To Follow Garang’s Footprints
2005 is a year of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.” — Dr. John Garang
To follow his (Garang’s) footprints, is to uphold his teachings and legacy–the (CPA).
By Sabrino Majok Majok*
Dec 21, 2005 — Over the last twelve months, we have gone through and witnessed both good and bad experiences. The tragic death of our leader-former First Vice President, former President of South Sudan, and former Chairman and C-in-C, Dr. John Garang de Mabior-was devastating, incomprehensible, worst reality in history of Sudan.
Doctor’s death was shocking not only because it was preceded by a joyful six-month period of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), but also because Dr. John Garang was seen as a faithful, committed father of the Movement, who deserved to live and witness the fruits of deadly, 22-year struggle.
Indeed, it was the marginalized urge of unfulfilled dreams and aspiration that sparked riots in a number of cities upon the news of Doctor John’s death. In fact, the marginalized citizens were utterly overwhelmed with emotions and hopelessness, something they did not experience even at wartime.
Another instance was that people were unable to find answers to questions such as what would be the fate of CPA after Garang? Whether or not SPM/A would handle the situation appropriately?
These uncertainties were compounded with a high suspicion that NIF might be behind his death, a postulate yet to be confirmed or otherwise.
Although the cause of Dr. John Garang’s death (which I was struggling to accept) was unknown by us the marginalized, we all breathed sigh of relief after the mighty SPLM/A pleasantly surprised all of us by swiftly and unanimously electing the current First Vice President, President of South Sudan, Chairman and C-in-C SPLM/A-Lt.-General Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Furthermore, a smooth, orderly transition within SPLM/A eased some burdens that were in our minds. Since then, we were told and so we all promised to heed leadership’s and Madam Rebecca de Mabior’s call to remain calm and focus on full implementation of CPA-while awaiting result of probe the crash!
To SPLM/A credit, thus far we have had the Government of National Unity (GONU) installed; members of GOSS legislative assembly and executive have taken up their roles in the South; state governments have been formed; and the deployment of integrated forces is on verge of being completed; among other major developments.
As we enter into a new year, It’s incumbent upon us the marginalized peoples in general and people of South Sudan in particular to work extra hard to see to it that the CPA: the legacy of Dr. John Garang is implemented in whole-without exception–to effect upcoming stages leading to general elections and referendum, in three and six years, respectively.
In so doing we must deny enemies of peace any slightest chance to derail the huge investment in blood sacrificed by our wounded and fallen heroes, the latest of whom were comrade Dr. John Garang de Mabior Atem and his crew of liberators.
With this information in mind-together with ominous signs coming from National Congress party–we must be vigilant 24/7 because we have an enormous task at hand and ahead of us. It’s a task that requires our collective energy, time, and resources to successfully accomplish; that is, a full implementation of CPA.
Frankly speaking, the new struggle that we are facing or about to face cannot be won by individual regions or tribes in South Sudan. Thus, Equatoria cannot safeguard CPA alone; Bahr el Ghazal cannot do it alone; Upper Nile cannot do it alone; Dinka cannot do it alone; Acholi cannot do it alone; Nuer cannot do it alone, etc; nor can a few combination of the South Sudan nationalities. But together we can successfully protect our “baby”, guaranteed!
Yes, our unity is a sole prerequisite for a safe arrival at our long awaited destiny.
We can make our unity attractive, for example, by loving and forgiving one another, or by reconciling with one another.
Lest we squandered the golden opportunity brought to us by our late leader, I appeal to all of us Southerners to forgive ourselves (no matter how painful and unforgettable the wrongs might seem) so as to face the enemies of peace as one team; undivided team, “Unity is strength.” After all, our fallen leader advised us many times to forgive, reconcile and unite.
Since I have started it: I hereby declaring my forgiveness to those who wronged me, even unintentionally. Likewise, I would appeal to those whom I wronged against to do the same. Further, citizens of South Sudan (both in Diaspora and at home) and SPLM/A leaders, be they at national, regional or state levels, should implement the peaceful co-existence among South Sudanese which was announced by our leader before he was killed in that mysterious crash. Dr. John Garang had this to say, “2005 is a year of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.”
To follow his (Garang’s) footprints, is to uphold his teachings and legacy–the (CPA).
Merry Christmas and Happy new Year’s.
*Sabrino Majok Majok is residing in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada E-Mail [email protected]