Why “Yen La Abyei” Platform Should be Embraced by all South Sudanese

By Jok WaMonychok, Juba, South Sudan

Saturday, March 27, 2021 (PW) — One of the most fundamental things that inspired Yen La Abyei is the clear indication of giving up on Abyei especially among the Ngok Dinka people. Anyone with keen observation might have seen the lack of enthusiasm from the very sons and daughters of the land on anything about Abyei. 

Some have argued that the problem of Abyei will be solved when the sons and daughters of Abyei unite their ranks and move forward with one objective: determine the final status of Abyei. Well, the people of Abyei may be divided in some issues, but not whether or not Abyei belongs to South Sudan.

Anyone who doubts that the people of Abyei are united as South Sudanese deserves a chuckle. In addition, anyone who doubts that the people of Abyei are united as South Sudanese is a blind victim of oblivion and lack of history. 

Throughout the period after the transfer of Abyei to Kordufan in 1905, many attempts to return to Bahr el Ghazal province were made. These attempts ended up in arrests, executions, use of insurgents, and intimidations.  One of the examples is the 1954 arrest of late Justin Deng Biong and others who were sent by the Ngok Dinka chiefs to present their request of their return to Bahr el Ghazal province. This arrest sabotaged the would-be return. 

When British left in 1956, the war which had begun in August 1955 raged and the people of Abyei were part of it fighting for their return. Meanwhile, in the cattle camps, a form of fierce skirmishes ensued. Most battles were won by Ngok Dinka, thanks to their formidable organization of the army though they were using spears and clubs. This did not go down well with the Khartoum regimes who had to deploy a battalion called Hajana to support Misseriya.

That’s the time Ngok Dinka resorted to acquiring fire arms from Congo and Southern Sudan during the reintegration of Anyanya I. These arms were instrumental in the formation of Anyanya II which protected the recruits on their way to Bilpham during the formation of SPLM/A. The people of Abyei became an integral part of SPLM/A both in the military and political wings.

Throughout that period, the people of Abyei endured scorched earth policy. Besides, much torture, both psychologically and physically were inflicted. Still, the people didn’t give up. They put their hopes on the better days ahead. Fathers would tell their children: ” Aköl bï piny dóm…”, meaning “when the country will be liberated…” 

The Abyei Protocol in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005 brought hope to the people of Abyei. It was clearly defined that “Abyei is the land of Nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms who will exercise their right of self-determination after six years of interim period on whether to join the South or remain in the Sudan.” This was complemented by the 2009 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, defining the area that belongs to the Nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms.

In 2008 and 2011, both in the month of May, Abyei was invaded by Sudan Armed Forces. Ten of thousands were displaced and thousands killed. In May 2013, the Paramount Chief Kuol Deng Kuol (Kuol-Adol) was assassinated by Khartoum backed Misseriya, few months before the scheduled referendum on October. This assassination together with other events planned to sabotaged the referendum were executed by the Sudan.

However, despite the twists and turns, the referendum was exercised with an impressive outcome of 99.9% in favor of joining South Sudan. What’s inspiring about that referendum was that, the Ngok Dinka people united themselves fully and most of those who voted for joining the Sudan out of only twelve confessed openly in tears. They had to be consoled that it’s because they were illiterates that’s why they made those mistakes. 

The outcome of that referendum was not recognized either by South Sudan or the Sudan, forcing the International Community to do the same. 

The period after that follows mass human atrocities, displacement and poverty. The people of Abyei have reached the point of despair characterized by insecurity, poverty, disunity, poor infrastructure, poor healthcare and low level education. This has led to pointing of fingers at  one another. Every year, leaders or politicians promise people final status, but all in vain. 

It’s therefore important to acknowledge the fact that the people of Abyei are united when it comes to where it belongs. No doubt about that. However, the people of Abyei have lost hope on the final status of Abyei. They don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

In light of such realizations, Yen La Abyei serves to educate people of Abyei and South Sudan at large about the need for historical enlightenment, promotion of education, youth and women empowerment and promotion of culture and sports.

It’s important to bear in mind that Yen La Abyei at the moment has no capacity to distribute tangible things, but it strives to put it to the attention of every son and daughter of Abyei and South Sudanese that Abyei needs a critical intervention.

The land is being deserted. If those children born in foreign countries are not taught the history of Abyei, do you think they will reclaim their land? It’s now clear that the current generations together with their leadership are unable to determine the final status.

Why don’t we pass down the history to coming generations who will liberate it? Why don’t we equip ourselves with the right mentality? 

Abyei shares the same historical nature with Jews. Are we doing what Jews were doing in order to come to where they’re today? Please read history and gain inspiration. Yen La Abyei has been regarded with reservations.

However, history will tell that it was inspired by the dire humanitarian and historical needs in Abyei. It’s not about political movement or any sort of thing. There is no one in their right state of mind who will call for a war against another country when their country is not in order.

Jok WaMonychok is the founder of Yen La Abyei, an initiative inspired by the dire humanitarian and historical needs in Abyei. He is a graduate of Economics at Catholic University of South Sudan. He can be reached at jokwamonychok@gmail.com.

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