"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
S E C R E T KHARTOUM 000713 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR L, S/CT, IO, AF/RSA E.O. 12958:
DECL: 03/20/2016 TAGS: PRELPTERMARRMOPSPINSPGOVPINRSUUN
SUBJECT: SPLA CHIEF OF STAFF SAYS GOSS OFFICIALS KNOW WHERE KONY IS AND ARE NEGOTIATING Classified By: P/E Chief Eric Whitaker for reasons: Section 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (S) Summary: During a meeting between Consul General (CG) Juba and SPLA Chief of Staff Oyai Deng on
March 18, Deng said that the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) is in direct contact with Lord's Resistance
Army (LRA) chief Joseph Kony. He said that GoSS Vice President Riek Machar is negotiating with Kony,
and that Kony is currently in a camp "a few miles" off the road between Maridi and Lafon. End Summary.
2. (S) When CG asked if rumors of SPLA operations against the LRA around Maridi and Yei were true,
Deng replied that the SPLA in fact was engaged in more friendly contacts. GoSS Vice President Riek Machar
had contacted Kony, who had agreed to talks. Deng deflected questions about what was on the table, noting
only that "we want to find out what they want." He continued that the SPLA had in fact launched operations
against LRA elements around Maridi and Yei in response to LRA attacks. Deng thought it was strange that
the LRA continued to attack while engaged in friendly talks with the GoSS, and thought this might
indicate a command and control issue in the LRA. He then said Kony was based a "few miles" off the
road between Maridi and Lafon. Deng appeared reticent to offer more; CG did not press.
3. (S) COMMENT: This conversation raises several troubling questions: If Riek Machar indeed knows Joseph
Kony's location and is not assisting in his capture, does this make Machar complicit in continuing LRA
atrocities? If so, does this make Machar indictable by the International Criminal Court? What are the
legal ramifications for the GoSS if, as it appears, it refrains from pursuing Kony, so as to pursue a
peace agreement with him?
End comment. STEINFELD
PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.
