South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
By Ngor Arol Garang
December 20, 2010 (ABYEI) — At least 12 people have been confirmed dead in what appears to be a surprised and renewed military confrontation between forces belonging to Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and armed elements identified as loyal to General George Athor.
General George Athor was one of the most respected and influential senior military officers of the SPLA, rebelled against the regional government, after the incumbent governor of Jonglei State Kuol ManyangJuuk, declared winner last April.
The general who had previously failed to get the party’s approval of his candidacy for the Governor of Jonglei accused officials from the south Sudan government led by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) of fraud and vote rigging.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Monday from his base in the extreme northwestern part of Jonglei, in an area close to Malakal town, Capital of the Upper Nile State, Athor accused the SPLA of attacking his forces twice over the weekend.
“The SPLA forces from Khorliet and Khorwac launched two attacks on our forces on Saturday and Sunday, he said.
“This was part of organized attempt to execute orders (given by Juba) that some of my senior commanding officers and I should be captured alive and killed at the meeting we had recently with a delegation sent by president of the government of south Sudan to meet me,” he stressed.
However the plot failed because he had been already informed about it before the meeting took place, he claimed.
“We were already getting enough information about this plan. We had the information of when and where they would initiate and launch an attack which they had planned to advance to the venue of the meeting,” said Athor
The Southern Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardit,earlier this month issued a presidential decree to tasking a committee to discuss with the renegade to ways end his rebellion. The committee headed by Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan.
Last October Kiir already granted an amnesty to Athor and his soldiers as well as other officers from the Other Armed Groups (OAGs) in southern Sudan aiming at uniting southerners ahead of a self determination referendum in January.
Athor accused individuals he did not name of being behind the attack on his forces, a charge some of the senior members of the southern ruling party were quick to deny and accused him of spreading unfounded allegations.
Biar Atem, an official from the government of south Sudan, in an interview with Sudan Tribune from Juba described the statement as “incorrect and backtracking statement”.
“Nobody had the plan to arrest or kill George Athor. Everybody support peaceful dialogue initiated by South Sudan president, so he should stop giving out unnecessary and incorrect statements to the media,” said Atem in a seemingly angry voice.
“There are no people plotting against him instead it is him backtracking efforts of South Sudan President to bring peace and unity of all South Sudanese including him and other traitors,” he emphasized.
The official said all south Sudanese commended Kiir’s decision to pardon the rebel general and other forces.
“If you were in Juba in October and personally attended an all South Sudan Political Parties Conference held at Nyakuron cultural center, you might have observed how the whole conference commended decision of the president. This was also reflected in the resolutions passed after the conduct of the conference. If there were people opposed to the decision, it would have been observed,” explained Atem.
However, Abiel Riing Majak, a member of the delegation representing General Athor in the ongoing discussions refuted Atem’s statements adding they have information that minister of internal affairs in the government of south Sudan, General Gier Chuang Aluong and incumbent governor of Jonglei State, Kuol Manyang Juuk where behind the recent attack.
“We are told that Gier Chuang Aluong was in Atar when the SPLA forces launched two consecutive attacks. It was him and Governor Kuol who were organizing these attacks through SPLA command forces in Juba to the local command.”
Majak went to say that the two officials who are from Jonglei state had planned to capture Athor during a meeting with the delegation sent by Salva Kiir. He also accused them of attacking another rebel officer, David Yauyau who is in Pibor.
He said SPLA forces in Khorliet were part of the plan launched an attack on Saturday while forces in Khorwac reinforced the second attack on Sunday. Some 12 SPLA soldiers were killed and eight others wounded during the weekend attacks.
“We have reports that none of our soldiers has died in the attack. No one has been injured as well but 12 people on the side of the SPLA were killed and eight others sustained injuries and are currently in Malakal town,” he said.
Colonel Philip Aguer Panyang, official spokesperson of the SPLA in an interview with Sudan Tribune from Juba confirmed the clash and described it as “sad and unfortunate development”
“Yes, I have heard of the clash. It is sad and unfortunate development and I cannot give out any detail now because I do not have enough information, said senior military officer,” adding that he was out of the town.
“I have just returned from a trip. I was out of the town so give me some time to gather enough information about this incident,” Aguer told Sudan Tribune from Juba.
The clash occurred three days after the South Sudan delegation comprising archbishop of Episcopal Church of Sudan, Daniel Deng Bul and Roman Catholic Bishop of Wau Dioces; Rudolf Deng Majak met and held talks with General Athor in his base.
The weekend fighting occurred two weeks before the run of a referendum on South Sudan independence. The renegade general previously said he does not want to hinder the historical vote.
(ST)
Gatwech
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Oh my God!
If it is true, it is very sad indeed. How can Church Bishops like Daniel Deng Bul allow themselves to be used as a trap to George Athor?
Are we turning into Godless and evil society?
Oh, God, forgive South Sudan!
What happened to the amnesty given to George Athor?
Please, please, the leadership don’t allow military clashes with George Athor at this crucial time. It can flare up and turn ugly because the enemy can grab it.
Biar-awumbeny
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
It is indeed unfortunate development because going to war between us at this critical juncture is a real fake tactics in managing this trapped region of Southern Sudan. If at all president Kiir is behind this, then he might be playing with his own words. In addition to this, I didn’t get any attacking group always loosing to the attackees but in this situation of Athor’s forces, whenever they are attacked, they claimed to be the one who have won the battle. This is hypocrisy, even during the major war with Arabs they also lost as well. Are they troops coated with anti-bullets?
landlord
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
yep hidding agender we donnot when traitors in our culture/tribe so there is no room for Deng Dut as A DINKAi WISE MR uNCLE ATHOR DENG ATRIABLE DEATH IN HIS LIVES, to hell with him
Bol Deng
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Affair game is needed to stop this greedy person.
toposaboy
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Kirr is the problem for sure
where is ABYEI?
THE REFERENDUM OF ABYEI IS VERY important for south sudan
with out ABYEI there will be no peace
Athor keep doing it do not give up like kirr on ABYEI
MOST OF US UNDERSTOOD YOUR MISSION
with out ABYEI REFERENDUM DO NOT COME BACK ATHOR
KIRR KILL ARABS NOT SOUTHERNERS SEND YOUR ARMY TO ABYEI
TO FACE MASSARIYA AND NORTHENERS
Garang Ngong
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
21 Dec.2010 by Garang Ngong
I wonder if the orginal citizen of South Sudan is still cuasing uncomfort situation in the South, where as our Country is bless with referendum,and we are left with few hours for freedom casting of vote. we better focuse on what Bashir is doing. you might have heard the bomb in the terrotry of Northern Bhar El Ghazal State.
Nhomlawda
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
To: Southern nationalists
The timing of the attack was bad if it was initiated by the SPLA but military operations are legitimate respond to a rebel who had refused to accept government annesty unconditionally.
Military operations against Gen. Athor and his forces should stop with immediate effect and annesty renewed for him and his soilders for another three months. He and his forces have to join SPLA and GOSS without conditions. If we reward somebody who rebels for no cause at all than it will encourage many people serving in the military to rebel in order to cause havoc and be rewarded with big positions with their cronies. Southerners should not accept to reward people who had committed serious crimes against the nation and innocent people with good live and luxury. Instead they should be tried and justice administered according to the law of the land on crimes of that nature.
President Kiir should give Gen. Athor annesty extension for three months and watch his links with Khartoum. If he fails to utilize this second annesty window than he must be punished militarily after independence. Gen. Athor must know that he had angered all people of good conscience in Southern Sudan in general and Dinkas in particular including his own people of Atar except those criminals supporting his unjust cause and this annesty to join unconditionally is another way of saying we have forgiven you but never remind us about your crimes. No one in the South angered him and told him to initiate revolt against his own people. Instead it was too much money he had siphoned for private use from the military that persuaded him not to listen to wisemen advice not to leave the military and join political life to contest an election he was not prepared for an alternative outcome.
I believe Gen. Athor is not a pure Monyjang, he would have calculated his chances of success before his bravery over took his good conscious and experience to conclude that military solution was the best option for him.
He had to join SPLA humiliated and in a lower rank or face a sword after independence.
Regards, Nholawda
AUGUSTINO DENG
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
I don’t no why people complaint too much like this? Is this the first time for the people in Southern Sudan to experience the death? How many people passed away during the war time starting from those who were been killed by Dr.Riek Machar Teny, Matiip Nhial, Peter Gatdet Yak, Kerubino Kuany`nyin Bol, William Nyuon and Arabs as well? Were these number of people the same with the 12 people who passed away in the clashes of General Athor’s forces and the SPLA?
I understand that no one like death, but death is an inevitable thing that come when there is a conspiracy between two opposes. So, George Athor Deng, might be wrong in alleging himself to this massacre, but who know maybe the SPLA is the one who attack his forces? To solve this problem, George Athor Deng and Salva Kiir Miyardit need to make a good solution to end-up this problem. If Dr.Riek Machar Teny rebel against the SPLM/SPLA, and then he become a Vice President of Southern Sudan, so why George Athor Deng don’t rebel in order to become a Third Vice President of Southern Sudan like when we have two Vice President in Sudan?
I don’t advocate killing of the people myself, but, if the Southern Sudanese leaders assume killing as a “budget” in order to get into power, then George Athor Deng, has a right to move forward to achieve this goal. Everybody know that those of the Southern Sudanese leaders who are now hosting the SPLM/SPLA were all rebels and now they are getting more positions than those who were not even rebels. So, what is this mean to Salva Kiir Miyardit? If poeple know before in the Movement that those who rebels will be the people to lead, then everybody could already have been rebelled.
For sure, as far as everything is concerns, this SPLM/SPLA become a party for “Homeless Leaders”. People are shouting for “Democracy” always which they don’t even know the significant of it. Those who were against the SPLM/SPLA are they people who are now enjoying the “Fruit” of the CPA, while those who were been struggling enough to liberate are they people facing “economic Disaster”. Whose blame is that if the people of Southern Sudan digested thing clearly?
SPLM/SPLA is the party for “Homeless leaders” and I have to repeat this as well as I wanted it. I had been in Jech la mer since 1987 until this current time. Nothing good I have ever seen. I confronted alot of challeges myself in the SPLA, but I still applied my perseverences to ignore them. I’m so sorry to write this, but this is not all my attributions which I do have in my heart. I have alot.
No thanks
By Augustino Deng. Jech la mer from Tharpam.
Aleu
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
I can tell that, General George Athor Deng Dut and his groups are trying to fools Southern Sudanese people, but whoever there don’t know the business for Athor is also a stupid person in Southern Sudan. The money have already purely to the hands of George Athor and his OAGS in the Bush by the Khartoum government to make destruction in Southern Sudan who doesn’t know that tactics, anyone can agree than being disagreeable, but you can understand the situation when the Officials from Khartoum government were saying and I quote, the Jonglei State, Upper Nile State, Unity State and Northern Bahr el Ghazal State all are not going to votes for the coming referendum election because of insecurity in those States.I hope you can understand now fully the nature of the currently situation in Sudan and this man Athor is not internesting to see what he was fighting for in two decades but he want to get the million dollars which left from Oil sharing fruad as a way of denying himself and his people of Dinka Luach Ngok of Upper Nile. He also want to create insecurity to his own community because when you against government thing will go in to detail and it will be very naughtly later on let him try and will back fire to him.
It was a fully meaning that, the groups of George Athor Deng are been back by the same Old enemies of the SPLA and I think the Southern Sudanese in GOSS must be aware that, the reason why some of Generals have shown sincerely to rejoins SPLA while others of Athor groups are trying to block the boat when the River Nile is too close for Southern Sudanese to a cross and get lasting freedom.
Please Southern Sudanese don’t let this man make you blinds, he is not longer one of those SPLA which they trust him during the 21st civil war. The position for governor is not own by any single individual why because this is a publice services that, anyone can have it for the time being and if you miss it then, you can still be alive just like many others who don’t have job but the point is that, in order to serve in the public services you must be honest person and respect yourself unlikely to General Athor Deng Dut who refuse to come after failing governor position this is so silly for him.
General Athor Deng Dut was asking by GOSS president Salva Kiir Mayardit to come to juba so that, his case will be follow by Judges in a good way unfortunately, he refused and he was telling the president to remove Kuol Manyang Juuk first which will not happen to give order to your president to do this but because there was been observed and people noticed he is not acting alone but there is a lots of influence in his mind from the Old enemies of Southern Sudanese people which they are telling him not to accept any dealt even they are generating too much so that, Southern Sudan will stayed divide in order for Northern Sudan domination to get Southern Sudan back because the North Sudan government did thinking that, there is nothing more important for them than getting Southern Sudan back to continues looting billions dollars of Oil unfortunately, both General Athor Deng Dut with his groups and the Old enemies of Southern Sudanese will never success this time around. Southern Sudan land is big than what the loyalists of George Athor Deng and his groups think.
The GOSS also must know that, there is no nation in the world that could get easily independence without such as bribes, loyalty, opposition groups, pessimistic, disagreement within but those people felt confidently that, they are committed to do something riht will let independence happen. For example, when the MOU MOU war of Kenyan started, a lots of Kenyan people were so loyalists been back by British however, the MOU MOU war did not give up until they found their lasting freedom. Those people who felt loyal to the Old system government, these are the people whom their minds not thinking in one thing because their minds seem to be between their own internests in another word short vision and for that reason they ignored themselves and they took wrong side in the wrong time at the wrong place.
toposaboy
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Thanks John,
Any goverment of southern Sudan wants’ to unite southerners
Must do this
Take action against the enemy of southerners: Messariya and northerners
Protect the country of southerners: start from ABYEI TO MIMULLE OR KAPOETA
Kirr have shake hands with enemy given our oil to please the northerners that was BIG mistake by kirr
Bombing of southern Sudan territory with NO response from the army
Kirr is saying am the president of southern Sudan boooo Shiite : you can not even protect the very people you claim to be president
Luthern King
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
I would like to gave condolence to the young men who sacrifice themselves for the sake of Southern Sudan, may God rise their soul in peace.
May you allow me guys to say somethings about southern Sudan of ours guys,we may not get our right through “silver plate” at least we struggle.However,those people like George Athor the are spoiler of peace the are being brainwash by enemy whom we know. “Take heard” than let forgot about the passed, think of critically.MAY GOD BLESS SOUTHERN SUDAN.
Victory
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
This is so ridiculous, Geogrge Athor has been forgiven by the president him self (silver kiir)along with other rebles group, how come other groups have accepted the pardon and re-joined the SPLM except Geogrge Athor alone? anyway the dog will never appreciate his master who feeds him,SPLM must take action regarding this flamble matter with athor,he must be brought before the table of Law,Athor hands is sought in the blood of the innocent souls he killed,he must pay the price for his action, Athor count him self as something, but indeed he is nothing but an NCP agent who has be a sign by the NCP to interrup the great vicotry a head of us in return of some millions of dollers, Splm must be vigillent with this so-called,Athor..may God bless south Sudan.
Joseph
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Dear southerners
Let president accept George Athor demands peacefully. In some years back some top senior illiterates militia’s officers were integrated with their ranks in to SPLA forces in order to avoid bloodshed in the south why not to forgive those of Athor?
Gier Chuong Aluong is root caused of these problems .During war time Gier was a body guard of late Dr John Garang and George Athor was a battalion commander in front line fighting with former foes, this is another problem of Athor . Things become via versa – upside down, Gier should not be a part of problem
More then 100 soldiers killed in this war are not sons of Kuol, Geir or George. why you let soldiers died on private issues .these army should die on national issues .Shame on you guys. After referendum all of you will be out of power, if God guides southerners will. I need peaceful solution to the problem.
The really revolutionaries of the SPLA are on the street of ten state of south Sudan now. If you let war break out again, then they will not go back to the bush again. Better to learn through mistake .this is a last chance. Omer Hassan El Basher is trying hard and harder to sabotage Referendum; He gave lots of billion Dollars to George Athor, Bona Malual Madut, Abdullah Deng Nhial and so many others Southerners who associated with Arabs. Don’t put a great hope on Europeans community, do your part effectively.
The writer is a true liberator who never diverted or rebelled against any southerner since 1984 up to date
Nhomlawda
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Joseph
Gier Was not a threat to Athor when he was left in the army.
Who is the most powerful by the way between a military general and a minister who is answerable to electorates and can be removed anytime from his post by either the president or by electorates?
I believe Athor was very powerful than Gier when he was in SPLA as deputy CoGS (Chief of General Staff). If I could remind you that George Athor used to be handled with care, and no one could confront him even when he was wrong on some issues. So he was behaving like a king in SPLA HQs.
The main issue with Athor is illiteracy and unhelpful braveness. He can hardly differentiate between a better position and a weak position. When he was in the military, he was powerful and people respect him so much to the level that he even became one of the richest southerners without any business establishment but no one question him because of his powers.
Being a governor or a minister is just nothing to being a general. Accountability in the military is not so serious as it is in civil and political positions. A governor and a minister are easily held accountable for their actions than generals. You remember, two finance ministers were dismissed in GOSS because of financial misappropriation, tell me any general removed from the army without being redeployed into a senior position in the civil service or political post, no one. Mathok, Bior and Oyai were removed from the military to allow chance for others to come up in rank but they were given big posts in GOSS. But Akuen and Kuol Athian are now home and the same can happen to any other minister and governor.
Athor made wrong choice to 1)resign from the army, 2)rebel after defeat in an election to justify his come back to SPLA and 3) refused a given annesty to return to SPLA unconditionally, therefore, stretching GOSS patience and holding GOSS hostage.
I think elites from Ngok community need to help him out in some the decisions he makes otherwise you guys have to accept him as a lost son.
Regards, Nhomlawda.
kuol M. Deng
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
If Gier Chuang involved with an old SPLA political, tactical deception of plotting an attack against George Athor, it is pathetic! It is a political miscalculation to try capturing him alive. SPLA needs to stay away from “Street Justice!” The practice of injustice by SPLA since the start of conflict within mainstream, which caused lives of many, was, is and it will be a total destruction of South Sudan. I am not Athor’s supporter, BUT reality remains reality. We need to be patience. Stop attacking him, but continue pardoning him until he sees green light. If we keep attacking George Athor, we are sending away people who were angered by SPLA previously and currently causing corruption in the South, and it enables our enemy to have another route to use against South Referrendum. I condemned this attack, and it is a hateful, and an unstudied stragety. Peace is not attainable only through forceful act, but commmon understanding is to achieve common goal and purpose.
Nguetbuny de Luelpiny
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
Dear Southern: The top leaders are playing devile Games
Kuol Manyang Juuk have pleasure of commanding SPLA far away from enemy bullets. The first lacky Garang formers who got hight ranking from start of SPLA,enjoy the commands and killing other people children by sending them into wrong war. And fire squard others.
Gier Chuang Aluong enjoy Guarding Garang and send him to schools,that teaches him mischievious tricks of murder minded. These people are running the SPLA as their own Property. Not a people to worry about their life. I do not think Athor room while Gier is in power. They are fighting their sectional war with Athor.
Athor has been in the fronline for many years,He never got political training or school to upgrade his skills in Politics. It make him easy target of being over power of by close Garang group. Also his Ngok tribe are non politicians that do not detects the trick early before it broke their backone.
Paweny and Pandeng problem are fighting their inner conflict through Gier use souther Goss. With in thier Sub-Ngok Tribe Conflict and he is carrying it as southerner problem. Most of Paweny fears Athor that he will bully them in SPLA/M leadership. As they have fought their little war locally and now they carried to Goss killed him.
NguenDeng have told all those History. Kuol,Kiir,Gier wanted to kill Athor. They stood firm tieeep, it said they wanted to kill him for peace.It said by Nguendeng song that after Marol kat, “Caa Kueer nag ee Gier”. which mean leadership.
Soo the future of the sudan is not yet save after Arab is defeated. Old Garang murder minded is still running the system. They have a plot that will cause theirs life in the near future. Those top will dispear some some day. According their Action now. The more mistake they make,the more problem increase for their life and sudanese life too.
Tone of liberator.
Nguetbuny
junub
South Sudan army clash with forces loyal to General Athor, 12 killed
You guys cracking your minds about Athor, thug had his timing clock of his fate ticking. If there’s anyone still thinking that Athor might walks free on the land of South Sudan, then that person might be dreaming nightmare because
Athor is needed wheather dead or alive. This a man who had turned against his own people, Dinka. So to hell with him and had to eat dirt wheather some coward like it or not. Athor have proved to people that he’s absence minded traitor if at the end he let himself be fooled by traitors that just because his mom is from Nuer tribe, so he will get overwhelming support from them. He should have let Riak Machar bring it on but not him to be used by these bunch of traitors. Riek didn’t want his x-wife to stage the war in Unity because he know the consequencies of it, and that why he used Athor to indirectly fight his and his x-wife’s for them in another state. But let keep our fingers crossed because soon than later, he Athor will rotten in his hide out bushes of Korfolus. Because he had wage war against his Dinka people, there’s no compromise or forgiveness, period.