“Giving an apology is the best way of bringing in peace. We don’t want to pass these painful things to our children. We want them to be living in a peaceful and democratic state in South Sudan,” said Machar.
South Sudan VP confirms apology for Bor Massacre
April 3, 2012 (BOR) – South Sudan’s vice president, Riek Machar, confirmed his apology for his 1991 defection from Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) which led to the killing of thousands of people from Dinka Bor ethnic group.
- South Sudan’s vice president, Riek Machar, Western Equatoria, April 2008 (Reuters)
“So those, of us, who have survived and who seen painful things during the war, we need to kick off the process of national reconciliation”, Machar said in Bor on Tuesday during a peace workshop held to reconcile the warring ethnic groups in Jonglei state
Before the establishment of the state of South Sudan in July 2011, the SPLA were a rebel group fighting Khartoum. They were led by the late John Garang, who died in helicopter crash in 2005, fighting what was later known as “Anyanya Two”.
In 1991 there was disagreement between Garang and his seniors officers, Machar andLam Akol. The two made a collation with an intention of changing the leadership of the SPLA by removing John Garang.
In August 1991 Machar and Akol formed the SPLA-Nasir faction of the SPLA with support from the Nuer ethnic group.
On 15 November 1991, forces led by Machar waged war against Garang’s ethnic group, the Dinka Bor. The Bor Massacre reportedly led to the death and displacement of thousands of people.
Machar rejoined the SPLA/M in 2002.
Machar first apologised for his part in the Bor Massacre in August 2011. Machar said that his apology will bring unity to the Dinka and Nuer tribes.
The main conflict in Jonglei is between the Nuer and Murle ethnic groups. In January the UN estimated it has led to the displacement of 120,000 people.
(ST)
http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-VP-confirms-apology,42124