Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
February 2, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — Leaders of the Shilluk community in the United States appealed to South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit to intervene against armed encroachment of Padang Dinka into areas of East White Nile and South Sobat River in Upper Nile.
The Shilluk, who call themselves Collo, issued their letter in response to clashes that occurred January 9 in Malakal, Anagdiar, and Abanim. Fighting between members of the two tribes took place on the sidelines of the fourth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Malakal.
“We in the Diaspora were just anxious to hear joyous news and rejoice of the celebration in Malakal, when these expectations turned tears in our eyes,” recounted the statement from Collo Community in the USA. “The Padang had profaned the tranquility of the friendly neighborhood of the Nilotic cradle land. Prospect of the successful peace in a united Sudan or successful separation of the South had now to end in anarchy and chaos.”
Thirty-six people signed the open letter, which endorsed the recommendations made after the attacks by Shilluk parliament members in National, Southern Sudan and Upper Nile State assemblies. The MPs had urged the governor of Upper Nile to take criminal measures against perpetrators and address land issues.
The letter voiced strong criticism against the Padang, which is part of the Dinka: “The Padang thirst for power which we had thought had been quenched when you oiled their mouth with 4 ministerial positions is uncontrollable. They are bent on occupying Collo land by Iron and Blood and nothing short of that.”
Further, the statement questioned the loyalty of certain Padang MPs to the southern cause, stating “It’s to be noted that early on, the candidates chosen for ministerial positions by the SPLM, actually had held positions in the Upper Nile State representing the NCP, but had swiftly jumped over to SPLM as soon as CPA was insight.”
One main issue at stake is the disputed ownership of Malakal town. The Dinka claim Malakal and the entire eastern bank of the White Nile and the lower Sobat River up to its confluence with the White Nile.
According to the Shilluk representatives in the USA, President Salva Kiir has committed to enforcing the old colonial-era land terms made under the Anglo-Egyptian administration of Sudan, which requires him to back the Shilluk land claim. But the issue is complicated by changes and massive displacement that occurred later during Sudan’s decades of civil wars.
The letter also urged Kiir, who commands the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), to investigate the role played by SPLA personnel during the attack.
(ST)
Akol Liai Mager
Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
Strange!! Intellectuals think like tribal leaders that’s too strange. Where GOSS’ land come from if major Cities, Towns, Forest, Rivers and Ranges belong to tribes?
Can those intellectuals tell us which one that is above another between government and tribe?
In my poor understanding, there are communities [Call them tribes if you like] lands, but not Cities otherwise GOSS will have bases or lands to build departments for its executive and legislative bodies to function.
South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly must intervence to solve the question of Land Ownership by clearly defining government and communities land before this issue spark civil war. Any bloodshed for land ownership issue in South Sudan is the responsibility of both GOSS and SSLA.
Atungdiak
Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
It is not surprising how some few individuals have resorted to baseless publicity characterised by insults and unprecedented attack on Padang community
One does not need to be Isaac Newton to understand how the conflict in Malakal started and who were the casualties in the stadium. Its common knowledge that The Shilluk community were armed with spears as they entered the stadium. They used those weapons to inflict injuries on Padang citizens and other Southerners just because of not being allowed to play their dance before Padang community. First entrance does not guarantee land ownership which was what the Shilluks thought. The whole issue was planned by them and the main architects were the same group who drafted this letter.That is why they were armed with spears Anything that happened after that was a result of those actions
Historically; the Shilluks have no place at the East bank of the Nile and South of Sobat. They Ocupy West of the Nile. But,due to good relationship the Padang and the Shilluks enjoyed, inter marriage took place and hence some Shilluks ended up crossing to East part of Nile and South of Sobat. These people cannot be asked to leave and they are not part of group claiming the ownership of land since they know how they came.They will continue to be part of us and not a piece of our land shall be taken away.
The friction between two communities is fueled by a few individuals from Shilluk and who are all from the West bank of the Nile.
The chief who gave the piece of land in Anakdiar and Banglai still has children who know how it went
Truth is a very stubborn thing and everyone have problems embracing it. People think when they say a lot of lies, it can accumulate and form a truth. That’s naive
Realistically, the Shilluks refer to all East part of the Nile and Sobat as Lok Jang (Meaning the other side of the river owned by Dinka and Padang in this case). As such, all Shilluks with blood connection to Reth (kingdom)are never and never suppose to be burried at the East side of the Nile when they die. This is on upto now or has that been changed? Besides, there is Makal Shilluk at the western side of the Nile, if that is referred to as such, then who does the other Malakal belong? Simple logic that some peace loving Shilluks share
Malakal having grown into a regional capital and now state capital belongs to all citizen of Upper Nile.The right of land belong to Padang. The decrees by Bashir and Garang in this context defied. The sHilluk could have not have asked for a decree if they own it, I don’t need a presidential decree for my own farm. Its the infrastructure that has infuriated a few greedy and non patriotic Shilluk politicians to incite violence between two loving communities. History justifies that
This letter is nothing but a way of passing an insult but not coming up with a solution. It does not surprise us because we know you well. Just barking in the US and will never taste the pain if people kill each other in Unpper Nile
Loyalty to South Sudan cause: We should be the ones to ask you. History tells: During the entire period of liberation struggle, all Padang communities at East and South of Sobat were displaced. The Arabs used Malakal as their base and Shilluks took cover and helped the Arabs carry out their mission. Yes everyone including Shilluks were in the Bush but after 1991 Nasir declaration which was done in good faith, Padang communities were disadvantaged because of their identity. They were the only ones killed always in Malakal coz their kins were giving NIF hard time between Malakal and Nasir. All Shilluk soldiers joined the Arabs with Lam Akol untill they surrendered back when CPA was almost done (except a few who were not in Upper Nile region then). Padang were they only ones around this area who maintained the momentum with other Southerners full of patriotism. Our hope was to do it for the nation that time and another time would come when you will also do your national contribution. Who should question whose loyalty patriotism towards Southern cause???
I am no ruling out the contributions by individuals but average, we should question you and remain worried that you may again help the Arabs derail our quest for a nation as you did
Mr. Pagan Amum went to Anakdiar and Banglai a few days ago. He questioned the Ngok/Padang community if they belonged to SPLM andd if so, why they clashed with the residents of Anakdiar. Mr. Amum went there not as a SEC GEN SPLAM but only as a Shilluk. SPLM is failing to reconcile all citizens across the Country and what he could do was to go and take side. He was in Australia during CPA celebration instead of using the chance to cement Unity and Peace as he claims
Parties: SPLM is for all now. I am amused how people switched parties recently and how SPLM has become so sweet on gun’s silence. Its really ok but the Shilluks in Upper Nile have the greatest percentage of NCP defectors. Look at your list of MPs who are in GonU, GoSS,State, all were northern traitors all their lives. In this case Dr. Lam inclusive
Current situation: Yesterday, a mini bus caryying passengers most from Baliet and Ulang was attacked in Mohamad Ajak just a few KM from Malakal town. The attackers fired at the bus at random. One person was slightly injured on the head. The attackers fled. This is all as a result of your publicity especially those in the diaspora.
Is this how we should continue??
Solution: Get the two communities to talk. There shall be a positive outcome. Stop inciting your communities and be nationalists. Don’t generalize it as a Dinka issue, its just Padang. No has the Upper hand of winning if you think fighting is the solution. Stop publicity because this is not Darfur case, its Malakal
I stand against tribalists on this web and stand with those who try to convey the truth no matter how bitter. The future of this nation is on our hands and all of us. We are equal before God and law. We are all strong and brave. We all have pride which if not well handled would cause a lot of harm to all of us
Deng Baak Kuot
Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
The diaspora’s people are becoming dangerous.I mean is that many people do not observe and scrutinize their comment, and it creates a fear among communities in Sudan;not only in the South, but in the entire country, we should use the best ways to deal with problems;we face right now. rather than people jump into the topic. I have been reading a lot about Land grab not only in Upper Nile,but it is almost in the Ten States. Who is this grabbing land and where they are coming from? the point is very articulating here. If all these comments, we post everday, could concern about insecurity our respective States. I think people who read and write could give stability chance in region, so let us stop using hatred languages; they are very naive, and we get anything out of it rather then violences. remember people forget what you do to them and remember what you say to them.
JOHNNNY
Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
Land grabing is not for president, that is why we need change in Southern Sudan and in Sudan, We will never change or develop our Cities if we continues talking about land ownership.
we are all Sudanese, you can stay were ever you like.
I don’t know what to say again, because this Land Ownership is very very stupid.
Take care Guys
‘ve some loves from Aust.
Nyaopun Aban Aban
Shilluk in USA appeal against land grab in Upper Nile
Dear Salva Kiir
Are you waiting His Excellency Late First vice presidents Dr John Garang to come back from his coffin to solves these cases?
Don’t think it’s difficult for the Collos’kingdom to turn weapons on theirs land gabbers. For a while, I did not understand clearly what those visions meant, I saw numbers Grievances and letters, then more numbers and blanknotes, and numbers again or more exactly encodes with out deciding on those file report on your table since 2005.
I hope I am not mistaken, but I feel that regretted of losing lives of innocents civilians that are causing other troubles at the moment… I believe that recent words and acts have induced in others painful wounds caused by the evil intentions of persons who are close to you.
Yes, Kiir, you must act rights now and quickly because you have never been as close as now to realized real saddness loses of lives, full of sorrowness, full of painfully!
To note you, everyone knows where GUNS are purchase and begs today with dot to honestly. If we meant land gabbing among each other’s. Collos’people are like wounded lion in the field of wildfire. CAN YOU FIGHT THAT LION TO SURVIVE?
Try not to become a person of success but, rather try to
become a person of value.