Is Lam Akol a genuine political leader?
By Simon Yiep Mayiik*
Feb 20, 2006 — First, I would like to thank Mr. Kwathi, for his contributions, and with whatever views he holds to our political debates, and for his response to my latest article in particular. It’s my deep conviction that, no matter how we view things, we must remain open to dialogue, and as a primary mean to solve our problems, assuming each and everyone is subject to change.
Second, I thank those who have been taking their times to express concerns, and on behalf of the SPLM, and the people of the New Sudan about Dr. Lam’s continuing tendency to weaken the will and unity of our struggle.
Reasons why Dr. Lam is not politically a genuine leader yet
Despite the miswriting in my article, which seems to be main reason for Mr. Kwathi’s response, concerning Dr. Lam and the 1986 elections, I still strongly believe that Lam is not a genuine leader as you claim. Instead of overly occupying minds with this particular point, let’s join the Sudanese people, in debating and analyzing the reasons why the people of New Sudan are complaining about him:
1) I was personally in Khartoum in 1985, when general Nimeiri was overthrown, allowing thereby freedom of expression and gathering. Among the Sudanese political forces founded and rose to actions that time was the marginalized group under the umbrella of Solidarity of the Sudanese rural forces. Lam, along with Fr, Philip Abbas Ghabush, Edward Lino, and other leaders of the group, undeniably played a key role in getting people together, and they deserved credit for that. And if it’s true that Lam recruited our late hero, Yussif Kuwa and others to join the movement, then good for him at the time. But what happened? Why is he working with the NIF now to undermine the struggle of the same people you say he helped them join the movement? He is doing this because he got his ministry post, which he must keep by doing what the NIF wants him to do. He did not have a job with the NIF back in the 80s and that why he was positive toward our struggle.
2) With his good credit he earned in Khartoum, Dr. Lam joined the Movement. Dr. Garang, the Movement, and the marginalized people were pleased and energized by his action. He was trusted and promoted to the Movement’s High Command in no time as you correctly mentioned Mr. Kwathi. Unfortunately, Dr. Lam began to demand more powers and higher positions, looking down to everyone, including Dr. Garang. And when he was not allowed any more, he turned against the Movement, and with all kinds of troubles, which ultimately led to the most deadly and painful defection within our Movement and Southern society in our history. By that time, most of our people knew Dr. Lam, and began to question his intentions toward the struggle. So, the matter is not about losing an election itself, but about belief and commitment. Dr. Edward lost the election, and then joined the Movement, and stayed there, committed until the Agreement was signed. So, we are not talking about PhD, or how good you fluently speak a language.
3) As we all know, Dr. Lam rejoined the Movement after he was convinced that there would be no more better for him than Ministry of Transport, along with the real possibility that the SPLM/A was about to sign the CPA with the NIF. So, he seized the opportunity, which opened the door to where he dreamed of.
4) Why one could be disappointed? Is it because they are boys, or because they live in Canada? They are Sudanese and Southerners; and whether they are boys or not they still entitled to express their views on every concern for our people. I still recall this: Our brother Yuahnis and other Southern representatives got mad on Mr. Aldo Aju Deng when he called them “political students” during a parliamentary session in Khartoum, and in an attempt to play down their point. Mr. Aldo was on the wrong side at that time, and when one tries to protect some one by whatever mean available to you, even when it seems ridiculous. It’s nothing more than a sign of desperation.
5) Honestly, compare Dr. Lam’s defections to Khartoum and to the NIF, to live under their financial care; compare it to situations of those who proudly chose to sacrifice their lives, families, and finances. And regardless of the types of houses, and other privileges you believe they had, they are still heroes of our struggle. If Omar el-Bashir, who robbed the people’s right of governing by a military coup can live in a better place in Khartoum, how much more appropriate for a SPLM/A freedom fighter to have a better place to live amongst us?
6) Some people want unity in the South, but don’t want Mr. Matip to be praised and congratulated, why? Is it a double standard? Who do they want to be united with? Even general Gordon Kong is still encouraged to join the unity of the South, because every citizen has something to contribute on behalf of his/her people. The word of God we preach and teach has something to say about this: Pride, arrogance, and jealousy are among the most deadly and sinful tools an enemy uses against the humanity. If Dr. Lam can change, then Matip can too. I wished I agree with others that Dr. Lam is a good man, but I am afraid that I can’t, at least, he is not a good politician. I don’t think is a one particular group is talking, or writing about our Dr. Independent individuals and groups within the South and at the National level are talking against the Dr., except the NIF and its supporters, such as Adam Khatir, the Egyptian journalist, Ali Abdelal, and Diaa Bilal. The common denominator for these folks, Dr. Lam, and the NIF is that they don’t want the South to raise any concerns, surrounding the CPA no matter what. That why they love Dr. Lam, not because he is a good, or bright man. That’s exactly what Dr. Lam is doing. He is mostly silent, or saying something in support of the NIF. By the way, it’s not new; the Khartoum’s governments played this kind of games to create hatred and conflict between Abel Alier and Joseph Lagu and their respective groups, so watch out.
7) It has always been a good idea that we first try to internally and privately solve our problems, so I agree on that. But, given the Dr.’s handling politics as we all know, the Movement’s leadership, and possibly, the Dr.’s connected folks might have tried, but failed. It’s Dr. Lam, who said this, when he was defecting in 1991: “I prefer the destruction and failure of the Movement if Garang remains its leader”. Now it’s hard to believe that he will listen after becoming a Minister in Khartoum. And some people reminded me of our days in Egypt, when Mr. Kwathi said in his article this: “then we will have no choice, but to take it to Cesar.” I believe you mean it. You were directly one of the sources of our students’ unrest in Egypt, and your intimidations in defense of Dr. Lam in this kind of language will not help bring the unity you need, but will lead to the same result as you did in 1991.
8) Yes, the CPA is ours. Whosoever supports Dr. Lam is equally guilty of allowing the NIF to divide our people, and the only way to prevent that from happing is to clearly reverse the direction. I hope many are truly committed to our party this time, and will not be affected by any other Dr’s defection in the future.
Given the above-mentioned points, I can say that I am not biased, nor have any personal problem with Dr Lam Akol. When talking politics, every one in a society is affected and, one way or the other; and for that reason, is not up to individuals to say or do whatever they want. The word “genuine” means something deeper than we may think. It can not be traced to a person, who says something, and then go their way to do something else. Therefore, it does not fit to Dr. Lam Akol’s current state in any way.
* Simon Yiep Mayiik, is based in USA, he can be reached at : [email protected]