By Awuol Gabriel Arok, South Sudan, Juba
RESPECT TO THE MOST DECORATED SCHOLAR AND DIPLOMAT DR. FRANCIS MADING DENG
Posted: September 6, 2021 by Awuol Gabriel Arok in Junub SudanHistorical Salutes of The 9th July.
Posted: July 9, 2020 by Awuol Gabriel Arok in Awuol Gabriel Arok, Junub SudanBy Awuol Gabriel Arok, Juba, South Sudan
Thursday, 9 July, 2020 (PW) —The Future is attached to the Present and the present is connected to the Past.
9th JULY a day worth 184 years of bitter struggling is the day that our great fathers
And mothers dreamed of and paid a heavy price for.
Today the 9th July
The nation was born!
I salute
The pre-colonial resistances under the guidance of Southern tribal chiefs (1827-1898)
I salute
The colonial resistances of (1898-1946) under notable Kings, Chiefs and leaders; Ngundeng Bong, Gbudwe Basingbi, Akwai, Guek Ngundeng, Mayen Mathieng, Awuou Kon, Dhieu Allam, Bol Yor and Kon Anok.
I salute
The (1944-1954) political organizations by Southern leaders and chiefs: Cir Rehan, Gir Kiro, Okuma Bazin, Lolik Lodu, Lopwanya, Tete, Lueth Ajak, Clement Mboro, Gordon Apech Ayom, Stanislaus Abdalla Paysama, Benjamin Lwoki, Paul Logale, Abdel Rahman Sule, Buth Diu, Joshua Malual, Fahal Ukanda, Andrea Faragallah, Lino Tombe, Bullen Alier, Rendento Ondzi, veterans and martyrs.
I salute
The Torit Mutiny of 1955 ignited and supported by Renaldo Loleya, Emilio Tafeng, Saturnino Oboya, Ali Gbatala, Albino Tombe, Madut Chan, Modi Aba, veterans and martyrs.
I salute
The Anya Nya movement (1957-1963) notable faces: King Omiluk Ohide, Okiya Latoda, Joseph Lagu Yanga, Joseph Oduho Howaru, Father Saturnino Lohure, Paterno Athari, Goerge Kwainai Akumbek, George Lomoro Muras, Panrasio Ocheng, Sererino Fuli Boki, Samuel Abu John, veterans and martyrs.
I salute
All the chief killed (1947-1968) without forgetting Paramount Chief Ajang Duot Bior who was killed in 1967 together with 27 chiefs of his court among them chief Bul Khoc who stepped into the flames of burning fire as a testimonial for just and ownership.
I salute
Southern leaders (1963-1972): William Deng Nhial, Father Saturnino Lohure, Joseph Oduho Howaru, Aggrey Jaden Lado, Marko Rume, Joseph Lagu Yanga, Abel Alier, Samuel Abu John, Samuel Aru Bol, Natale Olwak Akolawin, Ezboni Mundiri, Joseph James Tombura and their Cabinets.
Great attention to 1965 Khartoum Round Table Conference spearheaded by SANU in Exile led by Aggrey Jaden, SANU inside led by William Deng Nhial, Southern Front Party led by Gordon Muortat Mayen and all the Southern leaders who participated.
I salute
Southern Sudan Liberation Movement (SSLM) led by Joseph Lagu and Southern Autonomous region’s High Executive Council led by: Abel Alier, Joseph Lagu, Peter Gatkuoth, Joseph Tombura, Gismallah Rassas and their entire Cabinets.
I salute
The SPLM/A of (1983-2005) under the leadership of Dr. John Garang de Mabior and his Comrades Kerbino Kuanyin Bol, William Nyuon Bany, Salva Kiir Mayardit, Nyacigak Nyachiluk, Arok Thon Arok, Joseph Oduho, Martin Majier Gai, Francis Ngor Makiech, Stephen Madut Baak, all the Commanders, Jesh chaap, Jesh Ahmer and Churches acknowledged.
Special heartfelt salutes to the war martyrs, widows, orphans, widowers and disable; the Heroes and Heroines of the 21 years.
I salute
The 9 Jan 2005 the great day when CPA was signed in Kenya Granting us an open space to decide:
I remember!
That fateful evening of 30 July 2005,
The day we lost our dear and great leader Dr. John Garang de Mabior under mysterious helicopter crash; I salute all the liberation martyrs on that day.
I salute
The joyous day 9th Jan of 2011; our referendum day,
It was here that we decided the today DAY.
Hurrah to the people of South Sudan for the DECISION;
I salute
The 9th July, this is the day that made sons and daughters of this land gave up their souls and self dignities since 1827 to 8th July of 2011.
On 9th July the Nation was born….
Today is our day and History is real.
Thank to those who have taken their time to put down part of our history:
Abel Alier, Arop Madut-Arop, Atem Yaak Atem, Alfred Taban, Douglas H. Johnson, Evans-Pritchard, Francis Mading Deng, Joseph Lagu Yanga, James Wani Igga, Jacob J. Akol, Khalid Mansour, Larco Lomayat, Mohamed Omer, Scholars, Elders and Artists saluted.
Awuol Gabriel Arok, a Writer and a Poet, has IMPA , Tsinghua University, BA Degree in CS & RD, University of Juba, South Sudan. He can be reached via his email Address:jjmkamzeearokson@yahoo.com
Letter to My Nation
Posted: January 25, 2020 by Awuol Gabriel Arok in Awuol Gabriel Arok, Junub Sudan, Letters, Opinion ArticlesBy Awuol Gabriel Arok, Beijing, China
Saturday, January 25, 2020 (PW) —National dignity and pride is the only gear that can safely direct and deliver the Nation to the expected Destiny.
In a every social setting, respect and acknowledgement of good work done enhance social cohesiveness and progress, it is a core responsibility of the citizens to respect their Leaders, the Army and the Organized Forces in order to foster team work, accomplishments and importantly the smooth wheeling of national unity which must also be reciprocated to the civilians, it is cheerless and a depress when national leaders and citizens bunch themselves according to regions, tribes and communities, if there is a significant call for such than it should be the regional, tribal or communities leaders who can do so in line with nationalization of national resources and services.
It is never a blessing when leaders at the national level troop themselves according to origin and backgrounds, doing so furthest the rate of division and the citizens are scattered and divided into political and tribal shelves.
Regional, tribal and community responsibilities should be detached from national management simply because the national leadership engulf all the other configurations of responsibilities and therefore, for the basis of national dignity , leaders who are holding national posts should not also serve as regional, tribal or community leaders, doing so can mess up various rightful privileges and overwhelmingly encourage nepotism and other forms of corruption for that case, they should not affix themselves to some particulars sections of the nation, senior post holders such as the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Advisers, Undersecretaries, Commissioners and Chairpersons of the Commission, Director Generals, Generals in the Army and Organized Forces are over qualified for local leaderships. Read the rest of this entry »
Malith Alier, Scone, Australia
Sunday, 10 November, 2019 – PW
Day One
Nestled between mountain ranges to the north, east and far west is the city of Tamworth in New South Wales, Australia. It’s an important regional centre in the Federal Government electorate of New England. Tamworth is about three hundred and eighteen kilometres away from Queensland border. At June 2018 the population was estimated to be around 43,000 people. A climb on the Oxley Scenic lookout offered unforgettably breathtaking views over the city. The Oxley Lookout is a short walk from Tamworth Hotel next to Tamworth Train Station on Marius Street, New England Highway. On the second day of the incursion, I felt that the visit won’t be complete without travel to the famed Oxley Scenic Lookout.
From Scone, I caught the daily regional train heading to Tamworth at 1:38pm. As early as 9:00am before travel, I headed to the Scone Library to book a ticket on the transportnsw.info website. The two-way tickets cost under sixty Australian Dollars. The return ticket happened to be for the First Class as the Economy Class was fully booked.
At around 1:00pm, a friend from the USA called on messenger. I was seated in from of the patio of our residence just counting down to the train arrival. He started talking about America, his work and the war-ravaged South Sudan where we both come from. I regularly glanced on the wrist watch to make sure that I did not miss the only train to Tamworth on this fine Saturday. “Please allow me to go, I am going somewhere right now,” I requested. I picked my “be” bag and headed to the Scone Train Station. Coincidentally, we both (me and train), from different directions, arrived at the train station at the same time. What the timing, I told myself. I pressed the button and the door gaped open! My seat was number 44 on the Economy Class next to the First Class I will be riding on return leg.
The northern part of New South Wales is a truly amazing landscape! I continuously looked out of the windows: the vegetation, the hills, the valleys and the mountain ranges tell you everything about the work of nature on earth. Land utilization is another reason to keep looking out for on the journey. Farmers have fenced their land all the way along the road and beyond. The hill sides are dotted with buildings that unmistakably tell you that this is not a no-man’s land. More than people who have colonised the land through farming; is the well-known Australian Kangaroo in its various species. The well camouflaged Kangaroo all of a sudden is seen hopping away from the roadside. At times, the vigilant roo (short for kangaroo) is seen raised his head to listen or see what’s happening as the train approaches.
Day Two
Early in the morning I got up fresh and ready to explore the city to the limits. I went to the shared bathroom facility, brushed my teeth and took shower. Back in the room, I dressed and headed to a café on Peel Street where I ordered a hot chocolate and a traditional meat pie. I knew that the day was going to be hectic. Physical walk was expected to be the order of the day. I returned to my room one more time and grabbed my Canon digital IXUS 850 IS Camera which I bought from Harvey Norman in 2007. This camera is part of my story for more than 10 years now. It had captured hundreds of images including marriage photos for 2008.
I headed straight to Bicentennial Park close to Peel River. The entry to the park is aligned with statues of notable people who were and still part of the story of what has come to be known as the Country Music Capital of Australia! I took photos of the ones I like. I then proceeded to the footbridge across the River. I strolled across to the other side. Right on the bank, I looked around and saw nothing of particular interest. I saw a car park with two to four cars parked there by the owners who might have gone for a leisure walk. On the right-hand side was a patchy park of green and dry. With no motivation to go further, I made a U-turn across; back to the park where a gay pride show was in progress. The park was littered with gay pride colours – Rainbow Colours. A number of stalls was erected for shelter and display of items and objects. At one stall, were three greyhound dogs with the “adopt me badge” on them. They were held on leashes.
From here, I proceeded eastwards hoping to reach the limit of the sprawling CBD. I took two photos of emu and horse statues as I go along through the Park. The horse and man statue is the face of Bicentennial Park. Nearby was the stagnant water pool full of water ducks. The ducks of different colours ranged from small to large ones. I came to a vibrant playground at the east end which I later learned was completed in 2015. It cost $1.1 million to construct according to Tamworth Regional Council records. The playground features included; Netplex climbing play system, Smart Play Motion and Little City Oslo for toddlers and many more. I quickly gazed around the playground and moved on. I made about turn after Woolworths. I believed that there’s not much to proceed further. On the right was another playground name aerodrome. It is an oval shaped concrete and was not in use on the day.
At this time around after midday, I needed to quench my thirst and would be ready to enter any grocery on the next street. In a small Asian grocery, I purchased a basil seeds drink in a 350 ml bottle. I felt in love with the small store, the compact layout and the neatly filled shelves impressed a visitor who is keen shopper. It was in this shop I spent several minutes window shopping. Several Asian customers came in and went out often.
Facts about Tamworth
The original inhabitants of Tamworth are the Kamilaroi aboriginal people
John Oxley passed through the area in 1818, named the River that passes here Peel River after PM Robert Peel
First sheep station Established in 1831
First city to use street lighting in Australia in 1888
Country music capital of Australia – holds largest country music festival every year
Considered a National Equine capital because the number of equine events held here
In 2006, the Tamworth Reginal Counted voted 6-3 against resettlement of Sudanese refugees. Councillor James Treloar claimed the refugees were tuberculous and criminals. The decision was however, reversed one month on due to public outrage.
I premeditated to return to the store the following day to do more shopping here. On the way I passed by several huge car dealerships as I headed back to the Centrepoint Shopping Mall for lunch. But before that, I moved northwest a little. I headed to the Tamworth Power Station Museum. Google told me that it was close at the time but I was determined to view it inside or out whichever way. I walked in front of the Museum viewing outside displays and photos about the city and the station. The displays exactly take the visitors through the history of the city and the power station. It also gave the background of the people involved in the power engineering and generation. Finally, it tells you exactly that Tamworth was the first in the whole of Australia to use street lighting. It was time to let go.
As I entered the Shopping Mall, I saw an African shop, African Art and Craft. I peeped through collapsible transparent door and saw bright red African shirt covered in amazing patterns. I felt in love with it on instant. My favourite colour revolves around sheds of red hue! Since it was Sunday, I envisaged to return on Monday to have a look on this particular shirt and many more. The notice on the door however, told a different story, “sorry for missing you, we’re back on Tuesday.” That statement sealed my fate of not laying a hand on that little shirt comes Monday. I called it quit and proceeded and grabbed an eleven Dollar lunchbox in a take away café in the same Shopping Mall and headed to the YHA Hotel close to the railway station. My intention was to relax for a few hours before the next episode, ascension to Oxley scenic Lookout – a tourists hit for the city.
In the dining area of YHA, I started a conversation with a Zimbabwean man I saw at the premises the day I arrived. He introduced his name and I responded in the same manner. There was a lot more to talk about since anti-imperialist Robert Mugabe, who died in Singapore in September 2019, come from that country. “How is your country, Zimbabwe, these days I asked?” “My country is not that great anymore.” “I lived in South Africa for over 10 years before I came to Australia last year,” he explained.
We had a frank assessment of the three countries of Zimbabwe, South Africa and South Sudan. The topics discussed included refugees, xenophobia, political abuse including overstaying in power, and then war. Currently, war is raging in South Sudan as a result of unfulfilled promises after the end of 21-year old previous war in united Sudan. The ruling party, the SPLM began devouring itself from within in 2013. This happened two years into independence. The rival leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar insist that they had what it takes to rule the country indefinitely! Under pressure from within and without, they negotiated a peace agreement in 2015 and formed a transitional government the following year. They resumed fighting within months starting in the capital for the second time.
There is no war in Zimbabwe as we speak but a liberation party, ZANU-PF, which ruled the country since independence in 1980 started to abuse citizens in politically motivated orgies. Things began to unravel in 2000 after the opposition mounted a strong challenge to Robert Mugabe’s iron fisted rule. The sparks flew and the opposition supporters were at the receiving end of Robert Gabriel Mugabe ire and vengeance. Hundreds of people were killed by ZANU-PF youth. Thousands fled the country to South Africa and other neighbouring countries. White farmers were killed or evicted from farms by War Veterans. This is the story of the Zimbabwean people under ZANU-PF and Mr. Mugabe.
Fleeing to South Africa didn’t help the Zimbabweans as they faced the unwelcome by citizens of the host country especially after staying for long. They’re and continued to be subjected to unforgivable and harsh xenophobic attacks in the former apartheid-ruled country.
After having read a chapter on “The Writer’s Idea Book” by Jack Heffron, I deemed it time to proceed to my last undertaking, going to the Scenic Lookout. I grabbed my Galaxy J8 and keyed in “Oxley Scenic Lookout.” The Lookout was three kilometres away from YHA. I followed the direction to White Street and towards the mountain ranges to the north. There was no longer paved footpath on White street so I walked on the grassed side of the road for safety reasons. Several vehicles wheezed by as I briskly walked along. After bypassing the last residential homes, I followed a goat track as I climbed the mountain. Then I came to the meandering road the track crossed. I looked up, right, and left. I stood still and thought for a moment. The goat track has become steep. I decided to walk on the roadside as there were no many traffic either way. At one point, I decided to change course and go back because I thought the journey was exhaustively tiresome. I was sweating profusely and I had to carry my woollen Huski on one hand. Half of my soul said no, stay the course!
The google map told me that the lookout was about 17 minutes’ walk away. Time ticked and I reached the apex of the Lookout! Here a good number of visitors was present. Cars were parked nearby. The tourists were taking photos or selfies for remembrance. I saw some couple looking at photos and laughed hysterically. At this point, with telephone back in the pocket, I switched on my little Canon to take the panoramic view of the city and surrounds below. I took at least three positions and made a quick review. It was amazing! I then sat on a handy seat provided by the Council for the comfort and rest of the thousand visitors year-round. I opened the bottle of Powerade diluted with water from the tap on the Lookout. I seeped the water two times. I took a third seep and thighed. This sight is not only amazing, it provided healing of some sorts to the mind and soul. Overviewing the magnificent city from above is a true refreshment of spirit! It was time for me now to descend back to the city. The sun was going down. As I prepare to descent, I saw a white Toyota car parked on the edge. A man was in the seat. On the embankment was a green peacock which I betted belonged to the man in the car. I thought it was majestic in presentation. I aimed and captured images of the cock.
I took a different route towards the city. The broken path meandered in north westerly direction. On descending, I had to move slowly to avoid potential slip or fall. The loose rocks can initiate slip and fall so, I thought. Hap, hap, hap I marched down the mount! The pine-like mountain trees looked lifeless. They have no green leaves on them. Their lack of water contents was apparent to the naked eye. The mountain trees are adapted to the conditions up here. Northern New South Wales has been experiencing dry weather conditions or drought for years now. The descent took about thirty minutes or so. Finally, the street sign told me where I was – Brisbane Street. White street entry, Brisbane street exit, amazing! I looked around to make sure that all was okay. I betted that buildings on the top end of Brisbane street were architecturally well designed. They are magnificent town houses owned and dwelt in by the well to do citizens. I chose a different road that joined Brisbane street at a Y junction. After all I wanted to explore as much of the city as possible before the sun sets. Certainly, it was my last day for the visit.
An arrow pointed to the direction of a botanic garden. I wanted to follow the direction but decided otherwise after walking a few metres. There was a school nearby, I walked past it. Then another school followed by a third school. A series of schools in the same neighbourhood! unexpectedly, I came to the railway line at Tamworth Train Station. There before me, was a giant overpass across the line to the station. I stepped on the overpass and crossed to the western side.
Yesterday on arrival, I got a glimpse of a mammoth building to the west. I decided not to forfeit visiting it before dusk. I walked through the Hands of Fame park at the crossroad of two streets. I briefly scanned over it across the road. It’s a little nice and neat park within the CBD. I then proceeded to the Bridge over the Peel River heading to West Tamworth. I peered a head to make sure that I was headed in the right direction. The erstwhile magnified building became smaller and smaller as I approached. I previously looked like it was a raised platform. I crossed the double bridge to what is known as West Tamworth. On the left-hand side after the bridge is Thrifty Caryard. The yard was filed with small cars meant for hire by the tourists. The next is Ibis Hotel. Ibis Hotel is located on the lower bank of the River. Apparently, the area is subject to flooding. This is why the back part of the building is on raised concrete posts to elevate it from flood level. I crossed the light controlled intersection of the two streets. The huge Anglican building was one block away from here but I decided to view the church on the second street ahead. I aimed my Canon and took three photos of the building at different angles. They looked impressive. They were of course taken across the street and I had to zoom in and out for maximum resolution. The yearn to view this western side of the River landmark was now satisfied.
However, I then had to travel a few more metres to have the full experience of this busy street. I looked a head and saw a giant Woolworth and Big W Shopping Centre post. Since it was wee hours on a public holiday, there was no need to go into the shops. I simply walked past and came to a busy corner. I saw a pub on the other side of the street. The next to the pub was “Devils’ Paradise!” I eventually reversed course here. A small sign in front of the entry to the Devils’ Paradise announced that, “We are Open, a discreet parking is at the rear!” I laughed about the apt naming and cogitated about it for a moment. “Are they married men and women coming to “The Paradise” or just bachelors and spinsters? Is it anybody above eighteen? How is it managed? Do they use drugs before indulgence? I let it get over my head altogether. These questions were just rhetorical ones at best. After everyone has their own choices.
I set my mind to the YHA accommodation. The sun was already down. The City lights have taken over! It was time to think about the rest of the evening including where to have dinner. Just metres away from the bridge, I looked in the night sky. I was instantly greeted by the sight of the flying foxes also scientifically known as Pteropus. The sight of the flying bats following the course of the River was not only amazing but also provided an opportunity to learn about their behaviour. We know that bats are nocturnal (active at night) animals. They’re also not classified as birds but mammals because they give birth to live young ones among others. Those are some of the few characteristics I learned in school many years back. I stood by the bridge to observe the spectacular sight of the moving bats for minutes. I leaned against the support rails and reached out and unzipped the small bandolier hanged across the shoulder. I took out the Canon. I initially, captured photos and then a video motion of the mammals. A cross the bridge; another guy was taking pictures and videos of the bats on his mobile phone. He seemed to have been out from work late and did necessarily need to spend a lot of time on it. Or perhaps it’s not new for him
I then crossed to the other side and continue watching for another ten minutes or more. Some “tired” bats so I thought, rested on the trees on the banks. Some little bats flew dangerously close to the moving traffic on the bridge. I thought they’re going to hit the cars. I watched the whole spectacle for over thirty minutes. Toward the end of the flight, the bats became smaller in size. I thought they’re the young and inexperienced ones flying at the rear.
At the Safari Club Bar and Grill, I sat on the table close to the door and waited for one minute or so. I rose up and went to the counter. “We’ll come to you,” one lady at the counter said. “Okay,” I said. I headed right back to the two-seater table. I guessed around the restaurant. I spotted neatly taxidermized heads of African springbok, eland and gemsbok hanged on the walls from the door to the very end. The Grill and Bar patrons were busy eating and drinking exotic beers and wines. South African beer, cider and wines specials were on display on canvass on the wall. I looked across to the other partitioned room but few people sat therein. I turned to the menu before the waiter arrived. The menu suggested that it’s one of the pricey fine dining outlets in town. Starters cost between AUD 18 and AUD 36. One can spend over hundred for a three-course dinner at Safari Club Bar and Grill. It could be more if you include choice wines or cocktails. Indeed, a seafood platter for 2 sells for AUD 120.
“Please let me have Game Meat Tempter, I told the waiter. The full description of the entrée was, “Mixed Slices of Crocodile and Kangaroo fillets, marinated in monkey gland sauce and chargrilled – served on mixed green salad.” With pen and paper on her hands, the waiter was about to record the order but before that, she said that they didn’t have crocodile meat on offer that evening. “let me confirm just to make sure,” she explained. She headed back to the kitchen. She returned with the same bad news. I then decided to have a taste of kangaroo meat as a starter. I took photos of the dish before me not knowing that the phone won’t retain them long. I felt partly disappointed because of the absence of the game croc meat in the combination after the dish.
Safari Club menu has a motto: “Take Your Tastebuds On.” So, if anyone wants to palate their tastebuds, they should try the fine dining outlet right in the heart of the CBD.
I left the Brisbane Street venue for a Chinese restaurant on Peel Street. Before, disappearing for good, I looked back to take photos of Safari Club frontage on the phone. The photos did disappear later altogether on phone memory.
After a nice dine in the Chinese restaurant, the lady gave me a chocolate sweet on the way out. I kept it until the following day. Taking caffeine late in the evening is a no, no to me – loss of sleep is the reason.
Back at YHA, I found the two Zimbabwean gentlemen seated at the same table as before I left for Oxley Lookout. I was introduced to James who was a nice-looking man perhaps in his late thirties or early forties. We embarked on discussing the same topic about Africa and its woes. The same familiar stories of Zimbabwe, South Africa and South Sudan resurfaced. This guy had no kind words for African leaders who overstay their welcome in leadership positions.
I told him that I keenly follow South African Daily Maverick stories. I said that the story of Grace Mugabe lashing Gabriele Angels with electric cord in Johannesburg in 2018 was a disturbing story. I pointed out that she should have been charged for her unruly conduct especially in a foreign country. Grace Mugabe was let off the hooks citing her diplomatic status. It was ridiculous. She entered South Africa not on that premise. She is also a native South African having been born there. James agreed with my views about the issue. He thought that “Gucci” Grace should have disciplined her sons who were misbehaving in South African wealthiest Sandon area of Joburg. I didn’t sit this time. We discussed the matters on my toes! It was coming to nine or ten o’clock and I really wanted to be in bed for the necessary rest from the long day.
Day Three
I looked at the analogue Elite Quartz on the bed side. The time shown was 7:30am. I went back to sleep for another hour or so before I started preparing for the 10:27am train departure. The Eastern Australian Day Time, AEDT, has what is known as Daylight Saving Time, DST. This practice is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island. Clocks are pushed forward, one hour on the first Sunday of October and vice versa on the first Sunday of April each year. Therefore, my reference to the time on unadjusted watch was incorrect. This later that morning cost me the planned shopping at cheap Aldi store in town.
Still unaware of the fallacious timing, I headed to the Centrepoint Shopping Mall for breakfast. At Jamaica Blue Café, I ordered muesli and English breakfast tea still unaware that there was no enough time to indulge in shopping at Aldi and Storm Riders stores! While waiting for the serve, I as usual, logged on to Facebook to see what was happening around or further afield. The unlocking procedure on the phone includes pressing the light on, swipe the screen and draw a pattern to fully unlock it for use. I momentarily noticed that time on the phone was twenty minutes to ten. I was also expected to check out at the HYA hostel by ten o’clock. The normal rules state that guests must check out at 10:00am. Failure to check out at the specified time meant that I would therefore be requested by the Hostel to pay late checkout fee about ten Dollars.
At this stage, I realised that I had to move quickly to at least do a couple of tasks before departure. Everything had to be done in a hurry! I took the breakfast as quickly as I could. By 9:55am, I was in the Hostel lobby. I collected my bag which was already packed and moved downstairs to the reception. I handed the set of keys to the receptionist who wished me a safe trip to wherever I was going. With just under 27 minutes to the departure, I resolved to omit Aldi shopping on the list. I headed to Storm Riders fashion store to buy a camp collection red bag I admired and promised to purchase the day before. Being a Labour Day public holiday in New South Wales, the store was scheduled to open for business from 10:00am to 2:00pm according to notice posted on the door. With just minutes to ten, I strolled by the nearest shops to kill time as I wait for the opening of the Storm Riders. One of the two shop attendants was seen securing the door to the side wall as I anxiously waited to enter. The moment arrived! I rushed in and asked the lady to prepare the bag for checkout. She picked it and went to the back store to remove the stuffing. She headed to the till and scanned the barcode. “Are you paying cash or card,” she politely asked. “Card,” I said. “Can I give you a bag?” she asked. “Yes please,” I said. A bag was a shopping bag for carrying the bag I bought.
Between Scone and Tamworth there are four stations: Murrurundi, Willow Tree, Quirindi, and Werris Creek. The regional train separates at Werris Creek, one part of two to three cars goes to Moree as the other goes to Armidale via Tamworth. On the return journey, I briefly disembarked from the train as the two parts amalgamated at Werris Creek. I learnt a short history about the place. The nearby Railway Monument displays it all! The Werris Creek Railway Station was opened in 1878 making the town, the first Railway town in Australia according to sources.
Ben Chifley, the 16th Australian Prime Minister was an ordinary engineman. A train engine driver is also called engineman. He served as Prime Minister, PM, from 1945-1949. Ben was born in Bathurst, New South Wales on 22 September 1885. He left high school and joined the state Railways, qualifying as an engine driver. He became an active member of trade union whose members become Labor Party members when they join politics. Ben was elected to parliament in 1928. He lost re-election bid in 1931 but remained in active politics nevertheless. In 1940 he was re-elected and by 1945 he became the Australian Labor Party Prime Minister after the death of John Curtin.
I took some photographs of stone monuments on display outside the Werris Creek Railway Museum. The two giant stones outside are a display about Ben Chifley and coal mining in the area.
I entered into the little Museum but stop short of exploring the displays. Time was too short to do so. The train from Moree has just arrived and has amalgamed in readiness to go to Sydney Central Station.
The train pulled to scone Station at 12:29pm. Scone is a town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. It’s about 270 kilometres north of Sydney. Its population according to 2006 population census was 2,624. The town is well known for breeding thoroughbred racehorses. It’s the national headquarters of Stock Horse Society and is known as the Horse Capital of Australia.
I picked my bag and pulled out of the train. With the bag on the should and Storm Riders shopping bag on the hand, I proceeded to our residence on Susan street east of Scone Train Station. I was glad that the long weekend was well spent. This is why I love travel. You get to know new places deeper and will permanently have relationship for the rest of your life.
Myspacecreations.com.au/bicentennial-park-tamworth/
En.wikipedia.org/wiki/tamworth-new-south-wales
The USA Should be Applauded on First Corporate Sanctions in South Sudan
Posted: October 13, 2019 by aljokd in Junub SudanMalith Alier, Scone, Australia
Saturday, 13 October, 2019 (PW) – Many years ago on the banks of a river in Ethiopia, me and comrades in arms, no we’re not in arms, we’re to be in arms. In the rocky town, the nights were sang away in songs denouncing bourgeois in the land we left behind – The Sudan. We had nobody defined what a bourgeois was. the meaning was gleaned from speeches and talks by the informed.
According to Merriamwebster dictionary, it is a social middle class. it may also mean a desire for material interest and respectability. Alternately, it may mean commercial or industrial interests. We,re too young to know such definitions at the time.
Amidst the clamour, there existed one thing that baffled at least my good self. Near a park (medan) located in the middle of the refugee camp was a pharmacy. It was the one of its kind outside the Dima Hospital. The ambiguous pharmacy (in terms of ownership) was manned by an Arab or a middle eastern looking old chap. I was at least unhappy about the Arab looking man. It’s the Arabs soldiers directed from Khartoum who bombed our village and forced us to Ethiopia as young as we were! Why was this Arab allowed to run a business among us? This was the natural feeling I had. This feeling was not made any better when John Garang, the head of rebels visited with Arab looking guys in tow!
Fast forward to 2019 and in the modern day South Sudan, none has an interest to discuss about the term bourgeois any longer. I bet the silence means that the ones who composed or supported the singing about bourgeois years ago have either become the new bourgeois themselves or they forgot about the effects of bourgeois. I have no idea who notoriously popularised the term, are they dead or alive?
In light of the definition above, bourgeois is life in towns in cities- the new bourgeois has come, the old is gone!
The Sentry Report (2019), “The Takings of South Sudan” has shined more light on the commercial and industrial interests of the new bourgeois in the new nation like never before. It is still the Sudan affair. The shrewd Sudanese like Ashraf Seed of Alcardinal companies continue to subsist on their trading ground in the separated Southern part of the former Sudan
The Sudan link
Many business people of Sudan origin still control significant trade in Sudan South. The Darfuris control retail business in all the towns of the nascent state. These Darfuris are either belligerents against Sudanese government or normal businessmen. During the approach of July 2011 separation, Most Sudanese business people were under significant pressure from relatives and friends to leave the south fearing violence. It was anticipated that the South Sudanese were going to turn on their former country men by way of revenge for the 21 year old war. Not everybody retreated to Sudan some refused and continue to carry on lucrative business like Al-Cardinal.
The South African coincidence
It’s not only the “south” that is the common denominator between the two African nations. The two nations are embroiled in “state capture” debacle. The Gupta brothers have captured the government institutions in South Africa and Ashraf Seed Ahmed Al-cardinal has single handedly captured the state of South Sudan. And then the Gupta brohers as well as Al-Cardinal are sanctioned (10th and 11th October 2019) by the US Treasury using the Magnitky Act of 2012. The Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC said that “Alcardinal and Ajing were involved in bribery, kickbacks, and procurement fraud with senior government officials” according to Sudantribune.com. On the Gupta brothers, it is more of the same, Kleptocrats have ruled with impunity and stolen for decades because of the individuals like these according to South African Daily Maverick.
The story of Gupta family, also known in South Africa as Zupta because of the close relationship with former president Zuma ran like this: in 1993 just before the majority rule, the family moved from state of Uttar Pradesh, India to South Africa to establish a computer business there. In 2003, the controversial family met Jacob Zuma at a function it organised at the Sahara Estate in Johannesburg.
The family went on to support Zuma during power struggle over African National Congress, ANC leadership with Thabo Mbeki. Jacob Zuma won the leadership of the ANC in a conferenece held in Polokwane in 2007 which set the dice rolling for the Gupta brothers and their machinations. Some of the contorversial trails left by the Guptas included; Guptagate or landing at Waterkloof Air force base and influence over cabinet appointments. These are collectively known as “state capture” and is subject to a two year Commission of Inquiry. As of 2016, the entire Gupta family left South Africa for Dubai long before Jacob Zuma was forced out of office by his party, the ANC.
There is something very common with the state capture scoundrels like Al-Cardinal and the Guptas. They seemed to form many different companies covering many business interests like procurement, mining, media and telecommunications et cetera. Below are some of the web of business entities created by the said individuals in South (Africa/Sudan).
Al-Cardinal Business entities
Alcardinal General trading limited
Alcardinal General Trading LLC
Alcardinal Investments Co. Ltd
Alcardinal Petroleum Company Ltd
NILETEL
Gupta Business entities
Oakbay Investments
Sahara Computers
Sahara Systems
Oakbay Resorces and Energy
The Shiva Uranium Mine
Tegeta Exploration and Resources
Westdawn Investments
Black Edge Exploration
Media Houses (TNA, The New Age, ANN7)
VR Laser
Steel Fabrication for Mining
Islandsite Investments
Confident Concepts
JIC Mining Services
Summary
Foreign interests masquerading in business are too common on the African Continent. It’s part of neocolonialism perpetuated by powerful interest in government. The USA plays a leading role in combating terrorism and money laundering in the world. This is made possible thanks to Magnitsky Act, 2012 that places sanctions on individuals in the centre of corruption in weak countries like South Sudan. The sanctions on Alcardinal and the related companies sends a powerful message to other individuals and companies that may be involved in corruption in future.
Deforestation of Anyidi County: An Open Letter to the County Commissioner
Posted: October 5, 2019 by aljokd in Junub SudanMalith Alier, Tamworth, Australia
Saturday, 5 October, 2019 (PW) – The UN Climate Action Summit took place on the 23 September 2019 about two weeks ago in New York, USA. In that summit, the world leaders were implored by climate activists to take urgent action to avert the impending calamity as a result of global warming.
We all are aware that the release of gases such as Carbon dioxide, CO2 and other gases not only cause pollution but also contributed to the publicised warming that affect oceans ice. The big industrial nations are blamed for relying on coal which is a major pollutant.
Of course South Sudan is not among those heavily industrialised nations. However, it is not only industry that is the sole contributing factor to climate. other things such as oil spill pollution and clearing of land of vegetation can spell the same consequences on the environment.
Crude oil aside, many others and I are concerned that the voluntary clearing of forest, specifically the Bor East County (Anyidi) will negatively affect the entire Bor environment in the not distant future. The consequences of the deforestation are mindboggling. One, you can now see Mareng township right from the crossroad point from Pakwau next to the airfield. Second, the clearing will not stop there. I am certain it will continue to other neigbouring counties of Gok and Central. It will continue to the east of Anyidi towards Ajageer.
What to do
The charcoal business has been in operation from time immemorial. It was sustainably carried out by sustainability minded “charcoalers” and that was why the forests were not deciminated. Our generation found them well and green. These days the charcoal traders, armed with the cutting machines, chop the plants leaving the stumps barely above the ground. These stumps do not regenerate – the die forever. This this the genesis of the desertification. The indigenous plants are very hard to replace. The only way is to replace them with exotic plants like fine, teak and the like. But before one does that the consequences would have been severe. The local animal population would have vanished.
The protection of local environment rests with the local authorities. You do not have to wait for state or central government in Juba to do something about your immediate surrounding. Take an action today. stop the cutting saw!
- Suspend logging for charcoal and other activities
- Enact a local law that can ensure sustainability of the forests
- Educate the locals and the business people on why sustainability of forests is a must
The above points are collectively called S.E.E project!
Dinka Mythology – The Legend of Abuk ku Garang
Posted: October 2, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, dinka, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersThe Dinka of Abuk and Garang
Wednesday, October 02, 2019 (PW) — Abuk is the name of the first woman in the world according to the Dinka people of Southern Sudan. The Dinka believe that the Creator made Abuk and Garang, the first man, out of the rich clay of Sudan.
Once Abuk and Garang were created, they were placed in a huge pot; when the Creator opened the pot, the man and woman were fully formed as good-looking beings, except that the woman was small, much smaller than the Creator thought good.
Therefore, Abuk was placed in a container full of water. She was left there for a time, and then when she had swelled up like a sponge to the size of a regular human being, the Creator was pleased.
However, Abuk and Garang were given only one grain a day for food, and they were always hungry. Soon Abuk used her intelligence and cleverness to make the one grain a day into a paste to make it last longer. She also decided that she would take one grain on alternate days and save it so that she could plant grain. She did this, and her work became the source of all grain.
Read the rest of this entry »An Open Letter to the people of Bahr el Ghazal in General and Greater Warrap in particular
Posted: September 28, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Kanybil Noon, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersAn open letter to the people of the Bahr el Ghazal region in General and the people of Greater Warrap in particular
By Kanybil Noon, Juba, South Sudan
Saturday, September 28, 2019 (PW) — Is there a good reason for the people of Bahr el Ghazal region in general and greater Warrap in particular to continuously support the leadership of President Kiir Mayardit after the failed of Juba- Bahr el Ghazal high way? His Excellency the President Salva Kiir Mayardit is a citizen of the Republic of South Sudan apart from the trust bestowed upon him by the South Sudanese. This trust was availed to the president on the bases of a social contract between him and his voters or electorates.
The people of Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap are equally electorates besides being immediate community members of the president and have signed a social contract with him in 2010. This was confirmed further by a successfully declaration of our independence on July 9th 2011 under President Kiir Mayardit leadership. However, no sooner had we achieved our independence, the people’s hopes and expectations vanished at his watch indefinitely.
His Excellency the President Salva Kiir Mayardit believes that he will indefinitely get a blanket support from the people of Bahr el Ghazal or greater Warrap especially despite ineffectiveness of his leadership to deliver to the people expectations. Supporting him under a banner of our son is a catastrophic mission to the region and individual members because of too much lose without reparations. The most disappointing and appalling incidences of this administration are two mayhems of 2013 and 2016 in which Bahr el Ghazal as a region lose so many young people in a defend of president Kiir leadership which turned out to be one man show and his elites.
Read the rest of this entry »Tributes to Gen. Atem Aguang – One of the Most Iconic and Heroic Commanders of the Liberation Struggle
Posted: September 27, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, History, Obituary, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers, PaanLuel Wël, PeopleRemembering Gen. Atem Aguang Atem-Banyelok: Eulogy and Tributes in Living Memory of Gen. Atem Aguang Atem, One of the Most Iconic and Heroic SPLM/SPLA Commanders of the Liberation Struggle
By PaanLuel Wël, Juba, South Sudan
1. Introduction
Friday, September 27, 2019 (PW) – Tomorrow, on Saturday, 28 September 2019, the final funeral rites of Maj. Gen. Atem Aguang Atem Deng, who passed away on May 27, 2019, will be conducted at his home, near Giada Military Hospital and opposite Medan Simba, in Juba, South Sudan. The Late Gen. Atem Aguang Atem-Banyelok was one of the most iconic and heroic commanders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA)’s war of the liberation struggle in South Sudan. Gen. Atem Aguang participated in most of the historic and fierce battles that defined, shaped and determined the ultimate success of the liberation struggle, leading to the eventual independence of the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011. For his boundless bravery and immense contributions to the successes of the SPLM/SPLA in the battlefields, he was immortalized, alongside his comrades-in-arm, in one of the most legendary and inspirational songs of the liberation struggle, by the renowned artist, Ustaz Panchol Deng Ajang, one of the greatest musicians of the liberation era:
“Atëm Aguang acï thɔ̈ɔ̈rë Parajɔk
Ee Jallab köök cïkë kuath wut
Ku Deng-Madööt atɔ̈u thïn ku Ajak ë Yen
Bïkkë yup cë kä kuath ɣɔ̈k
Dhubɛɛt kuɔ aye mëën
Alueel Yïndïpenden ye wɛɛn Commando One
Kuka lueel Brigade One ye lɛ̈ny Commando Six
Jesh ye riŋ tɔŋ ke ɣou
Ke pam ë thok, athäär ke Dhubɛɛt cie döŋciɛ̈ɛ̈n
Jesh ë Bäny Oyai Deng
Dhubɛɛt kor we cä bë waan
Yïn Daniel Atong, ku Awet Ajing
Döm de Parajɔk ku Awïny
Ciennë jɔ wëi lɔ dhuk
Dunde mɔidït adhiaau
Baŋö jaa looi të jɔl ë keem bɛɛr miööt
Ke Nhialic anhiëër ke dun ëye lɔ̈ŋ
Ye Meerï cool luaak ke cɔ̈t bë lɔ abï dhiaau
Yeeŋö bë ye wëëny ë piny abë tɔ̈u
Ku kuc mandɛ̈ ke cä Atëm bë gam
Ee moi bë wɛɛr roor, adɔ̈ŋ ɣäudheer piny ku tweliib
Ku Dabɛɛb ku agut cä arabiiy ken ke cäth
Chol ë Thɔn athäär cë Chol ë Lual
Dhubɛɛt ke OJS aayï Malual Ayɔɔm
Atëmda athäär ku Deng-Madööt, Macɔk Atëm ku Jɔk Riääk, ku CDR
Read the rest of this entry »South Sudan: Capturing the realities of now from behind
Posted: September 27, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Majok Arol Dhieu, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersBy Majok Arol Dhieu, South Sudan
Friday, September 27, 2019 (PW) — In 1983, when the SPLA rebellion began, I was five years old. When I saw recruits passing by my present payam—Titagau, I would spat contemptuously on the floor with many thoughts in my mind that these people must not be having their fathers who can nurture them or shelters which can shields them from the scorching heat of the sun. Nonetheless, the war which Muormuor’s battalion praised with incredible range of victories’ songs we get to hear over radio SPLA, in Addis Ababa, to broadcast SPLM/A policy and news as if it will end for only two years, has instead taken two decades to come to an end.
On 22nd July 1999, I was frogmarched off from Lieny Upper Primary School to a local military base in Nyang—-now county. Sabino Mabor Aleng—-the then headmaster of the School, was the first among equals to follow me. On his arrival, he was lashed and arrested in an open thorns’ prison and after few minutes, a rain rained heavily. I decided to join him in spite of the rain because it was my cause that made him suffered to that extent. He was later released when the rain lasted and I whispered to him that he shouldn’t risk himself again to return to the barrack anymore because even staying with soldiers was tried and found wanting. He’d however not vetoed my opinion.
Two months later, six pupils from Lieny Upper Primary School were dragged to Yirol/Kentok military barrack. In military barrack, we all lost our good names. Instead, we’re called Musijidiin (recruits). Luckily enough, most of us who were taken from Lieny Upper Primary School knows, “this’s a dogˮ and “whose dog is this”, I mean, though our eyes weren’t full opened, at least we know how to define the surroundings. I was named a medical personal and ranked a recruit sergeant fisep (in line). Majur Lam, Mayen Koriom, Adel Majur, were made platoons’ sergeants—-a role that is rotated every three months.
Read the rest of this entry »Fables of the Dinka community – The Legend of Akol Kuol
Posted: September 26, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersBy Jongkuch Jo Jongkuch, Bor, South Sudan
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 (PW) —Akol Kuol is a prominent figure in the history of Gol Community of Bor, Jonglei state. Akol Kuol is traced to Kuol Angok Nai’s section in Gol clan. Gol is a separate clan in Kolnyang that continues to produce prominent leaders like Hon. Ayom Mach, Hon. Majier Manguak Dut, Late Doctor Akol Bol, and many others. Currently, Gol’s descendant lives in Goi and Mading Bor (Madding people of Ngeth Angok Nai) respectively.
Goi is locally branded as ‘Kurnhom’ and located along the known river Nile and Bor-Juba road. The name Kurnhom is symbolic though you may not see any mountain there when you pay visit to Goi. The far deserted places of Gol people include Yaradau, some miles away from Kolnyang Centre. Gol clan falls within Juorhol community.
Gol clan produced many successful daughters like Adol Bior, a wife of Chol Kuot Anuet. Adol Bior took over the clan of Adol that is supposed to be known for Chol Kuot (Adol’s husband) or Kuot Anuet (Adol’s father in-law).What does that mean?? Only in Kolnyang where we consider gender equality and Adol Bior is an example.
Inaugural Speech by David Lual Bul Manyok, The New President of Twi Community Association – USA
Posted: September 24, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Jonglei State, Speeches, Twic CommunityTwi Community Association—USA New Leadership Commencement, 21 September 2019: The Inaugural Address of the New Twi-USA Community Leader, David Lual Bul Manyok
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 (PW) — Board Chairman, John Lueth Mabior Lueth, Vice Chairman, Lual Deng Awan Deng-wiir, Secretary General, Garang Ajak Deng Barach; Distinguished and Honorable Guests: Minister Awut Deng Acuil, Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, Ambassador Agnes Adlino Orifa, Dr. Majak D’Agot Atem, Mr. Ajang Chan Awuol, Mama Mary Juan Philimon, Mr. Matiop Lueth Atem, Ladies and gentlemen, South Sudanese community leaders, Distinguish members, our Twi members, and all the South Sudanese communities. Allow me to welcome you on behalf of Twi community in the United States of America. We are honored you have joined us today and thank you for bringing greetings from your members to Twi Community. We truly appreciate that. If you are here as one the South Sudanese community association’ leaders, please rise up for Twi people to see you.
South Sudanese Diaspora communities, good afternoon and thank you so much for coming to our leadership commencement. There is no greater honor to see all of you here today. Moreover, there is no greater reward than community service. And today, as all of you are aware, there is no greater need in our communities and our country than to provide community services through responsible community stewardship. For these reasons, I would like to honor our heroes, our country’s founding father Dr. John Garang de Mabior and his comrades, including our president Salva Kiir Mayardit and all the leaders. May South Sudan overcomes its challenges achieve peace and prosperity.
I would like to begin my speech by referencing the African teaching of Ubuntu—the concept of “I am because we are”. This belief central message is that we may be different individuals and/or communities, but our needs are intertwined and our destiny is bound. We exist because of all us. Twic community is part of the South Sudanese communities as all the different South Sudanese are also part of us the Twi people. We are South Sudanese, and South Sudan is us. So welcome to Twi East Community-USA office commencement,and please feel at home in this function.
Read the rest of this entry »Taking of South Sudan – The New Sentry Report on Corruption in South Sudan, September 2019
Posted: September 21, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Economy, History, Junub Sudan, ReportsThe Taking of South Sudan: The Tycoons, Brokers, and Multinational Corporations Complicit in Hijacking the World’s Newest Nation, September 2019
Overview
The Sentry’s investigation exposes an array of international actors who stand to profit from the U.S., UK, Asia and elsewhere, the looting of state assets, and reveals one of the biggest companies in the world providing direct support to deadly militias. Our report details the carving up for private profit of the most lucrative economic and government sectors in the world’s youngest nation. Meanwhile, the South Sudanese people starved, were killed, and were run off their homelands.
Executive Summary
The men who liberated South Sudan proceeded to hijack the country’s fledgling governing institutions, loot its resources, and launched a war in 2013 that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
They did not act alone. The South Sudanese politicians and military officials ravaging the world’s newest nation received essential support from individuals and corporations from across the world who have reaped profits from those dealings. Nearly every instance of confirmed or alleged corruption or financial crime in South Sudan examined by The Sentry has involved links to an international corporation, a multinational bank, a foreign government or high-end real estate abroad. This report examines several illustrative examples of international actors linked to violence and grand corruption in order to demonstrate the extent to which external actors have been complicit in the taking of South Sudan.
Read the rest of this entry »Shading the Talent in the Republic of South Sudan
Posted: September 19, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers, Zack MayulBy Zack Mayul, Aweil, South Sudan
Thursday, September 19, 2019 (PW) — South Sudan, for example, is a free country. By free, we mean really free, not “free”. Don’t get it twisted dear readers. I did not switch off my sanity, yet. So, without mixing things, there are two words that exists; at least here in our case of today: the free and the “free”. “Free”, for example, is when you say things or do things voluntarily, expecting something in return. I don’t know but Francis Fukyama might categorize it under clientelism.
With “free”, for example, I would be writing on my blog anything that to impress, everything – everyday about STA that’s happening soon in December so that I get nominates as the best blogger or social media enthusiast of the year when they do their selection. On top of that, I have to gang up with the management to shut down any criticism that is directed to them because I know what I will get in return.
This is the “free” I meant. In leadership, if I’m not wrong, this is called affiliate power. This is mostly apply by the people who want themselves associated with certain people of a given standard or class in a society. In the other case of free, you do things from your utmost heart. You expect nothing in return nor should you ever ask for favors. Critical thinking and assertiveness are highly involves when judgments are made in this case: be it in politics, in religion, or business.
Read the rest of this entry »Creating Positive Social Change through Pastoral Education Initiative in South Sudan
Posted: September 19, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Economy, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers, Socio-CulturalPastoral Education Initiative in South Sudan: A constructive approach to create positive social change among the pastoral communities
By Ustaz Abraham Mabior Rioc, Kuajok, Gogrial State
Thursday, September 19, 2019 (PW) — In his own words, one of the great world iconic statesmen Nelson Mandela had pointed out that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. His popular quotation has been adopted and advanced far and wide by education actors and partners to encourage human kind to purse education exclusively. This is also in line with the commitment of the UN Agencies and other international organizations to posit that education promotes peaceful and inclusive societies as well as preventing conflicts and heals its consequences.
In the context of South Sudan, pastoral communities have been primarily depending on traditional subsistence farming activities for survival, which is discernibly of poor yield. Indeed, some of the pastoral communities in South Sudan include Nuer, Dinka, Murle, Mundari, Atuot, just to mention a few.
However, the most striking examples with frequent communal conflicts include Tonj sections among themselves and with their neighboring states such as former unity, former westerner Bahr El Ghazal, and former Lakes states. In the same vein, communal conflicts extended to Twic state with cattle raiders from northern liech state, Aguok and Apuk in the recent years of confrontation which claimed hundreds of lives in Gogrial State as well as Murle versus Dinka Bor, Nuer versus Murle, and Dinka versus Bor, mention them.
Read the rest of this entry »South Sudan should be divided into 6 Regions or Territories, instead of 10, 21, 32 or 39 States
Posted: September 18, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers, R-ARCSS, R-TGONUInstead of the controversial 10, 21, 23, 32 or 39 states, South Sudan should be divided into six regions, each headed by Governor General elected by the people with full decentralized or federal powers. The 32 States shall be increased and turned into Counties according to the local available population and size as per local government act
By Kanybil Noon, Juba, South Sudan
Historical Perspective of South Sudan
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (PW) — Before the Turko-Egyptian invasion of 1821, the Sudan consisted of Kingdoms and tribal communities without modern forms of government as we have today. In other words, Sudan in its present boundaries did not exist. The Turko-Egyptian occupation of 1821 was promoted by the expansionist ambitions of the Ottoman Empire and its craving for wealth and markets. The main commodities of interest were slaves, gold, ivory and timber. South Sudan and her people became the main source of these commodities.
The Turko – Egyptian and the North Sudanese collaborated in their raids against the South Sudan for slaves resulting in millions of South Sudanese people being taken into slavery in the Arab and new World. Although the Turko – Egyptian rule lasted for a period of sixty years, it did not control all the Sudan. South Sudan in particular was not fully brought under the administration of the invading alien power. Similarly, the Mahdist administration of 1883 – 1898 did not succeed to impose its full authority on the whole of South Sudan.
The Belgians in 1892, advancing from the former Belgian Congo (now Zaire), captured Western Equatoria up to Mongalla and established the Lado Enclave as part of the Belgian Congo. During the same period (1892) the French led by Major Marchand occupied large parts of South Sudan (Bahr el Ghazal, Western Upper Nile up to Fashoda) and by 1896 they had established a firm administration in these areas.
Read the rest of this entry »The Competing Meanings and Visions of “Taking Towns to the People” in South Sudan
Posted: September 18, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersTaking town to the people would have been a good idea if there are no other obstacles
By Athian Aduol Yel, Aweil East State, South Sudan
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (PW) — The SPLM vision of taking the town to the people rather than people to the town would have potential ideas and well credited by every citizen hence the vision has been interrupted by so many obstacles which give citizens worry some.
The vision of taking the town to the people was derived out from the former chairman of SPLM late Dr. John Garang and it was well said only that, we don’t know up to now whether that vision would have been done on the tribal basis or systematic way of right governance.
I have seen the vision has drawn a mix reaction with different definition which gives low understanding to some citizens across the nation. Though the presidential decree 036 2015 gave more administrative organ which was the wish and vision of the SPLM more things needed to tackle before we move to other stages.
The definition contains different opinion:
1. Taking town to the people means creating more administration organs closer to the people by promoting the junior administrative organ to the highest level with a plan to play the following as the roles of the administrative organ:
Read the rest of this entry »Hypocritical Impersonation by Mr. Luke Thompson in the Meeting of Great Minds in Juba, South Sudan
Posted: September 18, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion WritersHypocritical Impersonation by Mr. Luke Thompson in the Meeting of Great Minds at Nile Fortune hotel in Juba, South Sudan
By Hon. Malek Cook-Dwach, Juba-South Sudan
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (PW) — It was last Sunday 8/09/2019 at Nile fortune Hotel in Juba, we had taken a picture with my brothers for weekend recap. That memory photo was posted in Facebook social media and it’s attracted very wonderful commentaries by colleagues and our sympathizers in which we equally applauded to.
On one hand, one guy called Luke Thompson Thoan Teny come-up differently in what appeared in our inbox conversations as tarnished/hypocritical impersonation to disqualify and degrade myself in what the poster regarded as the memory and meeting of great minds! I got to know more about what criteria and attributes in what constitute to be great mind from challenger (Luke Thompson) by asking him question to teach the general public to know about it. The photo consisted of three men and his ambiguous degradation was not specified to whom he was directing his comment to.
In his response to this inquiry; according to him, a person with less great mind is one whose moral uprightness is compromised by materials gains in expense of issues affecting public can’t be regarded to have great mind. I deliberately intended to question the veracity of the statement of the first poster. However, it is true that a human person knows himself/herself better amids millions. My response is that at this juncture, your statement becomes clear and your illustration ran short of what constituted to be great mind. Judging people having great mind couldn’t be determined by political alliances or political different, it is manifested in personal capacity of reasoning and how he/she can construe things at hand. Difference in politics is seasonal and could amount somebody to have great mind or small mind.
Read the rest of this entry »‘Government of National Unity’ (GNU): The Need For Interim Government In South Sudan
Posted: September 18, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers, R-ARCSS, R-TGONUBy Prof. Simon El Hag Kulusika, Lusaka, Zambia
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (PW) — The title of this article is both inspiring and speculative. It is used in response to Media reports, in Juba, telling the inhabitants of the city that Dr. Riek Machar was in the city but departed to safe heaves. Since Dr. Machar is a key player in the Peace Agreement (PA) that has recently been activated in Khartoum, then his coming to Juba, means Peace is ‘just around the corner’ however his sudden exit betrays this optimism.
To a critical observer, this is merely a spectacle. Because, Dr. Machar arrived in Juba in the company of foreigners, including Generals from Khartoum Government, rather than Generals, such as Paul Malong, Thomas Cirilo Swaka, Col. Bagosoro, Ikong Mboro, Razakuluwa and so on, who have stakes in the Peace in our country.
Be it as it may, the people of our country want true Peace, which way or how it may be actualized. For them coming of Dr, Machar is a first step in the difficult walk to Peace. But, what are the prerequisites for restoring Peace in our country? This article tentatively answers this question in this orthodox fashion:
Read the rest of this entry »The Nuer’s Contemporary Political Dilemma in the Republic of South Sudan: An Insider Analysis
Posted: September 17, 2019 by PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd. in Commentary, Contributing Writers, Opinion Articles, Opinion Writers“What makes one sleepless is one’s own cause.” Says the Nuer.
By Matai Manuoi Muon, Nairobi, Kenya
The Nuer and Politics
Monday, September 16, 2019 (PW) — The Nuer (formerly Nath) is a significant political unit strategically located at the northern most part of South Sudan. It is the only nation out of more than 63 political units of the world’s nascent country that borders two foreign lands. The Nuer borders Ethiopia in the East and Sudan in the northwest. This is a strategic geographical advantage in political terms. By some measures, the Nuer is the second largest political unit by demography and land mass. The Nuer’s major occupation is farming; cattle herding in particular. Although the Nuer has some tradition in crop farming and fishing, nothing beats the Nuer’s love of and desire for cattle. The rest serves as a supplement to the Nuer’s cow.
In historical context, it was in the Nuerland that the “southern problem” as it was known then was first contextualized. The Nuer’s contributions in political and social foundations of what is now South Sudan does not require a lecture. It is abundant in our national archives. The Nuer, like no any other nation in South Sudan has paid the biggest price before, during and even after the war of struggle. Its proximity to Sudan and Ethiopia both served as a strategic advantage and at the same time, a disadvantage. The war of struggle for example, cost the Nuer heavily both in material and human terms. At the same time, it had opened up the Nuer to the life of modernity especially the eastern and central Nuer.
The trillion dollar question that begs every analyst for answers then is: why is the Nuer here? Why for over 70 years since the times of John Both Diu, has the Nuer languished in endless political dilemmas? A dilemma is a situation in which one has to make a difficult decision. In this situation, the dilemma for the Nuer is to either diversify their politics or perish altogether as a misled political organism in the 21st century. Let us begin this debate with some rhetoric. If the Nuer does make up such a strategic position in South Sudan, why are they suffering politically? Is it because someone hates the Nuer? Is it because the Dinka does not want the Nuer in leadership? Has the Nuer been cursed into this?
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