Riek Machar Failed Miserably to Justify his Rebellion on a Simple SBS Radio Interview

An analysis by Kuer Garang Manyok and Gabriel Pager Ajang after having listened to Riek Machar interview on SBS Dinka Radio

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Riek Machar Failed Miserably to Justify his Rebellion on a Simple SBS Radio Interview

By Kuer Garang Manyok

After listening to Dr Reik Machar interview on SBS Radio Dinka by Ajak Deng Chiengkou, am pretty much in agreement with so many other listeners who’ve already expressed their opinions with respect to how the controversialized interview played in audience ears. While the interviewer might have been overcome by hyped self-esteem (of interviewing the highest figure in South Sudan politics) otherwise, anxiety I tend to take it relatively easy on Ajakguong Deng. Perhaps Ajak should take it easy on his staunch critics and, advisably, turns such into opportunities for potential improvement for next time.

My biggest surprise however, was how Dr Reik Machar, the rebels leader, failed to capitalize on a perfect opportunity that would otherwise be very hard to repeat itself sometimes soon. Reik Machar could not produce even one credible point besides his ‘run for dear life’ which is already a giveaway!

Despite restlessness and unnecessary interruption by the interviewer, I think Reik Machar should have still find ways to credibly communicate his part of the story. Remember the interviewer has monopoly on the questions but the interviewee reserves the right to answer ANY question the way he/she deems suitable to his intended message. Reik, the interviewee, failed this simple logic. Perhaps Dr Machar is exactly what his archrivals and other political opponents say he is: just a ‘paper doctor’.

Not to mention his doctoral dissertation/major that’s Strategic Planning, how can the most controversial leader; with much more to prove, in the country not swayed even a single listener – am well aware though that majority of the SBS Radio Dinka program listeners dislike him anyway. But, still that does not mean the truth would have refused its way into their ears. After all, the benefits of saying the truth would have outweighed his calculated thoughts of reservation – I believe Reik Machar was judgmental and that he wasn’t bothered convincing whoever was listening.

Machar’s denial of who orchestrated killing in Mading-bor was rather disturbing. If Gadet didn’t initiate it, who did? Being Reik’s right hand man, inarguably, Gadet started the rebellion in Mading-bor; summarily killing the Dinka soldiers including (General?) Ajak Yen after Reik Machar announced his rebellion and called on the military to topple Kiir government. Least, if any, is there to be defended about this ‘must die’ bastard call Gadet. The man (Gadet) is indefensible and Mr Machar should have worried more about himself than defending the already-on-deathbed criminal.

Comparatively, this was Mr Machar’s worst interview. The rebel leader should know that if he ever wants South Sudanese citizens to take him seriously, he must redeem himself trustworthy otherwise, he remains the worst murderer in the country despite having ‘ran away from Juba to save his life’. Why does his life worth more than any other citizen’s life or why should citizens worry about what would have happened to him when he doesn’t give a crap about their thoughts of him.

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My Reactions to Ajak Deng Chiengkou Interview With Dr. Riek Machar Teny

By Gabriel Pager Ajang

In the beginning of August, the president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit will arrive in Washington to probably present his road map to peace in South Sudan, and potentially lobby the United States president and congress. I hope he enunciates chapter that would heal the country, peace, unity, and way forward. I will analyze president speech after he had delivered it but I will focus on Riek interview with Ajak Deng Chiengkou.

Last week, the radio talk host, Ajak Deng Chiegkou had an interview with rebels’ leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny. This was an impeccable opportunity to siege and convince the people of South Sudan on what happened December 15th, 2013. However, Riek admits massacred in Juba and deny atrocities in the Greater Upper Nile towns, and failed to present his peace proposal and way forward.

He squandered given opportunity, and categorically denied the mayhem unleashed in Bortown killing 2,500 led by Peter Gadet Yak, and White Army. He also denied massacre orchestrated by James Koang in Baliet, Panakuac, leer, Jau, Bongki, and Pariang in Pariang County where more 500 civilians were killed in a hospital and church in Baliet (Bentiu area). Riek denied massacre led by Gen. Gathoth Gatkuot led in Malakal Town, and especially Hospital where sick slayed, and elders were killed (all reported by UN personnel).

Dr. Riek quests for top leadership in South Sudan surfaced in 1991 when he rebelled against the late chairman of the SPLM/A, Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Surprisingly, in an interview, he told Ajak Chiengkou that his 1991 rebellious agendas detailed in Khartoum Agreement would be implemented to bring peace and democracy in South Sudan today. For those who do not have an idea of Nasir declaration or Khartoum Agreement, Riek calls for: Right of self-determination, Democratization of SPLA, and Society, Respect of Human Rights.

1. Right of self-determination: The problem is this not South Sudan, Riek plagiarized from 1954, and Addis Ababa Peace Agreement, all these Peace accords call for Right of Self-determination. The right of self –determination denied people of South Sudan a chance to vote in Referendum. It impedes CPA. Had Garang agreed, and joined Riek in Khartoum, we would have not had independent South Sudan today. The right of Self-determination was part of New Sudan vision. John Garang de Mabior calls for democratic transformed Sudan, where people of South Sudan will be allowed to vote for UNITY OR SCESSION, again NOT SELF-DETERMINATION.

2. Democratization of SPLA, and Society: Here I am not sure whether Riek is trained military but there is no democracy in Military. SPLM/A was a rebel movement and it would be difficult to democratize movement in the bush or under the trees.

3. Respect of Human Rights: in my humble opinion only a moral leader can call for respect of human right in South Sudan. Again and again in 1991, and in December of 2013, Dr. Riek Machar called on all the SPLA generals to overthrow democratic elected government. He singlehandedly incites violence and perpetrates massacre killing. He establishes SPLA/M in Opposition, which validated rebellion and affirmed that he intends to kill innocent people of Greater Upper Nile. Riek had somehow deceived Nuer, and especially Adok community where he hailed that they can capture South Sudan. Sad thing to write but it is true in Nuer community.

Riek proposal of 22 states suggests that he is declaring himself as a tribal leader. The proposed 22 states could cause more conflict than it can solve if his proposal were implemented. It is not ethnic federalism, let us call it what it is, TRIBALISM at its best.

Riek was born in Greater Upper Nile, and I could not conceive why he helps in destructions of his hometowns? 1.5 million people are internally displaced, and 50,000 will die by August, and 5 million almost half of the South Sudan population is at risk of starvation (BBC). Where is your Human side?

Bor Town, Bentiu, Malakal have exchanged hands more than five times, why would anyone who want to lead South Sudan takes war in ruin and cities laid wasted by artilleries? Why would he turn to his own region, and killed innocent people? Lots of questions but no answers.

Ethiopian Church Names South Sudanese ‘Peace Ambassador’

By Anteneh Yilma, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

As South Sudan entered crisis in December 2013, Ethiopia as a sisterly Country received more than 100,000 refugees from South Sudan. Some refugees are believed to move toward Uganda and Kenya while similar numbers of refugees are expected to settle in Sudan. Gatwech Koak Nyuon, a young man from South Sudan launched his campaigns to end 8 months conflict in his Country through ‘power of prayer’, a campaign which has been publicly supported by Christians communities around the World.

In three days conference organized by Youth of Lebu Kale Hiywot Church in Addis Ababa, Gatwech strongly urged the Christian Communities around the World to pray for South Sudan. He did not blame the warring parties but term the crisis as leadership struggle and it should simply be solved through dialogue and nonviolence. He added that thousands of deceased who lost their lives in the conflict will never be rose again. Meanwhile; the continuation of war between warring parties will swipe the productive ages and hinder the development in South Sudan. Both warring parties are due to kick-off next round of talk on July 30^th, 2014. So far, IGAD had given 60 days to cease the fighting but both parties trade an accusation on battle of Nasir last weeks.

In a very emotional, provoking, charismatic speech attended by more than 200 youth, he hotly elaborated that “Christian Communities must bring this issue to an end through the power of prayer”. The audiences were so applause!! A 28 years old young man stood tall with purple suit was alone in the conference; I found him friendly and compassionate. Gatwech is the first South Sudanese to visit Lebu Kale Hiywot Church for the first time in history since its establishment in 1920s.

Ethiopian Kale Hiywot (Word of Life) Church (KHC) is the largest evangelical denomination in Ethiopia. Started in the early 1920s by pioneering Serving In Mission, formerly, Sudan Interior Mission, (SIM) missionaries, Kale Hiywot Church thrived in the South Central and South Western corners of the country during the five-year Italian occupation in the 1930s (Wikipedia).

Some audiences described Gatwech as the best motivational speaker ever. “He is so young; I didn’t expect this campaign to be initiated by him. His words inspired me. God loves him indeed!!” Mindaye Yohannes described.

Lebu Kale Hiywot Church’s elders received prayer request to continue with it until a change is seen through power of prayer in South Sudan. Currently the overall Ethiopian Kale Hiywot Church has about or more than 7,774 local congregation and estimated 6.7 million members and adherents.

South Sudan problem is our problem as Africans, as children of God and as member of entire Human family. I also urge the Christian Communities to put this very hot issue to their concern either at family level or at church level wherever they reside.

On their parts, the Lebu Kale Hiywot Church conference facilitator congratulated Mr. Gatwech for his roles as a peace maker and forwards the prayer request voluntarily.

Consequently, one of an Evangelist declared him to be an Ambassador for Peace on their prayers. “On behalf of my congregations, I declared Mr. Gatwech to be an Ambassador for Peace and South Sudan will soon recover from the dust”. An Evangelist Teshome.

Gatwech said that he would not give up. Instead he urged more prayers so that he should extend his visit to other African, European and US Countries for more prayers.

“As I started my campaign in Addis Ababa, this is just the beginning. I need more help from people so that this message should reach out globally and the only way to make this happen should be through prayers”. He calls on willingly people to pray for Ukraine, Syria, Central Africa Republic, Congo, Libya, Somalia etc…

Gatwech speaks ‘Amharic’ and currently schooling in Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College, a College administered by Ethiopian Evangelical Mekane Yesus Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He disclosed that he is working on Documentary to be released on YouTube so that people will pray bases on real situation.

The Author is an independent writer on Education and other Human Rights Issues based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He should be reach on: antushyil@gmail.com

Lies Versus Truth Propagates by Mabior Garang and Adwok Nyaba

Lies versus Truth: Despite Dr Peter Aduok and Mabior Garang ‘’ Appeal to Fear ‘’, the Truth will finish putting on it shoes

By David Aoloch Bion

“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes’’ …..Mark Twain

Fighting broke out on December 15, 2013 in South Sudanese capital, Juba. On December 16 in the afternoon, President Salva Kiir announced it was a coup. In the evening the same day on BBC focus on Africa , former Minister of Education ,Dr Peter Aduok Nyaba ,using his persuasive powers he acquired in philosophy , he launched the coup plotters propaganda . He applied the ‘’ appeal to fear and pity ‘’ fallacy in propaganda

Propaganda is always communication aim at influencing the attitude of the community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of the argument, it presents the facts selectively, that is by lying or omission to encourage a particular cause or uses loaded messages to produce an emotional rather than reasonable response to information presented .it is form of ideological warfare.

On BBC World Service, Mr .Aduok dismissed Mr . Kiir’s coup version of the event , he said there was no coup , but mutiny triggered by the disarming of Nuer soldiers by the Dinka soldiers , in the ensuing fighting 20, 000 Nuer women and children were killed in door to door searches . This is what Mr. Aduok told the BBC

‘’yesterday in the evening ,President Salva Kiir ordered Maj Gen .Marial Ciennoung, commander of the Presidential Guard (The Tiger Battalion) to leave the meeting venue and return to the barracks to disarm the troops. After disarming all ethnicities within the guard, Marial ordered that the Dinka members be re-armed. The officer in charge of the weapons stores opened them and rearmed only the Dinka soldiers. A Nuer soldier passing by questioned this and a fistfight then ensued between the two and attracted the attention of the commander and his deputy to the scene. His deputy, from the Nuer ethnicity, began to question this order too and a fight ensued when surrounding officers saw the commotion. The Nuer soldiers also re-armed themselves. Fighting erupted between the Dinka elements of the Presidential Guard and the Nuer elements.. Civilian casualties began when the Dinka elements of the SPLA began targeting Nuer civilians in the capital city of Juba , killing 20 000 Nuer women and children in door to door execution. This is not a coup but a mutiny ‘’

On December 18, Dr Riek echoed Mr Aduok version by coining it as the Juba Massacre of 20, 000 Nuer women and children without giving any details

What Mr Aduok did is an ‘’ appeal to fear and pity ‘’ fallacy and nonsense in the argument and propaganda. The appeal to fear propaganda seeks to build support by instilling anxieties and panic in general population. Indeed, the false claim of killing of 20, 000 Nuer women and children caused fear and panic among the Nuer . This force the Nuer to rise up in self –defense against the imaginary enemy Dinka. This was the reason the Nuer in the name of White Army mobilized themselves voluntarily to come to Juba to avenge.

The question is, Are the 20, 000 Nuer women and children killed in Juba? Time will separate propaganda and lies from facts and truth

What Mr Aduok did was what the Germany Minister of Propaganda, Mr Joseph Goebbel did during World War 2 , when he exploited Theodore Kaufman fictitious story ‘’ Germany must perish ‘’ . This was to claim the Allies sought the extermination of the Germany people.

Now the rebels are claiming that the Dinka Regime of Salva Kiir is seeking to exterminate Nuer

Is this claims true or just negative propaganda?. The answer is the truth is putting on it shoes
Mabior Garang de Mabior is second ,rebel propaganda machine , using his father legacy to blackmail the South Sudanese State . The rebels believe that when Mabior disagree with government of Salva Kiir and sided with rebels, Therefore the rebel are right and just and will win as John Garang won And whole world will stand with Rebels . Mabior is always preaching using ‘’ appeal to pity and fear ‘’ fallacy too .

Mr Mabior is demonizing President Kiir by saying he ordered the execution of the Nuer women and children in Juba on December 15 to 18 . This is what Mabior always write in Paanluel Wel and Nyamilepaedia blogs

‘’’a private army trained, armed and financed by the President Kiir conducted a house to house search, murdering 10,000 Nuer women and children) between the 15 and 18 of December, 2013’’

Is this claim true? . NO, NO HUNDRED TIMES NO! , this is negative propaganda. These are just glittering generalities, they are just emotionally appealing words that the rebels applied to mobilize Nuer to commit military suicide and gain sympathy from the International Community.

Mabior should know that demonizing someone is unhelpful to any cause. When Cdr Kerbino Kaunyin Bol dehumanized Dr John , he appealed to Dinka Bare el gazal to leave John Garang and join him , this never help Kerbino , this was his ‘’appeal to fear and pity’’ on BBC ,

‘’ Sons of Bare el gazal , sons of Bare el gazal , Garang is using you like a fire wood , stop fighting for him’’ ,

Kerbino repeated this until he came back to Garang , You too , Mabior and Aduok will vilify Mr . Kiir until you will come back and call him a boss for one minute before you attempt the third coup

This is not the first time Mr . Aduok misinforms and disinforms the world. He did it in the liberation struggle, in his book, ‘’South Sudan: the politic of Liberation’’ Mr Aduok dehumanized Dr . John Garang de Mabior by saying , Garang manage the movement like personal enterprise , he said Garang ordered the Dinka soldiers of Koryom to attack Mundari civilians , looted cattle , raped women , he prophesized that the Movement ran as personal enterprise and killed Mundari civilians could not win and would not win .

The history showed us that John Garang won.

However, did any South Sudanese see any achievement of Nasir CUOP and KHARTUOM PEACE agreement? But all of us can see the achievement of Garang whom Riek and Aduok demonized before the world like they are doing to Salva Kiir now

Another question is Salva Kiir misrule the country so Riek has the right to overthrow him . That is correct. What about John Garang what has he done for Riek to try to overthrow him in 1991?.
The road of lies is nearing to end, the lies started in 1991, but they ended in 2002 when Riek came and confess to Garang de Mabior . History repeat itself, Again the lies started in 2013 and will end when Riek come and apologizes before Salva Kiir.

Finally, the propaganda of appeal to fear and pity never helped the German People during World War 2 .

In the Bible, it is said, the dog vomit and eat it vomit again, . Now Dr Peter Aduok Nyaba and Mabior Garang de Mabior are vomiting but they will eat their vomit when the lies ends and truth arrive after delaying from putting on it shoes

President Salva Kiir is weak but morally right. He must go but ceremonially not violently as you think.