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Letters may be edited for clarity. No profanity or abusive language allowed. (Editor) Dr James Okuk got it wrong again I am writing to repulse your article entitled "Regional Representation Breeds Tribalism in South Sudan," which tries to undermine the integrity of the three governors of the Greater Equatoria and Equatorians as a whole. Before I give some hints, I must thank all fellow Equatorians who participated in the conference which ended last week in Juba and above all, I must thank the president of the government of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit and his team for giving a go-ahead for the conference. This is not the first time that such conference was held, even during the war; we have been having such conferences in Sudan or elsewhere. In such conference, as Equatorians, we do not only discuss politics but also our norms, unity, identities and cultural heritage. Turning to the point, Dr Okuk`s article rudely suggests the need to have a multi-party system of governance in South Sudan which is a democratically brilliant suggestion but the language he used throughout his article makes right-thinking people doubt him, in other words, he was abusive from paragraph one to the end. How can he call our governors dull, would they reach that far if they were as he called them? He should understand that even if there is multi-party governance in the government of South Sudan, no any opposition politician will be given positions such as vice president and ministers apart from being shadow ministers unless there is a power sharing agreement in the governance which is not yet there. He also went ahead to suggest to one of the governors who is a pure SPLM member to ask Equatorians to participate in or join other political parties, this alone indicates that Dr Okuk does not know much about politics though he claims so. How can a politician ask his party members to leave the party and join oppositions? This is a blind ideology from the Doctor. As if that is not enough, he suggests that Equatorians should have as many political parties as they can as if he does not know that the current number of political parties that South Sudan has is more than the economy can shoulder. Ok, we need to have opposition parties in order to pin-point errors which the ruling party which is SPLM is doing but not that much number of 15. So if we have to criticize our politicians/leaders, let us criticize their policies but not their personalities like Dr James Okuk has done and has always done. Mwenge Lawrence, a South Sudanese, Australia Dr. Okuk, bring democracy in Upper Nile first People like Dr. James Okuk who considers himself highly educated and calling Equatoria Governors dull acknowledges that there is a hard campaign for broad-based multi-party interim government in the upcoming Republic of South Sudan. Dr James has even not settled his own tribal problem in his home state and jumps in judging others. Dr James, you need to understand that democracy is not a thing of one day, it is a process that will take time to at least reach acceptable stage. Have you forgotten your people in Upper Nile (I mean old Upper Nile Region) state are still rebelling for the post of governor? You alone have even failed to accept to live together, leave alone Euatorians who know ways of solving problems is dialogue. It is better for you to bring democracy first in Upper Nile state like what Equatorians are trying to do then spread it all over South Sudan. Lamija Milaja, South Sudan, Juba Not time for rebellion now Dear Gordon Buay, your argument; that the Governor Gai should step down to avoid the war in Unity state fails to meet the reasoning status because; Firstly, you did not give any reasons why Governor Gai should step down. Secondly, you did not explicitly explain why did Major General Peter Gatdet rebel from the SPLA? Instead, you engaged in what we call Ad hominem- an attack, or an insult on the person, rather than directly addressing the reasons of the argument. Governor Gai was democratically elected by the people of unity state. Therefore; comparing him with Laurent Gbagbo is not right. Let us wait for next elections; and when Governor Gai fails re-election and ignores to relinquish his powers; then; your argument will have a sense of reasoning. On the other hand, your ill-wish for the breakdown of the south before the July, 9th does not suit your personality or any other southerner personality because every southerner suffered under the Arab regimes of Sudan. Nevertheless, Do currents rebels have concerns? Certainly, they might have. Is it the right time to stage the rebellion now? Absolutely no. Mading Lok, Canada Buay, Gatdet's rebellion is not justifiable. He left Riek Machar, Matip, James Hoth Mai and many of his kinsmen in the SPLM/A. What does he want? Let him know or all of you, fighting SPLM/A now will not be like in the 1990s, it will be rather different, it is now a government. Gadet should bear in mind that he will risk his life this time. SPLM/A has fought such type of rebellions many times including the deadliest 1991 one. Giel Gatwech, South Sudan What if Equatorians also rebel? Isaiah, liberation has to be done from the current tribal government where, for example, the two first consecutive ministers of Finance and planning come from one area upon appointment by the president and removed upon allegations of misappropriation of funds and left untried while chasing an innocent Josephine Lagu for crimes that involved her minister also and only trying her. What kind of justice? Instead of you praising Equatoria conference, you seem to be pleading and begging Equatorians for their proposals. What if some of the Equatorians resort to George Athor, Peter Gadet and Abdul Bagi's style? I sometimes feel sorry the way some people from other regions see Equatoria region. Do not let the name of Equatoria be to you like the name of Israel to Arabs. Lamija Milaja, South Sudan SPLA/M took away my Ancestral Land Right SPLA/M government in the South Sudan is too traditional and non representative. South Sudanese have to look beyond than sticking to SPLA/M as a driving force. Separation with the Arab North is not initiated by SPLA/M but Torit revolt of 1955. The parliament is too traditional to think a set of government can be manipulated to exclude people known as South Sudanese by nature. The 21 year old civil war had displaced me and my family to northern Uganda and I lived in a refugee camp for 15 years. I got home 3 years after the comprehensive peace agreement. Unfortunately, the land we own for generations has been confiscated by the SPLA soldiers and some officials within SPLA/M. We are pushed to settle outside Kator on land belonging to certain family who are exiled in the neighboring country. People that occupied my piece of land after CPA warned me two times that I will face AK47 bullets if I continue to complain about my piece of land. SPLA/M and South Sudan Citizenship It's confusing that SPLA/M is denouncing South Sudan Citizenship for the native people and giving it to foreigners without conditions. Instead GoSS is quickly giving Citizenship to foreigners like Ugandan, Kenyans, and others from some foreign countries. It's not surprising that over 500 foreigners got citizenship in South Sudan through bribery without prerequisites. For example no application and no legal procedure required to have legal citizenship for foreigners. Some Ugandan nationals who were working with us in the camp in northern Uganda entered South Sudan and in less than a year they got citizenship. These are people I know working with United Nations Agency in the camp. For my case, with all evidence like 1982 passport; birth certificate and repatriation documents from northern Uganda, SPLA/M officials working in the ministry of citizenship have denied my citizenship. For God sake, I am from Bari, I speak Bari, I know most Bari elders by name and this is my home. My great grand parents lived here; my parents and I lived here in 1980s. Does it mean that SPLA/M is here to replace us on our land? Is it possible that such feeling towards fellow South Sudanese would work? It's true that SPLA/M is a political entity or it's a set of Arial tradition been advanced on others? Does SPLA/M think the people they placed in my home will remain there by force of AK47? Is it my family been targeted or some members from Bari community are experiencing the some violation of property rights by SPLA/M? Jadala Gumbirir Mathias, Juba-Sudan Congratulations, Gordon Buoy, about fruitful comments. For sure experience was the best teacher. Our people don't understood the political blackmailing happening in our state. The compact majority were blindfolded and they were unable to see. But they don't comprehend the political constraints behind the schedule leadership of Governor Taban Deng. I hope no one can misunderstand you in any other ways as someone who was exercising the political issue to the society. Strong man must stand alone, by informing the nation about the facts and reality. All of us, we are the watchdog to the new nation, which is almost to be born. Nyak Simon Lieth, South Sudan Defense of SPLM not my goal Pitya Lo Tongun, I am not a diehard of any idea which is born out of political wedlock to engage our goal and aspiration. I am a true diehard of two million lives lost in the name of Southern liberty we are vying at, my friend. That is what I am cheering for. Defending SPLA/M is not my goal as people's party for South Sudan, anyone like the mention of Deng Riek has the right to air out his opinions like the rest. However, he must come clear with the criticism that is based upon quality of mind to be accepted by Southern citizens. Unbalance opinions engineered by self-interests with negative imprints of the past must be reduced to their least term for the benefit of our togetherness. That is the big picture I am on and if you take me that way like you said, I think I am fine and there is nothing with it. My loyalty to SPLM is worthy telling the truth than deep lying. Lying with self-promotion is not good to do anyway...I am safe in my on skin with no fear of what to say and what to do, from one point to another point while being aware of my mental limit. Abraham Gai, USA Gen. Gadet, if you need change, demote yourself first All what you said is true, but this is not a time for argument because our new nation is still not yet born. For example, in the world you can't get a general who doesn't know how to read and write in the army- it is only in south Sudan where there's no system. If you need changes than demote yourself first .Joseph \Makorou, Sudan Well done to Greater Equatoria for joint conference I like to extend my gratitude to Greater Equatoria for joint conference they have called in order to compare their differences and similarities amongst themselves. I am much excited and even I don't have anything to express my happiness to them. Indeed , I'd to assure them with my view that the joint conference they held will open a door forward to the development of greater Equatoria as well the South Sudan as a whole. It is acceptable and understandable the word ''unity'' doesn't come if people don't sit and discuss their issues equally. I learnt in peace education that disparities come when people don't share or meet together. Moreover, the development and unity does not come on silver plate. The people have to think for the necessities, we must be so tough because our going is now getting tough. Let;s remember that ''there is no peace without war,'' we are in crisis and struggling to find peaceful co-existence in South Sudan. The door opened by greater Equatoria is for development according to me and let's follow them .Thank you. Atuany Jok., South Sudan Sexual corruption caused Gadet's defection First, Mr. Gordon Buay, I think you would be glad if you open yourself to truths that the recent militia leader Peter Gadet did not defect from the SPLA army because he wanted Governor Taban Deng Gai to either be relieved or else resign from his Unity governor post, of course no. Instead, he Gadet voluntarily decided to quit South Sudan army because of his financial problems since when he joined the SPLA army. You might not know, but we do, that Peter Gadet was having hard time adjusting his financial problems since he got no money any longer of being an Arab pro-militia, but rather being paid equally as other generals were in the army which caused great tsunami than your referred Japanese's in his pocket, because his only pay check won't support his 40 wives again. So, as financial problem been the core of defection and Gadet's sexual corruption has something to do with Taban or GoSS government, I think it is not or unless you chose to see the brake away from its true wrong angle. John Junub, UK Rebellious uprisings of no gain The rebellion taken for instability of the South during this period of declaration of independence is totally a mess of the bright future for the people of South Sudan. We must understand that the struggle was not for power in the government and was not for who to rule or raise the flag of the new nation. As the rebellion continues, no gain will prevail in the war waged from these rebellious uprising. It will be even shoddier due to the fact that the autonomous government will not be in stability and tranquility through futile exit and revolt against the government. The rebellion in which some of the former SPLA generals defected is of no gain and future, it is backwardness and failure of our new nation being politically and economically persuaded by our ex- enemy to create inferiority and suspicion among us. Akol Mabior, South Sudan Filling power vacuum of governance Dear Dr. James Okuk, reading through your articles, by calling Governors of Equatoria dull is not good way of anglicizing politics. Filling Power vacuum of parties is a true democratic way of governance in south Sudan. Ambassadors, Supreme Federal Ministries are not elected positions but appointed positions, therefore, with out Fair and Equal Representation, South Sudan people have the right to negotiate their marginalization. Indeed, Government of South Sudan is going through nepotism, tribalism ever since, many of these positions never come through election but through nepotism which means we are still for from liberal constitutional democracy as expected and desired by you. Democracy will not work in such new country which is still battling poverty, corruption and nepotism. Equatorian people are an example to all other states. Kokora means the decentralization policy framework, which recognizes subsidiary governance, guiding principle of decentralization. The goal of Kokora governance is to promote good governance, strengthen pluralistic democracy and reduce poverty. Thus, decentralization in South Sudan should be based on the country's governance system, administrative structure, socio-cultural factors. Do not mix anger and politics together, the end result is hatred. Agwech Living in South Sudan Juba All people of WUNS are now prepared to plunge into total war to dislodge the puppet General Peter Gadet forces are now ready to repulse the puppet from WUNS sooner or later. The people of Western Upper Nile state will support Gen. Peter Gadet by all means to liberate themselves from injustice. We want a full scale, popular war of 2nd liberation...to liberate ourselves and our state from the clique in Juba that denies our precious rights. In fact, the existence of Taban Deng as governor of Unity state is an error which we must be rectified. It is my conviction that this is our opportunity as Unity state citizens to wipe out the ignominy that has sold out our motherland since 2005. Our goal is clear to dislodge the de facto governor from the state. General Gadet is a brave military man, faithful and above all to south Sudan patriotism. Unlike Taban Deng who likes violence and dreaming of political hegemony over the Greater Upper Nile. He indeed, (Gadet) will be always remembered by the majority in south Sudan as a man who stood up to the clique in Juba liberate his people from a dictatorship. Even his harshest critics such as Mr. Kur and Mr. Gibreal who accuse him with no good reason, will still beyond doubt see him as the foremost south Sudan brave Gen. who'll restore our dignity after the long humiliation of Kiir-led government. We the people of WUNS in particular and south Sudan at large in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of a liberated country, we need a 2nd liberation so that to avoid south Sudan to become a failed state. Victor Bol, Juba, south Sudan Why being critical on Luk? Deng Nyang Banang, why do you always like insulting John Luk Jok? Why do you call him a Kitchen Minister? Deng, do you want to return back to your disrespectful behavior toward our leaders particularly our leaders in the SPLM when you were in the 1990s a staunch critic of Simon Kun Puoc and Gatwech Puoc? Simon Kun and Gatwech Puoc are today our leaders while your aspirations have disastrously failed. Your hatred toward John Luk Jok or Kun Puoc or SPLM did not reward you at all. Peter Giel Dawech lives in Juba Young graduates frustrated with GOSS Deng Riek, I'm really very glad and appreciate that you keep on writing on this burning issue. There are many young southern Sudanese graduates who are frustrated with our government's donkey mentality. The government is refusing to employ graduates on the pretext that the annual budget is not yet out but when the 2011 budget was released there was nothing in postion for creating jobs for the people and for those who had the opportunity to be employed, they got it through tribal channels. But while for the rest 'come tomorrow' is the language of the day. The government also did not fashion a law to regulate employment in both the NGOs and companies in order for those who didn't have the chance to serve in the government may get it in either NGOs or companies. While the government is allocating SDG 90 million for one day occasion and SDG 1700 million for jets to protect people from any terrorist attack during the same occasion, what a extravagant expenditure is this? When people criticize this kind of extravagant practice, they will automatically meet some SPLM loyalists and other interest guys to rattle on them and labeling them as NCP or jalaba agents in southern skin. And if you want to post this abusive practices in websites like this, you will meet Abraham Gai, SPLM website monitor with his SPLM spectacle defending and supporting SPLM's angelic practices. Inclusion all this will not close our mouth from speaking out or tire down our hands from writing, we shall keep on until they yield to true democracy not a curtain democracy that is being practiced now and we also shall keep on pushing for meritocracy not tribalism or favoritism. Pitya lo Tongun, ROSS National Building in South Sudan It is clear that we the South Sudanese are aspiring for our new born nation but, are we really confident about the national building? In fact after concluding the Referendum for self determination for the people of South Sudan who voted overwhelmingly for their independence, I think we all understand the importance of having your own country. However, the recent defections and civil disorder before the raising up of our nation's flag may cast doubt among many people in South Sudan, so it is very important that we put our house in order before the actual date of 9 July 2011 for our total independence. We need to be really aspiring in building our nation with all our capability regardless of our tribes. Building a nation needs collective efforts and collective initiative, let us all forget the past and look forward into a brighter future full of hope and aspiration for our young generation. I urge all the South Sudanese populations to put the car brakes on and wait for the eventuality 9-July 2011 South Sudan independence, and I believe debating our future positively is better than taking the guns and shooting our innocent brothers and sisters who once fought with you in the bush. James Tot, South Sudan -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. 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