Gen. Salva Mathok is right: Americans are our friends, not mortal enemies
By Pal Chol Nyan, Juba, South Sudan
February 12, 2018 (SSB) — I take my hat off to General Salva Mathok for speaking out against anti-American political rhetoric and more specifically against the incumbent Administration. It was misplaced although I admit that the imposed arms embargo and calling the President as the unfit partner is uncalled for but it needs to be addressed in a diplomatic way.
Our country is too young to engage in volatile arguments with the West and the Region. Who can deny that America has been a staunch supporter of the SPLM/A since the days of armed struggle all the way to the attainment of Independence? America has been spending millions of dollars for Southern and South Sudan.
Their contribution cannot be underrated but this should not prevent us from expressing our grievances once aggressed. Our country needs a panel of experts and a think-tank to iron out our differences with the international community and help streamline our foreign and domestic policies. It should not just be wealthy individuals dictated by their emotions to set us against superpowers without the consent of the President.
General Salva Mathok was right and he should not be quoted out of context.
A house that owners talk does not disintegrate. Our leaders need to unify their positions and voices regardless of what happens. They need to get accustomed to the culture of talks and political engagements. China was drilling the oil for Khartoum to buy weapons to kill Southerners. What good has China done to us? Pursuing individual interests at the expense of the ordinary citizens is unbecoming.
If my memory serves me well, the Late Chairman Dr John Garang sternly warned during the CPA negotiation in Naivasha that the peacekeeping forces should not include the countries with vested interest in Southern Sudan. He was indirectly referring to China.
The focus must be directed to the peace talks in Addis. It is the only way out.
As a former red and a refugee in Itang/Ethiopia, I know the Relief and the free education we got was from America. The camp overseers became even richer than the target groups.
I am surprised how this could easily be forgotten. The UN/OLS was funded by Americans under the former President Jimmy Carter. Malow Military College was established and supported by Americans. The Chevron American oil company was the one to explore and discover the oil in Unity state.
The Guinea Worm eradication project was also initiated and funded by Carter centre. Close here, the army headquarters were put in place by our friends, the Americans. The Nyachigak Military College was established with the help of the Americans, leave alone many police stations and the policing trainings.
We have a legion of live examples with relation to how our Americans helped and continue to help South Sudan. The Juba-Nimule USAID funded tarmac road was constructed and asphalted by the Americans now being bullied.
I applaud the call made by our Amb. Garang Diing to the USA on touch down in Juba International airport that we want cordial relations with America.
The author, Pal Chol Nyan, is a Graduate from the College of Radiological Medical Sciences from Sudan University of Sciences and Technology. He also holds a Diploma in Teaching Methodology and a Diploma in General Medical Sciences. He was a red army soldier, a former Primary school teacher, currently serving as a General Medical Practitioner in Juba Teaching Hospital in Juba, South Sudan. He is a columnist with local newspapers in Juba/South Sudan and contributes in many websites about social, security and economic. You can reach him via his email: palcholnyan2016@gmail.com
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