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Sudan Tribune

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South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels

By Ngor Arol Garang

June 18, 2011 (JUBA) – Western Equatoria State in South Sudan appealed on Saturday for financial support to build capacity of the “Arrow Boys”, a vigilante group fighting the Ugandan rebel group the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) who have a presence in the state.

Arrow Boys seen here in May 2010, patrol a village in south Sudan in an attempt to defend themselves from attacks LRA rebels (AFP)
Arrow Boys seen here in May 2010, patrol a village in south Sudan in an attempt to defend themselves from attacks LRA rebels (AFP)
The Arrow Boys are fighting alongside the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), South Sudan’s army, against the LRA.

This comes following reports that armed elements identified by the local people as members of the LRA, raided Kidi village in Gangura Payam of Yambio County.

Officials say the fugitive rebel group carried out an attack on the area on Friday, June 17 at around 6:30pm. Two children were abducted, one of whom was a 12 year old girl and a boy of a around 14 years of age.

However, the children were rescued by the Arrow Boys, named after the weapons they used before to receive guns from the state. The local voluntaries claim to have killed two of the LRA abductors. One died on the spot, the other later from his injuries.

The LRA are notorious for kidnapping children and forcing them to fight with them.

Gibson Bullen Wande, Minister of Information and Communications in the government of Western Equatoria State, condemned the attack and called for continuous support of the SPLA and the Arrow Boys to bring peace and stability to the state.

Wande told Sudan Tribune from Yambio on Saturday that the village in which the attack took place was far away from a military outpost belonging to the SPLA and so he appealed for financial support from the government in order to build the capacity of the Arrow Boys.

“We really need financial support from the government of South Sudan to build the capacity of the Arrow Boys so that they are able to fight against elements of Lord Resistance Army operating in the area,” he said.

He said that the five million Sudanese pounds allocated to SPLA to fight the LRA should instead be given to the state government to provide the Arrow Boys with training. The minister argued that this approach made more sense as the volunteer fighters live in areas not easily accessible by the SPLA.

Wande encouraged the community to be security conscious and said he appreciated the courage they had to remain in their villages despite regular attacks by the LRA.

The minister said that the attack had taken place on Friday evening. He that two children were abducted by the LRA but were rescued by home guards from the area.

“Yes, the Lord Resistance Army attacked Kidi village on Friday evening, injuring one civilian and abducted 2 children before being rescued by the Arrow Boys,” said minister Wande.

The minister said: “No civilians were killed. They also did not take away or destroy anything because the Arrows Boys were quick to mobilise themselves and initiate recovery attack in which one of the LRA members was killed on spot and another died today after sustaining severe injuries.”

“The body of one of the LRA members shot during the clash with Arrow Boys was found today”, he said.

South Sudan will become independent on 9 July. Western Equatoria State expects to be under frequent attacks from the LRA if no further military support is provided.

(ST)

20 Comments

  • dinkador1
    dinkador1

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Arrow boys very good operation,bravo young men,
    But were are SPLA in Yambio,and what are they doing there? one day we want to hear our SPLA distroying the camp of LRA not only enjoying food in W.E.

    Reply
  • George Bol
    George Bol

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Dear Equatorians,

    I am going to be nice to all greater Equatorians because of their opportunity that they gain in the South Sudan during the war. There is no doubt that the Equatorians are peaceful and humble community but some of them have no strong heart for their own land that is South Sudan. This complain at this moment show that the Equatorians do not mind or worried about what is going on in the border instead of complaining about funding the local Errow boys to defend LRA. This lRA is just a matter of one day but the problem of Jallaba in the Abyei, Unity state, Malakal, South Kordufan is life or death sitution late alone this LRA that Taposa alone can chase away.
    Dear Equatorians learn to be nationalist rather then be local. We liberate you all and you need to know that you have to know that your popualtion matter at the moemnt if another war come up. Thanks

    Reply
  • Lorolokin
    Lorolokin

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    george Bol,

    Do you know why all that is happening in those areas above you mentioned ? the problem is every one wanted to lead even those who didn’t see a classroom wanted to.that is why you end up killing your own communities.tell me why are those thugs rebelling in your areas, coz of power isn’t it Mr BOL.
    You said you liberate Equatorians? shame on you who are you to liberate civilized Equatorians.

    Kinkak

    Reply
  • Pe_liel
    Pe_liel

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Lorolokin,

    Denying it, will not help. History is already in place and still history will also be the judge, so no need to argues much. As a matter of fact you were residing somewhere out of South Sudan or maybe in Uganda. So be cool kid.

    Reply
  • Lorolokin
    Lorolokin

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    PEL_LIEL,

    You need to tell your uncles to leave power hungry behaviors otherwise this South Sudan you claim to have liberated will not accomodate your own kids. Wake up and see the reality that we people of Southern Sudan should sit together as one and behave humanly.
    Also tell your cousin DINKA DOMINATED SPLA that tribalism will not help any one even his own surrounding will be against him. His tongue is always full of venom, what a creature !

    Kinkak

    Reply
  • Ming Dhal
    Ming Dhal

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Superior Junibi

    The according to your words you are from Bor and i need you to answer one simple question without wasting time.
    Why did Kuol Manyang cry in Kakuma and said God is not good enough to let me be born in this coward community? Brother am not really interesting to respond to your abnormality comment b/c i know you just one among many who are good and take care otherwise you will mislead people nowhere
    Every tribe in South Sudan participated in the war and we need not to discriminate the minority tribe.

    Reply
  • Ming Dhal
    Ming Dhal

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Correction up there, according to your words………….

    Reply
  • George Bol
    George Bol

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Ming Dhal,

    Why you feel hesitated when some one tell his history. Don,t you have history to tell?
    If he belong to Twic East,then why do you feel hesitated and feel jellious about his own history.

    Reply
  • dinkador1
    dinkador1

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    MR BOL,
    You are still with Dinka mind, that is why we hate dinkas,in all dinka states no peace, But we equatorians are peaceful with any out fighting or killing our people like you. Remember DAVID YAU YAU,PETER GADET,ABUDALAH BAGI, and GEORGE ATHOUR.

    Who are they fighting? Equatorians or Dinkas? Change your mind like equatorian.

    Reply
  • Nhomlawda
    Nhomlawda

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    It is good to support Arrow Boys with weapons and funds. However, South Sudan must keep account of all those weapons given out and know when and how to remove those guns from Arrow Boys’ hands when LRA issue is solved. Arrow boys are doing a great job in protecting civilians in areas where SPLA and other organized forces are unable to operate.
    Good work boys, keep it up, you deserve support.

    Reply
  • LL Reuben
    LL Reuben

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Nhomlawda,

    No! Giving them boys guns isn’t a good idea my friend. I would suggest the SPLA are order to go and do their job but not form or nourish another militia under the pretext of protecting civilians, which could evolves to something else in coming times.

    Reply
  • Ming Dhal
    Ming Dhal

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Stupid group who knows how to fight over webs and running camp after camp

    Reply
  • Ming Dhal
    Ming Dhal

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Hhomlowda

    Hahaha, i will not response to your insult but i will just tell you to go and check what that man said; and for your information am not willing to divide Jieng instead i want us to be in the same way that why am discouraging such act from Superior Junibi b/c it will absolutely provoke other guys to response b/c this freedom is brought by Jieng where every they are they brought it and not one region or one county any way i appreciate your comments it is through the right direction and am not stupid fool people always says wrong words in public to make others the same with them otherwise thank you.

    Reply
  • Dinka Dominated SPLA/M
    Dinka Dominated SPLA/M

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Dear brothers from Bor Dinka please lats not heard this nonsence, i called them nonsence because they dose’t benefit any one in our great and mother tribe as Dinkas and i am also related to Bor Dinka, i am saying this Because my mum is from Bor Dinka, so please,please do not bring home argument to this site, listen to some advices from people like Nhomlawda and many people who love Dinka Bor to keep their reputation as it is always thank you very much and don’t exopse yourself on this website please,
    I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.

    Reply
  • Ming Dhal
    Ming Dhal

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Without unity among Dinkas 1991 problem would have dissolve this current movement and nothing like GOSS that would have been achieved give strong advice to your colleague to know that we have more challenges ahead not time to say such words that will divide us

    Reply
  • Nhomlawda
    Nhomlawda

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Ming Dhal

    Thank you for your promising reply. Jieng intellectuals have a lot to do to Dinka/Jieng people in particular and South Sudan in general. The building of South Sudan as a nation is still heavily dependent on Jieng as a community as it was during liberation struggle. Dinka/Jieng cannot bring unity to South Sudan if they are not united in the first place. Dinka/Jieng intellectuals must work hard to unite Jieng people from every region they are in – this is done through all activities that build on Dinka/Jieng as a collective identity other than creating smaller hostile identities within Jieng itself. This process had already started in the political sphere and also in social sphere. People like John Kudusai, Arop Kuol, Nyankol Mathiang, Akur Kuei groups and many other Jieng musicians are spreading messages of Jieng unity and Jieng intellectuals should support their endeavours to achieve that unity. Jieng Musicians are doing their best in advising Jieng to be united always for a common goal and to stop little bickering here and there on useless issues. We the intellectuals of this generation must do our part too by promoting Jieng unity in what we say, do and seen to be doing.
    Divided we fall and united we stand tall in the face of our enemies and always win whether it is a physical or political battles.
    The best answer to a fool like Superior Junubi whom I think is not from Dinka Bor and pose to be one to achieve his ill goal is to ignore him. The best answer to a fool is to keep quiet or distant yourself from their foolish talks.
    Jieng unity is South Sudan unity and Jieng division is a disaster to South Sudan.
    Jieng has the responsibility of guiding South Sudan to prosperity and all Jieng intellectuals should work hard to leave a positive legacy in South Sudan development efforts as they had done during liberation struggle.
    We must condemn bad guys among us and move forward with mission in hand as trusted liberators of South Sudan.
    Whether it is a war against physical enemy, diseases, poverty or illiteracy, Jieng will always play a central role in South Sudan. Therefore, be united for all your efforts to be successful.

    Reply
  • mass
    mass

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    What the arrow boys of western equatoria state have been doing so far are humane in nature; that’s they fighting inhumane actions committed by the infamous Ugandan rebels the Lord Resistance Army(LRA) against their people. Therefore no reasonable southern Sudanese should be upset or suspicious about their request for financial assistance to deal with the aforementioned antagonistic force. What they are doing is not only to secure their state or Equatoria region but it will also bring positive effect to the whole of South Sudan. Hence, their actions are voluntarily because they are helping South Sudan Army and as such it complements JFK’s quotation on nationalism or patriotism which says” asked not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. So as South Sudanese this is exactly what we should be doing to will soon be our country. Instead of dueling on the past phenomenon let’s try to focus on the present and future issues and development of our upcoming nation. I do not blame some commentators on this web site who write completely nonsensical comments whether negative and transgress comments against individual or group of people. But I blame their hypocrisy, arrogance and poor reasoning ability and analysis of ideas. As humans our acts are mostly influenced by our own attitudes. An attitude is how you think about someone or something but they can be wisely overcome by our common senses when using it wrongly. What are common senses? We have five senses they are touch, hearing, seeing, smell and taste. For example in the above article your sense of hearing tells you that the writer clearly states why the arrow boys need financial support and so as rational person will come to the conclusion that their request for assistance is legitimate because what or whom they are fighting against is a serious threat to their lives and possibility lives elsewhere in the country. To put it in a simple language they are defending the nation period.

    God Bless Southern Sudan To Be Devoid of Tribalism Forever.
    By MASS.

    Reply
  • belle loboi
    belle loboi

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    George Bol,
    I strongly agreed with this matter because Equatorial need to depend themselves from predator than crying for nothing. They never fought the war in South Sudan but only supporting NCP in the North Sudan like folk that was reported last week.

    Reply
  • Dhalaluaak
    Dhalaluaak

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    The people were deceived in 1993 and 1994 and were taken somewhere, where they were not told in the beginning.But for that of 1997,his deception was intercepted and people refused of course those who went with him were taken to pochalla and librated it any way.The slogan was to be take to homeland to depend home from nuer invasion but that was not the case.Even Nuer were worried when they heard that saying they might be attack but the politicians means something different.It was not about nuer invasion but Kapoeta ,Pibor and Pochalla invasion.The language was twisted to attract people’s mind set.By the way what did your community to the south during our liberation struggle and what is your community?

    Reply
  • Dhalaluaak
    Dhalaluaak

    South Sudan’s Equatoria seeks financial support against Ugandan reebels
    Nomlawda,
    Thanks for your comments.I am a musician and my songs are filled with unity than that to divide ourselves and that’s why i hated aluaak very much as you see from above.We are problem solvers not a destructive community.We have a culture whereby one can protect his identity and family stretching to a clan level.I sad in my song that we Jieng are one tree with on root.If one cut this tree down,he kill us all and if one dig off the root we can fell all but if we remain compacted then we are strong.Any Jieng who is out this unity is not a son of adhueng.

    Reply
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