Monday, August 15, 2011. Your Opinions and Comments Always Count and Impact Everywhere
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Disclaimer: The views expressed below are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent those of the website. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bor Dinka and not Dinka Bor is correct Dear Readers and writers, without wasting any single minute of your precious commodity called time, I'd like to put a correction across on the use of Dinka Bor in the apology made by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, as s description referring to Bor Dinka. Please note that Dinka Bor carries a different interpretation completely as opposed to the reality of Bor Dinka as a section within the greater Dinka community as a whole. When you say Dinka Bor, it does not suit the applicability of the term Bor Dinka but instead it makes Bor Dinka like another suspended ethnic community not completely related to Dinka as community. The use of Dinka Bor as a description to that particular section is a direct translation from Arabic which is not the case here because all your texts are in English. This refers to all ethnic communities in South Sudan like saying Lou Nuer but not Nuer Lou. The later has a different meaning which detaches Lou Nuer from other sections within the greater Nuer as a community sharing all elements which make them as an ethnic community. Please make sure that we continue use a description that can keep us within the context. Atok Dan, Juba, South Sudan. Machar to face ICC justice It's too late for Dr. Riek Machar to apologize to Dinka Bor community after he had been requested by the late Dr. John Garang to apologize at the time he came back from Khartoum after his defection from SPLA/M. His apology is a political game to blackmail the Bor community like what he did in 1991 incident which was a genocide which required him to go ICC to face justice at the court. Chol Majok, Uganda Kenyan has no right to write on South Sudan I'm shocked that somebody who called himself Kipkorir from Kenya Rift valley is abusing South Sudan system. What does he knows about South Sudan flag, tribes, money and representation in the government? I'd like to tell him that flag cannot be copied as long identities are the same. I can see when his community killed Kikuyu in 2007 because of election- did any South Sudanese write an article on it?. When Moi was president he used to speak on media that South Sudanese should be arrested if they come from Kakuma to Nairobi, did we talk about it yet? When Moi sold land to UNHCR to accommodate South Sudan refugees in Kakuma did we write about it? When Kalengjin was dominating Kenyan government during Moi time and denying other communities like Luo, did we talked about it? I hope Kipkorir would solve his home problem first before he crossed to South Sudan. His Excellency is normally used for President even Kibaki and Kalozo are being addressed so. LT Gen. is because they were soldiers already, if Kipkorir doesn't understand he should ask. What can Kipkorir know that lets him abuse the leadership in south Sudan? James Chilim, South Sudan We shouldn't blame Dr Machar I see Dr. Machar's apology as a courageous step toward genuine acknowledgement of the wrong doing that was committed during the war. I'm sure Riak's apology is not based on what he did as a person, but on the behalf of his forces, some of which may be unauthorized actions done by vicious soldiers. This should be the beginning of many apologies that others should follow. In Eastern Equatoria, we also seek this kind of apology. In 1986, SPLA soldiers massacred Acholi people in Obbo and other places as well. Many Acholi people who took refuge from Magwi, Panyikwara, Agoro, Omeo and Opirka were killed there in a cold blood. The SPLA forces who carried out this ill deeds was led by a Dinka. Could someone also be courageous enough and apologize to Acholi people? We are still hunted by that action, because we lost parents, relatives, brothers and sisters that day. We are left orphans and homeless. The commanders who ordered such actions are now living happily somewhere in Europe or Australia. We should not blame Dr. Machar, let us only blame those dark days and heal the wound of the past with good deeds to all southern Sudanese. Oyet J. Lokilachong, USA Avoid politicizing everything When a person apologizes, it means that he has understood the mistake he committed in the past. To give an apology is not an act of cowardice nor ignorance but it is the act of prudence. The apology that Riek gave does not mean that he was or is afraid of Dinka or whoever that may be but the acceptance of the mistake that he did to Dinka Bor in earlier 1990s. The mistake he did by letting his army to unleash unlawful killing in Bor was bad but if he apologized officially then that is a good move and I hope the reconciliation may start earnestly. Urge every Dinka in Bor to forgive him for the sake of a new nation. Other leaders should emulate him. Let us avoid politicizing everything even something that is done in good faith. Juol Nhomngek, South Sudan No coping the Kenyan flag I am writing in response to Donald KIpkiror's letter on the 'Standard online,' Nairobi, Kenya, dated August 6, 2011 titled, "Who will save the government of south Sudan from a wrong turn?" I would like to point it clear that the south Sudan flag is not a copy of the Kenyan flag although the arrangement of the colors might look the same or similar. The south Sudan flag has a blue triangle on the hoist side with a golden star symbolizing the the unity of the people of south Sudan and the blue triangle the waters of the Nile. Where is the similarity or coping of the Kenyan flag? And again the south Sudan flag does not contain the Masai traditional shield as in the Kenyan flag. Flags are designed with a purpose and colors carry the meanings based on the history, geographical features of the country, etc.. Colors arrangements don't depict coping. Justin Opiny, Canada Riek's apology may be forgiven but will not be forgotten. Riek is one who pulled back the struggle of all southerners and is the root cause of multi-rebellions that keep occurring now and then in South Sudan. Riek made some of us orphans and formed families headed by only women because of his unreasonable rebellion of 1991. He cannot suppose to be a leader in SPLA/M but I see it as a part of insult to him from the government of South Sudan. Anyway, his apology doesn't make sense to Dinka people but it make sense when we'd like to know who were behind the split that left SPLA/M forces and turned it on innocent Dinka rather than his partners. Now the Dinka Butcher showed himself in the eyes of widows and orphans. Joseph Monyde, Israel The Vice President finally apologized. It takes a real man to admit the mistakes done but Dr. Teny have been played by some individuals within Bor Community for a political fame, I assumed. What took him so long to realize it was not intentional rather his idea was to bring down the SPLA-Torit faction. It does make a difference to face the victims than using a third party as the means of admitting your faults. Most importantly, the incident did not happen in Juba and thus these famed hungry politicians should do nothing but “get out of the way” and have Mr. Riek Machar face his survivors in various towns (Bor and in Padang areas). If it is true that the VP did give an apology to the gathering in Juba, I believe it was hijacked by some politicians of Bor community. I don’t believe the VP apologized otherwise; it should be to the entire South Sudanese communities. Although the atrocities landed among the Dinka Padang and Bor respectively, every community in South Sudan has paid a price as a result of Riek Machar’s actions. Let’s not forget that he's a power hungry person; he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. What happened to the Bul Nuer when they refused to join him during his defection? This section of Nuer needs to stand up and let their voices be heard too, just because he's also from Nuer does not mean he should get away with the crime. To those confused Nuer like Gordon Buay who thinks the VP is wrong to apologize, you are not helping but opening the healed wounds and mind you. I am a proud citizen of the Greater Bor community and at no time will I fail to point out where my community is heading. I do believe there is something fishy in this apology and the future will judge. Remember this “when you hear hooves, think of horses but never forget that Zebras do exist”. THON GAI; AFGHANISTAN No hurry to join East African Community Re: Joining East African Community by The Republic of South Sudan is not an easy decision to be made by a clique minority (Politicians in the current leadership). It's a matter of public concern hence should be given a second thought. We Southerners have already achieved our freedom and autonomy. So there is not point of rushing into serious conclusions without prior consideration. There has been a serious chase between Northerners and Southerners since the struggle of Anyanya 1. This has given some Southerners a tremendous fear and haste. The animal is gone and we have got plenty of time to make consultations before regretting. Khartoum government is no longer after us, so clean up and think twice! Jim Mathiang, South Sudan Can Dinka Bor Apologize to Didinga and other tribes in South Sudan? During the liberation War, many tribes were killed by Dinka Bor including Didinga Genocide of 1999. Those events can't go away from people's minds. To rush to Dr Machar to apologize, why don't we first clear cases of atrocities committed by Dinka Bor as an example first, so that others can take a lead in doing so, please. Tut Kurr South Sudan Which country is not corrupt? A reply to Bullen Bol. It's sad that you still promote the acts of corruption being practiced in the GOSS. This clearly shows that you are a beneficiary of the loots hence praying day and night for the looting of the public resources to continue. While there is corruption in other countries, it can't be compared with this corruption that your relatives are practicing. This is not actually corruption - it is looting! While other countries practice the vice, at least they have the remorse, but your relatives are merciless to the point that they take every thing that comes their way in their looting dens meaninglessly called ministries or commissions. The figure-head president who is being bullied by his kin from Warrap is just paying lip service to fighting corruption. If he's indeed serious, why allow the vice to flourish for six year in his watch? Now who believes in his noise of fighting corruption? Not any sensible Junubi apart from you who benefited from people's blood! If the president is serious on corruption, no more talks; we want the corrupt behind bars before we could believe that he is serious Mr. Bol, unless Kiir locks in the thugs from Aweil, Upper Nile and Lakes we will not stop critizing his administration. And make sure that from criticism then comes mass action like what is happening in London. Galaremo Wani, South Sudan Does Malaak Claim About Dr. Riek Machar Apology to Bor Deserve Response? Frankly speaking, any struggle is always marked by bad story from both sides of warring parties claiming responsibility to one side leaving the other justify is negligence and doesn't hold water at all. My message to Malaak is, what is indeed important is that you need to refresh you mental thinking with some objectivity and honesty, and try again and again until you can address appropriately, meticulously and specifically, the core the cancer (tribalism) that is repeatedly eating your teeth and wasting your integrity will not be left without unchecked. In doing this, you must not tire to confront your own weakness and you should not remind yourself of our past. now is the time to focus on important topic that can bring our people together and work for the common good! Malek Cook Dwach, South Sudan Dr Machar's Move on Dinka Bor Massacre is Brave I believe true reconciliation begins with acknowledging the wrong you have done to others- When the SPLA/M split in 1991, I was 9 years old and attending Panyagor primary school as a second year grader. I know the story of SPLA-Nasir faction forces invasion of Greater Bor communities from A-Z because I witnessed it. Though I am a hardened and successful young man, I do shed bitter tears sometimes when I think of 1991 atrocities committed on my relatives and community members by Dr Machar forces. Riek Machar's move to fully take responsibility for the crimes his men carried out in Dinka Bor land is brave and commendable if he wasn't coerced into it. I am in a group who want Dr Machar to apologize to the real victims and wider Bor community rather than a localized clique of politicians in Juba. Apologizing to the entire won't only illustrate the level of sincerity in his apology but also determine how the wider community will respond to his acknowledgement of the truth. The SPLA-Nasir forces committed the worse crimes in South Sudan history which included the widespread murder of thousands of unarmed civilians, looting of their livelihoods, uprooting the entire community and forcing them into exiles. Yaak Barack, Australia Dinka Bor community deserve detailed apology from Machar and Lam Akol However, it is not necessary but I doubt whether they need it. It's too early to tell the authenticity of Machar's apology to Dinka Bor community. In the account of Mr. Laak Ayuen, it is a bit confusing because there are no direct quotations from Machar that only put the whole issue into a question mark. I will not believe till the original text is send out for the readers. Frankly though, apology will not heal such deep wounds over night. Mayen Deng, South Sudan Machar should apologize to all South Dr. Riek Machar should not apologize to Dinka Bor alone if he meant the really apology which I know but should apologize to all Dinka communities especially Dinka Apadang in both Upper Nile State and Jonglei State because they are the people who were first affected by his action or rebellion of 1991 before it spread into all of the region. So if he is to apologize he should apologize to all of Dinka community, Greater Upper Nile and the whole of South Sudan which was affected by his action not one community. Santo Deng Yak Lal For inclusive peace to all Thanks for your comment, I don't think that, there is something wrong about coming back of Gadet Yak. Let us not talk much about what was going on from him there in the place where he came from, let us just look about how those who were against our government should come back all one by one. We are a nation by nation, let us not undermine any one of our persons who wanted to come back. That should be the part of peace we are talking about within our country. May God bless Republic of South Sudan Amen. T. Wakow Yak Lual, Netherlands Live topics on site I'm really interested to read this website because it brings live topics to the Nation. I would like this web to also publish issues connected to sectarian fighting in areas related to cattle raiding which is causing too much loss of lives in the ROSS. Thanks, Khamis Cosmas, ROSS Riak's apology to the Bor people is a ploy Riak is not only frustrated, he is always haunted by his 1991 killing of civilians in Bor. His chances for presidency one time in South Sudan are dependent on winning the minds, and therefore support from these very people he killed. These people in history have always had more affiliation with many different Upper-Nile ethnic groups than their Dinka counterparts in the west of the Nile, as evidenced in marriage between groups, but Riak disconnected them. If he needs to reconnect these groups he needs to unpretentiously do more than just use a few financially famous Bor figures like Malak Ayuen, whose behind he hid for his apology. He needs to come out in person and do it himself, and be answerable to any questions that may arise. The fact that he uses other people like the money-hungry Malak, who he might even had paid, means it is more than nothing but a ploy. Biar, Australia The high leaders of RSS corruption. There is no reason to join two Houses in same position. When we have 382 people in the Houses, all the money for development will go to salaries. Already we forget our people. The government owned by one party only will not work but just to corrupt everything [1] security corruption ,[2] politics corruption [3]economic corruption. God Bless our country from bad corruption. Thon de Chol, Sudan Change of Eng. Chol's regime I would like to take this great opportunity to thank my fellow youths of Lakes State for the concern they have shown in the above letter with regard to the on-going crisis in the state. The current leadership of Eng. Chol has failed us greatly, and the fittest judgment it deserves is to be sacked and held accountable for the loss of innocent lives. Change in the entire leadership of Eng. Chol and his aides is the way forward towards a prosperous new Lakes State! Jim Mathiang Mayom, South Sudan Many tribes also demand apology from SPLA It is the healthier thing for our nation to engage in process of reconciliation, however it should not be only to certain people or individuals ,like I read in sudantribune that our vice president of south Sudan has officially acknowledged the 1991 incident and apologized to the Dinka Bor community. This should not be Dr Riek Marchar alone; it should be the SPLM party and its military wing, SPLA. It should be an organized an event in the whole south Sudan to be accountable for some atrocities that were carried out by few individuals in the movement. I think many tribes in south Sudan need the same thing that's being said to the Dinka Bor community to be said to them too. Even the other Dinkas demand an apology from some SPLA commanders. If you think critically about this issue you will come to believe it is not fair to do justice to only one group and not the majority. If we want justice to take its place, then SPLM/SPLA should not get influenced by people who always want to twist things. In the course of our liberation SPLA as an unprofessional army had committed a lot of crime and that means that everyone in SPLA has to apologize for a crime he did individually commit, like what read here about Dr. Riek Machar. Jabriel, Canada Which country is not corrupt in Africa? I want to quickly respond to the issue that had been raised by one of the writers that "corruption is a disease in SPLM." If you simply ask yourself a question thus, which country in Africa is not corrupt? You will definitely failed to get a positive answer. As such, why do we make lots of noise about that? Do you think that those noises that were previously made since declaration and before declaration of independence were not heard by the government? If yes, then why are you still making noise about corruption, if no, then why do you think our president said that he will not appoint any one as a minister should he have the tendency of putting his interest first than the public interest? I am not against criticizing our government but I am of a view that we should have an element of perseverance so that we can give our government a chance to implement its promises. Who of you have not heard our president saying that he will strengthen and stand beside anti-corruption commission should they find any one corrupt? What more do you want him to do to reduce corruption apart from following legal procedures? I know Africans have a tendency of praising/appreciating some one when he has left the government, you will never appreciate Kiir's administration not until he had left the power. Bullen Bol, South Sudan South Sudan Curriculum This is really very important issue, Mr. Olal, since this new nation wants a curriculum that is geared towards nation buiilding. The curriculum development center needs to be equipped with technical personals in field of education who are south Sudanese rather than always outsiders who did not have insight of south in the heart but work to their tokens and leave curriculum unfinished and sometimes very sketchy. Nicholas Girima, Gadet convinced by peace lovers Dear Mading Manyok, you really sound like you have never been to the frontline during the war. Why do you want us to continue fighting each other? Are you not affected by this critical and challenging situation where we are? To me as south Sudanese by birth and nationality as well; I'm a peace lover unlike others who are beating drums of war and yet their participation is less than what they steal from public fund. Gatdet was not defeated militarily by SPLA, he was convinced by many peace lovers all over south Sudan including Dr Salva Kiir Mayardit himself, as a South Sudanese and as well as Dinka, What proofs do you have on Dinka domination? Was it the cause of Gatdet's defection from SPLA? Gatdet's defection was from his tribesmen not the way you put it. Let us train ourselves to post only developmental things to these websites rather than addicting to the old mentality. Chol Awek Choldit, RSS -- 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.
