that I think will include the solution to Darfur mass-killing of citizens in which Bashir and/or his party fails to acknowledge. The SPLM Party time to lead Sudan is due to create some fundamental laws and systematic policies to free Sudanese for and within the remaining ten months for the Referendum.
By law, a supervisor can not order his manager of the company unless when in a messed situation. How comes? That Mr. Taha seemed to be ordering his Master-second vice president (Mr. Kiir) of Sudan. The meeting was wrongly scheduled, supposed to be only Dr. Riek Machar and Mr. Taha meeting and latterly Bashir and Kiir if any doubt.
The message to the SPLM is that they should double their momentums in the April-Election-run to win and be the Sudan ruling party which had never been achieved for those decades if I am not wrong. Despite of being only ten months, still, it shall be the greatest achievement made by the SPLM party in the history. The true sons of the land must know how to sleep and keep one eye opens!!! Let the southerners all be a watch-dogs for the NCP deceptive tricks and strategies to corrupt the election. Kuer Dau Apai from Sydney-Australia
The Way of the People The 5th anniversary of the signing of the CPA that ended the tiring war in our country has come and gone so quietly without any notice. One major reason---because the politicians are busy with the coming elections. In addition, they have a legitimate reason to do so. It is hoped that the coming election will determined the sustainability of the CPA. This hope cannot only be the hope of the International Community it must also be our hope. We as Southern Sudanese must strive to bring lasting peace to our country. This is why we must invest our voting power wisely during this election. This is why I have resolved to invest my time to bring to you my fellow Southern Sudanese what I would rather consider pep talk throughout the coming weeks and months. In a series of short articles, I hope to encourage us all to vote very wisely during this election.
We must not allow our emotions, greed and short-term benefits to override our intellect as we vote during the coming election. Let us leave that for our politicians who do it best. Each and every Sudanese should understand that we owed it not only to ourselves, but also to the future of our children when we vote this coming election.
It is our responsibility as Southern Sudanese to understand that the coming election is not only about our future, it also about the future of our children. It is about eradicating poverty and building a lasting peace for ourselves. It is about educating our young generation so as to ensure a good and informed leadership in the future. This coming election is about good governance and democracy in Southern Sudan.
In one of the few papers I posted in the past, I mentioned the need for our leaders to recognize that democracy is only feasible in a transparent and accountable society. I urge our leaders to not just talk about democratic change but to understand that it is imperative that they exemplify the change through their leadership. I also cautioned against making decisions that will affect the masses of the people behind close door. Our leaders must adopt the culture of inclusiveness in decision-making if the people matter to them.
Democracy I stated previously is about people and most importantly about the people that are being governed. It is our rights as Sudanese to know at all, times what our leadership is doing to improve our well-being and secure the future for our children. As you vote in this coming election, seek to cast your vote for a leader that understands and practice these changes.
Thank you, Martin Modal, USA
Mr. Ping knows nothing We, the people of South Sudan will be the decision makers when it comes to making our own choice on our own destiny in 2011. Independence of South Sudan or Unity of Sudan on a new basis will be a matter that a non-South Sudanese has no right to influence or force upon us because an internationally bound agreement was made in 2005 amongst us the Sudanese to square this matter. What we want from the world community now is nothing other than patience, impartiality and support for its implementation so that the articles of that agreement is implemented on the ground.
It is indeed a shock to learn that Mr Jean Ping of AU is acting as an advocate for Northern Sudanese Arabs Unity project in Sudan. One wonders if at all Ping knows anything little about natural justice or agreements! Has he ever read the history of Sudan? On what ground was Mr Ping comment based? Looking at his physiological shape, he looks like one of the offspring of people who have inflicted a lot of harm and pain to black Africa. May be that was why he decided to take that decision. One wonders how he got to that club of African leaders. It is not a secret that he is only acting as a mouthpiece of Arabs and most notably Libyan Gaddafi and Bashir of Sudan for money. He pretends to stand for Pan-Africanism while actually destroying it from within just like his paymasters Gaddafi and Bashir. What Mr Jean Ping should take note of is that the over two millions lives lost and four millions displaced from their homes as a result of forced unity in Jallaba Sudan was not for the bloody dollar he gets from our misery, pain and death. Bismark Bura, Australia
Very Shameful Selective Dr. Lual Deng's Projects in Bor: It is very good to hear from brother Zechariah Manyok that Dr. Lual Deng has done extraordinary projects in the South for the benefit of a particular Bor section of Dinka in Jonglei state even to the extent of naming intellectuals of South Sudan "Dr. John Garang Think Tank" and naming a Bank, Bor Commercial Bank. Why Bor, Bor, Bor.............? However, as good news as what Dr. Lual Deng has done and is about to do, it is also bad news in a sense that brother Manyok has confirmed the real tribalism and even clanism many Southerners have been worriedly complaining about. Every project mentioned by brother Manyok was only about Jonglei, and not only about any community in Jonglei but acertain Dinka section even within the larger Bor Dinka Community itself. What a shame!!!! It is said if you don't see yourself in a mirror then that mirror has no value of being a mirror reflecting your face, whether beautiful or ugly. What Dr. Lual Deng and other Bor gentlement mentioned by brother Manyok in his article have been doing and are planning to do selectively and tribalistically or rather clanistically in Jonglei or section of Jonglei state does not reflect nor recognize existence of others in the South. This marginalizing tendency could be a good cause for protest by Murle, Anuak and even the section of Dinak of Luaj, Thoy, Othol, etc. where Mr. Gier Chuang and George Athor hails from, leave alone other communities and tribes in the South who are being marginalized and denied peace dividends like the community of brother Manyok. Dear brother Manyok, if Dr. Lual Deng mirror you are selling on the net now is what you are happy to praise about South Sudan, then it is better for me to start agreeing with those sons of the Country like brother Gatwech, Thielieng, Kim Deng, etc, that you are good for nothing except triablism and particularly Bor-Dinka clanism. If I were you, I would have kept silent to sell such exclusive mirror of development in public that does not reflect the existence of others to benefits from peace dividends in the South. This is very sad!!! Dr. James Okuk.
Agaar government progressive
Indeed, the blame game is coming to an end in Lakes state. It's true, Manyiel, that our brothers Agaar decided to abandoning the beautiful livelihood of past and adopting a modern one which has pushed them to become power hungry and hate to each other which you won't find in other states in southern Sudan except only in Rumbek. However, since Daniel Awet is leaving who is going to blame on insecurity in Rumbek East and Rumbek central, as coming from so-called minority groups. I think it is time to sit and watch Agaar government in Rumbek progressing. Victor Madut, South Africa
Gov. Daniel Awet messed up Lakes State
Dear Manyiel Awet Akot, I was surprised when I read your article praising your father. First of all, your father was a nice man during the struggle period when there were gunshots everywhere in South Sudan but with the coming of the peace agreement led by your father as minister of Interior Affairs, has distorted his powerful history.
He messed up South Sudan police (SSP) by introducing a lot of ranks without training to those gaining ranks in his term. To make it worse, all police holding high ranks are from Cueibet town, Yirol and Wulu which are right wing to Awet leadership.
Since he took over Lakes state leadership, there was no development dream that came into your father's brain one night. Your father Awet became busy with money lottery through his ministers who don’t give him wise advice. Everyone employed in all ministries are working in their own interests and your father is the senior for all those messes.
Your father failed to bring development in your home-town of Mayath payam and you can proof it by yourself if you could come back to Sudan yourself.
Short example is Abdullah Malook who built a primary school in his home-town Marial-Akeng and Abdullah is a waiter working for your father office. What do you judge?
Daniel Awet Akot has background of Law, his work for South Sudan Law society when he was ousted by late chairman Dr. John Garang De Mabior. Awet used to cycle inside Rumbek here talking to more Agaar sons seeking for reinstatement. So what happened is that your father is an old man and his time is running out in good governance. He is qualified to govern his house affairs and not public affairs.
Awet's departure does not mean Awet has gone out of Lakes state territories. Daniel Awet is still chairperson of SPLM party at Lakes state level and also member of SPLM-PB and I wish him to do a lot in that field which is the best for him to serve the party tendencies.
It good also Mr. Manyiel to advise your father Daniel Awet to accept others people opinions and not always imposing what his decides on people.
You are wrong by saying that Agaar were majority in Electoral College committee, that is not true - the popularity that your father has was undermined by majority of people in Lakes state. Although his name was added in Juba to make total of six candidates contesting for governorship, but still your father's name was dropped {was the decision made at PB made by Agaar community?} To put it in other way, Awet was ruling Lakes state as a leader for all people and not Cueibet son nor Yirol you mentioned in your message– if you think so Awet will get backup from Yirol and Cueibet, then you must be proof wrong.
About Lawmakers; you are wrong, the Lakes state Legislative Assembly is composed with 48 members from different political parties of which your home-town Cueibet has majority coming from different parties. Yes, laws are made by lawmakers in Lakes state parliament and it is executive which had upper hand to execute laws into orders. Your father controlled the executive powers and you can judge by yourself since the cabinet controlled by father split to contest in this coming election. What does it means to you as Lakes state son apart being Awet Son?
All his advisors, ministers and your father himself declared to contest April coming election - if there was a good governance in the cabinet I hope they would have not decided to contest county-wide. This cabinet split under messes of your father.
Regarding Paul Mayom Akec and John Wol Makech, are sons belonging to Lakes state and all of them had failed in quelling differences within their community of Lakes and those blames could be directed to each one of them. They are to be blamed because they are now controlling powers as well --your father is the top.
The future of Rumbek is clear, and the future is going to be considered by three generations of Lakes state because tribalism has been headed by Awet son who was expected to lead Lakes state government in the nearest coming future. Manyang Mayom, Rumbek, Lakes State
Now NCP Says SPLM's Propaganda Against SPLM-DC is Dishonest: What a good news to SPLM-DC and the coming right President of the GoSS, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin to replace the illegal SPLA 1st. Lt. General and incompetent leader who has been working for the Somalization of South Sudan since 2005. Surely, God is on the side of Dr. Lam and his SPLM-DC team because the real truth is getting revealed now that the propaganda that has been circulated by SPLM wrong SG, Mr. Pagan Amum Okiech, is getting disqualified by facts. The fact that the NCP endorsed Kiir Presidency, tells a lot that the SPLM-DC is not NCP-DC. The NCP shied away from endorsing Dr. Lam because they are afraid of him as he is determined together with Dr. Riek and Alliance of South Sudan Political parties to ensure that the right to self-determination is implemented in 2011. Now the politics' ball has been thrown on the side of the SPLM while the SPLM-DC members, allies and Dr. Lam are laughing to the top of their voices because of the great relieve from overdue dishonest propaganda from SPLM. Will Kiir SPLM endorse Al Bashir Presidency while he prepares himself to go home in May 2010? Very good hock and we are waiting for Kiir's answer so that we laugh best at last. God is so great and Southerners cannot be fooled any more or once more! Dr. Lam has been honest with the cause of South Sudan but Mr. Salva Kiir, Pagan Amum and Yasser Arman and etc, have been dishonest. Now democracy is exposing them badly. What a great news! Dr. James Okuk
SPLM SG Pagan Amum is A Malicious Liar: Look at this First Class Liar and Communist Propagandist, called Pagan Amum, or name him the wrong SPLM-SG!! How dare for him to say that “Lam Akol is the NCP candidate ... the NCP was collecting signatures for Lam Akol in south Sudan.” If Pagan Amum is not a fake politician why is he not standing in any elections constituency so it could be known whether he has supporters on the ground far from his Diaspora boys whom he has hires to lie in the internet that the SPLM still has popularity in the South. The clock is just ticking for such public thieves to run abroad shamefully where their stolen properties and children are hidden. Let Pagan Amum and other malicious professional liars start packing their things for final leave, starting from May 2010. The waves of genuine change is just around the corner: Dr. James Okuk
South Sudan independence ordained by God Many leaders today in the South may decide to abandon the noble cause for all the southern Sudanese for which they had died for before, for the reason of getting power. It is something in history of the south which keeps on repeating itself in that way. There are times when people hope to achieve their aims but the devil always jumps in to spoil everything. If southern Sudanese leaders will not put aside their self-interests to look for the way out how to win the independence of the south in the peaceful means now, there is a danger that the southerners would be weakened and another long struggle will be inevitable.
However, I hope that southern Sudan's independence is something ordained by God and no any person will manage to rewind it back to zero. Those who want to go to get power through their loyalty to the enemy are free to do so but the land of the black will have a case with them. Many southern Sudanese had died fighting for the south and any southern Sudanese who tries to make their struggle to go in vain will automatically follow them. May God be praised! Juol Nhomngek Daniel, Kampala
SPLM bad democracy Many politicians in south Sudan will soon choose to run as Independent candidates because of the SPLM's poor choices. So far we’ve two Independent Candidates whom are SPLM members, the result of their decision to declare themselves as Independent Candidates came about because the SPLM Leadership has made wrong choices by selecting Unpopular Candidates instead of popular ones. If the SPLM leadership wants things to be perfect in the south, it has to comply with what the ordinary people want, there, the party will gains respect and support from the masses again. Choul D, USA
When is Lam concerned about southerners? On Mr. James Okuk's comment 'Lam Akol to rescue South Sudan from collapse," is it the same 1991 Lam Akol who defected from SPLM/A right after we were just kicked out in Ethiopia? At the time Sudanese people need togetherness more than ever. Instead he defected at that time with his friends including current vice president of GOSS, Riek Machar, from the movement.
When did Lam became more concern about people of South Sudan? When he was indeed part of that defection that caused our movement SPLM/A many towns from 1991-1994 as the result of their defection at bad time. Mading Machar, Sudan
Kiir must be removed before referendum It very unfortunate for somebody like Dr Justin to air out this misleading propaganda on Dr Lam's comment. Everybody knows how hard Dr Lam Akol worked to make self-determination for south Sudan a reality. To me this Kiir's led-GOSS has failed and must be removed prior to 2011 referendum if we are to achieve a viable future state in south Sudan. Alkodid, Sudan
I strongly agreed with you, Dr. Justin, in your article “Lam Akol’s Political suicide”. Here is the quote from your article which you quoted from Dr. Akol. In a country like Sudan there’s no denying that people of South Sudan will favor separation to unity in a referendum scheduled for Jan 2011. A politician who obstructs these hearts of separation is at a risk of being swept away by the strong current of separation hearts from the people of southern Sudan. The hostility in the south, tribal conflicts and intra-tribal conflicts are indicted by hidden enemies of South Sudan.
Akol himself is not the best choice for the people of South Sudan in the up coming elections to be held in April this year to head the Government of Southern Sudan, rather, he is a traitor of the people of South Sudan following his recent partnerships with northern ruling party (NPC). We need a change in the Southern Sudan regardless of current Government being changed or not. If the SPLM’ Government currently ruling the semi-autonomous region is weak then let us change it but we better be careful not to give power to weak hearted people like Akol.
We have not finished struggling yet and where we are now not even an end but it is the beginning of the end. The roads ahead are steep and hard to follow. Thondewut, Australia
Nobody better than Kiir Mr. Yong, pertaining to Kiir and his failed leadership like you said, I don’t think that whether there is any other better guy who will do good to us than Kiir. The front row is full of incompetent dirty folks who are a disgrace to us and to our freedom. You talk of corruption now because you may be having someone you wish to be a leader and when he is there, he will be just worse than Kiir, trust me. Kiir was there, he is there now, and he will be there to bring us home a golden plate, which is full of glory and everlasting freedom. All haters and lovers alike will enjoy and will have equal share together at last. He meant it in the first place when he took his stand, and he will continue to do it regardless of those hardships he has been facing now down the road. Gai Abraham
Lakes state ruled by Criminals Dear Chief Abiko, thank you very much for bringing to light the issue of Rumbek North former Commissioner,
John Bilieu Awol who has been summoned thrice and refused to appear at the court. Under the failed former Governor Awet, there isn't any law existing. Anyone can do anything to people of Lakes state with unimaginable impunity.
If a Governor ordered for a shoot to kill of civilians in the state, a commissioner can burn people's mouths and torture them at will. If a Governor can make some communities (Agaar) of Lakes as his adversaries to the extent of insulting them in public sittings/rallies, a commissioner can slap and lash anyone at will.
Now that the BIG man (Awetdit) has been shown the door out, these other cats should know that there will be Law and that everybody will have to be treated accordingly by Law.
Let President Kiir make no mistake of bringing back on SPLM ticket a wrong man to Governorship, SPLM will have no Governor in Lakes state, but a different party will have a Governor instead, we will vote for that! It is time that looters go home, now led by Awet, his thief son Philip Marol Mading, who resigned from State Chairpersonship for election on SPLM ticket because his Governor is not brought back to the post.
God is GREAT. Time has come that people will decide who will be their leaders and not appointees of Gen. Kiir anymore. Akolde N. Jinub, Rumbek
Lam judged south secession outcome correctly Given the current circumstances right now in south Sudan, I'd undeniably say Dr. Lam Akol has judged the outcome of south secession correctly. Just few days ago all 10 states in southern Sudan had nominated their Candidates for Governorships. The Nominees were sent to Juba so that the SPLM Political Bureau will make the final decision in regard to their nominations. But what happened as a result? The SPM Political Bureau undemocratically picked from people who didn't even win higher votes in their states. Now people are horribly sad especially in states like Upper Nile and Unity State, Bentiu. It's obvious that people are really angered by Salva Kiir’s leadership not to mention the current nomination of Yasir Arman, and by Kiir's refusal to relinquish his military post as stipulated in both south Sudan Interim Constitution and the National Constitution. Lastly, if the SPLM led government wants to reach the election month April, 2010, without any chaos, it has to start by respecting people choices and more importantly follows the laws. Because without laws, our quest for independent south Sudan will merely be a dream. Chuol D, USA
No suicide for South secession! What Dr. Lam Akol said isn't true for me! Tribal violence in the South is not government problem in the South. Those tribal problems are local problems occurring in the villages. They will not hinder division of the South from North at this point! What he said is tantamount to his "augur" for suicide. We are going to educate our people well to understand public laws and morals, good and wrong. We are tired of contempt in the north. Enough is enough! Chief Abiko, USA
Don't quote Dr. Lam out of context; get his message: I think the title of the news that quotes Dr. Lam Akol as opposing immediate secession of South Sudan is misleading and uncontextualized. Let's look critically into the core statement of Dr. Lam: "Under the present weak government in the south, calling for secession would be suicide." The most important phrase here is: "Under the present weak government in the south" and most important question here is: Why would secession of South Sudan be a suicide under Kiir bad rule? You don't need to be a nuclear scientist to get Dr. Lam's message and the sense of answers he provided as a justification for his concern and warning about the current worrying status quo in the South. The UN and NGOs working in South Sudan have already voiced similar concerns and warnings. In other words, Dr. Lam is saying that for South Sudan Independence to be viable, we need a change of leadership of the current GoSS. We have got informed that Dr. Lam aspiring through elections to be that leader of change in the GoSS, backed by a Alliance of South Sudan Political Parties. What else do you want to make out of Dr. Lam's sincere statement. From my point of view, Dr. Lam is damn right because no one can deny that we are seeing many bad things happening in the South now under Kiir leadership. We want an independent South Sudan born as successful state; not as a fail state with failed SPLM Kiir leadership. No more and no way! The people of South Sudan have to wisely choose between: 1) having a an independent "banana state" with wrong leaders sitting on public offices and stealing development money in Juba and the capitals of other corrupt states in the South; or 2) having an independent "rock state" (even if this comes later than early) with right leaders for the job who don't embezzle public fund for development and services and who don't practice tribalism in job offers for qualified citizens of South Sudan. Don't quote Dr. Lam out of context; his message is prophetic to be ignored; otherwise many Southerners could cry in future saying: Oh if only we could listen to Dr. Lam's warning and heeded to his wise advice not to rush for independence of South Sudan lead by those who wear SPLA uniform illegally when they have been retired already and who act unconstitutionally and are ready to kill their own Southern brothers in order to save Northern political dinosaurs. So, let my people choose wisely or else they continue crying as if they were born to suffer. Dr. James Okuk
Beware of violence at elections I like to advice that the hierarchy of leadership currently in force should not be destabilized as we look forward to the referendum before us which we were able to pristinely see is threatened by the enemies of peace who are there to see that we end up nowhere.
I would also like to caution that the choice made of some SPLM candidates do not represent the interest of the people and I am afraid should these other candidates stand independently, and they succeed to come to parliament, the decisions to be made by the SPLM as a party in parliament would be at mercy. If this choice was made with enough consultation, it is good but if a wrong hand was used and the same wrong hand appears during the election process, say rigging was pervasive, then remember what the case of Kenya was--Violence!! Our violence in Sudan is not a mild one as arms are still in the hands of civilians. Ohure Emil, Sudan
Nobody will go to war for Kiir In fact it's a self pity and discouraging to learn that our president is working against the national constitution and CPA which is the reference of the two constitutions (national and southern Sudan constitution), which he promised to guide and defend, when he succeeded our leader Dr John Garang.
Mr president, you are our great man, we don't want you to end up like president Robert Mugabe whose thirst for power is endless, The southern community love you and recognize your great contribution to our freedom and we expect that your good name in the book of southern History remains clean as it was. Do not allow tribal sentiment and greed for power spoil this history. Mr president, you have a legal right to contest for the southern Sudan presidency. But it's also good and wise to abide by the constitution and the laws of NEC as your northern counterpart did. Mr president, you need to understand that your western friends are also watching your steps, do not give them wrong impression, because we need their support.
You need to know that southern Sudanese will not accept to go for war simply because you want to be a president in uniform and I think that will not be a sound reason. Please, put both your personal and tribal interest behind and work on the interest of independent southern Sudan. Stephen Tongun, Juba
What I mean by "Abyei Minister": For those who understand political philosophy after twelve noon, what I mean by "Abyei Minister in my article is that Dr. Luka Biong is panicking to see someone educated and politically mature takes over the GoSS top leadership after the results of elections. But what he and other ungrateful Abyei opportunists in the GoSS have forgotten is that they are not yet Southerners to enjoy ministerial and other privileges in the GoSS, which are meant for real Southerners who did not sell their birth rights to Misseriah adopted brothers in Northern Kordofan.
What these Abyei opportunists and also what Kiir has not noticed is that Abyei residents are not eligible to vote or be voted in electoral seats of the South except for Sudan Presidency only where they may cast their vote for their son-in-law, Yasser Arman, who is yet to be disqualified by the NEC.
Dr. Luka Biong and his community are not registered in any constituency in the South and so their noises in the media are not going to add any votes to Salva Kiir in April 2010 if he passed the NEC’s red line. Also the Abyei residents are not going to vote in 2011 Referendum of Southerners even if they are Dinka by ethnicity. They will only vote for their own referendum in Abyei, which shall not have effect for the South if Southerners become self-determined to choose either unity or separation of the Sudan. If Kiir relies on Abyei opportunists too much, he is going to lose the elections badly and also the South might lose the possibility of independence with Abyei gentlemen as his advisors. This is a fact; not my own making. Dr. James Okuk.
Politics of ethnicity is root of all evils Mr. Peter Lokarlo Marsu in his article is playing with the dangerous sickness that has consumed the south so far. Mr. Nhial Deng Nhial who's the current minster of SLA affairs is not among the most senior SPLM according to the party constitution How can he be the presidential candidate? The southern Sudanese intellectual community should encourage our leaders to play the political game within the constitutional framework and party rules. I think that we should resist the politics of tribal ethnicity because it is not going to take our people to the promised land. As a matter of fact, southern Sudan is a multi-tribal nation. In other words we are a rainbow nation, so why don't we promote our diversity? If we don't appreciate our diversity then the south is heading in the wrong direction. In South Africa, the former president Nelson Mandela was not a Zulu yet he became the president. The presidential position belongs to every southerner regardless of his\her tribal size or family background. Politics of ethnicity is the root of all evils which is killing the south now. Paulino Deng Chol, USA
Nilotics already too dominant in South I fully agree with you on the need for a name change for a nascent state. But Nilotia, my foot! Nilotia may become synonymous to the land of the Nilotes - i.e. the Nilotic tribes - that are indeed already flexing their military and financial muscles for all to see. Bear in mind that we do have other breeds within the regional territories known as southern Sudan that are not nilotes. One example you did not mention is how the Buganda tribe gave neighboring Uganda its name and has since then been the dominant ethnic group in that country albeit minus the military power. Now here we have a different story. The nilotes here are already claiming full rights over all in southern Sudan even without us giving them more legitimacy by naming the nascent country after their race. Look at all these stories of violence in southern Sudan - Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, Mundari - ever heard of non-nilotes like the Azande or the Kuku clash? Pray look for another name. Ndere, Sudan
Nobody is above the law! Why the outgoing commissioner of Maper County in Lakes State in Rumek, Mr. John Awol, has defaulted repeatedly his court trial hearing when served with court summon letters in the court by a judge? He should not think himself very important from people altogether! He should go to court to clear himself when he ordered two people burned in the mouths.
A judge should write a letter to the State Governor Lt. Gen. Daniel Awet Akot to have him arrested. He should be punished and imprisoned for life without clemency at all when proven guility. Chief Abiko, USA
Pres. Kiir will never fail Dr. James Okuk, you are not a concerned citizen if you continue to embrace NCP-SPLM-DC as your way of freeing South Sudan.
Your continued attacks on the President of South Sudan and its administration shows who you are and whom are you following. Why don't you write your title as SPLM-DC which all of us knew and which all parties know.
Watch Khartoum or Sudan TV and tell us what Dr. Lam Akol is doing with Bona Malwal against the people of South Sudan. On the same note watch our national TV of South Sudan (SSTV) see what President Lt.Gen. Kiir is doing with his cabinet, Legislature and citizens, are providing to free you and me permanently from the oppressive regime in Khartoum that you are supporting and surrendering our people who fought and resisted oppression for 50 plus years.
President Kiir will never fail and will rule for decades no problem, you can join Beshir and his cohorts.
God bless General Kiir President of the Republic of South Sudan. We will defend him and his team of South Sudan beyond South Sudan declaration day be it before Referendum or during January 09,2011. Charles P, Canada
Good choice of the Jonglei State citizens The coming elections in the country needs critical thinking on who is fit for the good governance in the state like Jonglei where we found many communities fighting each other. The fighting can easily be termed as lack of comprehensive vision by the current leadership of the state. However we don't need to choose a wrong leader who cannot give solution to the ongoing conflicts among the inhabitants of that part of our beloved Nation.
Therefore as an ordinary citizen of southern Sudan I call upon the people of Jonglei state to give their vote to Lt.Gen. George Athor Deng Dut as for his capability that he shows among the other candidates to restore security among the local citizens of Jonglei who did not enjoy much of the peace time. Southern Sudan is now in much need of the people like George to bring peace & tranquility needed by the Ruling
SPLM party Sudan. This election which is at the door in April 2010 is a golden chance for the people of Jonglei to exercise their democratic right to vote for a visionary & confidential leader like Lt.Gen. George Athor Deng Dut. This initiative need to be taken by the Youth of Jonglei because they are the victims of day to day clashes between the tribes, therefore it's their full duty to take this challenge to bring true change to Jonglei. Lt.Gen. George Athor Deng shine out in the history of the liberation struggle in the south Sudan.
During the leadership of Philip Thon Leek, wounded Murle men were killed in the hospital in Bor the capital of Jonglei state in his presence, as he was lacking leadership quality, he did not think that what was done by those elements amounts to crime against humanity. Up to the time he left office of the Governor, he did not bring any of the culprits to book. After he was removed and replaced by Cde. Kuol Manyang Juk, the people expectations were very high that Kuol will eradicate tribal conflicts & bring stability, but to many people's surprise, the tribal conflicts became 99% in Jonglei state more than the time of Cde. Philip Thon Leek. Therefore when you make an assessment all over the 9 counties you will find that Lt.Gen. George Athor is the candidates supported by many people in the state. Teah Gatwech Gatka
Are we Sure for a peaceful independent South? God knows, the mass killings of Tonj Cattle herders, Duk-Padiet innocent, and Wernyol make me suspicious for the fruitful outcome of Southern Sudan as a new state. The GOSS is now pregnant with some many tribal differences which make some of our leaders plan their own plots against innocent people like what happened in the above mention attacks against innocent Dinka ethnic group by Nuer ethnic group. The frequent attack organized by Nuer against Dinka will make the enemy achieve their interest of undermining the South".
In fact, the Government of Southern Sudan must open its eyes broadly to scrutinize the problems otherwise the country will be like Somalia where everybody is involved in criminal acts. There is no law in place that condemns the criminals especially those who raid and kill. They are always proud for the immoral acts against the innocent. This is a blame on the GOSS. The killing of innocent Dinka in the above areas must be investigated by the government before others go out of controll. Bol Bol, USA
Woe to the SPLM/A for South secession without AL Beshir at the Hague Why the SPLM/A betraying the Nubans, Darfuris, Easterners? It is our war and we must wage it to the bitter end until Al Beshir is arrested and handed over to the ICC. If we leave and take the South, who will guard the Darfuris, Nubans, Easterners and the Bejas?
SPLM betrays and we all ready have the South and not asking anyone for it. Why the SPLM is talking about it? South is our land and that is why Dr. John won’t ask anyone for it. South Sudan is John Garang’s land. Nuba Mts, Darfur, Ingessenna and Far North are the what SPLM fought for. Now SPLM is betraying and quitting them. What was the war all about? Aaron Yong, USA
Loyalty: Is it not a ticket to leadership? Loyalty; known as honesty to people or things is the only and foremost ticket to leadership. As SPLM political Bureau will finalize discussion for the candidacy come April general election, the question anyone can ask is; will they value loyalty or not?
Though loyalty is hard in today society, the SPLM mainstream selection standards such as ten years membership to qualify anyone interested for presidency, will define the loyalty of the candidate to the party as well as Southerners. These criteria have been applauded by Southerners and others eyeing on us. How long have candidate been in the SPLM/A movement will at least give a clue.
There will be inquisitive glances amongst entire Southerners if the Political Bureau does not come with clean aspirants at the heart of Southerners. They will be delightful to see candidate who never led astray whether under someone else’s influence or not before and after the CPA era. They will underpin and give full support to the candidate of this nature. And of course, there be anxiety if the Political Bureau fails short to consider simultaneously objective and subjective measures of selecting the candidate. Both principles if observed judiciously, the candidate will modify this sensitive life of Southerners.
SPLM Political Bureau should know that once trust diminishes the relationship deteriorates, hence a candidate is a bond between SPLM party and its supporters. Deng Machar, Australia
Others removed before Bor generals I wondered how a former Red Army member became so narrow-minded and tribalistic as Francis Chagai appeared in his article, crying foul that Bor community is being intimidated by both President Salva and Minister Gier. Personally I doubt whether he's from Bor Community, or an ex-Red Army member? May be he is trying to mislead southerners? Because if he is from Bor, he'd have the information that both accused men (Kiir and Gier) are married to Bor girls from very respected families. So how can an in-law hate his in-laws, the maternal uncles of his children? This is a nauseating idea...
Francis was trying to create a rift in the SPLM, which tells that he has never been a Red Army member. Those real Red Army are the ones who saved and defended Cdr. Salva in Magawi when Bol Kong attached that area during the Nyagat era. The Red Army members took oath that they either die or bring back the insignia of CDR. Salva. Where were you by then?
On the other hand, military service has age limits, and every commanding officer knows that he is leaving his office sooner or latter. Has Francis ever heard that Lt.Gen Oyay Deng Ajak had been removed from office as the CGOS, and replaced by another General called Hoth? Or that Gen. Mathok who is an in-law of Kiir was released from his office too? Akol Tong of prisons is another uncle of Salva Kiir but he is sent home too?
Do you know that Gen. James Hoth Mai is not from Warrap state and not a Dinka too?
Does Mr. Chagai know that those police officers were given 5 years to stabilize and secure South Sudan but instead tribal wars were increasing especially in Jonglei State?
Does Francis Chagai know that all Jonglei communities (non-Dinka) have been accusing these retired Generals of arming their communities against others?
....Ah, why should I tell you all these things and you don't have the minimal qualities of Nationalism?
Do you know Mr. Bor, that some tribes don't have a single representative in GOSS and they don't know any differences between Bor and non-Bor Dinkas but they're supportive of GOSS because they see it as their government?
That seniority you are boasting of is not a privilege, instead it is a yolk, of which people will expect exemplary actions not tiny myopic ideas.
Last word is that if those generals are really patriotic, (Not Born-to-rule), they will continue to work for SPLM like any one who was removed from office;
Mulana Ambrose Riiny Thiik, of Warrap not Bor, was removed from his office as Chief Justice, and has not been accommodated anywhere else, indeed he's still a faithful and loyal SPLM member despite having no office to rule from.
Have God in your mind when you talk about South Sudan, which is not a private property of any community, even if that Community is the great Bor of Dr. Garang. Dr. Ajack Makor, Juba
We Dinka must tell ourselves the truth. We have suffered enough from Bor Tricks. I wanted to assure all southerners who are complaining about Mr. Kiir de Miyar leadership. He got through AK-47 and still have more to go. During the Garang Mabior time he promoted majority of Bor that was running the SPLA affairs. SPLA/M is corrupt because Bor loves to eat behind the frontline, which is what's continuing today.
Every captured Town used to be benefiting only Bor personnel not other Dinka. More deaths on frontline on others Dinka and later will be reported Bor generals did the action. And they are going to be the people Ruling the Town.
Mr. Kiir has a right to protect life and must protect his life as Garang used to do too; it is Kiir's time. Bor had hands that delayed this War. No other Dinkas going to like Bor attitude anymore. The hatred that fall on Dinka was cause by Bor between southern Tribes.
Call it Gogrial, is his life protection. No any Devil ever going to redesign SPLA/M Structures as they wish. Nor replace Kiir by intellectual PhDs Murders. Where were you during the war and will you be next servicing for next war? There are many ways to help a country. Offer your blood first if not don’t talk. Everyone must change things inside SPLA/M not outside it.. It has Sudan National Goal to Accomplish. How can people who offer their life lay down their power to be murders? I do not think Mr. Kiir will lead us down. 12 years stability still yet to pass it over. Gieth de Chol Deng, Canada
Be patient on Dr. Riek Machar's leadership Dear Gatkuoth Deng, I have read your unpatriotic article and I quoted this nasty statement: "These accusations alleged against Dr. Machar are outdated and boring, and to many who read them would easily interpret it that the community of Bor simply disliked Dr. Machar because, to them he was responsible for challenging their son, late Dr. John Garang in the 1991 coup. That is all!" For your information, Garang took arms to fight the real enemy whereas Dr. Riek Machar rebelled to eliminate Bor Dinka and her resources! Yeah, Riek is a good leader because of his tribalistic vision for South Sudan. Just a piece of advise to you, stop taking us back to our "horrible era". It was not good and we (Bor Dinka) don't want to recall it back.1991 Bor massacre was not a drama whereby people tell lies instead of truth. It had happened and people have lost their dear ones. Some households among Bor Community remain orphaned to date.
A true politician would value civilian life. There has to be difference between Dr. Garang's leadership and Garang's people. People may set your so-called Riek free but time and history will not forgive him. Again there is no reason to panic on whether Dr. Riek will be our next President or not, let's give chances to our votes to determine it rather than compositing our wishes.
My advise to Dr. Riek Machar and his die-hard supporters, Isaiah Abraham and Gatkuoth Deng, you may want to be patient in your leadership career. It's ever said patience pays. Dr. Riek can't be our president-to-be because he is being campaigned for, at the expense of peoples' lives that he claimed in his 1991 leadership struggle, but on the merit of what he can do to alleviate leadership gap in South Sudan. Chol Deng Yol, Wanglei payam, Bor North.
Recommending deputy as an angel Dear Abraham, you haven't made a reasonable argument that would convince anyone, but only an amorphous, unsupported allegations against president Kiir. Let's have spirit of sincerity and frankness to admit that the President has made great achievements that outlast his failures. He inherited nothing in the South from his predecessor, but see and compare the situation in the south some years back before the CPA and now. It's pretty easier for a nation building that has never existed compared with what has been achieved in five years span.
It's really a paradox to blame the head of the system for the woes and bizarrely recommend his deputy as an angel who will bring us manna from heaven.
Youe nemesis as reflected by your article, is simply motivated by a shift of leadership in the SPLM. If we can base our arguments to unseat leaders as a result of incompetency, I see no one capable, tolerant and patient than Salva Kiir Mayardit at the movement to see the CPA through to its final destination.
Brothers and sisters, let's be truthful and gather relevant data and research on the core matters to criticize and condemn President Kiir instead of talking senselessly for sake of talking. I don't object to Dr. Riek Machar Teny to replace Kiir, but being a leader is a gift from God and is built. Robert K Greenleaf said, "to be a leader begins with a natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead." Mack Awer , Egypt
Insecurity in south still raging Dear Deng Paul, your article sounds good but a lot of flesh has been left out. The issue of insecurity in south Sudan is not something can be tackled overnight by the government bearing in mind the negative repercussion it can cause on civil populace in case the government resorts to disarmament. As we know the region has just come out of one the world's longest civil wars. As I'm writing now, there is confrontation going on in East Rumbek county between south Sudan army and civilians who resisted disarmament.13 SPLA and 3 civilians lost their lives. In fact GOSS is not sleeping as we may think, it always does its best to protect its citizens from attacks of any kind. Do not mistake me for siding with the government or government spokesperson, I am only writing on what I have seen and witnessed. We southerners need not to be like the children of Israel who questioned Moses in the wilderness as to why he brought them to die in the wilderness? It was better they die in Egypt because they faced a lot of hostilities in the wilderness to the point of losing trust in God and even disrespecting the stipulated ten commandments which were to guide them in the promised land. We have our CPA which was drafted to guide us as we move to referendum era and many of us are questioning the credibility of CPA terms. Others are questioning - will the south govern itself in case southerners vote for separation? And others are preferring going back to Egypt (united Sudan) to die there than die in the wilderness (south Sudan state). The question is, will life for southerners be improved when they run back to Egypt or going to the promised land? According to me, the later will be fairer compared to the former because you will be free men and women in your own state and you can invest freely. Now, the issue of insecurity in the south does not reflect incredibility of GOSS to govern the south, it should be a collective effort for all southerners in stamping out this vice in south. Help our government to serve us better. Lotilu Daniel, South Sudan
Dr. Riek not tribalist, is that true? Dear Abraham, your article is well written and pointed out some facts about our current president and the government, but Dr. Riek Machar is not the only man for the position. You said that Dr. Riek is not tribalist. Is that true? How do you define a tribalist? You should have explained to your readers how Riek is the best leader to take over from president Kiir. I am not against Dr. Riek to be the president of Southern Sudan, but I just want you to tell us the history and background of your nominee so that we can vote for him come April 2010. Please be sincere! Achiek Anyang Achiek, Canada
Watch out against Jellaba While we are celebrating the New Year's eve and the passing of the most wanted bills into laws that will govern the coming referendum for either Independence or Voluntary unity of South Sudan, we'd pray to God for enabling us to reach this milestone in our history of turbulent existence with Jallaba. A fact that should make us be careful when dealing with Jallaba.
The conversion of these bills into laws is not near the end of the matter. As Southerners we should not relax on security, as Jallaba will work in all ways to thwart our dear aspiration of achieving our eternal goal that has cost us millions of dear lives. Unless we want to let things go negatively for our eternal suffering then we should dwell on the rivalry of Riek Machar vs Kiir on leadership question in South Sudan or any other personality for that matter. Other issues should be left pending till we achieve our independence. Our solid Unity in this year will be the recipe for our success in achieving our goal or failure in life due to the opposite. Bismark Bura, Australia
Appreciation to all leaders of south I don't know which adjective can be used to describe my leaders in south for the effort they put to fight for the plight of southerners and other marginalized Sudanese. The following should be appreciated for good work done:1. President of south Sudan and commander in chief of SPLA forces, Lt.Gen Salva Kiir for his powers to pressurize NCP to respect SPLM's decisions 2. VIP Dr. Machar, appreciated for persistent talks with NCP for the outstanding issues in the CPA implementation. 3.Pagan Amum for his boldness in facing and organizing for demonstrations in Khartoum and for eight hours. I would like to tell my fellow southerners that this is the time not to praise leaders from your tribe alone. Bravo to all leaders of south Sudan, keep the ball rolling. Lotilu Daniel, Sudan
President Kiir must go The likes of Dr. Lam Akol are misaiming their energies by making alliances with the NCP..All that the junubiin need is a leader who wants to replace Kiir and announce that in Juba and in all the cities of the south. People in the south are generally fed up with Kiir's incompetency, but their biggest dilemma is who is next to take over. They may prefer to remain with the devil they know. I strongly advise those of Dr. Riek Machar face off with Kiir in Juba, rather than running away to the Arabs. Men and women in southern Sudan do not like anything Arab and that is the biggest undoing of Dr. Lam Akol. People need him, but why is he not talking the voice of the southerners? I hope Kiir's days are numbered. Mawien from Awiel, Northen Bahr el Ghazel State
Your article is full of bias, Mr. Abraham. What makes you think that Dr Machar is going to be the president of southern Sudan after Kirr" when there are so many people who are capable of that position? Gabriel Mabior, USA
Undisciplined Army is a threat to the public The killing of three Kenyans by a lone gunman from the South Sudan Army (SPLA) has sparked a bitter war of words between the two sisterly countries. SPLA soldiers known locally as:
S=Stupid
P=People
L=Leave
A=Alone Army
are known for their recklessness, intimidation and beating of civilians on no grounds. Keep the soldiers in the barracks- that is where they belong and let the police man the streets. This incident is already making the relationship between the two nations very sour. Discipline the soldiers. They should be protecting the civilians and not killing them. Such deeds will scare away investors something that our country needs as an infant growing nation. This act has crossed the borders and should be punishable by military tribunal leading to a firing squad if found guilty. You do not chop off the hand that is feeding you. J.C.O. Jamonyok, Canada
Dr. Adwok Nayaba is advancing SPLA\M and GOSS Mr. ABiel Kon's article is misleading indeed about Dr. Adwok Nyaba. I think that twisting the obvious facts that Dr. Nyaba stated in his article will not help Padang community in confusing and blackmailing the peace-loving southern Sudanese people. The fundamental fact that Mr. Abiel Kon should acknowledge is that Padang community is neither SPLM nor GOSS. The southern Sudanese people are wondering about this new tribe by the name Padang. Actually Padang is a political community with a radically tribalistic ideology against the south. We all know that SPLM is a political party for all the marginalized Sudanese people whereas GOSS is a national government for all the south. If the new tribe does not believe in the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence with the southerners then the south must protect their unity.
The growing concern among the ordinary southerners is that our newly born government is being used by such an ideological community like Padang! For instance, the creation of many local administrations (counties) in Upper Nile without following the constitutional process. Another day, another Padang community village is turned into a county by Pres. Salva Kiir's decree. In the course of establishing Padang state in Upper Nile, the innocent Shilluk are being massacred and displaced. Their community land is chosen as the battleground against the southern Sudan nationalities . Everyone is considered as a militia from a new baby to an elder woman according to Padang's ideology. Even our national leaders like Dr Reik Machar, the vice president is a target because he defused the second Malakal fighting last year which was masterminded by Padang military elements in the SPLA.
SPLM as a ruling party in the south has come about as a result of the noble sacrifices which were made by our fallen heroes and the current leadership including Dr. Adwok Nyaba. Therefore, the leadership should not allow the wolves in sheep's clothing to hijack the SPLA\M as their community property. Our late national leader, Dr. John Garang, used to say that "CPA is not Garang's or EL Beshier's agreement but it is the Sudanese people's agreement". The CPA needs the nationalist sons and daughters of the marginalized south to make it a reality by paying their national contributions; not promoting their community interest at the expense of it.
The reactionary forces who're always the ultimate enemies of the revolution are taking over the movement organizations. In their quest for destroying our revolution; they've poisoned our unity by igniting the issue of the tribal ownership of villages, towns and cities in the south. A true revolution mustn't appease nor take for granted the reactionary elements' poisonous ideas. David Faromi, USA
A name south not a prerogative Firstly, I would like to say, thank you, Mr. Alex Dobrovolsky, for a very thorough analysis. Could I also add briefly that the naming of a country in southern Sudan is not our prerogative. Let those who started the fight in 1955 and generations who marshaled to the call consult at the appropriate moment as to how, when and why we name it as such. The hurdles ahead , elections, referendum and real determination of a people depend on the crucial cornerstone you mentioned. Do let us consult the originators. I will reiterate my thanks. Chrispin Wani, UK
No Malual community in Warrap Mr. Aaron, I don't think that you stated the fact, we don't have Malual community in Warrap State. Yai Weeth, USA
Let's speak publicly on separation Dr. Justin Ambago, thanks for your article. It's very interesting and arousing. Brother, I don't see a solid reason that makes us not to speak publicly of separation of south Sudan come 2011. Soft words will never help southerners. If Arabs can speak publicly that they want to wipe out southern population, why not southerners speak publicly about separation? For how long shall we take up arms in order to fight Khartoum based regimes? Why can we use the past to solve the future? Enough is enough, we need our own nation free of racism, religious affiliation, discrimination, oppression and intimidation but a nation where love, brotherhood and sisterhood prevail. Lotilu Daniel, South Sudan Editor: Mr. Lotilu, Rest assured, the SSNation has been publicly and internationally speaking about separation since it's start on 25 March, 2003.
Have you removed the plank in your eye?
Ladies and Gentlemen, in the first place, let me wish you “A happy X-mass and prosperous New Year”.
Primarily, I thought I would not waste my time to say something of political value in Sudan as nature will judge them. But, when I read an article on Southsudannation website posted on the 21st of Dec 2009, titled: South Sudan: independence de Jure or de facto," by Dr. James Okuk, in which he described the SPLM as incompetent and did not pave the way forward for Southerners. This left me with double chin! And I question him: what has the SPLM-DC done to Marginalized Sudanese, leave alone Southerners? as Dr. James is a die-heart supporter and a member of SPLM-DC.
I thought Dr. James Okuk; a supporter of SPLM-DC would be the least person to challenge the SPLM party because it’s representing all Sudanese even in the North. Dr, the party you had said to be incompetent has won patronage from marginalized Sudanese leave alone Southerners. It has no comparison with SPLM-DC which represents no one but politicians who formed it as they know the cubby-holes behind the stage.
Dr, despite how marginalized Sudanese frowned and scorned the formation of SPLM-DC, it has insisted to operate with hundred of multifarious assurances to standby the rights of marginalized Sudanese and Southerners in particular should any party attempt to sabotage their rights. Amongst the targets were insecurity in the South, Self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan and CPA at large. As far, none has been done!! And even so, SPLM-DC has been viewed as an insecurity in the South given the tribal fighting between Dinka Padang and Shilluk. Do these points not constitute to the meaning of the word incompetency, Dr?
Most recently, the party you are supporting has taken no position over procession which took place in Khartoum where all parties in Sudan strike against the political activities of the genocidal Regime. What rights were you gratifying to stand-in if you soundless over the referendum bill for the people of Southern Sudan? The party you claimed to be knowledgeable has failed without clear rendition of its formation!!
More painfully, the SPLM-DC is engaging with SPLM in superficial relationship than any other party in the South and more sincerely with NCP Regime. Southerners will not only cast you but curse for you have been always consignaing their rights to the enemy. Absolutely, SPLM-DC is a party of “slighted lovers” of betrayal! Eventually, it’s inevitable that the politicians who run SPLM-DC were spiteful members of SPLM main stream who split the party after years of antagonism and pomposity based on power struggle. It’s also true that some were SPLM mercurial members but with grudges.
Dr. you have left a peaceful path that might bring Southerners under one umbrella and start threatening people on electronic websites with what I can describe as “interminable talk” full of self-actualization. Last but not the least; Southerners do not want controversial political figures but at least people whose political ideology is beyond tribal differences. Furthermore, they don’t mind where politicians come from; a good example is Comrade Yassir Arman who is mainly from the North. Southerners will accept politicians who fight for their cause and deny any one attempt to sell it. Read Matthew 7 and 2 peter 2:22 and you’ll know what you have done so far! Deng Machar, Australia
Too much Bor tribal domination Dear All, I do not understand why you are blaming our President about the retirements that he did. Old age, geographical location, presentation, self promotion or whatever, could have been the reasons for retiring those generals. Have you ever asked yourself why there are many Generals from Bor compared to other towns in South Sudan? Some of us are young and have not witnessed the 70s and earlier 80s in South Sudan, as such may have no memory of the events those days and we may forgive them. But those of us who were present those days must support our current President to do more of such work and bring an equitable balance in the forces otherwise the South Sudan will be or not be after 2011.We can not ignore the imbalance in the forces in South Sudan. All tribes were there during the 21 years war. Bor or not Bor, all were involved in the liberation war. The fact our hero was Bor does not give only Bor citizens the right to dominate events in the forces even the Central Equatoria State (CES) Police chief is from Bor, while there are high caliber Police Generals from CES who can head the police with all the professionalism required. Bor decision making processes are always questionable, they seem to forget that they are an inland tribe who very much need the support of the other tribes connected to other regions and this could be the reason why they are sticking to the border tribes land which is another big blow to their good name brought by Hero Garang. But ever since they have been associated with a high level of such domination which is a practice unfit under the current worl .We must learnt from our modern history and stop blaming our current President and he should be encouraged to reduce the tribal domination in other areas of the organized forces and the army which we all know are dominated by certain tribes in the South Sudan. Andy Murusal, Khartoum, Sudan
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