S. Sudan’s ethnic Shilluk rebel factions sign unity deal

April 22, 2016 (JUBA) – Armed groups with different political ideologies and allegiance from South Sudan’s ethnic Shilluk are gathering in Fashoda county to agree on a unified political and military position on how to present their grievances and galvanise support to end rebellion, according to its lawmakers from local and national levels.

“It is true, very correct information. There have been preparations to unity the ranks of our people in different political camps, regardless of political orientations and allegiance. It is time to put away these petty differences and exert efforts on common interests”, a legislator, who declined to be identified, told Sudan Tribune Friday.

The unity conference, he said, has the backing and support of the different segments of the Shilluk ethnic community.

“Everyone who is now involved in this peace and unity process has a vision of uniting our people. It is no longer about individuals but the fate of our people, our land and our history as the Chollo people”, stressed the lawmaker.

Another community member also confirmed and said the conference would discuss problems between groups and is expected to end with an agreement on a unified position.

“The main message we are anticipating to come out from this process is the unity of our people, because the unity of our people is the future. There has to be a future together as people”, the official who has held several military and ministerial portfolios until he lost his assignment in the July 23, 2013, mass reshuffle without new assignment,” he said.

The official said there would be a document and a statement to serve as a platform for any future initiatives and talks at the end of this process. He denied that the efforts were part of projects by individuals to solicit financial or any other kind of support from the donor communities.

This initiative brings together different groups comprising of a faction under the command of Johnson Olony who allied himself to armed group under the leadership of Riek Machar, Yoanes Okich, an independent commander commanding separate rebel factions and Robert Gwang Amum, commissioner of Fashoda county but who, by the circumstances, is in the territory controlled by Olony forces.

Amum is seen as opposed to forging alliance with forces predominantly other ethnic groups. He prefers maintaining a separate command force, but with political and military alliance to others.

The 21 April, 2016 document obtained by Sudan Tribune, bears the signature of the deposed Shilluk king Kwong Dak Padiet. The tradition leader was removed from his position and replaced with a new face from within the royal family on the ground allegedly for neglecting his role as a prominent figure and for siding with government on the creation of 28 states at the expense of his community.

(ST)