Anyuak says Ethiopia, Sudan responsible for their lives

May 3, 2007 — After careful examination, the Anywaa Community Association in North America [ACANA], identified the Murle attackers in Jor District of South West Ethiopia on April 11, 2007 as regular militia supported and well-armed by the Government of the Sudan since the civil war time. The Government of Southern Sudan [GoSS] has not been able to disarm the Murle militia hence giving this tribe opportunity to rampage other communities including the Anyuak, extending their raid into Ethiopia. The attacks claimed the lives of 26 people, as well as resulted in loss of livestock and the destruction of property. In total, 200 houses were burnt down, and large herds of cattle belonging to the Anuak raided

Both the Ethiopian government and the GoSS are responsible for the lives of the Anyuak lost in Jor and elsewhere in the Anyuak region. The Anyuak of Akobo, especially, are marginalized by no representation in all levels of the GoSS. The Lou Nuer took the County of Akobo during the civil war when the Arabs targeted the Anyuak using the Nuer white army [militia] for hosting the liberation movements. The marginalization extends further by allowing the Lou Nuer to continue occupying the Akobo land thus allowing the Lou Nuer to oppress the Anyuak. The protection of the Anyuak against the Murle or Lou Nuer therefore cannot be expected.

The presence of the Murle militia on the Ethiopian soil is not by accident. By leaving the border open, this put the lives of innocent farmers at the mercy of Murle attack. On December 13, 2003, the Ethiopian regular troops killed thousands of Anyuak. If the Anyuak were to be protected, the troops would have been used to check the borders than sending the untrained personnel to share the fate of the farmers. This negligent on the part of government can’t be tolerated. Now the Murle are ubiquitous in the Anyuak land, how could foreign troops or militarily armed militia cross the border while the Ethiopian well-trained troops are standing by?

The Anyuak are being mistreated by both Governments. The Ethiopian Government is after oil and minerals. The well-being of the Anyuak is to this government a hindrance to oil mining. Therefore, the Anyuak must parish. The GoSS cannot act to free the Anyuak from Lou Nuer in Akobo because of the large Lou Nuer presence in government is a big obstacle and presents fear that the Nuer will cause chaos to the administration.

The Anyuak want to ask the world community to hear their voice. The Anyuak are victims of politics in Ethiopia and Sudan. These are governments who cannot protect the Anyuak as citizens.

We want the following done:

– If Ethiopia really considers the Anyuak as citizens worth protection and living, the Anyuak regular troops fighting in Somalia and Eritrea must be returned to Gambella to manage the border against foreign intruders. This is a proper use of local people to help themselves.

– The Government of Southern Sudan must solve the land question in Akobo for the Anyuak to settle and establish themselves for development and protection. If the Anyuak get their Akobo County back the Anyuak forces can manage their own security. The Lou Nuer administration in Akobo is only after oppressing the Anyuak and grabbing more and more land while the Goss is watching.

– We ask the world community to advise both governments to act to protect the Anyuak from being ignored. This press release is an advance warning. We will work with peace loving people, however we will never be silenced by those who prefer to use the language of violent and intimidation until our right of ownership is respected.

Signed

Akway Cham
ACANA Chairman
E-mail: [email protected]