Anyuak position after South Sudan wars
By Lero Odola*
April 30, 2006 — During the first South Sudan civil war the Anyuak paid ultimate price in blood and resources. After Addis Ababa agreement in 1972, those who sided with Jalaba seized the opportunity. They harvested what they never cultivated. The Anyuak were inadequately represented in the the then Southern government and treated as second class.
Throughout the SPLA/M revolutionary war Anyuak land was again used as the save haven by both rebels and the refugees. Many Southern Sudanese, people form Nuba Mountains and Southern people form Blue Nile were generously accommodated by the Anyuak and shared with them whatever scarce resources they had. The Anyuak suffered heavy casualties while hosting the needy people in course of the liberation movement.
After singing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January, 9th 2005 between the Sudan government and the SPLA/M, the Government of Southern Sudan emerged
after the Government of National Unity of Sudan of formation. The Anyuak were under-represented in the GoNU. Furthermore, when the Government of Southern Sudan was formed Anyuak again under-represented if not marginalized. No minister was appointed from the Anyuak. When undersecretaries were appointed Anyuak were even hard-pressed down by the policy makers in Southern Sudan. Recently sixteen Southern Sudanese Ambassadors were recommended or nominated by the Sudan foreign Affairs and appointed by the president Omar Hassien EL-Bisher. There is no single Anyuak in the list of the cited Ambassadors either.
As far as I’m concerned, these are alarming and compelling evidence to indicate that the Sudan civil war was waged and systemically carried out not to benefit the Anyuak. None and lesser representation of the Anyuak in many political positions in new Sudan system, is not accidental, probably it was aimed to deny and undermine the role that the Anyuak played during the revolutionary wars of Southern Sudan. However, the policy makers in Southern Sudan need to know that the Anyuak tribe is very vital and essential. Therefore, their role in any elected government in future may determine some politicians’ fate. It is very disgraceful to ignore and overlook those who have paid ultimate price during the liberation movement in many ways. All Southerners paid a price but the scale was not equal.
The following question must be left for the target audience to search for answers. Is the new Sudan (Southern Sudan) going to implement new structure by use kinship, lineage, clan, nepotism or caste doctrine to push others away from government?
All other marginalized minorities, including the women of Southern Sudan, must speak out to get a clear answer from the decision makers.
* Lero odola is a Sudanese political activist based in the USA and can be reached at [email protected]