Ex-Governor of Western Equaotria graduates in Kenya

By Rev Elias Gaaniko

October 9, 2007 (NAIROBI) — The former governor of Western Equatoria State, Col. Patrick Zamoi has graduated on Friday October 5 with Bachelor Degree of Arts in Political Science and Sociology at Catholic University of Central and Eastern Africa Region, Nairobi, Kenya.

Col. Zamoi had participated in the liberation struggle in most of the jungles of Southern Sudan and was among the Top SPLA officers and veterans who participated in many successful military battles of the SPLM and was later deployed to the SPLA best fighting task force, “the New Sudan Brigade, Eastern Sudan”.

In 2002, the SPLA command released him to further his Studies at the Catholic University under the scholarship of Sudan Catholic Bishops Regional Conference (SCBRC) provided by His Lordship Rt. Rev Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite. In October 2005, as he completed his third year, the people of Western Equatoria elected him as the Governor through a popular nomination of the 10 counties of Western Equaotria.

Following a controversial decree, in June 2006, Zamoi was arrested by a presidential decree, which removed his immunity, suspended and arrested him and his entire family, wife and children amid false allegation of tribal incitement and corruption. However, he was later released without charge and with no explanation after two months of political unrest and tension in Southern Sudan.

In September 2006, in a later an expected move, President Salva Kiir, issued yet another presidential decree, which freed and relived the Governor from post and appointed Cdr Samuel Abu John Kabashi as Governor of Western Equatoria State.

Following his release Zamoi returned immediately to Kenya to complete his study early this year. Despite the ordeal of his unlawful arrest, removal, and more also the sudden death of his beloved mother, which occurred at the time of the beginning week of exams, but he was able to recover quickly and put effort towards this great achievement.

Sultan Tamburo Michael Renzi, son of former late Paramount Chief Samuel Baabe Renzi of Tombura and of the Azande Kingdom, who is currently studying in Nairobi commended the achievement of Col. Patrick Zamoi saying, “Today we celebrate history and achievement of our great leader. To see one of our own having to handle between family, studies, military and duties of his people and his nation is a great example to reckon with. Col. Zamoi has shown us a living example”.

Zamoi is expected to be a candidate during the coming election in 2009 for the post of Western Equatoria governor.

In May 2007, after completing his study last May, Col Zamoi left back to Sudan for the first time since his release and had been traveling between Khartoum and Juba. When asked of his ordeal and graduation success, he smiled back and said “Yes. It is really a great occasion for me personally as well as the family and community. Of course, I am not offended by what happened last year because I believe everything happens for a reason”

“To be honest, it was not the first time to be illegally arrested because of fabricated allegation by the enemies of democracy. However, we did not fight for positions but fought for democracy, justice, equality and respect for human rights and in fact, following my arrest and removal, many enemies of peace in WES wanted to divide Western Equatoria state into the Camp of Zamoi and the Camp of Abujohn. But myself and our Elder and current Governor H.E Samuel Abujohn have resisted this and recently we made a public demonstration of unity and reconciliation to demonstrates to the masses that our quest for unity and peace is inseparable”

“Let me also commend and thank H.E. President Salva Kiir, firstly, for freeing me from arrest after discovering that all allegations were fabricated. Secondly, this episode has been a blessing in disguise because every one has found that I was innocent from all fabricated charges. I also had the opportunity to return to university and complete my studies and I am obviously now more prepared for the challenges ahead”.

“When I returned to South Sudan first time after finishing my course, many people made out propaganda that I am back for revenge and that I will take the role of opposition leader. However, we have made it very clear to the public that this not the time for divisionism but rather the time for unity and peace. We remain committed to promoting the vision SPLM of which we fought for, for united nation, and we remain committed for implementation of the CPA under the leadership of Lt. Col. Salva Kiir, the 1 st Vice- President, President of GOSS ”. Zamoi concluded.

(ST)