Please, send US your article for NOW via contactbor@gmail.com
News
By Tearz Ayuen (Borglobe) Though there is no universal definition of a failed state, a failed state can be a nation seen as having failed at some of the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government, according to Wikipedia. Whoever takes all the blames is the government which comprises of individuals in the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the government. One of the core indicators of a failed state is extreme political corruption. Let me start it off with corruption because it is the only disease every single failure a nation suffers stems from.
Firstly, you seriously need to remember that the Government of South Sudan was granted self-autonomy in January 9, 2005 not July 9, 2011. This means it has been exercising sovereignty just like any other African government, but with exception of few restrictions such as buying of arms and ammunitions and involvement in some international treaties.
CORRUPTION: Corruption is one of the things most talked about in African governments but South Sudan’s is the worst. A Kenyan writer, Peter Wanyonyi in his article titled South Sudan Adopted Kenya’s Worst Habit published on The Standard website on March 18, 2012 writes: "Corruption is stifling the new State, too — the South Sudanese appear to have heartily taken to heart the Kenyan tradition of kitu kidogo. Corruption is so bad that the cost of doing business in the new country is among the highest in the world. Everyone is on the take and ministers are said to ask openly for bribes to approve deals."
It’s at its climax. Everyone talks about it but no one does anything about it because, I think, nobody wants to die right now. And with the "electrical fault" burning down offices along with important documents, attempts to bring to book those involved in grand corruption will always bear no fruits.
In the beginning, out of love or sympathy or whatever it is, the international community and individual friendly countries pumped billions of dollars into the region for development but little did they know that it was going to be individuated and used to develop few specific stomachs. Nobody dared make necessary noise about the stolen billions of dollars until Arthur Akuein, the former Finance minister showed up the other day and tried to shame some names. How did the case go? We all believe that billions got stolen but the concerned institutions like anti-corruption commission just doesn’t have the capacity to find out who the thieves are, how much they have stolen and when.
The recent court case of Pagan Amum generates more questions than answers. The weirdest thing about it was the speed with which the court ran with it - neck breaking speed, I guess. Where on this God’s good earth, especially during these modern times, would a high-profiled corruption case take less than a second to file a lawsuit, try the accused, and announce the verdict?! Jesus Christ! It says a lot about our judicial system.
Well, he did not "eat" the cash. Where did it go then? Who ate it? If Akueindit had wired it into the account of SPLM, why does it seem hard to arrive at the truth? SPLM is a well-structured government institution administered by prominent officials. Why couldn’t the team investigating the scandal, if any, interrogate those that were "close" to the huge amount; the likes of the manager, finance officials and administrator? Come on, guys. Don’t tell me the dollars flew away because I know very well that they do not have wings. Neither do they develop wings; Not American dollars! Someone somewhere celebrates seven days a week for owning that money. If the police, court and anti-corruption commission can’t fix this simple puzzle, what exactly are they? By-standers or spectators, I believe.
I perceive the return of Akuein as a gift from God, a "John Black" those who really care about the image of South Sudan could use to whip the asses of whoever greedily swallowed the billions. Unfortunately, no one wants to own up Akueindit. I believe he knows the thieves and the amount each stole but he just cannot do anything now. He is so powerless. He has no one to run to for help. In my mind, the whole saga is a chess game. The black queen is in a position to attack and capture a white rook but it just can’t do it because the rook is lying within the L-shape of a white knight which happens to be covering its comrade. If, by whatever reason, the black queen decides to capture the rook, the knight would react by attacking and capturing the queen. It’s a deadlock. I can’t say who the chess pieces symbolize. It is up to you to put it together.
In international law, one must have tangible evidence to accuse a corrupt individual government official. Failure to do that may cost you a jail term. This makes it impossible to fight corruption all over the world, particularly in South Sudan. But in real sense, corruption is seen through many things in so many ways. Check this out: A senior polygamous government employee X got appointed in 2005. He has so many kids such that he never remembers their names each time he visits them: "Hey you. Come here my daughter. Remind me of your name. Who is your mother? I promised I will never forget your name again." he once fumbled. He gets Y salary per month. He owns houses in Nairobi and Kampala. He also possesses a fleet of posh rides; even his house attendants commonly called "aunties" ride his old V-8s. He is handling school fees for both his Arsenal of children and a Man U of nieces and nephews and in-laws. High-class living is what they have indulged in. Children do eat out. Pizza inn is their dining table. He has bought a number of plots in Juba. Now do the Maths. An X salary times seventy-seven months is equal to……? Now, add up his overall spending and subtract it from the 77-month salary. I bet you would arrive at negative something if you’re a good mathematician.
ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION: Since its inception in 2006, the commission has never prosecuted any single official for involvement in corrupt deals. In fact, it has never publicly named one even though it was investigating about sixty cases of corruption. The commission, normally animalized as a dog, does not bark; leave alone the fact that it is toothless. Why is it that weak and useless? Someone would say it is simply because one cannot investigate a fellow thief. It is like, after carrying out a bank robbery with your pal, you knock at his door the following day and question why he robbed the bank. It’s just weird and silly. It never happens! As you read this sentence, South Sudan Law Society is staying in the ass of one of the anti-corruption senior officials for embezzling millions. How do you expect such a person to face another embezzler?
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: Shortly before or after declaration of independence, some great news echoed that Obama administration handed to Kiir, a list containing names of 13 top government officials believed to be behind the reason why South Sudan refused to develop since they stole and stashed billion dollars in foreign banks. Rumors said Obama wanted the 13 out of the first country’s cabinet.
The MPs, our MPs first boldly, rationally and constitutionally demanded that Kiir reveal the 13 economic vampires before they approve the cabinet. But surprisingly, the boldness, rationale and constitutional obligations melted away, giving the cabinet a green light. Reports say the SPLM members; the huge majority in the parliament neutralized the efforts to have Kiir publicize the names. For Christ’s sake, why did they throw in the towel yet it was and still is a national grave matter? Every citizen wanted to know who the 13 are. This leaves a simple normal-minded citizen like me to contemplate, freestyle in thinking. Here I go: Note the word "top" that appears a number of times in the following sentences. The government is led by top SPLM members. Majority of top ministers in the government are SPLM members and the top party in the parliament is SPLM that raise top votes. More importantly, amongst the Obama list are top government officials. I think an element of "top" influenced the move by the parliament to not bug Kiir with the Obama list. I love my MP!
Lastly, a common man may not know the ugly games the government plays, the personalized decisions it makes, but he is always at the receiving end. In so many ways, he pays for all the wrongdoings the government commits; selfishness, political unproductiveness.
I know South Sudan has changed a lot compared to the state it was in 2005 but what, in developmental terms, can the government brag about? After seven years, roads, modern roads, are still struggling to "get out" of Juba. Clean drinking water is a problem. Only few selected homes in the city get running water. The whole city depends on Ethiopians for their tank water. It’s comical. The USAID-sponsored water project at Hamza Inn was meant for the citizens. Reversedly, foreigners run it. They sell water to its owners. Hospitals and clinics are useless. Nurses are ever grumbling over arrears. Recently, two children died at Juba’s Sabah hospital simply because no doctor attended to them. Besides, importers bring in drugs that expired ten years ago. The same with many other trade items; how do they get in? Someone told me that a customs officer, to check out goods quality, say milk, removes a packet and drinks it up. If nothing happens to him in ten minutes, he nods his head in acceptance, allowing the importer to enter with the goods. God help us! Don’t you think it’s the reason why a medic at Juba hospital complained the other day? This dude said the number of corpses overwhelms the mortuary. The numbers increase day by day. There are no enough rooms to store them before they are taken for burial. Why are South Sudanese dying like flies? What is killing them? Expired items, I believe.
Good citizens are getting wasted at petrol stations. They painfully spend hours on long queues as they hustle to buy fuel at Somali-owned gas stations. Foreigners have monopolized fuel business. They hoard it and sell it at any time they want, and at any price. If we cannot control what is rightfully ours, aren’t we losers?
Life is pathetic. Pound is depreciating hour after hour. $100 is now equivalent to 500 SP. What the heck? The rate is being controlled by cattle keepers. Isn’t it funny? What’s the central bank doing? Nothing! Living cost is so high. People are suffering. Food prices have tripled within few months of independence. There is no food. The little has been bought up by the haves. People are hungry.
A state does not have to be forty years old in order to be considered a failed state and vice versa; it depends on every step the government makes and its impact on the lives of citizens. Believe it or not, the world knows that South Sudan is a failed state but it just can’t let it out because it would paint a bad image on splitting of countries. It would discourage the international community from supporting a marginalized people who would want to be a separate nation. The foreign institutions can fool people but not everyone. They are business entities, remember. You can’t expect them to admit their failures, publicly. Think! I strongly believe that the percentage of those living below poverty line will shoot up soon. No, it has already shot up.
Written by Agereb Leek Chol, Worcester, MA, USA. paanluelwel2011.wordpress.com
"Let those to whom the heavens grants such opportunities reflect that two courses are open to them: Either so to be behave that in life they rest secure and in death become renowned, or so to behave that in life they are in continual straits, and in death leave behind an imperishable record of their infamy" Nicco Machiavelli.
May 11, 2011 (Borglobe) - First of all, I want to express my deepest joy since the return of most rebel leaders with their forces during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and also after the independence of South Sudan on July 9, 2011. However, this recent defection by Maj. Gen. James Duit Yiech, General John Dueth Yieth, and James Duoth Lam has obliterated some uncertainties caused by the SPLA withdrawal from Panthou (Heglig). There is no doubt that the GoSS was bullied by the UN, African Union (AU), and Obama’s demand for the Sudanese People Liberation Army (SPLA) to withdraw without any conditions given to the Khartoum’s government. The GoSS calls the SPLA withdrawal a ‘diplomatic win’, but the international community whom the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) responded to didn’t stop aerial bombardment after their pullout. What a disgrace!
The decision made by these leaders is something for South Sudanese to scrutinize because their defection send a strong message to Omar Bashir (war criminal) that South Sudanese are tied of his brutal regime. We hope those who are left behind would join their countrymen to stop Bashir from massacring innocent civilians in both countries. Is it patriotic to help someone who called black Africans "insects"? This insult doesn’t apply to Kiir’s administration, but to the entire black race. African "leaders" shouldn’t take Omar Bashir’s discourse lightly especially when he labeled black people as "slaves or "insects". Failure to response to his insults reinforces Bashir’s imbecile rhetoric. How absurd can this be when "black Muslims" are quick to denounce those who question the book of Quran? Seriously, why is it so simple for black Muslims to equate their identity to Islam? It’s ironic that ‘some’ black Muslims automatically think they are "Arabs" once they denounce their African heritage over a Western religion.
Obviously, their return to the SPLA will definitely boost up the SPLA’s position to protect the (RSS) should they choose to be good citizens. The question is should the SPLA be vigilant about the political atmosphere in Juba or in the frontline? Currently, many South Sudanese are left wondering why they defected in the first place or why they waited this long to join the SPLA. Well, the obvious answer is that many people are not happy with Kiir’’s government for different reasons. Beside corruption which the president can’t tackle individually, old grudges between faction leaders are visible everywhere in the government and in the local level. Perhaps we all should forgive ourselves if we want to defeat Khartoum’s aggression. Conspiring with the Khartoum’s leadership to topple a "corrupt" government in Juba gives him the credibility to call black race "slaves" or "insects". What a leader! We shouldn’t let Bashir question our pride by joining him while he’s killing our kin in Darfur, Kordofan, and in the Nuba mountains. The question is why are black Muslims in these regions oblivious about this situation? Could Bashir be the next Prophet? Apparently, he has million disciples in the NCP and in the SAF.
Whether "corruption" or "domination" of the GoSS by the SPLA veterans is the reason for rebellion, I would argue there are peaceful avenues to rid of them if that’s the goal. Let’s not forget that Bashir came to power by coup, and he’s not a role model for anyone to imitate. The only thing different is that they have better roads, health care, Agricultural production, and functional schools. Secondly, they don’t have foreigners doing their secretarial jobs, which they can employ their youths from local institutions. What is job creation if these jobs are given foreigners? Perhaps the issue is not foreigners taking jobs, but we South Sudanese don’t want to work under someone. In capitalism, working for someone doesn’t mean one is a "maid" as long one is being paid fairly. In this case, bringing change in South Sudan will not happen through violence, but through community empowerment. This means we need to teach our citizens their rights so they can hold their constituents accountable.
If I can be a "devil advocate" for a movement, these recent defections poises one question. First, did these generals defect to the SPLA to defend South Sudan from Bashir’s government, or do they have an agenda to liberate "South Sudanese" from the SPLM leadership? Defecting from the SPLA to the Khartoum’s government isn’t a new phenomenon in the history of South Sudan. Some individuals have fully settled their political grudges with their fellow comrades, and are now working day and night trying to help vulnerable people of South Sudan. However, the GoSS needs to be carefully for those who defect and return under the so-called "amnesty". Perhaps Mr. Kiir should set a dateline to deter further defection. I wonder if the members of the parliament are part of the decision making.
Obviously, there are no immediate answers to these questions, but we can only hope that everyone who is frustrated with Kiir’s government will support him at this critical time. During the "Cold War" between the West and the Communist countries, American allies abandoned their hatred among themselves in order to defeat their common enemy. I would think those rebels in the bush will do the same. However, my fear is that the GoSS will lose sight of these individuals who "fly in and fly out regularly" because they "defected" to the SPLA. The question is do they pose any security threat in the leadership of the GoSS and the SPLA? What about those who defected to the SPLA with high ranking positions earned in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), are they going keep their ranks (Maj. General)? Failure for the GoSS to follow the system will give those individuals with lower ranks in the SPLA an idea to defect with hopes of becoming a "Maj. General". For God sake, why reward these traitors? David Yau Yau who recently defected to the SAF as a Maj General was begging for rations in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya years ago. What did he do exactly to earn his rank? Let’s stop nepotism! Currently, we have veterans who are founding members of the SPLM/A since 1983 who haven’t been promoted to that rank yet. What’s wrong with this SPLA? Perhaps I shouldn’t mention retirees, and their inconsistent salaries. God have mercy on our veterans, widows, and orphans. Maybe their children are those street kids in Juba who beg just to get by. We urge David Yau Yau to return the SPLM despite his betrayal. I suggest everyone to use this opportunity before the ‘dateline’. Is there such thing?
Overall, I urge the GoSS and the SPLA to be more vigilant everywhere in South Sudan because there are too many opportunists who will resort for short term solutions in order to get in power. I personally congratulate our Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar for going on South Sudan TV (SSTV) to dismiss recent fabrications about a potential "coup" while the President was on a diplomatic travel to China. David de Chand, why betray us? To those brothers who want to get in power by creating havoc in the South, please join the SPLA and change the SPLM from within. Also, I urge the SPLM to allow multiparty system so we can coexist. Voting and holding your representatives accountable is the only option if we envision South Sudan a place for our grandchildren. President Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar don’t pledge legion to their tribes, but they pledge that to the people of South Sudan. We may have different views about who "dominates" the government, but if we all get involved instead of making South Sudan a volatile country, we can change whatever we think is happening in Juba.
What change can one bring if we displaced civilians who contribute to South Sudan’s economy? What change can one bring if we point fingers that the Dinka tribe failed the country? We all have a role to play, and if one failed to excise his/her rights to hold her governor or commissioner accountable, then "we" the people failed the country, not the Dinka tribe. Perhaps we should think about ‘tribal constitution’ to avoid this mentality. How many more years can we call on the UN to rescue us from starvation? How long can we continue to ask the international to send in troops to rescue innocent civilians from Bashir’s brutal regime? How many more years can foreigners run our country? How many more years are we going to transport food from neighboring countries? Aren’t we capable to farm or are we just lazy? How long can we depend on oil’s money? How long can we complain about corruption instead of getting involved? How many more pounds can we allow our representatives to stash in foreign accounts? Why are we investing our hard earn money in neighboring countries? How do South Sudanese define development? In my opinion, South Sudan is going to be a "failed state" if we don’t join the GoSS and hold them accountable. Think about these questions when you point fingers, and at the same time conspiring with the enemy.
Nevertheless, if Dr. Garang de Mabior and Dr. Riek Machar with their comrades reconcile to bring about the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, I don’t see any reason why everyone can’t join the SPLM or the SPM-DC. Lastly, I urge all members of SSDF, SSLA, and NDF to join us and form their parties so our uncles and grandparents in Juba can retire. They deserve a vacation because they been in a frontline for decades. To the SPLM, "corruption" and "nepotism" will never stop if we don’t have a multiparty system to compete against. Let’s compromise and debate these pressing issues in South Sudan TV (SSTV) so we the civil society can judge who can better lead the country. Think about your children’s future because your baggage is going to ruin their future in a modern South Sudan. God bless our mothers who are tired of giving birth to child soldiers. To our men and women in the frontline, please sing those revolutionary songs in the 80s and the victory is certain in Abyei and in Panthou. South Sudan oyeee!!
Agereb Leek Chol is a concerned citizen who lives in Worcester, MA, USA. He can be reach at
madingbor1983@gmail.com
KUCH, WILLIAM MAKUACH (Borglobe)
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, present and future leaders of our new country, let us work together to build the strong nation. It does not matter whether you like the present leader or not, still togetherness is the strongest and solid tool we all need to have even if you are looking for superior change. However, we could not be satisfied most of the time because of scarcity - things we have in deficiency, but always one should take a look of what is in the hand and if that’s all you have got, then be contented with it.
Well, the history is that, I was really disillusioned with one of our brothers in face book about his re-marks on our South Sudanese ladies who were sending a message to Bashir that they were not insects and also that it was not probable for him to capture South Sudan to the last city in the southern part because we could defense our land. Also, our brother by the name Gatluke Reat went on saying that south Sudanese have little mind that the ladies words were embarrassing the South Sudanese in general and added that we should blame our stupid Bosses in Juba.
Anyway, to me there was nothing humiliating about their words for there were pointing out to Bashir that south Sudanese are people just like him and he should have not insulted the South Sudanese that way. Additionally, she said; South Sudanese would be ready to defense their country regardless of gender. So, I have appreciated that one of the ladies who stood up for the name of southern Sudanese and we should do the same as well. By the way, here is my exceptional message to brothers or sisters who are always indifference with us, when it comes to matters between South Sudan and Sudan we have all choices of being South Sudanese or Sudanese instead of lying to oneself and all of us depend on ourselves.
Furthermore, remember this, it doesn’t matter whether you were born in Ethiopia or elsewhere, we are not Southerners by birth-places, but our cultures and dialects make us Southern Sudanese. So bear that in mind brothers or sisters! Bashir is not running South Sudan anymore and it will not happen again! I don’t see a better thing in which Bashir of the Northern Sudan outweighs Kiir of our South Sudan. Today, Bashir claims to be powerful man, when we are actually having a country comparing it to the last time he was fighting Dr. John Garang, while rebel man distinctive hero Garang persevered. So, please, don’t sustain anyone who calls you a slave in your land! Bashir is an Arab Sudanese and not a native.
Dear Mr. President,
Allow me to write in response to the on-going political as well as military surge between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. Much has been written and said about this which is why I shall not assume the possibility of drawing your attention in respect to what I am about to say in my writing. As a citizen of this nation, my responsibility under the constitution is simply to express an opinion which per se may not influence your Excellency to duly rely on especially when it comes to taking tough military decisions. But it is my justified view that our nation needs collective responsibility in safeguarding and protecting its sovereignty by all means including and not limited to advising your Excellency as a citizen filled with sense of patriotism!
A lot has happened since the capture of Panthou and I shall not dwell much on what we have handled with sensibility. Let me applaud your wise leadership for setting standards which the regimes in Khartoum have, over the decades, failed to set. Respecting international norms and customs with respect to humanitarian law is such a good thing that we shall always be proud of and manifests itself in the way we have so far handled the boiling military build-up of the ruling authoritarian regime in Khartoum. As I shall precisely point out, the world has moved away from the era of war which Sudan, and especially the National Congress Party (NCP), is so much interested in. During moments such as this, we cannot ignore the benefits of differing views on the way forward, and I believe your Excellency must have been confronted with much more than I should say; yet there is always an end to difficulty.
It is true that many citizens are unhappy with your decision of withdrawing SPLA troops from Panthou. This must have been a painful decision to take but I am not unaware of the motivating circumstances leading to the taking of the said decision. On one hand, we have an obligation to ensure the maintenance of international peace and security under Chapter VII of the UN Charter; and on the other hand we have a responsibility to protect or defend not only the citizens but also the sovereignty of our state in accordance with the provision of Article 2 read together with article 53 clauses 1 and 2 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011. Choosing between these two important alternatives must have been too painful but your Excellency acted in a truly justiciable manner. As a matter of sincerity, I was taken aback and disappointed with your Excellency’s position when I first heard and read the council of Ministers’ resolution ordering the withdrawal of our troops from Panthou. However, my disappointment dissipated with reading and understanding our obligation under international law plus the manner in which we took Panthou from the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). Although I was not supportive of your Excellency’s position along with the Council of Ministers’, I regretted my thoughts and so I understood your Excellency acted in a reasonable manner considering our pledge to respect and abide by human rights principles and the principles of international law as contained in the UN covenants. My regret is not in vain because it has been said, which I believe is true, that our gallant SPLA forces took Panthou as a result of recurrent attacks from SAF. Our taking it from them was not bad though, but taking it on the basis that it is part of South Sudan would:
Call into question our pledge to respect international norms and customs which bind nations together.
Have been a dangerous decision in terms of Khartoum reacting with swift force of a full scale war which, I think, we were not fully prepared to contain as a nation. Make us loose our friends and, in my opinion, there would be possibility of sanctions being imposed on our state which, I think, we cannot withstand given our shaky economy because of oil shutdown!
As it is commonly known that Panthou is ours by history, there is no fear it will never be should we claim it before international tribunals such as the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague. I must say Moburuk Wa Moburukat Mr. President for the wise decision so taken! Whereas it is my desire not to pin your Excellency down reading this lengthy letter, it is also crucial to understand the position of a concerned patriot who has sacrificed his valuable time writing to seek understanding from your Excellency. Mr. President, I shall implore you to take me as a patriot desiring to put an end to the war-mongering propaganda of Sudan and although my writing is not a binding thesis, since our learned patriots, having the foresight into world politics, have the constitutional mandate to advise your Excellency, I will add a non-binding piece of my mind.
In any given circumstances, the political idiocy of Khartoum cannot per se be taken for granted. Already Khartoum has declared war on our nation and to act in ignorance will be too dangerous especially to the legitimacy of your wise leadership. In moments like this all we need are allies having the goodwill and political interest in our affairs. I am not saying this as an answer to Khartoum military tone but I am saying it on the basis of defense with restrain should SAF step into our territory. Before I sat down to write this letter, I had discussed a brief question with my learned colleague students who have the goodwill for this nation, and so I may be writing reflecting their shared views. The question I had asked them is: “which nation is most likely willing to help us with military aid during moments such as this?” Although there were no conclusive answers for this question, I gained courage and motivation to write this letter which I believe your Excellency will find relevant to read since it is from an ordinary citizen seeking the common good of our state.
Up to this moment of my letter Mr. President, I implore your patience to stay with me even though I seem not to point out what my letter intends to address. The point is we have a number of friendly states to look up to in terms of soliciting military aid especially when it comes to defense of our sovereignty from Khartoum’s aggression. I am obliged to think that your Excellency knows that most superpowers won’t be of help at this crucial moment when we need their help in terms of military aids as well as finances. This is based on political justifications which this letter cannot dwell on.
As far as the current political situation is concerned, Mr. President, I do not wish to puzzle your good office with, perhaps, insufficient political thoughts since I am not a politician. I have an idea which came out of a brainstorming discussion I had with my learned colleague students. My observation is based on the need to seek MILITARY AID FROM ISRAEL which I believe will be far more ready to LISTEN AND HELP US. The meeting point between our State [South Sudan] and Israel is: Israel is an enemy state number two (2) of the Republic of Sudan. Your Excellency knows that we are enemy state number (1) of the said Republic as passed by their national legislature following our occupation of Panthou.
Mr. President, we all need to recollect our memories regarding our friends that have been with us since the bush era and going through the list, I find it necessary-in my opinion, that we cannot afford to ignore mentioning the support Israel extended to us. All we need is to appreciate their support and ask for more especially in moments such as this. As a general rule, we turn to our friends in moments of need and of excess just like a Christian does to God. This is no time to panic but it is time to think of what is best for this nation. I am undoubtful that our efforts will be in vain should we seek military aid from ISRAEL. ISRAEL has been our great friend and will continue to be! So why not exploit this opportunity while they may be willing to help us? Yes, WE can Mr. President because this is a better thing to do as we await the outcome and implementation of UN Security Council (UNSC) deliberation on adopting the African Union (AU) roadmap adopted [this week] by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) aimed at resolving disputes between our Republic [South Sudan] and the Republic of Sudan.
May I remind your Excellency that, in a closed door meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we need to apologise in respect to the statement your Excellency made during UN General Assembly meeting commending the giving of Palestinians their statehood. Mr. President, we all know that Israel does not and will never acknowledge or approve the statehood of Palestine because of their political as well as religious differences for decades. Approving that it is necessary to give Palestinians their state must have been a great disappointment to Israel and US alike. In this sense, our Apology will be a good move to further cement our relations and intended to solicit military aid in good faith.
Mr. President, I wish not to remind you that the superpowers are hiding their faces and expect us to seek military aid from a nation having goodwill and interest in our state of affairs. On the contrary, I have observed beyond doubt that there is something lacking within our armed forces which we cannot ask from anywhere but from ourselves. In my opinion, it is the moral our gallant armed forces had during the liberation struggle. The question is where is that moral with which, say two hundred (200), SPLA soldiers could defeat Sudan Armed forces (SAF) numbering, perhaps, a thousand (1000)?
Mr. President, this is an open question which I do not intend you to answer because the answer does not lie with you but with the army generals! The point is, during times such as this, we need to give our army at the battle-field some reasonable bonuses which, I believe, will arouse some lost moral. An increased salary during times of war, I think, is a good motivation for a soldier at the battle-field. Our army need this simple thing, Mr. President. We as a nation need to hold together facing challenges from authoritarian government of the Sudan. We can defeat them especially if we accept our weaknesses and improve on them alongside building on areas of our competences! We need to be supportive at all times: in moments of success and of defeat. And believing that ISRAEL shall give us military aid, may I ask your Excellency to direct the Chief of General Staff to ensure that Generals commanding war troops be together with them at the battle-field just as we commonly know it is an incentive for winning against an enemy and creates an element of moral necessary to cause success!
May it impress your Excellency what I shall say in curing the political disease in Khartoum. For sure, we are at times of political stress and so the mind thinks that way. I hold the view that if we need a comprehensive cure for that disease, then we must think of a regime change in Khartoum which I think we can manage given our ties with the SPLM-N and to solicit support form opposition parties may not be too difficult. Mr. President, May I remind you that the NCP is a cause of our souring relations with the Sudan. Yes I must say it is because the President of the Republic of Sudan, the Governor of Southern Kordofan and the Minister of Defense are all ICC indictees for crimes committed in relation to Darfur rebellion! Do we expect any good from this leadership having on it individuals who have records of criminal responsibility and who call us “mercenaries and Insects”? Of course not, Mr. President but I recommend your Excellency takes this as a long term comprehensive political solution. It is long term in the sense that we need to barter this idea with individual members of SPLM-N as well as unmentioned allies in the Republic of Sudan and get them on our side. We can better manage it with support from our allies but this is no time to think that way because there is a declared war on our state. So your Excellency may invest in this idea as a longer answer to the recurring political nuisance of the authoritarian regime in Khartoum!
I must apologise to your good office, Mr. President, in case I have erred in writing this letter but I am acting in my capacity as a patriotic citizen having the goodwill for our nation. May this letter give your Excellency the courage to face the current political surge with determination, confidence and motivation to invest in the democracy of our nation and to know that there are patriots who always think of this nation day and night.
Mr. President, allow me to say a big thank you for having read my letter as I have confidence in your administration as President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces. May God enrich your leadership with ideas necessary for the growth and flourishing of democracy and rule of law in our nation! God Bless South Sudan! Kindly yours in patriotism,
Magok Alier Akuot The writer is a student of Law at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, Jonglei State-Bor He can be reached at Email: unclelouish@gmail.com
I am aware that my reflection on this delicate political situation may not be share by others which is fine with me. However, we are each entitled to our informed opinions. At least I am not blindly following the Hawkish military hardliners in Juba which is why I called all enlightened South Sudanese to stand up and start questioning the incoherent Juba regime. There is nothing wrong with skepticism. By being skeptic, it does not make us unpatriotic. Instead, it helps us unearth facts and educate our people on what the facts are and how we can reshape our future as a people coming out of a long war.
To all educated South Sudanese living inside South Sudan, wake up and start paying attention to your government.This is your country that your loved ones died for and you too sufferred and it does not do you any services to sit at the sideline only to see your country being wrecked by small group of people who have made it their property to own and misused. You elected them and they should only lead in a way that aligns with your views.
I am also encouraging South Sudanese in diaspora to take the higher road. Wake up and speak the truth and/or pointing out the truth to our citizens who are being led blindly. If current government in Juba is misleading our people, we need to point it out to our masses. Let Juba know we are not in support of what will take our people back to unnecessary war with the North because one or two men want so. If war was the ultimate solution to Sudan’s problem, then, 22 years of war we fought should have achieved that. But, from person experience with the last war, It appeared neither SPLM/A neither National Islamic Front (NIF) was going to win militarily. Let not forget an ugly face of the last war. Give peace a chance here and tell Juba to slow down its war machines and start working diligently to resolve the pending issues through CPA framework. Let me take this opportunity to mention that I wish the issues of Abyei, Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan were addressed by the both CPA parties before South Sudan became an independent country. Unfortunately, that was not the case. At this point, the choices for South Sudanese have to be made much clearer in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past which it’s why I argue that Juba needs to formulate a new vision for the Republic of South which must align with the aspiration of 99.0% of the people of South Sudan who voted for an independence of South Sudan. Phillip Manyok holds BS in Political Science, BS in Metaphysical Humanist Science, MA International Relations and is a 4th year PhD student at Nova Southeastern University studying Conflict Analysis. He can be reached at pm3.kanago@yahoo.com
By Apioth Mayom Apioth (Borglobe) What is in the name? In the history of humanity, many people have always pondered and paused for a moment to ask themselves that question. Apparently, there are some of us who think Twic East and Dukens are using the name of Bor to get political recognition. It has been known across the many communities of Dinka and even to Equatorians that Bor South, Twic East, and the two Duks, are all called Bor. Even though, we have been called Bor by the majority of people in South Sudan, people from Twic East & the two Duks have always some few distinct differences that set them apart from their Bor South counterparts. Once the South Sudanese went to the bush to fight the war of liberation, those distinct differences became deeply ingrained in the minds of Twic East, Dukens, and Bor South communities, a politicized discourse that is continuing up to this day.
Those few insignificant differences were exploited and carefully carved out from their small role and brought up to become the contemporary voracious machine that is continuing to break apart the wholeness of both communities. How come that our ancestors didn't fight over the name of Bor? Well, there was something called turuk or economic empowerment that many people aspired to achieve. Now, many people in both communities are highly educated and while some hold PhDs and Master's degrees from Ivy League universities, they are still lacking the wisdom that is highly craved by the conflicted communities. It is true that education can volley someone to new unprecedented heights of prestige in the societal standing, but that is about it.
Using books only without proper societal conditioning can lead you nowhere and that is because there are some educational theories and acquired knowledge that can become obsolete or are non-practical in our materialistic world. As knowledge become easily accessible to mass of people around the world, it has become apparent to some degree that something that is considered unique as the name of Bor can be used as for a profit organization by the people such as Gok and Athoc who consider themselves as the flag bearers of Bor.
When NGOs, IMF, WTO, and many other well-recognized bodies of international organizations come to Jonglei state and ask to invest in the Agricultural markets, provide humanitarian assistance or educational assistance, the name Bor can easily pop up and from there, resources can start pouring to the Gok and Athoc sections of Bor from all the corners of the world. And so, that is why, the name Bor has become like a mad bull that is stirring up problems wherever it turns its horns to. Members of both communities seemed to have shared a great history of economic development equally until recently when the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) allocated 12 national ambassadorial positions to be divided among the three counties of Bor South, Twic East and Duk. Instead of giving equal share of positions to their respective counties, members of Bor South in Bortown took the lion's share of positions by giving themselves eight positions, leaving 4 positions to be shared between the Twic East and Duk counties.
Both Twic East and Dukens should have been given 6 ambassadorial positions to begin with, if we are to be honest with each other on business terms. Since the Twic East and Dukens positions went into the gluttonous stomaches of our cousins in Bortown, we will just leave it as that and try to see how we can approach this terrible treatment we have just experienced in our beloved communities. The discourse that is visible between the Twic East and Bor South is recognizable even here in the U.S. and across the seas in Australia. Whenever members of both communities attend fundraising events, community gatherings or Sunday worships, some of us secretly refuse to acknowledge to be included under the unison umbrella of Bor. Yes, some members from Twic East refuse to be called Bor and some members from many Bor South refuse to acknowledge their brethren from Twic East as members of Bor. So, the name of Bor continues to baffle us in that, it can easily be manipulated and used as an organizational weapon by those who claim as the real owners of the name.
The name Twic East didn't just sprung up from nowhere, it was always there, it was just that some individuals failed to see it. Not too long ago, if someone from Bor South wanted visit his or her relative in Twic East, he or she would say, " I am going to visit my relative in Tuic." See? Ta-da! It is not a recent phenomena that was created out of thin air. If Twic East and the two Duks communities continue to refuse the name of Bor and Bor South members continue to be exclusive, why are we then wasting our precious times beating around the bush and not create two different communities with two different names?
By Tears Ayuen (Borglobe) At law, an accomplice is a person who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even though he or she takes no part in the actual
criminal offense. This then automatically handcuffs oil companies that got involved in South Sudan’s oil since the American Chevron discovered it around 1979. Though a number of European countries were involved, I am, in this article, going to deal with China and Malaysia whose companies confederated with successive Khartoum governments and deliberately inflicted untold sufferings on the owners of the oil in their quest to quench economic thirsts. saying nothing sometimes says the most" be true?
After the Americans announced the discovery of oil in an area that geographically lies inside the region of Southern Sudan, the then president, Nimeiri created "Unity" State around Bentiu town. As the name suggests, his intention was to declare oil fields as assets of both the South and the North. In real sense, he changed the oil areas in the south into northern properties by changing the boundaries within the country. Heglig is not any exception. See? That was an organized stealing. The SPLA saw it, forcing them to act quickly. They attacked the oil installations and "captured" three Americans on the island base at Rub Kona, who they later killed. I quoted the word "captured" in an attempt to erase the politicized idea that got drummed into the ears of the international community by the media; an idea that criminalizes the SPLA as it paints a picture the three American oil workers were kidnapped. Kidnapped my foot! They were accomplices caught in the act. If the SPLA kidnapped them, why didn’t they demand for ransom? Logically, they were killed for colluding with Nimeiri to suck our oil dry. Weren’t the SPLA’s actions justified? Chevron consequently pulled out of the deal forever, a move that indicates they accept and believe they were mistaken. They later apologized by injecting aid efforts in South Sudan including, the Lost Boys/Girls Project and the CPA which they actively brokered.
Withdrawal of Chevron paved way for the world’s oil-hungriest nation called China. With its mouth wide open and salivating, China National Petroleum Company seized the opportunity. It ganged up with Swedish, Austrian and Malaysian oil companies under the name of Lundin Consortium. SPLA/M was visionary, selfless and clever by then. They made it almost impossible for oil production to take place. Many individual soldiers found it worth dying for, thus, they got killed in crossfire around the oil wells.
As a result of the agreements entered by Lundin Consortium and Khartoum government, the lives of the inhabitants of the oil areas changed for worst. According to the Unpaid Debt report researched by European Commission on Oil, in order for oil workers to operate in a secure and safe environment and to maximize oil production, displacement program of the Nuer and Dinka people was hatched. The Sudan Armed Forces used heavy bombing, including a total of sixteen new attack helicopters. Many innocent people were forced to flee their homes. Small children died of cold on the way, and had to be left on the road. Survivors got ill from sickness such as relapsing fever, malaria, and skin diseases. Some got eaten alive by the mosquitoes, leaving rashes, scabies.
For fear of military gunships that hunted them during the day, some civilians decisively spent daytime in the woods and sneaked home during the night. But when the government learnt of the little resistance, the companies constructed a road, south of Bentiu that eased ground attacks by heavy military convoys. The military successfully burnt down homes, raped and killed the Nuer people of Bul, Leek, Jagei, Western Jikany and Dok. The Lundin-built Bridge at Bentiu also made it possible, for the first time, for the government-armed Baggara horse-backed raiders to attack and kill people in the area of Block 5A. Civilians ran for shelter further south and west, into a marshy area crossed by streams where the horses could not reach. Here, some were forced to feed on corpses of their loved ones.
Khartoum and Lundin Consortium also forged divide-and-rule technique, creating south-south aggressions. Several mutinous groups mushroomed as they received enticements in form of weapons, food and maybe cash. Paulino Matip forces frequently clashed with those of Riek Machar over control of the oil wells.
Based on the evidence and reports of the many leading human rights organizations and other public reports, the damage caused by the 1997–2003 oil war in the oil concession to be: 12,000 people killed or died from hunger, exhaustion and conflict-related diseases and 160,000 people forcibly displaced; often multiple times. Half a million cattle was also lost. The vegetation was also scotched with intent to deprive animals of pastures. See?
The International Commission of Jurists states that companies may be complicit in international crimes when they contribute to the perpetration of the crimes; when they know or should know that their conduct would be likely to do so; and when they have close relations with the principal perpetrator of the abuses or with the victims. Human rights bodies believe that Lundin Consortium, as a matter of international law may have been complicit in the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, calls by the rights activists and some sympathetic governments to investigate and hold the companies accountable have been fruitless maybe because the government of South Sudan itself does not care about its citizens that were subjected to inhumane circumstances by the same people it is doing business with today.
ECOS argues that the consortium should create enabling conditions for reconciliation with victims of the oil war, starting with the allocation of their fair share of compensation for the victims, which ECOS estimates at US $300 million. The move is one of the several recommendations meant to promote peace and achieve justice for the victims. Yet South Sudan keeps quiet. Are we too into ourselves to represent our own brothers and sisters?
Lundin Consortium shamelessly denies the act and claims it "contributed to peace and stability in the region and was actively engaged with stakeholders" while their governments brush off the issue.
In my view, given the magnitude of the atrocities committed and the way they were perpetrated, I find it nonsensical, insulting, derisive and thoughtless for South Sudan to do business with the murderers of our relatives. Or have we ceased to care for our own?
Who doesn’t know that China is both a political and economic slut? With its promiscuous behaviors, and after a decade of being in Bashir’s bed whereby she was the main puppeteer who engineered almost all the evil deeds Khartoum did to us, she jumped into Kiir’s, forgetting her underwear behind. The evident is what happened the other day. Juba had to give PetroDar president 72 hours to leave the country, for not cooperating with South Sudan and continuing to receive instructions from the government in Khartoum. When will the government learn to say no? There are a thousand companies from friendly nations that would love to trade with us. Why then do we flirt with those who did us incalculable damage? PetroDar represents the interests of its governments. They don’t give a damn about us, infrastructure. It’s ever strictly business. No development no nothing. Have a look at their structures in Juba. Do you see any permanent ones? And by the way, who knows they might have some hidden agendas. Remember she is a slut, an international one.
Why can’t the government add voice to the international community’s at least to pressure Swedish, Austrian, Malaysian and Chinese governments to interrogate their oil companies that were involved in gross human rights violations? Remember we all believe in life after death. The babies that were held by the leg and crashed against the wall or tree trunk by merciless SAF soldiers are now watching us. The cattle keepers who watched their thousands herd of cattle driven away by the Baggara tribesmen and later died of starvation are now watching us. We are now so sovereign. We can do anything. Isn’t this the right time for us to discipline those who bullied us? Isn’t this the payback time? For how long will others fight for us? When are we going to say something about our losses? Or could the saying: "
I believe everyone knows China and Malaysia need our oil so bad. Why can’t we hold them by the balls? Just terminate all the oil contracts and many other MoUs signed with them. Suspend everything that involves them in the country. And ensure that they account for the evil acts they performed before resuming work.
By Kur Deng (Borglobe) Recently unknown small country which proclaimed its independence just last year has been put on spotlight for its actions to defense its population against Omar al Bahier, the Sudanese president who killed millions of his own people. In late twist in the United Nations, world power threatened to impose sanctions on new nation of South Sudan for acting in self-defense against Bashier’s barbaric genocide act. It worth mentioning that Sudan and South Sudan have been locked in civil war for 21 years from 1983-2005. The war came to an end in peace accord that granted South Sudanese people right to self-determination under comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). In January (2011) the people of Southern Sudan unanimously voted to separate from Sudan and proclaimed independence in colorful celebration in July 9,2011 that was attended by secretary general of the United Nations and head of states of African nations, including Bashier.
Under compressive Peace Agreement borders where supposed to be demarcated within six months in accordance with that agreement. This did not happen as Sudanese government drags its feet in everything that was agree upon. Sudanese government in Khartoum adapted delay tactics throughout interim period where impending issues where supposed to be addressed, such as border demarcations, citizenship, transit fees for Southerners oil to past through Sudanese soil to world market. The government of president Bashier knew this was going to happen and the international communities which are condemning South Sudanese government today have been educated about situations in many occasions, but refused to acknowledge the reality on the ground. In May 2011 prior to declaration of independence of Southern Sudan, president Bashier sent troops into Abeyi, a Dinka region within Southern Sudan. In light of international community, the United Nations, European Union and do-nothing African Union did not respond critically as they did to South Sudan which was acting in self-dependence, when its troops overran Sudan’s armed forces in panthou. In many occasions Southern Sudan have been attacked by air and on the ground by Sudanese armed forces and the United Nations never condemned Sudan’s actions against South Sudan.
When South Sudan Armed Forces took control of Panthou in April 10, 2012 European Union foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton said "The move by the South Sudanese armed forces to occupy Heglig is completely unacceptable"
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/sudan-ssudan-unrest.g0r. One wonder to whether or not the chief have adequate information about Sudan and Southern Sudan complex politics. She should have studied perhaps equip herself with enough information about these two countries before she jumps into conclusion. Her words even increased Bashier’s motivation for jihad and banditry to steal and kill Southern Sudanese people. Due to respect Chief Ashton should have been told that Southern Sudanese government’s actions of self-defense are completely acceptable not the other way around. One wonders where she was when Sudan’s armed forces invaded Abeyi in 2011. Where was she, when Sudan air force bombed our people in unity state? Where was she, when Sudanese armed forces penetrates deep into South Sudan’s territory and attack our forces in panakauch this year? Where was she, when women and children were being killed by Sudanese armed forces in border areas? Of course one can ask million questions, but will never get adequate answers from so-called international community. Due to ignore, perception, and unfaithful claim of knowing things they do not know. Ms Ashton was not alone, the United States, through its state department spokesperson said Southern Sudanese takeover of panthou was ‘beyond self-defense’. This is hypocritical, the United States fought Saddam’s regime in self-defense, miles away from its borders. Let alone Bashier’s regime which have been attacking our people in daily basis. The United States respond in this critical juncture was disappointing to Southern Sudanese people who have been subjected to genocide by Bashier’s regime for decades.
One does not want to talk about the United Nations secretary general Mr. Ban, not because he is right in taking side with Khartoum, but he is completely unaware about what he is talking about. He should takes just little time to study basic geography and history of Sudan before his perception comments, just little time for basic understanding of Sudan history Mr. Ban. Although, the world has shown DISGRACE to the people of Southern Sudan, we remain committed in respecting human rights and co-existing. This is why the South Sudanese president today (20, 2012) orders the army out of panthou, a painful decision, but worth it. Not because the gallant forces of Southern Sudan or the president is afraid of war, but the lives of citizens in both countries need to be protected. This gesture was quickly translated into a defeat by professional liars in Khartoum, announcing that they have defeated South Sudan army. What those liars need to know is that they cannot defeat South Sudan army in any battle, how many times they have been defeated in panthou. Defeating people’s army is not an easy as shouting ‘God’s willing’ it is a deferent business. In addition, what world needs to know is that, when condemning victim for acting in self-defense, you are condoning and legitimatize criminal to commit more crimes against the victim. One thing that those condemning Southern Sudan’s government actions in panthou need to know is that we don’t give up and we cannot be defeated. Although, the army have been withdrew today they remain brave to defeat an attempt from wanted man’s forces and paanthou will always remains to be South Sudan territory.
Kur Deng is a concerned South Sudanese citizen. Contact: kurdengmajok@gmail.com
By Gabriel M. Tor (Borglobe) “South Sudan's spokesman said, his troops would only leave if defeated” (BBC - April 13th, 2012). Like South Sudanese civil populations, friends and patriotic arm forces of the Country, South Sudan. I stand with the president of the Republic of South Sudan. I salute and appreciated South Sudan arm forces for their courage and strength that enable them to stand straight in the face of Khartoum’s inept dream of return to occupy South Sudan to exploit resources after the split of Sudan into two Countries (South and North) almost a year ago. South Sudan’s leadership has always done her best in regard to a peaceful co-existence of the two Sudanese Nations (South and North), but Khartoum always has a trigger set ready to strike the South, or opposition to ashes. Sudan’s government in the North had never stop war rhetoric, raiding, attacking and bombing the South Sudanese territories, since Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Kenya. South Sudan has been hoping North Sudan would understand and stop the war of terrorizing civilians and taking regions inside South which are far away from the contest areas. The evident seen as symbol of Khartoum’s violent attitudes toward South Sudan, is capture of Abyei in May, 2011 – which led to over 100,000 thousands Ngok ( Dinka Sub-tribe) civilians displaced into the South’s neighboring State of Warrap. The villages, shops and homes were burnt to ashes, while properties were looted both by Sudan troops and Arab’s local tribes along them against African local communities of the Dinka Ngok. Mass rapes and killings were done against vulnerable civilians in 2011, the same as seen in 2008 attack of Abyei town by Bashir’s troops who burnt the Abyei town and villages at the time. Hundreds of bombs have been dropped and artilleries fired deep inside South Sudan by Sudan army, just to destabilize South Sudan as well as terrorizing civilians to move away from oil towns neighboring villages, so the North could construct some secret oil pipelines to steal the South’s oil to the North. The world leaders were told and did not do anything to condemn, nor stop the North’s brutality and the media has shown trenches dug by bombs on South Sudan soil in the 3 bordering States of Western Bhar-el Ghazal, Unity and Upper Nile. Juba’s recent response to aerial bombardments and ground attacks on South Sudan’s soil that has left some casualties and villagers driven away from their homes. The reports on hostilities by Sudan government against the South was submitted by South’s government to neighboring Countries and the world’s international community’s over the years, and have either received deaf ears or little attention for the solution to be reached. Now the Heglig’s capture by South Sudan Arm Forces as the result of attackers’ repulsion by SSAF, has drawn some criticism from the world’s powerful nations, asking Juba to order her troops back to the South, whereas the same attackers come as invaders who would remain as settlers of the place the invaded likewise in Abyei and other reputed borders. Millions dead, millions oppressed, and other millions homeless and thousands of Sudanese in jail under Khartoum’s making and these same nations have done nothing to stop these crises happening in South Sudan, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur States. All these atrocities have been called “fictions” time and again by the same government of Sudan, which is causing them. So, do the world leaders believe in lies and condemn the realities with witnesses. UN and AU among others are calling South Sudan to withdraw her troops “immediately and without condition” from Heglig, while Khartoum is bombing Unity State of South Sudan, according to the BBC News and UN’s media. Sudan government have been known for dishonoring peace agreements with oppositions but leave alone that, talks schedules between the South and North Sudan have just been dishonored, or refused to attend by Khartoum negotiators, claiming to consult with their government before sitting down with the South to settle their differences on reputed areas and issues of concern, just to allow themselves send some more troops and fighting aircrafts to burn the South. Sudan’s government in the North is delaying or refusing negotiations between the two nations, just to fight South to show that Khartoum is strong and still can fight to get their ill-lion share wishes. These behaviors from government in the North have been taken serious and unacceptable by government in Juba. The world in relations to North and South Sudan must act with equal voice and justice to both Countries for a better settlement of issues of content. Sudan government fighting aircraft has bombarded South Sudan’s oil fields in Unity State more than several times since January this year alone; with aim of destroying the oil wells there, because of the animosity of Northern government. This act of animosity and terror have always been denied by Khartoum gov’t and when the oil town of Heglig that’s feeding the economy on the other side is captured, leaders in Khartoum think it’s bad and mean war for them. Sudan government has created rebellions against South Sudan government, the train them, provide them and send them very equipped to cause some unrest and destructions and for them cover up for their dirty tactic, while the North accused the South of supporting Sudan rebels, whom Khartoum refused to have peace talk with them, with the goal of not running the popular Consultation for S. Kordofan and Blue Nile States per CPA. It’s easy to accused Kiir’s government because the rebels in the states were once part of SPLA (South Sudan Army), so if they have equipments related to South Sudan military apparatus, then they came with them but not recently provided. Therefore, I stand with president Kiir Mayardit, for South Sudan troops to remain in Heglig, until borders are demarcated, until Northern troops withdraw from Abyei to allow civilian residents return and Referendum conducted; including other territories deep inside South must be vacated by Northern troops. Hoth Mai, "told a group of South Sudanese youth that the SPLA was ready to fight the North Sudanese army, who on Friday announced a counteroffensive in an attempt to retake the area". "Let them come. We will meet where men meets. We will meet in the middle and not inside the children and elderly people. We will face them”, Mai declared amid applause". Head of General Staff.
Opinion
Hey, ladies and gentlemen, I don’t see anything wrong with having Twic East name for Twic County. That is the name they all have agreed upon to be called and that is all right with me since they themselves like it as well. What I can see here as a trouble is that, there has been misunderstanding between those two names of those who renowned themselves as Bor’s people such as Athoch and Ghok East, and the City itself which is well-known as Bor.
Well, that mystification never been in urbanization areas but it came mostly from young age group of those people who used to be living in far-flung areas and rapidly joined the city lives whereby everyone would like to be engaged in politics. Also, as someone claimed, that there are individual who are daunting name Bor on them, but that is not seemed to be the case here rather than perplexity.
Here is why I say so, there are different cities in South Sudan including Bor and those cities are as follows; Abyei, Gogrial, Wau, Aweil, Tonj, Rumbek, Yirol, Juba, Yei, Yumbio, Maridi, Torit, Kapoeta, Buma, Pochalla, Pibor, Akobo, Ayod, Bentiu, Nasir, Malakal, and Bor. Therefore, all inhabitants or residents around whatever city I mentioned above belong to them as their city regardless of sub-clans location. That’s for the rest of tribes other than Dinka tribe.
When it comes to Dinka, then we are being categorized according to what city we are dwellers. For instance, Tonj Dinka, Abyei Dinka, Rumbek Dinka, and then comes Bor Dinka. And in addition, Bor Dinka comprises of Ghok East, Athoch, Twic East, Nyarweng, and Hohl. Hence, I don’t see having name Twic East has something to do with an obstruction of certain developments because when anyone from Duken or Twic East used to live in Khartoum, Juba, Malakal, or Wau, then they never denied that they are not Bor Dinka.
Please, people you do need to grow up or learn before you could jump to an argument. Here is the point I am trying to make, if something is not affecting you negatively then don’t bring it up period. Brothers and sisters, I was visiting Denver, Colorado a year ago and there was something called Bor women association. Also, the same thing in Kansas City, there is Bor community and I believe they were pertaining to the City and not people. Am I Right or wrong?
Home About Us Contact Us Login Register Submit A Link Copyright © 2005 - 2011 The Bor Globe Network. All Rights Reserved.
