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Sudan Tribune

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The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question

By Isaiah Abraham

May 2, 2009 — I say candidatures not a candidature because we are talking here of the SPLM Sudanese Presidency candidature and that of the Government of the Southern Sudan. The topic is so because there is a huge climate of suspicion hanging over our heads as to which way the SPLM is taking this matter. The party is secretive about it and hence mind boggling why keep this important topic secret, and allow the public to opinion ate everywhere. Whether its a hot potato or not, the party should sit down and amicably resolve it head on. Remember we are interested in the Southern Sudan Presidency debate, not Khartoum’s unless that is what traitors and pretenders want us to believe.

The climate I have mentioned above was partly caused by some section close to the President of the Government of Southern Sudan who feels that its better there is no election and preserve the status qua than to share the current powers of the SPLM Chairman, especially to someone who is an ‘outsider’ and a spoiler whose past trails blood, deaths, betrayal and displacement of Southern Sudanese. That they would rather support the NCP candidature instead. The same group are also nursing an alternative idea- if things come to shove- to have this particular individual lose in a proxy internal election that would pitch him with the current Speaker of Southern Legislative Assembly Mr. James Wani.

They further propose that Gen. Kiir should retain his Southern Presidency on the expense of his national presidential contest against the National Congress Party (NCP) man, Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir That is, Mr. Kiir’s party might name another candidate probably Mr. Mansoor, Nhial or Amum for that National top seat. No one knows how this is going to happen without disturbances in the SPLM structures, and if it happened what will happen to rhetoric we have been hearing from these party. There are others yet who think its better loses party leadership than losing the executive in the South to Dr. Machar. We are being opened about everything and you got to bear!

No extremes here, everything is within the reach of politics. Each of these proposals has drawbacks and a cost of course and hence a concern from this writer. We will not however argue about them here; you can figure them out on your own. That means, we shall only confined the discussion on the importance of making a decision that is highly anticipated (decide on time who to contest Southern Presidency and who for Khartoum seat). We have heard of this topic for sometime now when Mr. Alier flagged the nation to election mood two months ago, therefore not surprising to talk about it; its an idea whose time is right. No one makes up any story here, we live in them and are events daily among us Southern Sudanese. That is a long introduction, isn’t it? May be.

Let’s get going: Gen. Kiir name obviously can’t be on both ballot boxes, can he? He will have to choose between the Khartoum and Juba Presidential seats. The circumstances under which the current arrangement (vesting of myriads powers under one individual) were made have long been preceded by the death of the CPA author (Garang). Late Garang was a real challenger, undisputed moreover, who was going for nothing short of the national top seat (Sudanese Presidency). That situation has tragically changed, because Kiir isn’t Garang to do the magic (win that election) against Al Bashir. Keeping his name on both boxes isn’t again a better option; there is nothing like omni-president, not anywhere!

But wonder, why should that idea be piloted in the first place, as if the SPLM is Kiir and the reverse is true. The SPLM latest insistence to parochial individualised an institution in the face of objective realities must not go unchallenged. Just curious, why Kiir’s name on both ballot boxes! Unless its Salva Kiir or anyone from his tribe, the election must not be allowed take place. A tall member of his group put a face arguing like that and have failed to understand his reasoning.

That is unacceptable; no Southerner likes it including those ahead of us in grave- people who fought our freedom. Look, we live in a new age, where boundaries (tribal included) are getting thinner each passing day. What matters most is who delivers, regardless of his/her ethnicity.

It’s time then to separate an institution from patronising (individualism), and look at our leaders as individuals independent of the party or system. Who best suits the challenges of leadership, must not be obstructed because of some ugly cards behind our chests. The SPLM identifies itself with Gen. Kiir we know and that is understandable but the truth is that each member of that party deserves a chance like Gen. Kiir and has the same passion and obligation to carry on the baton of liberation the same way Fr. Saturino Lohure did it in the 1960s.

The SPLM party first and foremost must be concern about the unity of its ranks and files. There has to be a giant to fill up those shoes left by late Garang; a figure so big, transparent, vibrant to move us gently out of the wood. Gen. To be honest, Kiir never filled those shoes and will never fill despite pockets of successes under his administration in the South today. We had expected more, not mediocrity! The party has many qualified figures we could entrusted our affairs and here not proper for some confused members (real beneficiaries of our messes) of that party going around to confused our people further by unrealistic theories against who is fit and who isn’t. History will judge this people harshly if the opportunity before us is lost.

Each situation comes and must go with its approach: Undoubtedly, His Excellency the President has done alot to bring our people together, working round the clock to keep us safe and secure. With some problems still uunresolved no one expect him to do miracles over night given our complex issues at hand. Gen. Kiir should be celebrated. He must allow himself to be helped. Mr. Kiir therefore should challenge Al Bashir and allow his deputy to take care of the house (Southern Sudan) behind him. The SPLM Chief should name his deputy without rigours processes that are often tribalistic; the party ought to nominate and anoint both of them immediately, there is no time to waste. Ten months isn’t long. The former shall remain as the Chairman of the party whether he will lose or win there. If he loses, he may still keep his current seat of the First Vice Presidency in Khartoum with his eyes on the Southern affairs.

Dr. Machar on the other hand will assume his duties as President of the Southern Sudan Government and Commander In Chief of the Southern Army (the SPLA). Dr. Machar will get to business and bet that he will take the monster called nepotism by its horns. The best place to start it is from our ministries and governmental institutions in the Government of the South Sudan. Truly, Dr. Machar will detribalized the agriculture ministry where 85% are Baris; Security, Finance and Education where 80% are Dinkas and Southern Custom Unit where 75% there comes from his tribe; not to mentioned over 50% in the army. You could imagine the kind of troubles waiting our nation with that kind of tribal structures. We don’t have time to talk about some commissions that clan households altogether.

This is a time and moment we must not lose it as a nation. The SPLM must swallow its pride and make the necessary if not highly expected decision to put this matter to rest. Mr. Kiir surely is a proud man and he needs a ‘donkey’ like Machar to help him. I don’t think a right minded person would ever continue to dwell in the past; Dr. Machar has ‘grown’ and this is his chance, it has just come; and the SPLM should pave his way! The fate is smiling on him on many directions. Dr. Machar is a committed leader, our destiny would be safe in his hands! Attempts to stop him on malicious or tribal grounds at this critical time can’t work.

Gen. Kiir and his supporters were made to believe that he (Kiir) must not be ‘disturbed’ until the Interim Period is over; that assumption is fast fading away given the circumstances, namely the need to keep pace with the constitution and that of managerial gaps in the Government of Southern Sudan. Indicators point to the man next in hierarchy, the same way Gen. Kiir was nominated in Kamotho (New Site nearly four years ago.

The African icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela of South Africa has demonstrated to many that the blood isn’t thicker anymore at this era. He did it by standing behind a Zulu Presidential and party candidate (Zuma) against his own Xhosa’s (Mbeki) in the South Africa leadership tussle. Mr. Kiir, its you today to try this ever smiling man from Leer County and your legacy and that of your tribe would be both remembered fondly, given their sacrifices since independence of the Sudan in 1956. Show the way and your supporters will follow and cease from conspiracies that only help no Southerner in the long run.

To His Excellency the Vice Presidency, its your turn to make a difference needed and let it be that big. Start from within your party: unite it. Take good care of SPLM ‘boys’, Mr. Nhial, Mr. Amum, Gen. Oyai, Gen. Mamur, Gen. Oath, Gen. Bior, Gen. Pieng. Gen. Boll Koang, Gen. Cirilo, Gen. Aloor, Gen. Wilson, Gen. Malong, Gen. Wani and Gen. Gier. Second, invest in our infrastructures, our people, our stomachs and in God and everything shall go well with you. Show how its to serve than to be served- serving and accountable government. Then democratize systems, even from their cores. Southerners, isn’t time to be heard and do away with see nothing, do nothing administration that has impoverished our beautiful land, the very place our late dear leader Dr. John Garang perfectly erected its foundations under a tree in Naivasha-Kenya.

The author is based in Juba he can be reached at [email protected]

30 Comments

  • Nile
    Nile

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    well said Mr. Isaiah, south Sudan’s fate is in the hands of those leaders therefore, it is up to them to make a right decision otherwise things will get really bad.

    Reply
  • Akol Liai Mager
    Akol Liai Mager

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Dear readers,

    Agreement, disagreement and abstention are key elements to; respect, acceptancy, tolerance, healthy thinkings, healthy dialogue and healthy democracy. What are not key elements to above mentioned are; violence, insults and denial of others’ rights.

    The reason for the above paragraph is simple, Dr. Riak Machar time to serve people has just come and there is nothing that can let him fail as he learnt a lot and he is just doing his job compare to his other colleagues in the GOSS.

    I greed with Mr. Issaiah the author of this article in most of his points of arguement, especially those touched the question why Dr. Machar would be a good carer. However, it is up to respondants to judge this artticle as an empty barrel as they wish, but should not be used as another reason to insult or make comments that incite hatred.

    Discouraging comments are totally not helpful to the people whose future is at a cross – routes. I can single out some of these discouraging comments such as; insulting, dividing, denying and favour ones because they don’t come up with options needed to resolve/address the issue.

    The only thing I would like to see Mr. Issaiah considering in one of his next articles is democracy at the grassroutes and within the ranks of the parties including SPLM. Actions taken by parties or parties leaders should match their talks on democracy. There is no wrong or right time for practising real democracy.

    I would be very happy if we could have an healthy democracy where elections are held in a real democratic atmosphere in nation or parties levels. This will give ordinary citizens of our nation two eyes, one eye serving them as a governement and the other as the opposition that overlook the transparency of the government delivery of services to the people.

    Let wait and see what SPLM’ leaders intend to do in order to correct this situation before it frustrate its suppoters.

    Time is getting away and people are eager to know their presidential candidates and actually interact with them. We want to hear what SPLM candidate will do to stop the bloodshed in Darfur should he/she win the presidency.

    Reply
  • J.James
    J.James

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Hi Southerners!

    I feel like to throw up when I see some of the folks in this web site gave comments that shows nothing rather than just meaningless support to their respective tribemen.

    I think no one doubt the fact that, southerners are incapable of ruling themselves as arab says. I see Nuer support Nuer leaders and Dinkas support Dinka leaders for the leadership and so forth, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever emagined people who knows what is call democracy can ever attempt to do.

    The issue regarding candidancy to face Omer Bashier had been clearly started in CPA. That the head of the government of southern Sudan is the one to run against Omar 2009, that case was over. I don’t understand what brought all this worries now? Is it because Dinka don’t have strong candidate to put forward since they (Dinka) normally want leadership to remain with them till the end of the world?

    Mind you, we southerners are not going to be fool again by anybody, if we want to implement CPA than let implement CPA by giving Mr. Kiir his right to run against Omar and if he fail he has to go back to his village or let him now give presidency to Dr Riak Machar such that Riak has to face Omar in the next coming election, no wonders because there will be no magic to change that.

    Because of that, we southerners across the region are calling you Dinkas to stop causing unwanted wars in expense of your power greed. Otherwise, you will face tough war you have never seen. Southerners have given you leadership since Garang but you people have failed miserably behind the feet, you stolen all the money in south, you promoted yourselves to the positions leaving others with nothing, and you foolishly think you are the only powerfull and wise people in the south, now the time to face music is approaching. No body will be decieved by Dinka again this time and the time is up.

    I hope you stop scratching your ugly faces now.

    God bless

    The writer need southerners to unite.

    Reply
  • J.James
    J.James

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Akol

    You and your group are just dreaming for the past. You would have used your wise advice to let your corrupt officials who are also your kin cousins to stop carrying out hiden marginalization against other southerners earlier for them to retain likeability from the public.

    Now enjoy your money and wait the unknown. Is good that You people have waken us up during your leadership in the south.

    God bless.

    The writer want peace and unity.

    Reply
  • J.James
    J.James

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Hi Mr.

    Your names suggest that you are nyagat like Arok Thon and Abel Alier and beer drinka like the Bor guy called captain Guut who was drinking in Nairobi streets in 1990s.

    Get drunk and you will not be forgiven this time at all. Your Jaang will beg to knees in near future as your tactics of cheating has already got expired as we speak.

    If you have problem with Nuer and Murle, please you because you will face them in near future. However, we are giving you time to bring peace to Sudan by talking to you tribalistic clique to stop corruption and nepotism.

    Anyway, I don’t have time to answer you because you are blind cow who need only animal oinments to help you with your eyes infection. Or otherwise just feel free and talk to the bell around your neck since you are the cow.

    In other hand, the time to debate with cows is over. Riak Machar will be president or we will nominate somebody else from Equatoria or Murle to be president of south Sudan this time because we are tired of nepotistic leadership of Dinka. I am personally sorry for Salva Kiir, he is very good guy, I love him personally but you Dinkas have spoiled his political career in difference ways.

    Think wide

    God bless

    The writer is a peace activist.

    Reply
  • Koja Rubi
    Koja Rubi

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Thank you Mr. Isaiah for the above article. I really appreate its content.

    My sugession is that Mr. Kiir should contest for the Khartoum seat of president as mentioned if loses the seat to Bashir or who ever,it will not displace him from being the 1st vice president of the Sudan as the CPA states.

    Dr.Machar and Mr.Wani Igga be made to contest and for run primary party elections for the president of Southern Sudan and then the people will have time to judge who they want!!.
    All of us have the right to propose or second a candidate.

    Reply
  • Deng Francis
    Deng Francis

    The SPLM must resolve its Presidential candidatures question
    Hallo Mr. Isaiah Abraham,

    Just a big thank you for writting this inspiring and unbiased article. These are the types of people Southsudan needs in future on its fight against this disease called tribalism.

    I’m saying so because i have read the full article, and have really understood it, digested it in the same way. I really advise you as a brother in compatriot to keep up the spirit of good writting and not trying to take sides based on tribal lines which contributes nothing other than the destruction of this country.

    God Bless you

    Deng Anderson

    Reply
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