Thumbs up to SPLM Interim Political Bureau
By Sabrino Majok Majok*
April 12, 2006 — Announcement of IPB’s meeting was both comforting as it was worrisome to many stakeholders. It was comforting in that it provided a rare opportunity for the Movement to assess, analyze, and evaluate past and current political performances by its members; a move that was expected to effect future, political overhaul by making amends where necessary. On the other hand, members of the Movement were apprehensive and anxious as to what would become of SPLM’s position after the meeting, or whether or not it would be oblivious of NCP’s behaviour and conduct in relation to peace process, considering its numerous violations and unnecessary delays against a smooth implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
From April 2 to 5, inclusive, members of SPLM all over the world waited eagerly to hear news from Rumbek, capital of Lakes state, South Sudan. Upon conclusion of the meeting, unofficial news traveled far and wide around the globe. But the news didn’t do much to quench a prevalent information thirst among members of SPLM. No wonder, virtually five days later, came an official, final communiqué from the office of SPLM Secretary General: the final verdict was reached.
The document (final communiqué) has satisfactorily addressed members’ concerns, as if the conferees had secretly navigated every heart of SPLM members.
Among others, the following points are uplifting:
First, IPB commitment to continue the struggle through political means to “achieve its objectives of creating a new Sudan,” is comforting indeed although ordinary members of the Movement would have liked a use of capital “N” in the word “new.” Nevertheless, as long as IPB is committed to achieving the Movement’s objectives, there is no point quarrelling over the lower case of letter “n.”
Second, IPB’s adoption of rules and regulations to effect its operation is commendable. Equally important is its enactment of “codes of conduct to govern its activities as well as actions by its leaders and members.” This piece of regulation has long been overdue. Unlike in past, these rules and regulations will be deterrent to SPLM leaders especially those serving in GONU such as Dr. Lam Akol, Telar Deng, and Aleu Ayieny Aleu who violated a rule or two since taking up their positions in Khartoum. In fact, every SPLM member, be they members of IPB or ordinary members will be legally and morally obliged to abide by SPLM’s new rules and regulations without exception. We remain hopeful that our able Secretary General will promptly make available copies of blueprint to members of SPLM both in Sudan and in Diaspora.
Third, the building of the Movement is crucial. Therefore, IPB’s decision to start from bottom up is very much appreciated. Likewise, a resolution to hold the Second SPLM National Convention is in place. This is one of many steps that our party needs in order to recapture people’s trust and confidence, and subsequently engages the masses politically. Furthermore, the convention will offer a unique opportunity, especially after CPA, which is now under a constant threat by NCP.
Fourth, IPB’s imploring presidency to endorse Abyei Boundary Commission Final Report, cannot be overstated. Yes, people Abyei deserve, under CPA, to enjoy peace dividend like any other peoples in the Sudan. Unless the CPA-mandated administration is formed, people of Abyei will run a risk of being unduly marginalized. Thus the time to redress the obstacle is now; May or June would be appallingly too late.
Fifth, last year this author wrote an article entitled, “Condoning NCP violations isn’t peace making but peace killing.” In that document the writer enumerated NCP’s first violations, and appealed for remedying steps from principal partners, the SPLM and NCP. One year later, we still see and hear fresh, numerous violations by the same party. So, the SPLM’s readiness and commitment to implement the CPA in “letter and spirit” deserve round of applause, or thumbs up from peace loving nations, especially the marginalized peoples of the Sudan. We are under a tight schedule; therefore, it’s befitting to implement each item or items on or before their allotted period of time.
Sixth, IPB has done superb job in rejecting monopolization of the country’s political arena by a single party. In addition, SPLM’s admonitions against use of language of war, Jihad, or blatant attacks on international community, AU and their personnel, is a noble deed. Quite frankly, UN and AU have earned our thanks and appreciations. So a reasonable-minded Sudanese won’t dare hurling insults and threats against our helpers.
Seventh, although people of the New Sudan haven’t seen what is contained in the check “list” that is to be table in presidency office, we are confident that the list covers everything that people are complaining about, including issues of OAG’s and LRA.
As far LRA is concerned, credible authorities believe that SAF still supports notorious insurgent group of Joseph Kony. The same is also true with OAG’s. For example, last week Juba Post reported that “400 rifles” were intercepted by SPLA. The weapons were reportedly destined to Isamil Kony, as if people of South Sudan need another Kony in their lives. If this message is true, SPLM must expedite redevelopment of SAF, so that the SPLA is able to deal with one Kony before the second one is put to work by SAF. Right now, SAF is complicating good work of SPLA. For instance, speaking to media two weeks ago a senior SPLA Commander Pieng Deng hinted that his forces’ activities were hampered by presence of SAF. “We cannot even differentiate by SAF and LRA,” he bitterly complained. As such, it’s high time that SPLM-lead government of South Sudan separated SAF from LRA.
Eighth, SPLM’s far-sightedness and proven political awareness must be recognized and valued. Besides, it desires to widen political scope, first and foremost by keeping historical and political relationship between the Movement and NDA, speaks volumes. Other important steps to a right direction are IPB’s plans to involve other parties that believe in CPA; and so is the Movement’s emphasis of maintaining good relationship with neighbours, especially with countries whose insurgents operate in our soil (e.g., Chad and Uganda).
Finally tons of credits, also go to SPLM for its recognition and making it unequivocally clear that the “problems of Darfur and Eastern Sudan are essentially political and that the people of Darfur and Eastern Sudan have genuine grievances.”
* Sabrino Majok Majok is a Sudanese and a resident of Canada, he can be reached via: [email protected]