Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
March 12, 2011 (JUBA) – Heavy fighting has erupted inside Malakal town, Upper Nile state’s capital, between the SPLA forces and the forces loyal to renegade General George Athor Deng.
Eyewitnesses inside the town told Sudan Tribune the fighting continued till 8:00am around the airport and SPLA barracks. The SPLA is the official army of South Sudan, from which Athor split last year.
Athor’s forces were reported to have penetrated Malakal town under the command of one of his deputies, Oliny, who a few days ago clashed with the SPLA forces in Shilluk villages outside the state capital.
Lam Both, the Upper Nile state information minister confirmed the clashes, but said it was still difficult to know the actual numbers of casualties resulting from the incident.
“As we speak now, fighting is still going on in some parts of Malakal. But until an assessment is done, it’s difficult to know how many people were killed or injured from both sides,” Lam said by phone from Malakal.
In a separate interview with Sudan Tribune, Phillip Panyang Aguer, the SPLA spokesman also confirmed the early morning incident, but insisted that the army managed to repel the militias out of the Upper Nile state capital.
Aguer, like the Upper Nile state information minister, remained cagey on those killed or injured in the incident preferring to release more information later.
Athor was one of the senior SPLA zonal commanders operating between three states of Greater Upper Nile during the over two decades long of civil war between the North and South, which came to end following the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Athor contested the 2010 April general elections as an independent candidate for governorship of Jonglei, after he failed to secure the approval of his candidature by the SPLM Political Bureau, the highest political organ in the SPLM structure. Armed individuals loyal to Athor at the SPLA base, close to his home county of Khorfulus in Doleib Hill, staged a protest resulting in a rebellion, after the National Elections Commission announced results in favour of the official nominee, incumbent Governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk.
Armed elements loyal to him have clashed several times with forces belonging to the SPLA since he rebelled, resulting in a number of deaths on both sides.
However, South Sudan president General Salva Kiir Mayardit, in October issued a presidential order pardoning Athor and his forces. Additionally, the president issued another decree forming a high level committee comprising of two bishops and armed generals to discuss ways forward to end conflict in the area with General Athor.
The recent wave of fighting in Abyei, Jonglei and Malakal casts doubt over the stability of South Sudan which will officially become independent in July.
(ST)
Bol Deng
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
We need to used force against the militias in the South.
This militias are under the coordination within the South so we need to be careful especially with those who claimed that they need peace with those loyal to general George Athor Deng.
We have Dr Lam Akol, Gawech Chan, Riek Kok, Dr Riek Machar, George Athor, and many others.
SPLM must open their eyes. Thanks
manyang mawech
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Riek Machar words, many will realize them at the last .especailly those who though he is backing up Author when he opposed the use of force.
manyang mawech
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
the names you mentioned boll deng,
if they are militias as u always think, believe me there would be no south sudan but it will not happen. and i can not blame u because it is how narrow mind though
Acid
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
No matter what war will never settle this dispute, SPLM needs to engage those militias peacefully. President Kiir needs to act and lead.
harry
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Southerners are doomed!!!
Gaddfa
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
what in the earth is going on in the mind of General Athor? i hope God touch his heart and open his eyes to see things clearly, the say when two elephant are fighting only the grass are suffer. please Mr. general it is only the people whom you fought for quite long are the one you subjected to all this suffering. and those who had stolen the election are now in the peace sleeping comfortably with theirs families enjoying the stolen post. i hope God one day will bring the justice to the victims who have got into this mess.
Yoyo
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Athor is really shallow minded,is he fighting to be president of south sudan,or governor of Jonglei
Akolde Nhiak Jinub
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Oh! God another clash with those loyal to George Athor Deng.
These rebellions are stupid to be precise! George Athor, Oliny, David Yauyau, Chibet Mabil and anyone with this mentality are cursed by God to die quickly! Even if SPLA does not crash them, God is the last judge on these tribalistic, emotional, egocentric individuals in South Sudan! They will die a mysterious death, I tell you gentlemen and my readers!
They have rebelled against South Sudanese people, not Gen. Kiir, Kuol Manyang Juuk or anyone they accused and believed is the cause for their rebellion! If they are/were men, they should have sought ways to fight Kuol Manyang with their bare hands to box physically, wrestle or use any other means of a man to man fight, but not to drag some innocent sons and daughters of poverty striden state of Jonglei to fight on their behalf such an aimless war!
How can a great fighter and warrior like George Athor, David Yauyau if he is just skewed and vanished forever with their legacy to a hate trash in South Sudan History.
The latest information I got this morning about this other Malakal fighting is saying that both local armed groups, militias led by Oliny and local Police joint forces and launched an athack on SPLA forces in its all barracks in Malakal. If this is proven right then we have a serious problem and that our politicians pretending to South Sudanese in Juba are rebels as well and party to all that is happening in South Sudan today!
There is need for a commission of Inquiry/Investigation, Evaluation, Monitoring, Reconcilliation and to be formed by GOSS with participation of International bodies! This is to find facts and who are always those behind these atrocities in South Sudan!
The so-called Oliny is a Shilluk warrior being backed by Lam Akol, who is in disguise in Juba pretending to be a Southerners, and who has betrayed South Sudan several times in our Struggle. He was the mastermind of Nasir, several Malakal incidents which involved Shilluk and SPLA battles where Oliny is now the commander. Lam said in June 2010 that South Sudan dream for Separation is a Suicide and a nightmare that will not be viable. It was Lam that four months later ran first to join South Sudan Government in Juba and now sitting with Southern rightful politicians and Gen. Kiir, Dr. Riek, our unwavering leaders in the South Sudan!
Thank you.
Akolde N. Jinub, Rumbek, South Sudan!
Chuangah
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
LONG LIVE SPLA,LONG LIVE THE BRAVE HEARTS WARRIORS, THE REAL DISCIPLINED SOLDIERS SOUTH SUDAN AM PROUD TO BE AN SPLA SOLDIER AND I MUST DIE FOR THE WELL BEING OF MY COUNTRY, GOD WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR SHIELD, YOUR WILL, WILL ALWAYS BE VICTORY OVER THESE TRAITORS WHO BETRAYED OUR BELOVED COUNTRY OF SOUTH SUDAN, ALMIGHT GOD REST THE SOULS OF OUR BRAVE WARRIORS WHO LOST THEIR LIFE IN MALAKAL TRAGEDIES.MALAKAL AND ALL AROUND IT WILL ALWAYS BE A SYMBOL OF DESCENDANT WHO BETRAYED THEIR COUNTRY TO ARABS. OUR PATRIOTIC WARRIORS THE SPLA WILL ALWAYS CRASH YOU UNTIL OUR FULL INDEPENDENT, WE DON’T EVEN NEED FORGIVENESS WE HAVE FORGIVEN YOU 77 TIMES AND THIS IS YOUR LAST DESTINY HERE IN SOUTH SUDAN.
Gabriel Machar
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Dear/citizens of Republic of South Sudan.
Does it sound good when we hold that title (Republic of south sudan)?. the George Athor Issue now became a major problem to the southerners including those who just set infront of the computer and challenge what ever has been published. please citizen, we need to think wisely how can we overcome these malitia and tribalism issues. again boys instead of absurd languages, let us try to commen for something that make sense to other viewers and contribute ideas that could incarage people like Athor to restore his brain. get to know what so ever you write on this web will be read across worldwide, be responsible so thatt others can respect us.
Thanks
Historical Boy!
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Dear South Sudanese,
South Sudan is already dragged on fire by those who intend to do so in the leadership of South Sudan. These are those who do not want peace, or make false peace with George Athor and then break it.
Why should people want war rather than peace if they really care about this young nation? George Athor accepted peace but he was refused food and SPLA launched a suspicious mission to his designated areas. These are facts ya jamaa.
The refusal to bring Athor’s forces food plus the suspicious movement of SPLA forces towards his areas caused him to panic and attack Pangan county last month.
Well, we are already at war and next could be Bor or Juba, so the SPLA need to be in full alert. It is shameful that it launched the attacks against the milita general in the name of protecting the population and yet Athor’s forces have managed to enter Malakal. What a shame on SPLA’s military intelligence and so-called national security of Majak Agot. How did these militias get into Malakal town without your knowledge?
Bad sign, though, that some of the police forces in Malakal town from Shiluk and Dinka-Padang communities have defected to George Athor’s forces during the attack.
Reports from Bor say that coward Kuol Manyang Juuk has fled his home near the river for fear of attacks on Bor town.
Another coward Gier Chuang has fled to India pretending to be ill.
So why fear your own created war with the stupid George Athor?
South Sudan is becoming a failed state even before the independence flag is raised on July 9.
Choose peaceful means please SPLA and leadership. It is much cheaper to make peace than to wage war. Those SPLA soldiers dying are humans and sons of humans not sons of dogs that should be wasted to die for an issue that can be settled peacefully if done with guinine hearts and minds.
Yes to peace and no to war in South Sudan!
Alfredo christiani
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Dear readers
Upper Nile is a cursed region. They all look like Dr Lam Akol. War will not stop in the region even if George Athor case is solved. I’m sure 100% Murle, Anuak, kashippo; Shilluk and Buroun will fight against Nuers and Dinkas of upper Nile region. Everybody wants to be leader in the region, shame on you guys, don’t expect any support from Equatoria or Bhar el kazal regions. Finish yourselves over power .
Liberator
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Historical Boy!
please Majak Agot has his all over this clash, so to Kuol Manyang, Gier chuang, and Fooloish Salva Kiir. They have been defeated by Athor in Jonglei State. and now they especially Majak Agot tried to created a war between Jallaba and SPLA on the border of Malakal. so that their cowards Bor & Abyei Dinka wouldn’t have to fight the war on the border of Abyei.
Majak Agot please stop your conspiracy, soon it will soon backfire.
Repl
Historical Boy!
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Nhomlawda,
This is a war of your uncles Kuol Manyang Juuk (governor of Jonglei state), Gier Chuang Aluong (minister of Internal Affairs), plus their leading gossiper, Majak Agot (head of national security) against their Dinka general, George Athor Deng. All of them are greedy Dinkas in Jonglei state.
So, why do they want to spread the fighting to Upper Nile state in Malakal? This will one day backfire so ugly and hit Bor town, otherwise, they should stop it and accept peace in South Sudan.
Again, in response to your imaginary bravery and being proud to have killed Joseph Oduho in Panyagor, ask your uncle how did Riek Machar get to Panyagor in the first place (the heart land of John Garang)?
And was late Arok Thon Arok (your Bor militia General) the one taking Riek Machar to his shared town with John Garang?
Where was John Garang when Panyagor and Bor town were the playing grounds of Nuer civilians. Did Garang ever set foot in Bentiu, Nasir or Akobo or Fangak during the mouse and cat games period. Ah, son of coward.
Now you cry denying that Kuol Manyang is not a coward, then explain to readers the reason why he fled from his home in Bor town near the river and moved to the town center leaving civilians as a shield at the periphery?
He also stopped using his sirent and removed that recognizable convoy of bodyguards. Why has he done that now in Bor?
Check for yourself and find out how coward your man is.
If people tell him to fight George Athor now in the field he can cry like a baby. Being wounded doesn’t mean being a fighter or brave person, my coward friend.
Some of them (cowards) shoot themselves in the legs and other areas which do not cause death threats when battles are scary so that they are released to go for treatment or to camps in Kakuma or near Kenya and Uganda borders during the war.
Kuol Manyang was one of such beneficiaries until he turned to under-age soldiers or red army.
Riek Machar’s force wounded President Omar Bashir in 1988 in Mayom county near Bentiu and Riek is not shouting about that unmatched wounding of the current President during the battle he personally commanded.
Stop shouting about your mini sucesses or self-woundings.
Mapuor
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
I tend to think,the clash was not that heavy.There was a surprise attack that lasts for four hours,those of Malakal are now getting their fare share of war.During the war,& specially after the capitulation of engineers,Malakal enjoyed a relative peace ,while Equatoria & Bahar el Gazal were at war.Its a normal phenomenon,it will not affect our independance.North Sudan is now at war with Darfurians & people at Kharoutm are developing rapidly.Its now time for Equatoria & Bhar El Gazal to develop.
Kim Deng
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Mr. Athor on the run!
His main target was Mading Bor, but failed after Gen. Tiger Bol Koang declared “Kac-lora,” on him in Jonglei.
Mr. coward Athor and hisciples are wrong on their poor concept that two Tigers (Bol & Gatdet) will never stop chasing him until getting dead/alive or move to North for good.
Nguetbuny de Luelpiny
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
@Dear Sudanese
I have found this group posting their criminal Bor Ideology that they wanted to know where Athor family. They on the March 8, 2011 SPLA and force fight. This group are going southern tribal murders. Bor were the people that in 1992 of tribal individual within SPLA soldiers.
After their territories was overrun by white Armies Nuer forces. Bor are foolish people that bring shame to Monyjang people. Also some SPLA/M soldiers are Torturing Athor Ethnic group at University of UpperNile.
I heard some people are disappearing. This might be this part these people group and I think if Ngok people of UpperNile do not take it seriously Bor, Twic of Gangrial and Paweny playing murders trick indirect into south GOSS Army. This will cause another Tribal dispute Dinka themselves.
Below is there message
Suspicious group
10 MARCH 10:00, BY Bor Fortunate Son
Five thousand dollars reward for any information leading to General Athor Deng family whereabouts
This is not a message but rather a calling for caring citizens of Southern Sudan and Specifically Jonglei State brothers and sisters who are truly believers of actions rather talking.
Whether you are educate or uneducated, you should be aware by now how they elites individuals such General Athor Deng, Kuol Manyang and thugs from Nuer and Murle turned what supposes to be holy sanctuary for the rest of Southern Sudanese citizens into MISERY STATE of sadness, sorrow, hungry, corruptions, nepotism, and political instability. You name it and its there.
As a solution, we students (5 members only) of Jonglei State in the Midwest United States have established SOUTHERN SUDAN CRUSADER INC OF AMERICA (SSCA). This is not apolitical party or army whatsoever but a grassroots organization established to provide funding for the greater cause of Southern Sudan and particular in Jonglei State. As of now, we have decided to put our first initiative into action starting with General Athor Deng. Funding is not an issue, (SSCA) have a network with institutional and ready to provide funding truthfully for any concrete actions and information leading to whereabouts General Athor Family.
Here at Southern Sudan Crusader INC of America, (SSCA).We sincerely believe it’s our responsibility not SPLA, GOSS, UNMIS or UN only true ordinary citizens of Jonglei State who can bring the long lasting peace and stability to Jonglei State. Our dear brothers and sisters don’t let SSCA down, let make this a reality not a fantasy.
P.S. I will post the address and telephone sometime by Saturday, March 12, 2011. God Bless all of you and innocent victims of General Athor Deng. Pass on the message humbly and seriously to the rests of our fellow Comrades, brothers and Sisters.
Sincerely,
Secretary of Southern Sudan Crusader Inc of America (SSCA)
Liberator
Heavy fighting erupts in Sudan’s Malakal between SPLA and Athor’s forces
Dear readers:
please don’t throw just allegations. Dr. Riek Machar or Lam Akol has nothing to do with this. why your tribal lenses is blinding you, when you clearly seeing a Dinka General whose Supporter a captain Oliny from a shilluk instigated an attack.
And today Lt. General Athor confirmed it with news agency report on BBC. Why are you accusing Dr. Riek Machar and Lam Akol?
please crying will not help you this time. SPLA Lt. Gen Wilson Deng didn’t want U.N peackpeers to protect civilians according to U.N report. by not allowing U.N to protect civilians in Fangak, the The Kiir run Gov’t doesn’t international community mediation between Athor forces and the SPLA.
Warning: when South Sudan engulfes with fire, Please! Kiir, Kuol Manyang, Majak Agot, Gier Chuang and Pagan Amum or Nhial Deng Nhial. Do not run for international community help especialy the United States or the Europeans you Got it? because you’re refusing international mediation now!
DO NOT RUN FOR INTERNATIONAL HELP LATER!