Lakes State Gov. Chol Tong admits he is a failure. BY: C. Marik, Kansas USA
JUNE 8/2011, SSN; Who is killing people in Cueibet? The cowardly hiding culprits or the deliberately silent governor? Indeed these are questions worthy of appropriate answers. Who is guilty between he who kills by pulling the trigger and he who, based on tribal and family grounds, deliberately abstains from stopping or scolding the gunman? Second scenario is what role does a father play when his two sons are fighting in front of him? Does he stop the children from fighting and strive to resolve the conflict amicably and peacefully without prejudice or does he watch silently to see which child victoriously kills the other? I regrettably detest the fact that our governor of Lakes States, Chol Tong Mayai, chose “the road less traveled” by opting to remain silent on the current butchering of citizens of Cuiebet County by his own people of Rumbek. Over the last few months, cowardly thugs from Rumbek embarked on a killing spree targeting women, children and old men from Cuiebet County. Three separate incidents have culminated into the death of more than ten women. Few days ago a separate incident resulted in the death of three women, a less than two year old girl and an old man. In all these cases, not once has the Governor made any comment with reference to the massacre. To make matters worse, he deliberately refused to visit neither the wounded survivors nor victims’ relatives nor the people of Cuiebet in general. If you tract Chol Tong’s history you would notice that he has a biased status towards Cuiebet especially when it comes to moments of crisis. For instance during the conflict between SPLA forces and citizens of Cuiebet that resulted in the killing of Paramount Chief Jok Dau Kachuol, Chol, despite aspiring to become a governor, did not even bother to come witness the tragic situation. This was in direct contrast to then Governor, Lt. General Daniel Awet Akot, who courageously braved the flying bullets to stand before and sternly warn the wild and ignorant SPLA forces. As many of Lakes state citizens would recall and testify to, Lt. General Awet in all security situations endeavored to go to all depths to visit dangerous grounds to quell conflicts and console grieving families. In all cases he managed to act swiftly to condemn the perpetrators. Regardless of which community initiated the conflict, Lt. General Awet never favored any side, but rather condemned them both being more stringent on his people of Cuiebet to show restraint and lead by example. As much as few were misled to despise Lt. General Awet, the revered freedom fighter who saved and emancipated people of Lakes state and South Sudan from Arab oppression, many regret the absence of their beloved Governor Awet, who currently holds the high position of Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly of the government of South Sudan. People from all corners of Lakes state cry for his return and removal of the governor Chol Tong. Hence, for those who compare and contrast the current Lakes state government to the previous, it is crystal clear even to the blind that our current governor is a coward and untrained civilian with no administrative capabilities. His only ambition is allegedly to loot state resources and funds, diverting them into his private enterprise which he intends to build upon. This is characterized by his alleged embezzlement of funds in millions that many Lakes state citizens are aware of and witness to. His lack of interest in security issues, particularly those affecting Cuiebet and Yirol Counties, is a further testimony to his zero experience in political and administrative leadership. His bigotry towards certain communities specifically Cuiebet community is proven by his tenderness to intervene in conflicts arising from his home area in Rumbek east while going utterly blind and deaf to conflicts in Cuiebet. His lack of creativity and unwillingness to heed to advice exacerbates the gravely deteriorating security situation in the State. I write this article not to stir a tribal debate or single out any community but rather to ridicule the current governor, Chol Tong, with his entire government at their failure to protect the citizens who brought them to power. If Mr. Chol Tong can recall during his election campaign, he was despised by his own people of Rumbek and won the elections based on the 100% commitment of the people of Cueibet to SPLM and a majority support from greater Yirol. This fact is supported by the attempted assassination on Chol Tong in his own Boma (village). This government, being inclusive of all eight counties of Lakes state, must be held accountable with specific emphasis on the governor as the leader. No one should escape blame, even the constitutional post holders from Cuiebet, whose people are butchered while they abstain from exerting any pressure on the governor. In conclusion, I seek no retribution by the people of Cueibet, nor an end to the insecurity in Lakes state based on two reasons. Firstly, vengeance from Cuiebet will only make things worse, for “two wrongs don’t make it right”. The result would be a seesaw of retaliatory attacks on innocent women, children, and old men. Secondly, insecurity and tribalism in Lakes state and South Sudan in general have transcended beyond their ‘elastic limit’ and became a ‘cancer’ integrated into the DNA of Southern Sudanese. Hence, it is fair to say that Chol Tong as well as the entire government of South Sudan are incapable of diffusing or ending these tribal conflicts. In addition, these conflicts are not confined to South Sudan only. However I stoutly condemn Chol Tong for his repugnant lack of action towards murder cases committed against Cueibet community while acting promptly towards cases in home area in Rumbek East. As mentioned above, I admit that no amount of action can subdue the rising crime and tribalism in the state. However, a simple assurance by a leader to his subjects can go a long way. A simple word of mouth can calm and inspire multitudes of people especially victims of tragic events. Lt. General Awet won hearts of many during his war era as well as his post CPA administrative era by offering simple words of wisdom and courage. Many thank him and remember him for his simplicity and generosity to this day and beyond. If Chol Tong cannot sit under a tree and talk with injured former war veterans just because he does not want to get his trouser dirty, does he deserve to be a leader? If he cannot visit injured innocent civilian victims of tribal conflicts just because they belong to a certain community, does he deserve to lead? If Chol Tong cannot utter a simple comment condemning cold-blooded murders of innocent women and children, does he deserve to lead? If Chol Tong allows his state-run radio service to broadcast war anthems (a.k.a. Kong in Dinka) deliberately sang by youth of Rumbek against Cueibet community, does he deserve to be a leader? Mr. Chol Tong, I warn you that the eyes and spirit of that two year old girl will haunt you and your government for not noticing her brutal murder along with her mother. As for Cueibet community, they do not want your money or your physical presence or your empty promise to end the conflict. All they want is your voice; your compassion and understanding; your recognition of their plight and existence; your impartiality; your simple, costless words...I’m sorry, I care, I’m with you. Remember, Mr. Chol, “a simple deed can change a person’s life more than any amount of money”. Lastly Mr. Chol, nothing you say or do now can change the tribal stance you have already taken against the people of Cuiebet and women of Lakes state in general. The negative attitude you have shown will and shall always mark your legacy as the “failed governor” forever. And as you honestly admitted in your own words, “I have failed...” before your own cabinet and members of parliament, I urge you to humbly do the honorable thing and resign with pride. COMMENTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent those of the website. -- 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.
