Sudanese Acholis show concern over political representation

March 3, 2007 — The Sudanese Acholi Intellectuals would like to comment highly the position of His. Excellency the President of South Sudan Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit. “Knowledge is proud that he has wisdom and won fores and enemies alike, above all he has the interest of his people at heart”. We have supported the SPLM/A when our Late Hero Dr. John Garang was in power and again gave the same leaf of cooperation to His Excellency Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement Lead to one of the communities that fought with great Zeal and zest to spear head the war against a tyranny treatment. The Acholi of Sudan the great and sincere members of the Larger South Sudanese Community, realized that with the signing of the CPA there would be a package to them just like any other community who fought and supported the Movement but to the dismay we were sidelined and put at the edge of blind eye and stubbed at the back by our comrades in the struggle.

Establishment of GOSS was stipulated in the CPA so we were expecting a ministerial or an Undersecretary position at the GOSS level. To our surprise not only the Acholi people but the larger Magwi county. Did we fight this war not to benefit like other communities? Did we not embrace SPLA when it was formed to spear head our course? Why were/are we being sidelined?

The state as well has sidelined the community members and hence filled position from Torit and Kapoeta while forgetting the Magwi people. These are 100% sidelining system which can backfire. The Governor has basically done nothing, yet he has support of the GOSS are we really adhering to the platform under which SPLA was formed Justice, Freedom and Equality for all?

To reiterate that on the recent Diplomatic Position appointments the community was basically awarded none whatsoever. We have none of our sons or daughters working in any of the Embassies, or GOSS Liaison Offices worldwide. We are a force that need not to be forgotten about. We have the intellect capability, and our people in South Sudan and the world at large are not happy on how we are being treated. We would like these to change.

The Acholi areas were a heavily battled area and the local population supported SPLA and Khartoum Government was sent packing to Juba. We supported SPLA with various ways. We sent our boys, men and women. Not only that but also materially and with great morale. The support with the signing of the CPA was put in a cold pot of water without any beneficial position in the government. The Acholi community has never compromised with quality and leadership of greatness to the greater south Sudan. We have leaders who were suppose to be in the level of Ministerial position but these was put a side to an uncomforting atmosphere against the members of the community. Our leaders who contributed Greatly to these course both alive and dead to mention a few Brig. Gen. John Jekeri Okot, the late Jenon George, Hellen Achiro, Pagrasio Ocheng, Hon. Mark Taban, Hon. Brig. Urbano Oyet, Hon. Betty Ogwaro, Hon. Francis Olaka, Jimmy Ongee, Dr. Lensio Onek, Eng. John Lotara and Tobies Lotto to mention but a few. Does this mean the aforementioned are not capable?

“The wise men say a strong partner politically is difficulty got and easily lost.”

The Sudanese Acholi have been indicated by a number of other leaders in south Sudan as Non indigenous Sudanese. In the History of The struggle for the liberation of Sudan we have always been and will continue to be part of the south Sudan. In these respect we won’t take it lightly if any one whoever that person is or whichever position he holds we are now awake as in the 50s’.

The insecurity of our area has always been compromised by the Governments it does not matter who is in power. We The Sudanese Acholi Intellectuals would like to inform all our contacts in and out of south Sudan to spear head and fight for our rights. The Presence of LRA and UPDF is no longer required in our area because it has been a threat to our development and returning of the Refugees back to our Areas. The SPLA have enough power and potential of maintaining security in the whole of Magwi County. UPDF does nothing but indulges in un warranted behaviour towards the few Acholis in the area hence WE give you(UPDF) time to stop atrocities towards our people otherwise we will send you in black paper bags to Kampala. However it has come to our notice that Sudanese Acholis’ have been labeled as LRAs’, we would like to inform the whole Sudan and the world at large that it is a mere allegation and it won’t be taken lightly anymore. We have NEVER and NEVER will we support such disorganized organization who have been committing atrocities towards our beloved people.

“Don’t disturb worker bees however if you do then be ready for the sting”.

We have resolved that positions be availed to our leaders as ministers or Under Secretaries in the GOSS and Diplomatic positions in our Embassies as well as the State which apparently Magwi County has only one minister.

Take High consideration in the Insecurity of the County, with regard to the removal of UPDF and LRA, from the area let them take their war to their country.

Long live our struggle long live SPLM/A and may the struggle continue and may Justice be for All.

SPLM OYEE! SPLM OYEE!

Okeny Banya Chairman

Omwony Otto Vice Chairman

Oyet Okech Secretary General

Okumu Okwera Finance Secretary

Yours

Oyet Okech

Secretary General (SAI)