Press Statement from Padang Dinka Youth Union
5 min readPadang Youth Union
Head Office, Juba
Date: 9th May, 2016
Press Statement: Condemnation of Press Statement by JMEC, UN SRSG Ms. Hellen Loej of not recognizing the 28 states
May 9, 2016 (SSB) —- In the first place, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the first Vice President and Gen. James Wani Igga, the vice President of the Republic and the people of South Sudan on the formation of Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU).
We, the youth of Eastern Nile formerly Upper Nile State comprising of Renk, Akoka, Baliet, Khorfulus and Atar and Diaspora have condemned with strongest term possible the press statement released by Ms. Hellen Loej SRSG that appeared o the Stance daily newspaper dated Thursday May 5th, 2016, issue No. 149 in front page titled JMES, UN do not recognized the 28 states and call for her dismissal. Ms. Hellen Loej, the special representative of the UN Secretary General to South Sudan had confirmed her support to IGAD and head of JMEC Festus Mogae, on issue of 28 states in the Country that the formation of 28 states created ethnic tensions around Upper Nile and especially in Malakal City. The tensions according to Loej is associated to newly drawn boundaries by the President Kiir which annexed some parts of Chollo land to Padang Dinka a move rejected by opposition politicians and defected Commanders Johnson Olony.
We are surprised by such statement. Ms. Hellen Loej, JMEC need to take time to study the story of states boundaries of South Sudan before they rush to judge the President wrongly on the affairs of the nation. Johnson Olony before he was given amnesty and integrated into national army the SPLA by the President, was a Chollo militia leader fighting alongside with his tribal men and their lies against Padang people even before the crisis of December, 2013. So Olony is not around Malakal fighting because of 28 states; if so then he should not take the law into his own hand, there is legal way of resolving such issues, if the opposition politicians and Olony, think that they are the rightful owner of Eastern Nile bank then let them go for an international tribunal court of arbitration to rule over the case between the two communities. Instead of killing innocent civilians, ifthe matter is in Upper Nile and unity states only, but if it is the whole of 28 states it is mentioned by Loej, then we propose referendum to be conducted for people to vote for amicable solution to the problem.
This is an incitement of the conflict between the two communities and it is a clear indication of encroaching into internal affairs of the nation; when head of UNMISS & JMEC call to revoke the decision of President of creating more states in the Country in the Country. South Sudan is the sovereign nation just like and other Countries in the world. President Salva Kiir was elected by the people of South Sudan hence, he has an absolute constitutional right to response to the public demands of the people of South Sudan without seeking any permission from anybodyincluding Ms. Hellen Loej and Festus Mogae.
We call upon International Community, UNSC, Troika, China, Russia, IGAD and peace loving Countries to intervene to review the mandate and roles of UNMISS in South Sudan which supposed to protect the civilians regardless for their political affiliation but UNMISS has gone astray from its mainobjectives of protectingcivil population. To our surprise UNMISS & JMES have taken side in conflictresolution in South Sudan instead of being neutral in conflictmanagement in the Country. It is very clear in press briefing made by Ms. Hellen, who declared her support to JMEC chairperson Festus Mogae, to revoke 28 states and declared not recognized. Question, How did UNMISS & JMEC heads come to conclude and prove that the land of Shilluk had been given to Padang Jieng Dinka of Eastern Bank by the President when they have not listened from both sides but from one side of Shilluk and Opposition?
UNMISS & JMEC heads are bias in the resolution of conflict and this will fuel more violence and increase tensions between two communities, if this i not address with wisdom and Justice. UNMISS & JMEC heads cannot dismiss the unfortunate and shameful incident that took place in protection site of civilians POC in Malakal some months ago, when the youth of Shilluk & Nuer were armed against Dinka by UNMISS which resulted in loss of lives and properties of innocent Dinka Civilians in the very same camp. This is the live example and define the position of UNMISS in South Sudan.
In conclusion, we appeal to South Sudanese people especially the youth not to be used by politicians of their personal interests instead let us support the newly formed TGNU in resolving boundaries issues and silent those who beat the drums of war.
For us, war is not the best option to solve problem but if these of Olony chooses then the will be in defensive position ifthey attack ourchildren and women. The borderline between Padang and Chollo has been and will remain as River Nile for life as God put ourancestors there since the creation of universe and no even inch of our land from Eastern Bank will be taken by force. We, Padang people indeed are peaceful community; to prove this now are living with Chollo people peaceful in Eastern Bank even during the crisis but go to the Western Bank andsee whether you will find a single Dinka of Padang alive among Chollo Community. Can you imagine?
Thanks
Signed: ——————————
Mr. Monywut Chuang Bol
Chairperson of steering Committee
Padang Youth Union, Juba
Tel No. 0956897761/ 0922722282
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