US Anyuak meet Sudanese First Vice President
By James Ojoch
July 26, 2006 (OMAHA, Nebraska) — Anyuak leaders from Akobo Community in the United States of America met with H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit on July 22, 2006, Omaha, Nebraska.
The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, and First Vice President of Republic of Sudan received the Anyuak delegation and discussed various issues of concern. A memo containing both Akobo and Pochalla Counties concerns was presented to H. E. Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The delegation led by Mr. Lero Odola expressed gratitude to the President for allowing them to meet with him. The Anyuak were impressed by and appreciative of his H.E.’s kindness to listen to the Anyuak grievances within his busy schedules in the USA.
The members of the Anyuak delegation are : Peter Okan, Lino C. Awow, Akway Okey, Chol Opiew, Okweri Ochogi, Oboya Ogwok, Nyigelo Ochan, Odhogi Obang and Lero Odola.
It is also important to mention that the same opportunity was accorded the Anyuak when H.E. Mayardit visited the USA in November of 2005, Omaha, Nebraska, but met with the Foreign Minister Lam Akol as the President did not have time outside of Washington DC. It has always been an honor to meet the dignitaries.
Many issues were discussed with the President among them the security guarantees for the Anyuak returnees IDPs, and Refugees to their homesteads in Akobo town, surrounding areas and the County at large. Misrepresentations of the Anyuak at all level in the GoSS, GoNU, Jonglei State Government, Commissions, Chambers, Foreign Service positions and Akobo local administration were the major subjects covered in the meeting. The delegation made a very urgent appeal to the President to personally intervene to get a solid conclusion for Akobo indigenous Anyuak conflicts with the Lou Nuer Mor settlers. This is a matter of land and a matter of life itself.
The Anyuak stressed that the illegitimate dispute imposed by Lou Nuer Mor by occupying Akobo by force and committing atrocities against innocent Anyuak should not remain unsolved under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This is the time for all citizens of Southern Sudan to enjoy the fruits of CPA. Anyuak of Akobo are eager to hear the sound of bells of peace and tranquility to ring in their homes. Peacefulness, hospitality, and generosity are the spirit and unique values of the Anyuak culture. These should not be considered as a weakness to seize the Anyuak land and properties. The delegation stressed further that the Anyuak do not expect their voice to be heard by violence at a time of peace when the people’s Government is now in place. The Anyuak were targeted in the past by the Arab regimes for hosting all Southern Liberation Movements and the Lou took advantage under cover of the Arabs who used tribes against tribes. The attitude of eliminating the Anyuak of Akobo from the earth by Lou Nuer should change under the New Sudan.
Peter Okan, the Akobo Anyuak elder, summed up and told the President that he was very pleased, on behalf of the Anyuak, to have the opportunity and directly talk with him. The delegation told the President that nothing will wave the Anyuak away from their support of the SPLM party whatever it takes in spite of the huge loss they endured during the libration wars of South Sudan in terms of life, land and property.
The delegation also spoke at length about the backward development at Pochalla and the Murle incursions disrupting the peace in the area. Pochalla is one of the gateways to the rest of Africa and had been a save haven for the liberation movements. It should not be forgotten during the peace time.
The President of Southern Sudan thanked the Anyuak for their patience and their tremendous support to the SPLM/A movement since the time he took over as President. H.E told Anyuak delegation that they aren’t forgotten as they may presume. Mr. Mayardit promised the Anyuak that their problem will be handled and addressed accordingly as an urgent matter. He added that both Akobo and Pochalla are in the heart of the SPLA/M. The GoSS values them dearly. The President concluded that he will study the papers presented and get the details for the Government to respond to the Anyuak plight.
(ST)