Why SPLA cannot defeat South Sudan rebels By Steve Paterno
May 9, 2013 - It is a common phenomenon in South Sudan that those who are disgruntled with the government in one way or another tend to find refuge in form of rebellion. The aim for such rebellion is often to usurp power and blackmail the government in order to gain concession and obtain higher position within the same government. In other words, the aim of these rebels is to cause destruction so as to be recognized and then be rewarded with positions that they could not have otherwise get under normal circumstant, where competence is put into test. Since South Sudan obtained its autonomy, several of those militancy sprung up under sponsorship of Khartoum government, South Sudan major foe. Even though South Sudan government manages to neutralize key elements among some of these treasonous individuals and bringing some back into the fold, the cycle of rebellion in South Sudanese seems to be an endless affair. The most current active group of militias is the one led by an obscure former theology student David Yau Yau. David Yau Yau gained notoriety after 2010 general elections. After failing a bid to win a political post, he declared rebellion. Ever since, Yau Yau has been causing havoc in and around Pibor areas. Although Yau Yau for a moment was able to negotiate with the government, earning himself handsomely a rank of a major general in SPLA. He ewas only to rebel once again after a brief spell as a professional high ranking military officer. Of recent, Yau Yau seems to be gaining an upper hand against the SPLA, even more so than ever before. Just as the SPLA announced military offensive to rid him once and for all, he proves otherwise. He has been conducting successful ambushes against the SPLA, at times inflicting heavy casualties and damages. He expanded his sphere of operation, overrunning strategic wildlife reserve town of Boma. With momentum of victory on his side, now he is threatening to further spread in Eastern Equatoria town of Kapeota, yet another strategic location, linking Kenya and South Sudan. In a public statement, the SPLA spokesperson Philip Aguer reluctantly acknowledges that Yau Yau forces occupy almost 90 percent of Pibor county. Yau Yau forces are operating in a chaotic state, awash with weapons and characterized by a long history of ethnic conflicts, where the government is incapable of exerting authority or exercise control. The statement in the media by governor Koul Manyang Juuk seems to confirm that Jonglei state or South Sudan for that matter is indeed has no authority over its citizens or territory. For example, there are reports of widespread mistreatment of civilians in Bor town by soldiers believed to have either deserted from a frontline or defeated by Yau Yau, but yet (the battle hardened and once known for his disciplinary demeanour as a commander), governor Kuol Manyang Juuk has no answers as to why this is the case. The reports of desertion among SPLA soldiers from the frontline, fighting Yau Yau is just one of the many worries that plug South South military and hamper the efforts to provide security for country. SPLA which is in dire need of transformation into professionalism is yet being staffed by non other than ragtag former militia outfits such as those of Yau Yau and the likes. In the process, this erodes moral and institute lack of discipline. Up to now SPLA receives the largest junk of the country’s budget; 40 percent of the overall budget. However, in a country infamous for corruption, the top military brass are among those officials mostly accused and cited for corrupt activities. There are reports of soldiers not receiving their salaries for months on end. Food provision is lacking, leading some soldiers to resort on looting. Overall logistic is a nightmare. The situation is worsen with the instituted austerity measures. Even though the threats of Yau Yau rebellion is limited in scope, its effects cannot simply be ignored. This will require the SPLA to institute discipline, exercise judicious management and introduce proper operational doctrines. It will also require a political will from leadership to create conducive atmosphere that is accommodative and discourages rebellion. Otherwise, South Sudan will discern into much more chaos. South Sudan should not be allowed as a fiefdom of warlords. Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at [email protected] -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
