Call on South Sudanese Rebels to Denounce Violence for Peace Concerned South Sudanese in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Condemn the growing rebellion by seven militia groups against the government of South Sudan
14 May 2011 To Gurtong: It’s with shock and disbelief that rebellion by militias has become a prevalent practice in most of the States in South Sudan after the referendum. This rebellion is an act of betrayal to millions of the South Sudan people who gave up their lives for the sake of independence. It is an unacceptable practice and must be reversed by these self-proclaimed rebel leaders. This time in history, the Khartoum government in the North is in several fronts attempting to sabotage preparation for official secession and the celebration of the independence of the South on July the 9th 2011. Hence, rebels in the South should put down their arms and join millions of the people of the South who are counting down days to celebrate the independence; which should be the beginning of a brighter future for every citizen in the ten States in the South Sudan including Abyei, Nuba Mountain and Southern Blue Nile. Rebellion against the government of the South always results in deaths of hundreds of civilians and innocent people. For example, in 2006 when Gabriel Tanginye’s forces stormed Malakal the head town of the Upper Nile State resulted in high civilians’ causalities. The same atrocities were repeated in 2009, in the same town by his rebels leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Similar tragedies and suffering characterized by killings, looting and displacing of civilians were experienced when George Athor Deng, David Yau Yau and John Gatluak Gai of the Jonglei and Unity State respectively rebelled after the election in 2010. Unfortunately, civilians continue to die currently in Jonglei and Unity State. Peter Gadet Yak the newest rebel leader to break a way from the South Sudan army and the Upper Nile based rebel commander Johnson Oliny, are among the list of the rejecters of democratic set of rules to address discontent with elected government. When commander Yak Launched attacked on Mayom, a small town in Unity State, innocent people died. And when the South Sudan responded to his aggression, civilians were caught in the cross fire and were the victims. The same thing was the case when Oliny launched the fight against the South Sudan army in one of the most populated cities and villages in the Upper Nile State. The cost of human lives in all these rebellions is not in the interest of any person in the South. Abdel Bagi Ayie Akol a life-time Khartoum supporter recent call for rebellion against the government of the South if it continues would be another disaster to civilian population in the South, especially Northern Bhar-El Ghazel State from which he hails. South Sudanese must stop violence against their own people. We the people of South Sudan, living in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada, are deeply saddened by the repeated killing of civilians and undermining of the democratic principles by the rebels. This unconstructive spirit of rebellion could diminish resiliency of the people of the South to attain liberty; a desire which has been demonstrated through many years of struggle. People of South Sudan since the beginning of the civil war between the North and south in 1800s, struggled together; seeking peaceful solutions whenever differences emerged and so, they attained freedom. It is an inspiration that the ordinary people of South Sudan voted by more 98% in favor of independence. The referendum was one of the most transparent and credible elections as attested by the international community. We therefore appeal to all rebel leaders in South Sudan to put down their arms and seek democratic means to voice out their grievances/concerns. If the South Sudan conducted one of the most credible referendum elections in the world, why can’t the same people use non-violent means to resolve their disagreements? We challenge the government to embrace peace and make civilian protection a priority! We the South Sudanese in Canada are opposed to any military solutions to any problem between political parties or communities in South, for our nation to move forward constructively. We must support the efforts of president, Salva Kiir and State governments. The President last year decreed an amnesty to all militias against the South, a move which was meant to foster peace in the region but, unfortunately all the rebels are abusing the offer. They continue launching wars on their own vulnerable civilians. All reasons claimed as causes of rebellions by all the seven rebel groups could not warrant killing of civilians. The rebels must give people of South Sudan a break from war. This time is for the people of the South to heal from the past and together build the nation for all, where tolerance, equality and respect of people’s lives and property are practised. We, the undersigned condemn the spirit of rebellions hence, the above mentioned rebel leaders should put down their arms, accept amnesty and get acquainted with the democratic principles in dealing with elected government. 1. Christian Lado - Eastern Equatoria State 2. Anthony Agwa - Eastern Equatoria State 3. David Lado - Central Equatoria State 4. Felix Lasu - Central Equatoria State 5. Sagin Bali- Central Equatoria State 6. Anoria Kaka - Central Equatoria State 7. Arek Dau Manyang - Warrap State 8. Simon Marial Madhieu - Warrap State 9. Angelo Makur Alath - Lake State 10. Biong Ngor Deng - Abyei 11. Francise Kiir Akuin - Abyei 12. Deng Dau Ngor - Abyei 13. Joseph Atilio Garang Laual - N. Bhar Elghazel State 14. Lino Machir Akong - N. Bhar Elghazel State 15. Yel Guoat - N. Bar Elagazal State 16. Marko Payo - Upper Nile 17. Peter Amon - Upper Nile Sate 18. Monybuny Kuol Chuol - Upper Nile State 19. Matthew That - Upper Nile State 20. Majal Yow Teng - Unity State 21. Agou Kuur - Jonglei State 22. David Mabior Atem - Jonglei State 23. Machik Mark Atem Diu - Jonglei Sate 24. Reuben Mayen Garang - Jonglei State 25. Sation Riing Riing - Warrap State 26. Akot Mawien Uguak - N. Bhar Elghazel State 27. Kuach Mashack Makuei Madit – Lake State 28. Michal Arok Yak Dout - Jonglei State 29. Bol Achiec - N. Bhar Elghazel -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
