SSDF proposes solution to its suspended integration in the SPLA

May 13, 2007 — This is the official excerpts of SSUDA/SSDF position paper to deliver at South-South reconciliation between SSUDA/SSDF and the SPLM/A to save peace among South Sudanese. The people Republic of Sudan, the Southern Sudanese people in particular and the international community should know that SSDF is not a militia army but an institution with law and order, committed to peace, unity of purpose among, democracy and the rule of law. SSDF is not a warmonger. It an army striving for reconciliation and unity of purpose and social justice among all Sudanese people.

SPLM leadership should know the interests, needs, and positions are not the same thing. You and your group should ensure that you can present your interests and needs. That commands greater respect at a negotiating table than just sticking to your positions (which sometimes is viewed as arrogance or stubbornness and does not move toward a solution).

There is a specific need to deal with reconciliation between South Sudan United Democratic Alliance/South Sudan Defense Force (SSUDA/SSDF) and the SPLM/A in the South. The Navaisha Agreement recognizes only two options. One might take the position that “Since the SSDF did not participate or sign it; the Nairobi Agreement does not bind the above-mentioned.” While perhaps technically true, a more pragmatic view is that it is a framework for peace within which we can work to make things better.
– Since we seek an ultimate right of Self-Determination, merging into the two separate army within South seems strategically wrong….thus unacceptable.
– Emotionally, it would be very difficult to merge SSDF with the SPLA….but doable.
An interim solution may be to form a South Sudan National Army (SSNA) consisting of several groups which might include today’s groups as separate units of the army. Establish a central command structure with representation from each group. Develop a specific plan to integrate them over a period of time. All must ultimately be responsible to the President of South Sudan.

Roots of Conflict:

At the highest level, the following must be acknowledged:
– The SPLM/A and its “New Sudan Agenda” deliberately caused internal conflict and strife within the south as an element of its strategy. It successfully pursued a divide and conquer tactic.
– Conflict and trauma were created during the war. The civilian population was unnecessarily subjected to rape, deprivation, dishonor, and even death because of inflamed emotions.
– Both sides of the conflict suffered because of the war.
– In the heat of struggle, command decisions were made which were morally wrong. Perpetrators probably regret those decisions and must be given an opportunity to acknowledge their wrongs and apologize.
– Innocent people were wrongly accused of treason or murder and sentenced to death without due process of law.
– Forgiveness is essential; retribution must be avoided. Forgiveness does not eliminate accountability.

SSUDA recognizes no political boundaries among all God’s children. It does not discriminate against any South Sudanese citizens on the basis of ethnicity (tribe), religion, ideology, gender, race, creed and national origin. It is a democratic institution operating on democratic tenets and values. It is a people’s party determines to eradicate ethnocentric domination and autocratic rule by any means necessary.
Inspired by the justice of the cause of the right of self-determination for the people of South Sudan. Guided by the long and rich history of the courageous and valiant struggle of our people; determined in our resolve to achieve the objectives of the struggle whatever the sacrifices; supported by the masses of our people all over the Sudan.

Peter Chuol Gatluak, SSUDA Secretary General

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