Arming Ngok Dinka of Abyei for self-defence
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By Steve Paterno
June 11, 2013 - Should the Ngok Dinka of Abyei be armed to defend
themselves? This is a question that sparks debate recently among South
Sudanese online discussants. The debate is triggered in part due to a
proposal by Hon. Anyoti Adigo, a leader of opposition party, SPLM-DC
at South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA). Accordingly, among other
proposals, Hon. Adigo suggests for arming of Ngok Dinka tribesmen in
order for them to defend themselves against the marauding Misseriya
tribe, who in turn, are being armed by the regime in Khartoum.
However, the chairman of SPLM-DC party, Dr. Lam Akol, quickly
repudiated the idea, calling it preposterous and not in line with the
opposition party’s platform. The SPLM-DC chairman scolds Adigo for
insubordination, lack of sound judgment, and deviating from the
party’s principle. He argues that the sole responsibility of providing
security to the population lies squarely with the government of the
day in Juba. Dr. Akol goes on to criticize the government of South
Sudan for its inability to provide security, particularly to the
people of Abyei.
It is of course typical for opposition party to criticize the
government for range of issues, where the government demonstrates
weaknesses. Nevertheless, in the case of Abyei, it is obvious the
controversial chairman of SPLM-DC either is deliberately ignoring or
he is just out right oblivious of the peculiarities and realities of
Abyei status. The fact that the chairman of SPLM-DC party is framing
and shaping his political argument from Khartoum, and perhaps under
Khartoum’s regime influence, underscores the peculiarities of status
of Abyei and its complex relationship with the Republic of Sudan vice
versa the Republic of South Sudan. It is such complexities of
relationship, which is ought to be taken into consideration when
dealing with issues of security in Abyei.
Sudan, (where the chairman of SPLM-DC is shouting from for
insubordination against his party member in South Sudan government and
where he is shaping his political argument), declared South Sudan as
an enemy state and its people as mere “insects” not worthy of any
livelihood. Under its broad scotch earth policy, the government in
Khartoum arms and supplies Misseriya, an Arab rival tribe to kill,
loot, and uproot the Ngok Dinka and the other surrounding South
Sudanese communities. This policy of ethnic cleansing is devastating
the region. Currently, the government in Khartoum is holding Abyei
hostage for ransom, perhaps to be paid off by oil. The regime
deliberately violated any single article of the agreements signed on
Abyei. The hope for any peaceful resolution for Abyei issue stands
bleak. In short, the problems of Abyei have their origins in Khartoum,
not Juba.
The UN Peacekeeping, tasked to protect Abyei population lacks any
competence to carry on its intended mandate. The case in point is when
the UN Peacekeepers recently allowed the armed Misseriya tribesmen,
acting under the orders of Khartoum, to mercilessly slaughter the Ngok
Dinka paramount chief, Kuol Deng Kuol, along with other members of
peacekeepers.
The SPLA, a South Sudanese army has equally little chances to provide
adequate security to the Abyei population. First of all, under the
security arrangements, signed with Khartoum, SPLA forces are deployed
way far behind the perimeter where the civilian population occupies.
Secondly, SPLA forces have dismal record in providing adequate
security among the feuding communities in the South, therefore,
chances that they can do so in Abyei is remote.
Despite the drawback of having weapons in the hands of civilians and
the fear for potential implications, the peculiarities of Abyei status
compels that its civilian population, at least, must have access to
some sort of weapons for self-defence. If such endeavour would have to
be undertaken though, it will, however, not require legislation from
South Sudan parliament. The action will rather require directives from
the presidency, along with the ministry of defence in collaboration
with the intelligence services. This can also mean that the community
must be organized so as they act as a real deterrence force against
the aggression of Khartoum armed forces and their Misseriya allies.
All these must be done discretely and covertly.
Now, with the break of détente and the prospect for heighten border
tensions between the two countries, due to Khartoum’s unilateral
decision to shut down South Sudanese oil export, South Sudan needs a
range of proposals and options to counter Khartoum’s belligerence.
Arming Ngok Dinka will go a long way in twisting the arms of the
ruthless regime in Khartoum.
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