SIC denounces attempts to divide Shilluk
Shilluk International Congress (SIC)
Public Statement
Pachodo Welfare Association Must Stop Being Used By The Enemies of Shilluk
March, 13, 2007 — The Shilluk International Congress warns the Pachodo Welfare Association (PWA) in the UK and Ireland to distance itself from an individual like Pagan Amum, who is being used by the enemies of peace to divide the Shilluk. The SIC has learned that Pagan Amum pressurized the leadership of PWA to denounce the SIC because of the revelation that he was one of the architects who killed Lokurnyang Lado in 1984. The press release issued by the PWA on the March, 10, 2007, will not erase the crimes committed by the SPLM’s Secretary General during liberation struggle. The PWA is damaging its reputation among South Sudanese by collaborating with an individual who may be indicted in the court of law in the future.
The SIC had hoped that the leadership of PWA would realize the importance of Collo unity by refusing to be used as a front against the unity of Shilluk to combat marginalization, tribalism and corruption in the government of South Sudan. The Collo people do not want to be associated with a person like Pagan Amum who is accused of embezzlement of SPLM’s party funds. The Collos are known for their dislike of corruption and discrimination and cannot accept PWA to defend the likes of Pagan.
The SIC would remind the PWA that they have the right to self-determination, including the right not to become members of the SIC. However, that right should not be abused by using the name of Collo community to defend individuals being used by the enemies of Shilluk. The PWA must be enlightened that Pagan’s father, Amum Ukech, was one of the Collo’s chiefs who used to betray Anya-Nya I fighters to Jallaba governments in the 1960s. Most Shilluk know the names of freedom fighters he betrayed to the enemy. Similarly, his son followed his footsteps and betrayed Collo’s politicians like Bol Kur to John Garang. Bol was executed in Bonga after joining the SPLM/A because Pagan was afraid of his popularity. It is family culture of Pagan and his father to betray their people to enemies.
The SIC calls on the PWA to live up to its name and work for the welfare of Shilluk in Sudan by embracing the core principles of the SIC which are the unity of Collos, rejection of tribal domination in the GoSS and equalization of all South Sudan ethnic groups. The unjust attack against any Shilluk in the GONU by the Dinka elites is something all Collos must condemn without reservations.
Signed,
Shilluk International Congress (SIC)
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