http://www.gurtong.net RSS feeds for Gurtong Trust 60 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/9065/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-On-WBGS-Killings.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=9065 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=9065&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/9065/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-On-WBGS-Killings.aspx "We are peace-loving people seeking harmony and stability and really hoped that you would’ve called for investigation into the murders of the innocent people and consoled their hurting families." Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:9065 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/8029/Do-Not-Cede-Our-Land-to-Khartoum-Aweil-Community-Rejection-to-14-Miles.aspx#Comments 2 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=8029 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8029&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/8029/Do-Not-Cede-Our-Land-to-Khartoum-Aweil-Community-Rejection-to-14-Miles.aspx Aweil community in Diaspora sent another petition to President of South Sudan in support of Governor Paul Malong Awan and Community who earlier on condemned the inclusion of 14 Miles area to recent peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa. Thu, 11 Oct 2012 06:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8029 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7922/Open-Letter-to-Parliament-and-Zain-Group-CEO-Mr-Nabeel-Bin-Salamah-Mr-Elfatih-Erwa-CEO-of-Zain-Su.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=7922 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7922&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7922/Open-Letter-to-Parliament-and-Zain-Group-CEO-Mr-Nabeel-Bin-Salamah-Mr-Elfatih-Erwa-CEO-of-Zain-Su.aspx Date: 27 September 2012 Open Letter to Parliament and Zain Group CEO Mr Nabeel Bin Salamah, Mr. Elfatih Erwa, CEO of Zain Sudan and CEO of Africa Operations (Zain Sudan and Zain South Sudan): From Dr Hakeem Dario N' Moi Cc: Hon Biar Madut, Minister of Telecom and Hon Beatrice Wani, Deputy Minister of Telecom Cc: Hon Minister of Interior, Alison Magaya and Hon Salva Mathok, Deputy Minister of Interior CC: Hon Joy Kwaje Eluzai, Parliamentary Chair on Information and Telecommunications CC: Hon Lual Deng, Chair of Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Dears Hon Joy Kwaje, Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Information, Telecommunications and Culture, Mr. Nabeel Bin Salamah, Zain Group CEO, Kuwait Mr Elfatih Erwa, CEO of Africa Operations (Zain Sudan and Zain South Sudan) I'm saddened to be writing to you under the current circumstances in which my life has been put at risk by the actions of Andre Claassen who was responsible for bringing military police looking for me after I was released from detention and a Brigadier of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) posing as national security but without orders from national security and Brigadier Thoy Chan was no longer in the national security. He was in the company of a certain Elijah Biar (DG of Administration & Finance in the Ministry of Telecom and Postal Services). I didn't know why Brigadier Thoy Chan and Elijah Biar has so much unusual interest in intervening on Zain internal administrative issues when I suspended Andre Claassen from work and requested him to not come to work. This however, was later interpreted that I arrested, detained and attacked Andre Claassen in his house, the reason for which I was arrested and detained in police custody. Brigadier Thoy Chan and Elijah Biar of Admin and Finance in MT&PS only left after intervention from the Minister of Telecom instructing them not to interfer on Zain administrative matters, and they left seemingly unhappy and unsatisfied. What was the business connection between Andre Claassen and a Brigadier of SPLA? What are the connections between Andre Claassen, a foreign national and military police and officers of the army in South Sudan? Zain may have to answer for these questions, and those responsible for my unlawful detention in police custody for a day, under false claims and accusations of being responsible for Mr. Andre Claassen’s arrest and detention in his house. As I write am under protection for safety considerations and risk to my security by the actions of people with dubious and corrupt business relationship to the army and military police in South Sudan at Zain's expense, sanctioned by Mr. Hisham Akbar, Zain Group COO and Deputy CEO . Additionally, Mr Akbar violated the terms of my contract as GM under the jurisdiction and laws of South Sudan, and Zain could be held liable for what happened to me in detention, and threat to my security which the Government authorities are currently investigating, and Parliament oversight bodies informed on these breaches and developments in Zain. This I suspect are all due to ill and bad advice to Zain Group by Mr Elfatih Erwa, who has been responsible for trying to put me in conflict with laws of South Sudan by instructing continued payment of salary of terminated commercial director Yasir Eldirdiri from Zain SS payroll contrary to directives from the Government of South Sudan. I have attached for information of the public below a brief summary of Mr. Akbar's debacle in South Sudan and who acted without regard to all the complex issues of Zain SS transition to separation from Zain Sudan and from Mr. Elfatih Erwa CEO for Africa operations, issues that are politically sensitive to the Government of South Sudan as perceptions persist that Zain SS is used by Elfatih Erwa and Sudan Government to spy on South Sudan. I would have thought that the visit of Mr Hisham Akbar from Zain Group would have afforded us here in Zain SS opportunity to present to the Group for the first time the real challenges and complexities within which we operate in the new country and convey all the issues as we experience on a daily basis. But no, Mr. Hisham Akbar and presumably Zain Group CEO is not interested to listen but take a one-sided view, that of Mr Elfatih Erwa in Khartoum, CEO and Managing Director of Zain Sudan. This is unfair treatment and violates good corporate governance principles. I will give a detailed account of all the circumstances and events which led to the current situation in Zain SS, but here is a brief summary in the public interest, since Zain through Mr Akbar Deputy Group CEO has chosen a public path in newspapers announcements to conduct himself on internal administrative matters of Zain SS. Mr. Hisham Akbar’s debacle in South Sudan – violation of good corporate governance principles and laws of South Sudan by Zain Group Deputy CEO and COO Summary for Zain Group CEO, Mr Nabeel bin Salamah’s attention: Mr. Hisham Akbar (Zain Group Deputy CEO and COO) violated Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi contract terms as GM of Zain SS under the laws of South Sudan, and will be made accountable for his actions under the laws and jurisdiction in which the GM’s contract is held valid. Ministry of Labour’s circular and its provisions to which Mr. Akbar was oblivious, directed that South Sudanese should be appointed in Management positions, and Zain Group Deputy CEO Mr. Hisham Akbar made no consultation with the regulator, Government and Ministry of Labour about making appointment decisions in Zain South Sudan without regard for compliance with local laws and regulations, simply on the authority of being Deputy CEO of Zain Group, and shown no respect whatsoever to in-country labour laws and regulations which Zain must observe and comply with policy directives Mr. Hisham Akbar showed no courtesy and appears to prioritize his own decisions and Zain’s over the policies and laws of a sovereign state, Republic of South Sudan, and Mr. Akbar could simply walk into the country without knowledge of its macro and micro political environment to dictate Zain’s priorities over a sovereign country’s laws and policies as if Republic of South Sudan is a sheikhdom of Mr. Hisham Akbar and Elfatih Erwa in which they are free to behave in violation of the rights of South Sudanese nationals and make absolute decisions with impunity and without accountability for their actions in South Sudan Mr. Hisham Akbar did not meet with Zain SS management team for update on the Opco’s performance, challenges and actions to address these challenges, he did not give local management of Zain South Sudan and GM opportunity to make a presentation in response to Nabeel Bin Salamah’s directives (Zain Group CEO ) on a plan of action to address the operational shortfalls which were the subject of his communication to Zain SS GM, and thus contravened and undermined the GM (Dr Hakim Dario N’Moi) by not allowing him to carry the directives of Zain Group CEO (Nabeel Bin Salamah as per the CEO’s instructions) and here below are the directives of Zain Group CEO with my response to Mr Nabeel quote: ___________________________________________________________________________ “From: Hakeem Dario N'Moi Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 7:36 PM To: Nabeel Bin Salamah Cc: Hisham Akbar; Ossama Matta; Elfatih Erwa; Ibrahim Ahmed Ali; Andre Claassen Subject: RE: A directive for freezing all employee hiring, Opex, and Capex. Dear Nabeel, Thank you for your directives below. Firstly, I would like to comment that the recruitment which has been ongoing since June were for budgeted and approved head counts only, not even for all the vacated roles which were earlier filled by STA staff and Directors for IT, Commercial, and HR Manager. For instance, whilst the budgeted and approved head count for Finance was 15, we only planned for what’s critical, (3 only), similarly for other areas of the operation. The approved roles proposed by Operations and Finance, were considered essential to keep Operations ongoing with minimum resources possible and to respond to current gap in marketing, sales, and finance organizations, as well as minimize taking resources requiring FX commitments to pay their salaries. We did not consider hiring any Directors, nor did we follow Government direction to replace all vacated roles by South Sudan nationals, especially it such approach was costly to business in these circumstances. I will later elaborate all the plans and actions we have taken to address operational shortfalls, including the more than 40 sites in Upper Nile State which we prioritized with Huawei to bring them back online since their shutdown on 25 April 2012. We are also operating in very difficult political and economic circumstances at macro and micro levels, high cost of doing business, shortage of fuel in the country, lack of FX availability to purchase needed repairs for damaged equipment and human resource challenges. The steps we are taking and have been taking are in keeping with the business plan, and will revisit all of the above with detailed elaboration later. Of course, will comply with your directives as stated and seek any specific clarifications as appropriate, particularly with respect to current Finance and Operations urgent and priority requirements for staffing within what’s absolutely necessary to move us toward improved profitability. We are also addressing the challenge of availability and distribution of our products in the regions, including regions in which we have started to bring up sites that were shutdown by Government orders on national security grounds in April, and strategic initiatives to avail products to these outlying and remote regions. Best regards Hakeem ________________________________________________________ From: Nabeel Bin Salamah [mailto:nabeel.binsalamah@zain.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 5:43 PM To: Hakeem Dario N'Moi Cc: Hisham Akbar; Ossama Matta Subject: A directive for freezing all employee hiring, Opex, and Capex. Dear Dr. Hakeem, In light of the continued below expectations results in Zain South Sudan, which is leading to continued unacceptable financial loses, I would like you to freeze all hiring of employees until further notice. Furthermore, and until we review and agree to a new plan/ budget which will rectify the huge operational shortfalls, I would also like you to stop any new Capex or Opex commitments regardless of the amount. A case by case request should be sent to Zain Group Finance Department for approval for any absolutely needed and urgent expenditure. I look forward to your full and unconditional adherence to this directive, and would like you to also prepare a plan of action detailing the steps needed to rectify the operational shortfalls, and bring the company to profitability. Best regards Nabeel Bin Salamah Chief Executive OfficerZain Group Zain Zain Head Office Bldg, Shuwaikh PO Box 22244, Safat, 13083 Kuwait M: KW +965 90001234 D: KW +965 2 464 4007 F: KW +965 2 464 4544 Email: nabeel.binsalamah@zain.com http://www.zain.com/” _________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Akbar showed no courtesy to GM after all the efforts from Dr Hakim Dario N’Moi to schedule a meeting with the Minister of Telecom in Republic of South Sudan, by not informing Dr Moi that he (Mr. Akbar) was going to meet the Minister alone or with someone else, and proceeded with Andre Claassen to see the Minister even without Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi’s accompanying him, having been the party that made the arrangements with the Minister in the first place to see the visiting Deputy CEO and Group COO. Mr. Akbar’s behavior amounted to a humiliation of a national of South Sudan before his own Government, Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi as GM and widely known in the country for his contributions to media and Telecom development, committed no crime against Zain SS or Zain Group, and deserved treatment with respect in his own country, which Mr. Akbar clearly showed utter disdain to, and accorded him the least of courtesy and respect. The separation of Zain South Sudan from Zain Sudan as a standalone Opco of the Zain Group has been long outstanding and subject of much ongoing debate and follow up from regulatory and political oversight bodies in this country, and has also been the focus of communication between the Government of South Sudan, Zain Group CEO (Nabeel bin Salamah), CEO for Africa Operations (MrElfatihErwa who is also CEO of Zain Sudan), and Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi, GM of Zain SS. The communication of which focused on administrative, management, operational and financial separation of Zain SS from CEO Africa Operations, and CEO of Zain Sudan management. To date, the GM of Zain SS (Dr Hakim Dario N’Moi), and Minister of Telecom (Hon BiarMadut) received no formal communication on compliance in full with the policy directives on separation of Zain SS, nor was there any prior information and formal communication in writing of new Zain SS company org structure to Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi as GM and to the Minister of Telecom in relation to proposed changes to Zain SS org structure, leadership and management, including transitional arrangements to be duly communicated to interested parties (as per the RACI model – Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed). And no clarity as yet in relation to the continued management control of Zain SS by Mr. ElfatihErwa under the umbrella of CEO for Africa Operations, by which arrangement, both Zain SS and Zain Sudan fall under the auspices of Africa Operations CEO office. This is attested to by the recent administrative decisions and changes in Bahrain made by Mr. ElfatihErwa as CEO of Africa Operations to appoint Andre Claassen acting COO and Mr Ibrahim Ali as CFO of Zain SS without consultation with Dr. Hakim Dario N’Moi as GM of Zain SS. It’s a fact of Zain Group governance structure that until recently, the CEOs of country Opcos reported to Zain Group CEO (Nabeel bin Salamah), and country COOs reported to Zain Group COO (Hisham Akbar). No in-country Zain CEO reported to Group COO before, and if there was change to this effect, that change should formally be communicated to in-country COOs and CEOs, in strict compliance with corporate good governance. In the case of the recent changes under which Mr. Hisham Akbar became deputy CEO, the new structure and its impact was not formally communicated in writing to South Sudan in-country CEO (Dr Hakim Dario N’Moi), this is in violation of good practice corporate governance. And even if there was a compelling reason for replacement of Dr Hakim Dario N’Moi as CEO of Zain SS, transitional arrangements in writing and conditions of his new assignment would be communicated fully in writing and without ambiguity and without violation of the terms of his contract of employment by decisions of the visiting Mr. Akbar in contravention of local labour laws and regulations. There was only utterly despicable behavior of Mr. Hisham Akbar in conducting himself toward CEO of Zain SS, not communicating in advance in writing for information, nor sharing and discussing with him the new structure from Zain Group, nor was there any such role as advisor to Group COO defined in the belated structure sent to Minister of Telecom by Hisham Akbar after the event. Zain SS management, and Minister of Telecom as per correspondence with MrNabeel bin Salamah (Group CEO), were all awaiting the action and formal communication from Zain Group in relation to the issues of separation elaborated in the Minister’s letter to Mr. Bin Salamah on 13th July 2012, and to which there was a response from Mr Bin Salamah promising compliance with policy directives. To date, there has been no follow up from MrNabeel Bin Salamah to the content of the Minister’s letter addressing the outstanding separation issues (administrative, management, financial, operational, etc.). There has been no formal correspondence stating the relationship between Zain SS and CEO for Africa Operations (ElfatihErwa), who as per standing administrative decision by Zain Group CEO, is effectively still responsible for Zain SS administratively, operationally etc. There has been no formal communication in writing to Hon. Minister of Telecom and to Zain GM, that MrElfatihErwa is no longer responsible for Zain SS in accordance with Africa Operations CEO office. Any new mandated structure by Zain Group which affects Zain South Sudan, and CEO for Africa Operations Office should have been formally and in writing communicated to both Zain SS GM and the Minister of Telecom in the Republic of South Sudan in compliance with the policy directives of the Government of South Sudan as communicated to Nabeel Bin Salamah in writing by a letter from Hon BiarMadut dated 13th July 2012. Hisham Akbar Group COO and Deputy CEO does not have any right to make decisions about management & administrative changes here in South Sudan jurisdiction. He does not have work permit to work in South Sudan to make decisions here. However, Mr Akbar and Nabeel can change company org structure at HQ in Kuwait and only communicate the new org structure to Opcos and discuss impacts as appropriate. There is corporate governance processes which apply to publicly listed companies such as Zain Group, these processes must be adhered to. For instance Mr Akbar cannot just walk to Khartoum and make changes to Zain Sudan or fire or suspend MrElfatihErwa as the CEO and Managing Director of Zain Sudan, such decisions will not be legitimate and may contravene country laws and violate good corporate governance. It's not conceivable that Mr Akbar would fly to Khartoum and make Andre Claassen acting CEO of Zain Sudan in place of Mr Elfatih Erwa without due process. What's that due process, and whether it's not subject to good corporate governance and prevailing regulations and laws in any given jurisdiction? Is it any different in South Sudan that its laws carry no effect in relation Zain SS being subject to local laws and regulations? The purported notice of suspension of GM was served by Faisal Hussain who is without work permit to work in Zain SS and he was, until his deportation, in the country only on a VISA for a month or two, has not submitted work permit application plus any appropriate credentials to satisfy work permit requirements as per Ministry of labour’s circular and policy directives for foreigners wishing to take up employment in South Sudan. Andre Claassen has never as yet had a work permit to work in South Sudan, I submitted his CV and credentials for work permit application to the `Ministry of Telecom and for which no decision has yet been taken to date on his application, which is subject to scrutiny and clearance by the Ministry. In other countries, security clearance would be required for any foreigners to take up work in high leadership and sensitive decision making positions in such strategic sectors as Telecommunications. If in a newly proposed Zain Group org structure, the CEO of Zain SS would no longer report to the CEO of Zain Group but to the COO of Zain Group who also assumes a new role of Deputy Group CEO, then the new org structure would be communicated to the affected Opco’s reports, communicated and discussed with any parties that are affected by the org change, including any details of transitions to be expected. This clearly did not happen as there was no formal communication of org structure change to Zain SS GM, only learned two days later that there was org structure communicated to the Minister of Telecom without a copy to the GM as a possibly affected party by the change to org structure. To my knowledge, all those Zain SS staff recently deported have no legal right to work in South Sudan, and their applications have not been dealt with as yet, and some have yet to submit credentials and resumes to the Ministry of Labour through recommendations of the Ministry of Telecom. In some cases, it would seem that some without work permit, like Mr Andre Claassen have their connection with an SPLA brigadier as their work permit and a foreigner in South Sudan acquires a right to even use `SPLA military police as their militia to enforce intimidation of a South Sudanese national. Does Zain Group rule South Sudan through Andre Claassen and Elfatih Erwa? In the follow up to the above, I will be elaborating on specific details, and the issues of conflict with Zain leadership and CEO for Africa Operations (Mr Elfatih Erwa, also CEO and Managing Director of Zain Sudan). As I write I am still being harrassed and threatened in my place of residence by the actions and instructions of Mr Akbar to Andre Claassen and David Deng Kor despite the fact that Mr Andre Claassen (South African) has already been deported to his country and he is still giving orders to harrass me and threaten my life. Kind regards Hakim Dario N’Moi Sat, 29 Sep 2012 06:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7922 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7443/This-Is-A-Wrong-Exit-For-Escape.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=7443 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7443&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7443/This-Is-A-Wrong-Exit-For-Escape.aspx An Open Letter To President Of South Sudan. Sat, 04 Aug 2012 11:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7443 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7194/An-Open-Letter-To-The-President-Of-The-Republic-Of-South-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=7194 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7194&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7194/An-Open-Letter-To-The-President-Of-The-Republic-Of-South-Sudan.aspx Lieutenant General Salva Kiir Mayardit President of the Republic of South Sudan Juba South Sudan 20 June 2012 Dear Mr President: Subject: Letter from the President to Corrupt Officials in South Sudan It is about seven and a half years since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in January 2005. The CPA should have introduced a new era for the development of a democratic framework for governance, the equitable distribution of all revenue and prepared the people of South Sudan for the referendum. The universally recognized outcome of the referendum culminated in an independent South Sudan. Mr. President, these historic achievements have been severely compromised by the scourge of rampant corruption in South Sudan. Politicians and civil servants at all levels, including ministers, have perpetrated this unprecedented level of corruption - in the midst of a disease-laden, hungry and impoverished population. The total decimation of all public services comes as no surprise. In contrast, there has been minimal government investment in education, health, agricultural productivity or communications, leaving the vast majority of the population hostage to disease, hunger, ignorance, poverty and violence and the widely recognized food-aid dependency. It is an open secret that some government officials use stolen public funds to sustain their families or finance the education of their children at exclusive private schools overseas and in the neighbouring countries. Others use the stolen funds to acquire luxury private property (apartments, houses, mansions or villas) in foreign countries. Stolen public funds have also benefited private business interests in South Sudan and abroad – giving the false impression of a nation awash in gold. Mr President, we subscribe to allegations that corruption is widespread within the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. We contrast this reality with your declaration of ‘zero tolerance’ to corruption. An Anti-Corruption Commission has been established and senior members of government advised to declare their wealth. In spite of all these, corruption continues unabated, to the anguish of the ordinary people of South Sudan. Mr President, whilst your declared stand against corruption is to be applauded, the actions of your government in practicing “zero tolerance” leave much to be desired. Indicative of this is your letter simply “requesting” persons totalling 75 to “anonymously” return stolen money to a questionable foreign account. We believe that the letter is inappropriate for the following reasons:  The letter neither names the officials requested to return the funds, nor does it clearly state the account name, number, branch and bank to which these funds are to be deposited. The anonymity of 75 casts a shadow of suspicion on all those in government, including the innocent who have reason to feel demoralized even if upright.  Concealing the identities of the thieves of public funds will lead to more speculation about your personal role in the misappropriation of public funds. Suspects should be named, given the opportunity to come clean or face the legal consequences of their actions.  Given the above, questions arise as to the legal grounds for the President of the Republic of South Sudan to conceal the identity of alleged thieves, pardon them upon refunding stolen funds, and thus, appear to abet their impunity.  If the identity of culprits is to be protected, instead of “naming and shaming” them, at the least, there would be no reason as to why honest and law abiding government officials should not be tempted to indulge in fraud – after all, all they would be required to do, if caught, is secretly return what they are able to!  Corruption has compromised the integrity and credibility of your leadership and government among citizens and the international community. In a recently televised debate on Al Jazeera TV, which featured your Minister of Information, a globally respected professor of economics repeatedly stated that ‘the Government of South Sudan is corrupt through and through’. The professor’s assessment reflects the views of the international community.  The method you have adopted to retrieve the stolen money will yield a very small fraction of that money, if any at all. As earlier indicated, much of the stolen money has been used to acquire luxury property in foreign countries, as well as to finance the residence and studentship of family members abroad. Allowing them to return stolen funds on a voluntary basis is tantamount to legalizing their actions and their loot. Mr President, in view of the negative implications on your integrity, the credibility of your government and the loss of pride for our nation, you are hereby strongly urged to re-consider your recent actions and adopt the following recommendations:  The names of all the officials known to have misappropriated public funds, and amounts each is suspected to have stolen since 2005, should be published as a prelude to legal proceedings  All identified suspects should have their passports withdrawn and banned from foreign travel. Suspects fleeing to other countries should be repatriated to South Sudan as a matter of urgency  All such suspects should be arrested and may be detained for their own protection – with government standing ready to prevent ethnic-based liberation of suspects from government detention  All such suspects should be prosecuted in a court of law, and if found guilty - ordered to refund stolen funds and have their illicitly-gained property confiscated  All suspects found guilty should further be subjected to civil proceedings to determine the damage and pain they have caused to citizens and legally establish appropriate penalties / compensation.  Any officials associated with embezzlement should face the full force of the law: arrested, charged in court, and tried; and if found guilty: appropriately penalized, dismissed, and banned from holding public office for life  The declaration of wealth by senior officials should be comprehensive (to include sources of income) and made public knowledge  Government financial institutions and procedures should be strengthened to ensure accountability and transparency by plugging any loopholes that might facilitate the continuity of the culture of theft of public funds by government officials in the future Implementing the preceding recommendations would serve the following objectives:  Demonstrate your firm commitment to the eradication of corruption in South Sudan  Show that you are not, knowingly, perverting the course of justice to protect your colleagues, friends, partners in government or relatives  Reiterate your professed dedication to justice, freedom and equality for all the people of South Sudan  Show the people of South Sudan that you are able, determined and willing to protect them from exploitation by a minority clique of unpatriotic thieves Mr. President, we would like to remind you that the integrity of your leadership, the credibility of your government and the pride of our nation are all at stake. History will harshly judge you should you allow the scourge of rampant corruption to continue unchecked. If you fail to act now your legacy as “the man who successfully steered the ship through storms and tempests to its final destination” will be tarnished and forgotten forever. You should strive to be remembered as Lieutenant General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the man who liberated South Sudan from the claws of corruption - and not the politician or president who protected men and women who stole public funds. We hope the above will persuade you to salvage the integrity of your leadership, the credibility of your government and the welfare and pride of the people of South Sudan. Signed 1) Benaiah Nyaing Duku Baltimore, Maryland - USA 2) Dr. Charles Bakheit 3) Hakeem Legge, Leeds, England (UK) 4) Hearty Ritti Jada 5) Henry Y. Lejukole, Des Moines, IA 6) J. Omunu 7) Justin Donato Yanga, Lincoln, Nebraska – USA 8) Justin Laku, Ottawa, Canada 9) Kwaje M. Lasu 10) Martin Abucha 11) Mary Lodira, Birmingham, England, UK 12) Oliver J. Lomeri 13) Sam L. Laki 14) Samuel W. Bringa 15) Sebit Joseph Livio 16) Silvestro Akara Bakheit 17) White J. Walla, Washington DC, USA Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7194 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7190/Open-Letter-To-Kiir-On-His-Corruption-Letter.aspx#Comments 4 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=7190 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7190&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/7190/Open-Letter-To-Kiir-On-His-Corruption-Letter.aspx "Any officials associated with embezzlement should face the full force of the law: arrested, charged in court, and tried; and if found guilty: appropriately penalised, dismissed, and banned from holding public office for life" Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7190 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6858/Condemned-UN-and-AU-Double-Standard-on-Sudan-Vs-South.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6858 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6858&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6858/Condemned-UN-and-AU-Double-Standard-on-Sudan-Vs-South.aspx "Too often if there are words, they are uttered without conviction, without threat of consequences, without seriousness. They are thus worse than useless." Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6858 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6442/Civil-War-in-Sudan-A-Cataclysm-of-Destruction-Approaches.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6442 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6442&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6442/Civil-War-in-Sudan-A-Cataclysm-of-Destruction-Approaches.aspx "...the leadership in Juba has concluded, rightly, that there is simply no arrangement on oil shipped through the north that is both reasonable and can be guaranteed." Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6442 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6417/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-on-Governace-of-Unity-State.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6417 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6417&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6417/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-on-Governace-of-Unity-State.aspx "The State of Politics in Unity State and the Necessity of Forming an Inclusive Government: Is Unity State Government a Government of the Nuer, by the Nuer, and for the Nuer?" Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6417 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6271/An-Open-Letter-to-Lakes-State-Governor-Chol-Tong-Mayay-Jang.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6271 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6271&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6271/An-Open-Letter-to-Lakes-State-Governor-Chol-Tong-Mayay-Jang.aspx Cc: President of the Republic of South Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayardit CC: Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny CC: South Sudan National Legislative Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. James Wani Igga CC: SSNLA Deputy Speaker, General Daniel Awet Akot Thuou CC: Governors of the ten States of the Republic of South Sudan CC: Minister of Interior, General Alison Manani Magaya CC: Minister of Defence & Veteran Affairs, General John Kong Nyuon Dear Honourable Governor, Re: Deadly Cattle Rustling, Selective Application of Civilian Disarmament and Unfair Stolen Cattle Recovery Process is Compounding Insecurity in Lakes State We, the concerned members of the Cueibet County (Gok Dinka) Community would first of all like to seize this golden opportunity to wish you Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2012; it is our sincere hope that it will be a year of marked improvement in the lives of our state citizens in all aspects of modern human existence. We also takes this opportunity to congratulate the patriotic and brave people of southern Sudan in all their diversity, for the great achievement of a new Republic of South Sudan; it is a country founded on the merits of mass sacrifices by her people in their diversity, people whose steadfastness and determination in struggling to preserve both the integrity of their geographical homeland and cultural identity has endeared them to peace loving and dignity-oriented people and nations around the world. Well done to our people in the youngest country on earth, and congratulations to ourselves as a whole society united in purpose of liberation and nation building struggles; and in a very particular way, salutations to our freedom fighters both the living and the fallen martyrs, all who championed the fight for freedom and independence. As we all know, it was a common aspiration for us to live in freedom, prosperity, creative and non-restricted lifestyles and to realize developmental aspirations for the greater motherland that forced our people to wage a very long and costly civil war in order to achieve an independent Republic in which no man, woman or child be discriminated based on ethnic, tribal, religious or geographical boundary affiliations! A country in which personal merits and achievement determine one’s status rather than relationship or any other social connectional affiliations. Having been active and faithfully loyal members of the Southern Sudanese society struggling for a dignified existence in a free and democratic, independent country, we the members of Cueibet County in Lakes State take particular note of the sacrifices made by our fallen martyrs since time immemorial, especially when foreign forces first attempted illegal and destructive entry into our motherland in the late 19th century, down to Anya Nya 1 Movement and to the era of Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) led by the beloved heroes and heroines, on top of them was Dr. John Garang De Mabior, the founding leader of our beloved movement, SPLM/A. We also takes this opportunity to congratulate the SPLM and SPLA under the leadership of His Excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit, for wisely steering the wheels of Comprehensive Peace Agreement amidst provocations and sometimes humiliating aggressions by the national congress party and its agents of destruction in the Sudan; the calm and cool-minded manner in which the SPLM leadership dealt with NCP meant a final walk through a peaceful transition into full independence for the people of Southern Sudan. So, we sincerely and humbly congratulate the President of the Republic of South Sudan and his government for their wisdom and cautious approach to issues in difficult situation. Our Concerns and grievances in Lakes State: Nevertheless, the main purpose of writing this letter is to draw your attention, Mr. Governor, to the many problems plaguing our people and of which we have allowed you nearly two years to attempt settling them; but unfortunately you have been unable to; therefore forcing us to take this initiative of writing to call your urgent attention to these issues as they are of utmost urgency and a matter for collective societal survival for the people of Cueibet County in your volatile state. It has been nearly two years since we elected you into the office, hoping that being a beloved son of the state, and having been given the trust and mandate by our people throughout the state to run our political and developmental affairs, that you would rule with open heart, mind and arms toward all the inhabitants of this great state. It has also been our hope that since you are a man with preceding international exposure (you were schooled in India and Russia), that you would rise above politics of tribalism, shun all sorts of bad influences from agents of chaos in the state, particularly inside Rumbek town and do a lot to inspire the state’s population in positive ways and that you would show exemplary traits as your position demands. Cueibet County have given you and the SPLM a resounding lead in votes for the obvious reason that you officially represented the SPLM which is overwhelmingly recognized and supported in the county; unfortunately you have shown to us the people of Cueibet county, almost all the opposites of our expectations and hence we have now nothing left to hope for but only regrets for having casted our votes to give a mandate to a man whose agenda is seemingly to catalyse (speed) our downfall in all aspects of human life. It’s worth empathising here and now that we the people of Cueibet County have endured unspeakable atrocities in the hands of some of our neighbours, particularly within the Lakes state boundaries with a dignified silence and in the vain hope that the SPLM government at various levels would do something to address our grievances; we were terribly wrong as nobody really bothered to look into our problems!! Instead, a well-designed propaganda machination by elements within your government and inside Rumbek town, your base of corruption, tribalism, nepotism and power, ensured that both the name and image of the Gok Dinka people is desperately distorted and projected in bad light in Media and in other social networking arenas, to deflect attention and scrutiny toward what is really happening. While we do not claim the community in Cueibet County to be angels in the chaotic state of affair in Lakes State, as a matter of proven factual records, eighty per cent of cases of insecurity involving Cueibet County are mainly initiated by people other than those inside the County and the besieged community have been forced by circumstances and becomes desperate reactionaries or rather desperate retaliatory attackers! Our main purpose as the Gok Dinka members writing this letter is not to indulge in usual blame and counter-blame games on who causes what, but rather to draw critical attention of your government and that of any peace-loving South Sudanese citizen, particularly that of our leaders at all levels of governance in the Republic, to the escalating destruction of lives and property and to the double-standards being practiced by your government in Lakes State, Mr. Chol Tong Mayay Jang! Being a group of people guided by principles of truth, justice and fairness for all in our Republic, we would like to acknowledge and empathize that all the problems in the state are not your personal making, nor is your government the sole neglecter of the concerns being raised herein; the fact is that you inherited some destructions, particularly the Akot and Cueibet fighting between civilians and the Army, what you failed to do is work on bringing about any solutions to escalating insecurity in the state, particularly between Cueibet, Rumbek North and Rumbek Central Counties. Your term of governance has certainly comes with far more serious incidents of insecurity than has ever been! What is even more alarming is that you have shown an unsuppressed feeling and practice of hate against our people in Cueibet County. When more than fifty were killed in Cueibet County by gunmen from Rumbek North, you never bothered to visit the greasily scene; and when inter-clan fighting ensued in Rumbek East County’s inhabitants, you immediately reacted and took with you, hundreds of security forces (almost the entire force in the state) to the scene. In fact, our intelligence gathering, which is partly fed by well-placed and reliable sources showed that your government through your Minister of information, Marik Nanga, distributed boxes of munitions to armed civilians in Rumbek North in the second quarter of 2011, under the pretext that Nuer rebels from Bentiu were about to launch a military assault on Rumbek North County, shortly before the massacre of innocent Cueibet county civilians who were largely disarmed. It turned out that the target was none other than the unsuspecting communities of Cueibet! For the benefit of our readers, allow us to highlight the fact that since the signing of CPA and the formation of government at various levels in South Sudan, Cueibet County has become a shooting range practicing field where gunmen from neighbouring community groups, particularly those from Rumbek Central and Rumbek North Counties within Lakes State, and occasionally, Tonj South and Tonj East in Warrap state have on countless occasions, gunned down poor innocent Gok Dinka and drove away thousands upon thousands of victims’ cattle with impunity. Whenever the Gok Dinka retaliated, which they usually did after allowing concerned government institutions reasonable period of time to response to their desperate plea for protection, the Government quickly comes down hardest on them. We wonder whether we are really appreciated members and part of Lakes State and by extension, the Republic of South. The County people’s woes are worsened by the fact that the so called elected local Representatives in both state Assembly and in Juba have proved more of a bunch of self-serving and incompetent lots with no guts to question the injustice being practiced on their people! It is to be recalled that the former Cueibet County Commissioner, Mr. Kongor Deng Kongor, acted ruthlessly but sincerely and with patriotic spirit on orders and always recovered any stolen cattle from neighbouring Counties by people of Cueibet and gave it back to rightful owners; he accordingly penalised those guilty of cattle rustling in his County, unfortunately, this was never reciprocated by any county Commissioner from neither Warrap’s bordering Counties nor fellow Lakes neighbouring Counties of Rumbek Central and North. This has been the state of affair ever since and nothing is being returned to Cueibet County’s victims. It is a Biblical ‘TAKE AWAY FROM HE WHO HAS NOTHING AND GIVE IT TO HE WHO HAS EVERYTHING AND HE WHO HAS NOTHING SHALL BE LEFT TO GRIND HIS TEETH AND CHEW HIS LIP IN ANGER AND DESPAIR!’ South Sudanese public have mostly been fed with lies and concocted news orchestrated out of Rumbek by some tribal “Journalists” with questionable motives and characteristics, oftentimes turning victims to be perpetrators; for example, all those who were shot dead in passenger vehicles between Rumbek and Cueibet towns in 2010 and earlier 2011, were all exclusively innocent members of Gok Dinka of Cueibet County, who were going about their normal life businesses; yet the tribal propaganda arm of Chol Tong’s government or allies turned the whole thing other way round, meaning the poor and victimised Gok Dinka were falsely blamed for attacks on the High Way leading to Wau in the border area between Cuei Arol in Cueibet County and Abeer in Rumbek Central County. The area is in itself a major source of quarrel and insecurity between the two counties, which requires a political solution. As the name suggests, Cuei Arol is named after the late Cueibet County Paramount Chief, Arol Kacuol because he once based his court there; the area is entirely part of Cueibet County and archival evident in the old united Sudan proves this beyond reasonable doubt. However, some political strategists in Rumbek Central have illegally moved one of their county’s payams there; against the persistent complain by local inhabitants! Your silence on the matter is proving that the occupiers have your blessing, Honourable Governor. Mr. Governor, since you assumed state leadership in May 2010, attacks on Gok Dinka people and territory intensified. As if the many years of Injustice were not enough, the unruly elements of SPLA Army in Cueibet in 2010, just at the time when you were prospecting for the Governorship, finally turned things upside down, from a frying pan into blazing fire by assassinating the County’s last reigning Paramount Chief and set ablaze the whole Cueibet town as desperate living beings in the town, both humans and animals as well as birds of the air ducked for cover as they made desperate escape to nearest surrounding forests. For nearly a week, Cueibet was a ghost town and a battlefield between the rogue troops and local warriors. All these were happening before elections in 2010, yet the Gok Dinka did not lose sight of their overall patriotic stance and voted overwhelmingly for the SPLM party whose offshoot army was responsible for the massacre; we unanimously voted for you Mr. Governor Chol Tong! Alongside our fellow Lakes state people, we gave you full mandate to govern us, despite the fact that although you were the official SPLM Candidate vying for votes in all counties of Lakes state; you never bothered to visit the county in pain in the aftermath of barbaric assault and never publicly released any statement of sympathising with the County population. You continued to tour other counties and arrogantly overlooked Cueibet County, simply because it is a Gok land and for you Chol Tong who is rumoured among the most tribally fanatical intellectuals and politicians in Greater Rumbek, Gok problems are Gok problems!! This assertion has since been confirmed by many events that followed your ascension onto Governor Throne. Shortly after elections and once you assumed leadership of the state, Mr. Governor Chol Tong, you are consolidating the occupation of Cuei Arol Boma of Abiriu Payam of Cueibet County, by your people of Rumbek Central County who have naively baptised it with the name of “MAYOM” Payam; this issue is a bone of contention in the deadly border between the two counties, how many human heads do you want to roll and dry before you address the issue, Sir? You also conspired with other anti-Gok Dinka elements in the army and political arena, and ordered comprehensive disarmament of Cueibet County, using the pretext that the people there have fought the army when their dear paramount Chief was unduly assassinated in 2010; people were badly tortured with some people’s faces dipped into pepper filled water and bones broken and some have consequently lost their lives. The people of Rumbek East County in Akot were the first to fight the unruly troops in the State, yet what was done to those in Cueibet in term of how disarmament was ruthlessly carried out was never done there! We do not wish our people of Akot Payam or any part in our beloved Lakes State anything bad, this is just a comparison of the situation. You pretended to be an outsider to all that was happening. But it was not long before your true colours were exposed, when the army moved on to disarm Rumbek Central County (your home County) and Rumbek North, the Gallant SPLA army had the same intention and resolve to disarm civilians there. But alas, little did we know that Governor Chol Tong, you were a purely an Agaar Governor! To the surprise of the SPLA troops themselves and the poor beaten Gok Dinka, Governor you ordered the troops not to search inside Rumbek town and any administrative headquarter in greater Agaar Counties, for reasons best known to you. What were your Reasons, Honourable Governor of Lakes? Our reliable sources discovered the fishy reason behind your decree prohibiting the army from extending search of arms in towns, your community arms were hidden there! Once it was ensured that they were rendered completely unarmed and defenceless, a series of humiliating hunt for our helpless Gok Dinka men, women, children and elderly then began in earnest. Assassins from Rumbek Central and Rumbek North Counties and in what appeared to be a collusion with some few elements from Tonj East County, began nocturnal affair of hunting for human Gok Dinka heads to roll and indeed greasily rolling many heads in Cueibet county did!! None was spared and the outcry of the Gok Dinka felt on your deaf ears as patriotic Gok Dinka politicians, youth leaders and the Diaspora were busy pleading with their victimized community to be calm and wait for “government intervention”, little did the Gok people know that their deaths were somehow being celebrated and their despair was being misread as a sign of defeat inside Rumbek town the headquarters of your grossly incompetent government. In the face of intensified insecurity – killings of women and children and not mentioning cattle theft, our community found itself hunted and cornered in their proud homeland and as if to send a message to entire Gok Dinka community that travelling to Rumbek or Juba through Rumbek was out of questions, innocent Gok Dinka people travelling in private or public vehicles were ambushed and callously killed. Poor students and town dwellers inside Rumbek town were stabbed to death in daring crimes. Your tribal agents in Lakes State Media never reported this and you never uttered any statement condemning the barbaric state of affair in the state! Founding itself helpless and on the verge of being annihilated and uprooted from their ancestral homeland, some Gok Dinka young men sold whatever they have in order to re-acquire the few arms to halt the insecurity. Some community members desperately hit back hard and into the heart of their aggressors’ territory. That is when you came out forcefully and flexing your muscles, Mr. Tribal Governor. Your narrow-minded style of ruling a culturally diverse state like ours, with one tribal lense has exposed the decadent nature of Rumbek as a powerhouse. When Gok Dinka dies and groan in pain, you turned a blind eye and when an Agaar dies or cries, you quickly dispatch your ruthless state security machines! That will not take us forward; we want a state where the rule of law is applied to all regardless of their tribal affiliations, for greater good of all Lakes State citizens. Thousands of Gok Dinka cattle are now scattered into greedy hands of those who illegally and criminally acquired them after killing innocent and rightful owners in Cueibet county; yet you never pressed Commissioners of Rumbek Central and Rumbek North to do more, instead you have been exerting undue pressure on the Cueibet County community and their Commissioner to return the few cattle that some County Community members have taken in desperate attempts to recover their stolen cattle. You should be ordering all the Commissioners to do their utmost best to quell insecurity with your full personal involvement, not sitting in Rumbek and using some nimble-minded tribal politicians in the state Assembly to engineer destructive and divisive Policies. Latest Disarmament of Civilians in the state After independence and following the announcement by the President of the Republic that all civilians were to be disarmed and ridded of all types of illegal weapons, the Gok Dinka community welcomed the move but with weariness and in fact told the disbarment commander that the so called Lakes State civilians disarmament were never inclusive and fair as past experiences has shown. The Gok complained that they have always obeyed governmental orders and policy but what pains them as a community most is the fact that some of their neighbouring community groups, who have some members longing and baying for their blood and property were never fully disarmed and they had no reason to trust this latest disarmament exercise. The SPLA commander responsible for exercise assured them that he was there to “protect” them. The community peacefully gave up their arms and warned the government to look out for them as something fishier was always brewing against them in the neighbourhood. It was not long before the community’s fears were realized and confirmed! Just one and half week to Christmas last year 2011 which just ended, suspected gunmen from Tonj East or Rumbek North Counties have already attacked and killed five people and injured undetermined number in the north-west of Cueibet County. Three days later there was another attack in Pagor Payam in North-east where hundreds of cattle were driven away and at least one person killed and another seriously wounded. At around the same time, Abiriu Payam in the South-East of Cueibet County was attacked and nearly fifty heads of cattle stolen and one person is killed cold-bloodedly in separate incident in the same payam. The relevant questions are, where are the security forces deployed in the area and what happened to the disarmament that was much publicized, Mr. Governor? You have ordered a comprehensive disarmament of all civilians in Lakes State, which we welcomed and will continue to welcome it, as long as it is done to all civilians in the state in good faith. So far, unfortunately, our intelligence show that as always, it is the Cueibet County yet again, who have willingly given up their arms and your backyard of Rumbek Central , Rumbek North and Rumbek East Counties are still a washed with illegal firearms in the hands of civilians. These latest killings of innocent Gok Dinka people and deadly rustling of some of their cattle is yet another ominous sign of the worst to come this dry season! Have you, our dear Governor Chol Tong played more tricks again allowing your County to remains armed while the poor Cueibet County is disarmed? Where is the justice, equality and progress that we in the SPLM/SPLA fought for in the last twenty eighty years? Have our votes in Cueibet County suddenly become insignificant and us as community irrelevant and unimportant members of Lakes state, Honourable Governor? Is this unending insecurity and fear being instilled into Cueibet county Community a long term strategy of slow but sure way of ethnic cleansing? There are certainly more questions than answers in our minds and in the entire Cueibet County social fabrics. The late heroic and beloved leader of the SPLM/SPLA, Dr. John Garang De Mabior Atem once said, “Colonization or oppression has no colour, whether done by your own brother or a practical and definitive enemy, it is what it is and its impacts are as consequential.” Therefore, dear Governor of Lakes State, the kind of organized and coordinated oppression and practical physical elimination that is being suffered by Cueibet community in the hands of Agaar Majority, since you took over the governorship, attacks which are increasingly becoming politically motivated and strategic as opposed to the traditional rivalries over pastures and water points in cattle camps, are as painful as those suffered by Southern Sudanese in the hands of Arabs. In fact, relentless attacks by one’s own brother are more painful than those by a known enemy. Please exert more efforts to ensure that none in our state is responsible for aggressing others, whether it is in Cueibet County or any other County doing it, rule of law must prevail and those causing instability are harshly dealt with in a competent and transparent process of justice in line with our constitution. Law enforcement must be robust and comprehensive; deploy Police forces in every Payam and Boma and ensure complete disarmament among all the community groups. There can neither be a tangible development nor harmonious co-existence when some community groups in the state feel increasingly threatened and insecure. It is not too late; you can still regain the trust, support and respect of the complaining community groups in the state. In fact, it is because we want you to adjust your style of governing and refocus your attention that we wrote this letter to you, an indication that we still believe there is a room for correcting the messy situation. Recommendations for long term solution • As our elected Governor, we do not want much from you but your sincere and patriotic efforts to ensure Justice, Equality and Progress for all in the State; these are pillars of vision on which the SPLM/A fought the war and won our beloved Republic, why deny some members of state the same, when in fact they actively participated in achieving the Objectives alongside all other fellow Southerners? • Work hand in hand with all the state communities through their traditional leaders and credible Representatives to address the issues of insecurity in all parts of the state. • Be in full control of the state’s affairs as you are currently the only democratically mandated Governor who should rule and be accountable to the electorates in the state; do not allow yourself be manipulated by some wicked politicians and opportunists who thrives in chaotic situation. • Pay urgent attention to inter and intra-community peace education and awareness so as to help rebuild trust and peaceful co-existence. Those violating community peace and harmony should be severely punished to make examples of them and deters would be perpetrators of insecurity. • Give priority to building major feeder and arterial roads to Link Counties and payams, so that transportation and movements of security personnel is not hampered during emergencies. • Make some reform in the state’s public sector and those found to be flaming the situation should be sent packing out of the Ministries. There is a need to de-tribalised and de-nepotised state ministries and employ people based on their individual merits of academic qualifications and work experiences.In other words, creating genuine sense of belonging and togetherness among our people in the state can be part of long term harmonization and unity. • Resolve all cases of murder and cattle theft to put urgent closure to lingering grievances, which ignites new cases of murder and insecurity. • Make public incitement of inter and intra-community conflict illegal and severely punishable in the state’s constitution; this is necessary to safeguard the state’s long term security and peaceful co-existence. • Regularly review the performances of your government officials in the areas of law enforcement and service delivery and take action to enhance quick progress where necessary. • Where you cannot act, make urgent recommendation to the President of the Republic or Federal government officials responsible for action, to safe situation from escalating further. In Conclusion, we hereby reiterate that we wrote this lengthy letter in all good faith and with no intention other than seeing our beloved Lakes State regain its lost glory and respect among the people of South Sudan. It is high time our people desist from negative perceptions toward one another and begin to see themselves as one people; and indeed one people our people are! This spirit of one people and togetherness can only be brought about by sincere, transparent, justice and equality based practices throughout the state’s system and styles of governance. One way justice and selective application of law enforcement only serves to alienates and drive desperate, those who see themselves on the verge of elimination, particularly the minority community groups. We hope that you will, Honourable Governor, find it important and necessary to appreciate and benefit from this letter and make possible adjustments for the greater goodness of our state’s diverse population and for your own long term Political survival. Once again, accept our sincere thanks for your time and attention on reading this letter. Act on the above recommendations and you shall enjoy our unanimous support as a community longing for change and developments, things which can never come about without solid security guarantees! Signed, Comrade John Magelwath, On behalf of Cueibet County Community Watchdog CC: Lakes state Members of State Legislative Assembly CC: Cueibet County Commissioner, Comrade Isaac Mayom Malek Dielic CC: Cueibet County Politicians in Lakes State and at the Federal level CC: All Cueibet County Chiefs, youths and women leaders CC: Cueibet Community members in Diaspora. For further communication regarding this letter, please respond through the given email address: gok.thiarkurou@yahoo.com Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6271 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6214/Pagan-Request-For-Alternatives-If-Sudan-Complicates-Oil-Agreement-Should-Be-Treated-As-A-Matter-of-U.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6214 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6214&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6214/Pagan-Request-For-Alternatives-If-Sudan-Complicates-Oil-Agreement-Should-Be-Treated-As-A-Matter-of-U.aspx Pagan Request For Alternatives If Sudan Complicates Oil Agreement Should Be Treated As A Matter of Urgency (Gurtong Edited and Published)- I commend Pagan’s continuous struggle for the freedom of South Sudan from the ever hostile North Sudan that has never come to an end despite our overwhelming decision to secede during last January referendum and the eventual attainment of independence on the 9th July, 2011. I also commend the people of South Sudan under the leadership of H. E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for downplaying their social, cultural, tribal and political differences and individually casting their votes in the ballot boxes to free us from the bondage of slavery and marginalization. During the referendum, people expressed their joy to exercise their freedom to determine their destiny without obstruction that has been experienced from the Jalabas. For instance in the Gudele Primary School polling station, women especially expressed their joy openly as soon as they emerged from the polling booth. One woman particularly declared that, “If I die today, I will go to heaven”. Having failed to stop the south from seceding because of gross inhuman atrocities inflicted on us, Khartoum employed delaying tactics on post referendum issues such as border demarcation, wealth sharing, Abyei, etc. in order to continue blackmailing the south. This is the situation faced by Pagan Amum Okiech, the Secretary General of the SPLM as the Chief Negotiator to resolve the post referendum issues with Khartoum and hence his request for alternatives if Sudan complicates oil agreement. He said and I quote: “At the closure of the meeting between South Sudan and the oil operating companies held on the 19th of December in Juba, the Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and the South Sudan Chief Negotiator of post – referendum arrangements, Pagan Amum urged for alternative means if Khartoum continues to create complication on South Sudan oil transportation through Sudan.”(Juba Monitor, Wednesday December 21, 2011). Recently, one of the rebel leaders sponsored by Khartoum and reported in one of the newspapers was reported to be opposed to South Sudan intention to transport the oil in pipeline through Uganda and Kenya claiming that they should be consulted lest they will destroy it. He said that the South Sudan oil should be transported through Sudan. This is really a blackmail orchestrated by Khartoum to keep milking our resources even if we are separated as an independent country. South Sudanese citizens in the Sudan are being harassed and intimidated to put them in a situation where they become venerable to exploitation such as confiscation of their properties, subjecting them to unhealthy inhuman conditions and forced recruitment to the rebels to come and destabilize the South Sudan with the hope that unity might be achieved. Khartoum is behaving like a person who exploits the situation of a drunken neighbor who goes on a drinking spree and “concubining” leaving the children scavenging for food from the dustbins. He then recruits them to do dirty errands for him since the children are helpless and at his mercy. The question asks by Pagan Amum is directed to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan in particular and the South Sudanese citizens at large to give alternative suggestions in order to facilitate his negotiating power. This is a welcome move in a country struggling to build a democratic political institution. The Government should therefore, treat Pagan Amum’s request as a matter of urgency and quickly find an alternative solution to this issue since our economy depends mainly on oil which can easily be sabotaged by Khartoum. This is where Pagan Amum is very much concerned. Equally, any South Sudanese with bright ideas can forward them to Pagan Amum for consideration by our Legislators. However, some of the suggestions could be top secrets meant for our own consumption before being put on the table as negotiating tools. This is because our enemy can easily counteract it once it learns of it. I would therefore suggest Pagan Amum gives us an E-mail through which these suggestions can be forwarded to him. Recommendations • The Government of South Sudan should quickly create an emergency fund to transport all South Sudanese in the Sudan who are willing to come home. The Government should coordinate with the UNHCR for their transportation and settlement in their respective areas of origin. The fund should be strictly monitored to avoid any embezzlement by those in charge. • As for the students who are finishing their courses in the Sudan, the University of Juba should be enabled by the government to incorporate these courses in their program. There are I hope many South Sudanese who are qualified to teach Arabic at the University level will be deployed. This move would deprive Khartoum of sources of recruitment for its evil designs against South Sudan. • The Government of South Sudan and the international community need to put pressure on the Sudan Government to desist from aggressing South Sudan whose consequences will be unpalatable for the two neighboring countries. • If Khartoum does not listen, then the only alternative is to intensify Bashir’s arrest and hand over to the ICC since he is the biggest obstacle to the normalization of relations between the two sister countries. This requires a diplomatic campaign to convince countries whose members of the ICC would get him arrested once he steps foot in their countries. Conclusion The above suggestions and contributions from other fellow citizens can be presented to Pagan Amum and our Legislators for considerations. The struggle to defend our hard won sovereignty from Khartoum must continue against perpetual enemies like El Bashir. Mark Otwari Odufa Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6214 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6213/S-Sudanese-Community-in-Israel-Congratulate-President-Kiir-on-his-First-Official-Visit-to-Israel.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6213 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6213&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6213/S-Sudanese-Community-in-Israel-Congratulate-President-Kiir-on-his-First-Official-Visit-to-Israel.aspx “the Jewish state promised to assist South Sudan in areas of infrastructure, communications and agriculture”. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6213 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6073/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-By-Aliab-Diaspora-Community.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=6073 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=6073&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/6073/Open-Letter-To-President-Kiir-By-Aliab-Diaspora-Community.aspx "Namciel is not a 'no man's land': It belongs to the Aliab Dinka! Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:6073 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5623/Only-13-Ministries-Necessary-Mr-President.aspx#Comments 4 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5623 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5623&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5623/Only-13-Ministries-Necessary-Mr-President.aspx "The twenty nine ministries are wasteful extravagance and exploitative ploys of the public mockery meant to siphon and drain the scarce wealth into the briefcases of the few elites". Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5623 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5531/Genuine-Questions-to-Mr-President-Kiir.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5531 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5531&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5531/Genuine-Questions-to-Mr-President-Kiir.aspx You said: “There will be Zero tolerance on corruption.” Are we going to see some actions in this matter soon? Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5531 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5507/CAACBA-Congratulates-South-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5507 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5507&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5507/CAACBA-Congratulates-South-Sudan.aspx "We note with joy that about 15 Presidents and Prime Ministers of Black African countries came to the celebrations" Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5507 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5506/Friendly-Advice-To-The-People-of-South-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5506 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5506&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5506/Friendly-Advice-To-The-People-of-South-Sudan.aspx "It is not wise to try to prove something, it is wise to try to change things. Change is often the need that can help a society like ours." Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5506 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5492/CONGRATULATIONS-FOR-HAVING-SHEPHERDED-SOUTH-SUDANESE-TO-THE-PROMISED-LAND.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5492 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5492&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5492/CONGRATULATIONS-FOR-HAVING-SHEPHERDED-SOUTH-SUDANESE-TO-THE-PROMISED-LAND.aspx "This degree of happiness is directly proportional to the degree of suffering we have endured for half a century" Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5492 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5450/Congratulations.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5450 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5450&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5450/Congratulations.aspx RAVI Last nameCHANDRAN SubjectEditorial Companynil CountryMalaysia Telephone+60 MessageMy heartfelt congratulations and and best wishes as you celebrate this milestone historic achievement. A new nation has born from a long struggle. May GOd Bless all of you and this new nation. With warmest regards, RAVICHANDRAN, MALAYSIA Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5450 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5447/Congratulations-to-South-Sudan-for-UN-Membership.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5447 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5447&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5447/Congratulations-to-South-Sudan-for-UN-Membership.aspx "Nonetheless, the speech read by VP Dr. Riek was poorly drafted." Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5447 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5281/Growing-Concern-Over-Long-Detention-of-A-Journalist-in-South-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5281 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5281&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5281/Growing-Concern-Over-Long-Detention-of-A-Journalist-in-South-Sudan.aspx "Mohamed Arkou Adiebou Ali has been an SRS employee continuously, since 1 April 2009. He was sent on a reporting assignment to Juba and Wau on 8 May 2011." Mon, 30 May 2011 13:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5281 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5187/Appeal-to-All-Citizens-of-the-Republic-of-South-Sudan.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5187 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5187&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5187/Appeal-to-All-Citizens-of-the-Republic-of-South-Sudan.aspx "We ought to know that it is now our chance the people to decide and have control over how the permanent constitution process would work and made democratic..." Sun, 08 May 2011 09:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5187 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5083/Minister-Luk-Confusing-Issues-on-Media-Legislation.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=5083 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5083&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/5083/Minister-Luk-Confusing-Issues-on-Media-Legislation.aspx "Public Broadcasting is exactly what it says: Public Broadcasting; not Government’s Broadcasting" Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5083 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4990/Too-Many-Parties-Are-Dangerous.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4990 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4990&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4990/Too-Many-Parties-Are-Dangerous.aspx "...voting patterns inevitably still generally reflect ethnic and other primordial loyalties rather than a true exercise in democratic preferment." Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4990 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4887/The-Smell-of-Death-in-My-Home-Town.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4887 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4887&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4887/The-Smell-of-Death-in-My-Home-Town.aspx "This gloomy and humiliating ordeal has turned the entire Fangak into a community of mourners on the back drop of celebrating the victory of referendum in which they overwhelmingly voted for peace and independence of Southern Sudan" Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4887 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4881/Condolences-To-Family-of-Lemi-Milla.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4881 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4881&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4881/Condolences-To-Family-of-Lemi-Milla.aspx "Our sorrows and sympathy to the Family of late H.E Jimmy Lemi Milla and Victims of shooting in Mukaya Payam, Lainya County, Central Equatoria State." Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4881 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4732/Letter-from-the-Former-Austrian-Minister-of-Defense-Concerning-South-Sudan-Referendum.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4732 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4732&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4732/Letter-from-the-Former-Austrian-Minister-of-Defense-Concerning-South-Sudan-Referendum.aspx His Excellency Dr. Luka Biong Federal Minister of Cabinet lukabiongus@yahoo.com Your Excellency, Dear Mr. Minister Luka Biong, Every day I follow with great interest the latest news about the referendum, and I want to congratulate you and all the responsible representatives of SPLM for the very smooth way you managed to organize this fundamental decision, which opens the way for full independence for your country, and I also want to congratulate you on the overwhelming vote by South Sudanese people which will be a sound basis for future challenges. READ FULL LETTER Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4732 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4689/In-The-Name-Of-God-The-Most-Merciful-The-Most-Compassionate.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4689 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4689&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4689/In-The-Name-Of-God-The-Most-Merciful-The-Most-Compassionate.aspx "The new juncture of our nation's history is revealing a new dawn and a renewed spirit of determination as it presents new realities and challenges." Sat, 15 Jan 2011 07:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4689 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4523/Urgent-Appeal-to-World-Leaders-to-Save-Peace-in-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4523 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4523&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4523/Urgent-Appeal-to-World-Leaders-to-Save-Peace-in-Sudan.aspx "The civilian attacks and bombardments of South Sudanese have killed and scattered innocent civilians". Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4523 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4365/Position-of-SSudanese-in-Brooks-Alberta-Canada-on-Out-of-Country-Registration-and-Voting-OCRV.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4365 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4365&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4365/Position-of-SSudanese-in-Brooks-Alberta-Canada-on-Out-of-Country-Registration-and-Voting-OCRV.aspx Dear South Sudanese; On Sunday November 15, 2010.The South Sudanese Civil Society organizing committee for Referendum 2011 in Brooks, Alberta met with the general assembly at Sudanese Canadian Cultural Association of Brooks, Alberta. Invited to the meeting were leaders of South Sudanese Civil Societies from Calgary, Alberta. The meeting was aimed to help clarify some questions that the people of South Sudan in Brooks Considered obstacles to the expectations of South Sudanese people for their independence through self determination. Click here for the FULL STATEMENT Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4365 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4270/Kenya-Do-Not-Welcome-Bashir-Back.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4270 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4270&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4270/Kenya-Do-Not-Welcome-Bashir-Back.aspx “A return visit by al-Bashir would make a mockery of Kenya’s declared commitments to the International Criminal Court..." Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4270 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4131/What-Kind-of-Unity-Does-Northerners-Want-From-Southerners.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4131 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4131&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4131/What-Kind-of-Unity-Does-Northerners-Want-From-Southerners.aspx “Have you ever felt cheated, deceived, and lied to in your life? It must have made you feel terrible and stupid if this has been deliberately and repeatedly done to you and you have not stopped the cheater in his cunning tricks". Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4131 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4114/Congress-of-the-United-States-Open-Letter-to-President-Obama.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4114 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4114&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4114/Congress-of-the-United-States-Open-Letter-to-President-Obama.aspx CLICK HERE TO READ DOCUMENT Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4114 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4071/Congratulations-to-Leaders-For-South-South-Dialogue.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4071 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4071&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4071/Congratulations-to-Leaders-For-South-South-Dialogue.aspx "We should know it well that nobody will give us our independence on a silver plate; we have to take it with our own laborious hands and and active minds of strengths." Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4071 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4056/Petition-From-RuwengPanaruu-Community.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=4056 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4056&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4056/Petition-From-RuwengPanaruu-Community.aspx "Our community has been severely subjected to extreme dehumanising treatment and discrimination." Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4056 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3961/Open-letter-to-President-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit-VP-Dr-Riek-Machar-and-SG-Pagan-Amum.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3961 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3961&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3961/Open-letter-to-President-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit-VP-Dr-Riek-Machar-and-SG-Pagan-Amum.aspx By Yohannes Kong Tut, Juba Dear President Salva Kiir, VP Dr. Riek Machar, SG Pagan Amum and all Southerners of good standings, I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your commitment to the services that have been entrusted to you by the people of South Sudan at this critical moment of history. I would also urge you kindly to go on with your normal duties putting much focus on the referendum, less focus on panels and countries that are pushing the wheels behind for confederation and turning a deaf ear to forces and characters that are willfully engaged in concealing the voice of Southerners for a call to independence. As of today, opinions and stances have become varied among our people about how the referendum would be conducted in a clear and fair manner. It is obvious that the NCP, other opposition parties in Northern Sudan and individual characters will try their best to rig the votes during the referendum. During the signing of the CPA in Machakos, Kenya, it was documented that the referendum conduct would be internationally monitored and supervised fairly. That is why I'm promptly writing to you to ask you to think about how fair it will be to conduct the upcoming referendum under the National Elections Commission (NEC) which is directly influenced by NCP and based on all these predicted uncertainties, it would be better if we take other measures that would be considered fair rather than the current shape in which the referendum is seen to be conducted. In this view, it would be suggested that; An independent organ which is comprised of people from USA, Canada, Norway, UK, and AU among others is required to monitor and count the votes during the referendum Full media coverage of the events to be allowed during the referendum Total ban of NEC from participating should be implemented, and Involvement of security forces of Sudan to be considered a direct rigging of the votes. Representation of the people during the conduct of the referendum To conduct the referendum fairly and justly, it would be better that representation is made instead of individual votes. For instance, if the population in villages is represented by chiefs, payam administrators, MPs or county representatives, it would be up to these figures to represent "YES" or "NO" for the populations they represent. And since much of the population of the South is inside Sudan and its figures are known, it would be easier that chiefs, county representatives and MPs present their "YES" or "NO" for the population they represent. If all chiefs, county representatives or MPs in South Sudan vote "YES" for separation, all media houses will announce that southerners have voted for separation. However, it is GoSS' duty to start teaching village chiefs and county representatives before January 9, 2011. Representation will save much money that can be spent in transporting individuals to polling stations as the colder season starts in November through January and February in South Sudan. Polling stations What I mean by polling stations is any designated place where chiefs and county representatives are taken to vote finally on the behalf of the populations they represent. A polling station is where votes are monitored and supervised through representation and finally reported to the media for final announcement. It would be therefore suggested that only chiefs and representatives are the only figures to be transported there rather than elders, women and children. States' capitals would be more suitable if chosen for polling stations. Border demarcation Borders are fixed as of January 1, 1956 and whether they are demarcated or not is not a problem as long as the referendum will take place as originally planned. Registration Registration should be done by villages and as villages are under payams and payams under counties, there are more chances that voting by representation will yield better fruits than for individuals to be forced to vote as scarcity of resources and travels in harsh weather conditions will create more havoc and time precision will not measure accurately. In this regard even if you are in Khartoum you can still be registered under your respective county in the South as it will be your MP or chief that will represent your voice for "YES" or "NO". Let registration go ahead as it already commenced in some states so that possible representation is determined. Mass voting will accurately work very well by representation as opposed to individuals flocking to voting stations which may results in possible rigging and altering of the votes. Diaspora community Southerners in the Diaspora are also eligible to vote through representation made by their local established SPLM chapters. Thank you very much. Yohannes Kong Tut is based in Juba, South Sudan and can be reached at: yohannestut@live.ca Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3961 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3920/Open-Letter-Re-Kwaje.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3920 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3920&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3920/Open-Letter-Re-Kwaje.aspx "On his many visits to the UK he has always insisted on meeting the leaders of our Chapter and all the civil society leaders. We all shall miss him dearly." Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3920 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3867/Open-Letter-To-UN-By-Shilluk-Community-in-Diaspora.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3867 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3867&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3867/Open-Letter-To-UN-By-Shilluk-Community-in-Diaspora.aspx "We are deeply saddened by the continued devastation, killings gang-rape, and torture of untold proportion in the Shilluk Kingdom carried out by none other than their own Government of South Sudan (GoSS)." Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3867 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3793/Open-Letter-From-Jur-Beli-Community-to-Governor-of-Lakes-State-Chol-Tong-Mayay.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3793 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3793&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3793/Open-Letter-From-Jur-Beli-Community-to-Governor-of-Lakes-State-Chol-Tong-Mayay.aspx Below is an open letter addressed to the new Governor of Lakes State Engineer Chol Tong Mayay from the Jur Beli community of Wulu County in the state who feel neglected by the newly- elected Governor. Click here for the Letter. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3793 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3687/Open-Letter-to-EES-Government-and-All.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3687 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3687&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3687/Open-Letter-to-EES-Government-and-All.aspx "If this government wants to listen and engage in development discourse with the Diaspora community, it should demonstrate it by establishing a process to engage this "development discourse", Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3687 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3672/Morukodo-Community-Maridi-County-Request-For-The-Equal-Power-Sharing-In-The-County.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3672 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3672&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3672/Morukodo-Community-Maridi-County-Request-For-The-Equal-Power-Sharing-In-The-County.aspx Date June 3, 2010 From: Morukodo Community Maridi County. To: H.E the Governor elect for Western Equatorial State - Yambio Sudan. Ref: REQUEST FOR THE EQUAL POWER SHARING IN THE COUNTY. First and foremost, on the behalf of the entire Morukodo Community of Maridi County, we would like to extend our whole heartedly congratulation to you for your overwhelming victory of winning the post of Governorship during the General election in the Sudan. Considering this to be the first historical events in our Country and the state as to define ‘’Democracy ‘’is for the people and by the people, simply translated as “peoples’ choice’’ In reflection of the above reference, we would like to take this golden chance of silence in commemoration of our great Elder, Brigadier Late Samuel Abu John Kabash for having shown to us the equally power sharing in the state of which we will not easily forget him in doing so as we are now having representatives in the state government. COUNTY REPRESENTATION/MARIDI We would like to honor your high office as placing down our co-existence of the six tribes found within Maridi County western Equatorial state as all along we had been enjoying our social, economically and political atmosphere of the County. As the result of been in the circular systems of the County Administration, apparently Morukodo Community are at the virtue of requesting your high office to have the opportunity of this community to administer also in the highest post/executive post of commissionership of the County as this has never happened since the creation of the SPLM/A government systems. The below are possible nominated candidates by the Morukodo community in Maridi County. 1. Mr. Enosa Aguno Zungo - Trained Soldier without rank. 2. Mr. Justine Zachariah Kula – Trained soldier in the rank of Colonel. Once again, on the behalf of the Morukodo community and the writer, we would like to ensure you that we are entirely behind you to give you all the support that you deserve from us as the citizens of western equatoria state. Accept our sincerely beloved greetings from Maridi Kozi oyee…Maridi oyee….. Western equatoria oyeee………..! And long live our elected Governor! Find below is the list of Morukodo community who are asked by the community to undersign this document: 1. Dr. Kurukobi James Loma – USA 2. Eng. Kuruloma John Dokada – Thailand 3. Dr. Asuloku Joseph Luke – Australia 4. Rev: Wilson Isaa Tawa – South Maridi 5. Dr. Asijenze Dawud Logo – Canada 6. Chief: Fraser Samuel Ombigo 7. Prof. Luke Kerenze Nzawa Bele – India 8. Payam SPLM Secretary – Elia Angutuwa Kodo - Kozi 9. Deputy Payam Administrator – Kozi Payam – John Talli 10. Rev: Moses Zungo Seth - Maridi 11. Ustaz : William Sabbath Kefa – Maridi 12. Ustaz: Sylvan Sebit Gono - Maridi 13. Ustaz: Tito Elias Zara - Juba 14. Mama: Yomima Jeremiah – Kozi - Maridi 15. Rev: Charles Jeremiah – Kozi - Maridi 16. Ustaz: John James Daa – Maridi 17. Youth Leader: Elia Samuel Ombigo – Kozi 18. Youth Secretary Mr. Tabule Idu Kerenze Nzawa Nairobi. 19. Vice Y. Leader Mr. Leepy Bernard Leepy Manga - Kampala. 20. Business Community Representative Mr. Bagiri Khamis Gono Ngawa 21. Women representative: Mrs. Ondi Ngawa Tabia Reference Copies. 1. Cc: Minister of local Government for Western Equatoria – Yambio S. Sudan. 2. Cc: SPLM Secretary State Capital Yambio S. Sudan. 3. Cc: SPLM Secretary Maridi County, S.Sudan. 4. Cc: SPLM Secretary Kozi Payam Maridi County. 5. Cc: Paramount Chief Kozi Payam Maridi County 6. Cc: Morukodo Chairperson Maridi County 7. Cc: file Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3672 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3521/Important-Message-From-Governor-Elect-WES.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3521 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3521&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3521/Important-Message-From-Governor-Elect-WES.aspx "It is now time to think of coming home to contribute in any form. I know that the State shall have no enough jobs for all, but jobs can be created through the private sectors." Tue, 04 May 2010 23:16:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3521 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3520/Congratulations-and-Advice-To-Salva-Kiir.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3520 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3520&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3520/Congratulations-and-Advice-To-Salva-Kiir.aspx "Your earlier policies in bringing on board the majority of Southern Sudanese have worked and South Sudan under your leadership had been able to overcome all the conspiracies and odd situations..." Tue, 04 May 2010 18:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3520 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3514/SPLM-Finland-Congratulates-Kiir.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3514 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3514&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3514/SPLM-Finland-Congratulates-Kiir.aspx Sudan Peoples` Liberation Movement (SPLM) Finland Chapter Congratulations Letter to the President of Government of South Sudan Finland 27 April 2010 Dear His Excellency Mr. President Salva Kiir,President of the Government of South Sudan Its great joy to received news that the people of South Sudan have elected you as its new president. We take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt congratulations and wish the blessings of almighty God upon you. With the difficult situations that our country and people of South Sudan are facing at this time, we know that great responsibilities and challenges ahead while leading and guiding people of South Sudan towards referendum. Our confidence is that God's abundant grace and wisdom will sustain and strengthen you to be peace ambassador through making every effort to maintain the unity of the people of South Sudan. Once again, we congratulate you and all members of the party for this great achievement to accomplish the mission of peace and freedom for the entire people of South Sudan. SPLM Oyee! New Sudan Oyee, Salva Kiir Oyee, South Sudan Oyee! Edward Elisapana Wegye Secretary General SPLM Finland Chapter GSM+358 409136714 Sat, 01 May 2010 21:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3514 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3500/Congratulatory-Message-to-Kiir.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3500 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3500&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3500/Congratulatory-Message-to-Kiir.aspx "Human rights violations engender social schism and keep people poor since valuable time is spent on conflict resolutions at the expense of innovation and development." Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3500 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3415/Complaint-Illegal-Practices-In-The-Sudan-Electoral-Process.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3415 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3415&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3415/Complaint-Illegal-Practices-In-The-Sudan-Electoral-Process.aspx On behalf of our members and other People of the Sudan, I submit another formal complaint on the eve of the start of Elections regarding illegal practices in the Sudan Electoral process. Though our Party has decided to participate in the Elections tomorrow, we would like to highlight various flaws in that process. Click here for the Full Statement. Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3415 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3383/Bentiu-Community-Association-in-Australia-BCA.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3383 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3383&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3383/Bentiu-Community-Association-in-Australia-BCA.aspx Bentiu Community Association in Australia [BCA] Liech Nuer Panriang and Abiemnom RE: FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS: ensure a “fair go.” [The Special “EASTER’’ gift you got for the People of Unity State] The Bentiu Community Association of Liech Nuer, Panriang & Abiemnom Communities in Australia As citizens of Unity State in Diaspora have a pleasure to send to all aspirants Contesting in National Parliament (Government of National Unity) Regional Parliament (South Sudan (GoSS) State Parliament Governorship contestants, State parliamentarians, Counties Payams and Bomas in Unity State on the coming April general elections a message of free & fair elections across the great Unity state. We understand it is a first taste of democracy for the people of South Sudan and first National elections in Sudan after signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which put an end to over two decades civil war between North and South Sudan. The Bentiu community in Australia urged you all the contesting politicians to maintain peace and harmony and fully portray democracy as a tool of respect and statesmanship. To ensure democratic process of elections we urge Unity state politicians to be transparent enough and above all fairness in all level of state elections. You are all sons and daughters of Unity State and each of you deserve the right to compete in any position in the state. South Sudan is really young politically but we hope you will do the very best in the name of great Unity State, elections is where contesters market themselves for votes and the time electorates are valued to buy you by casting a vote, we in advanced request the elections’ losers to join the winners in the Unity state’s name and work together until the next elections because this is just the beginning of elections in South Sudan not the end. We would like you all to practice the following stuffs which highlight democratic process. ►Impartial Political campaigns so that voters are given chance to listen to aspirants and make up their minds on how to vote depending on the pledges made by the candidates. ►Freedom from coercion, so that voters are not coerced in making their choices ►Freedom of expression and association, so that citizens can participate in electoral Debates, campaigns & rallies ►Obeying polling rules and well organized structure will improve democratic performance Signed by: Magany Kai Wial Liech Community Chair Person Email: bentiucomaustralia@yahoo.com or mwial@yahoo.com Riak Chol Jawaj Chair Person of Panriang Community Email: jawajriak@y7mail.com Pranko Thon Aojak Ruweng Biemnom Community Email: ruwengbiemnom@yahoo.com.au Thank you, Happy Easter, Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3383 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3325/Unfair-Involvement-in-the-Sudan-Elections-by-the-UN.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3325 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3325&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3325/Unfair-Involvement-in-the-Sudan-Elections-by-the-UN.aspx On behalf of our members and the Marginalised People of the Sudan, I submit this complaint regarding United Nation's Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). The issue of ballot cards has arose lately, with allegations by URRP that UNMIS is involved in a ballot card making fiasco which involves card production being shifted from an overseas producer in Slovenia to a local Khartoum producer, allegedly controlled by the NCP with costs that are five times that of the original foreign producer, 5 million USD according to reports. What is particularly troubling is that the Khartoum government with what we assume is a UNMIS (advisory) blessing has produced 180 to 200 million ballot cards for our April Election of 16 millions registered voters. We are seriously concerned about issues of ballot security (pre/post Election) and ballot box stuffing, particularly given the reports of the Your Excellency’s comments against the potential separation of the South from the North in 2011. As members of the Sudanese Diaspora, of which only a handful were able to register to vote in the coming Elections due to the strict requirements imposed by the NCP-dominated National Elections Commission (NEC), we as a whole will miss out of this important part of our struggle for democracy, actually millions will miss out, anywhere from 2 to 4 million of our Diaspora people cannot vote next month - and the UN did nothing. Additionally, the NEC, the United Nations Development Program and the Sudan Ministry of International Cooperation signed an agreement in December 2009 to which the UN provides 91 million USD as support for the upcoming general elections; funds that would also facilitate the issuing of ballot cards As one reviews the UN's stated objectives, achievements and statements for the past few months, we find that UNMIS has shed its neutrality, and is overstepping its stated mandate and objectives as noted on p. 7 of its monthly publication called In Sudan, February issue, where it states UNMIS is mandated to provide advisory and technical support to the electoral process and provide contingency logistical assistance or, as just stated in a Press Release on last Sunday; UNMIS is restricted to providing technical assistance and limited logistical support within its capabilities, which contradicts the statement above in the UN's own publication on p. 7, which also includes advisory support. READ FULL DOCUMENT Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3325 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3231/Letter-from-MWCT-GOSS-on-commercial-hunting-and-wildlife-trade-prohibition.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3231 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3231&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3231/Letter-from-MWCT-GOSS-on-commercial-hunting-and-wildlife-trade-prohibition.aspx Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3231 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3224/Outraged.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3224 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3224&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3224/Outraged.aspx Padang Community in Canada is outraged about continuing attacks on Padang people in Unity State. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3224 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3175/SPLM-DC-Open-Letter-to-The-The-National-Elections-Commission.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3175 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3175&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3175/SPLM-DC-Open-Letter-to-The-The-National-Elections-Commission.aspx SUBJECT: Request to strike off the name of General Salva Kiir Mayardit from the list of candidates for the position of President of the Government of Southern Sudan. Gurtong Admin Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3175 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3174/SPLM-DC-Open-Letter-to-The-National-Elections-Commission.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3174 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3174&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3174/SPLM-DC-Open-Letter-to-The-National-Elections-Commission.aspx Chairman, The National Elections Commission, Khartoum. Date: 2/2/2010 Subject: Your letter No./NEC/1/A/1 dated 1st February, 2010 Dear Chairman, I have received your letter referred to above. I agree with you as to the documents guiding the National Elections Commission. It is the provisions of the same documents that made us to raise our objection to the Commission and not the courts as you suggest. First: Article 45(1) and 45(2) read together with Article 10(1) of the General Elections Rules 2009, have been observed by the High Commission in Juba. They published the list forty eight hours after the close of nominations and have asked all concerned to submit their objections within seventy-two hours on Form No. (11) in accordance with Article 10(2) of the Rules. This is exactly what we did. The form is to be submitted to the Commission and not to the courts. Second: Article 10(3) clearly specifies that it is the Commission to look into the objections. Third: According to Article 10(5) appeals to the courts can only be made by those whose nominations have been rejected by the Commission on Form No. (13). Mr Chairman, These are the relevant provisions and I hope we are reading from the same script. Article 12(2)(a) of the Political Parties Act 2007 prohibits army officers in active service from being involved in politics, including nominations for elections. It was well appreciated that the Commission did draw the attention of General Salva Kiir Mayardit to the fact well before nominations opened. However, Mr Chairman, you wrote to him your letter No. NEC/1-A-1 dated 21st of January 2010 in which you concluded that “he is not an army officer” and “is therefore qualified to nominate himself or be nominated by others for the office of President of government of Southern Sudan.” Mr Chairman, Your conclusion was based solely on what you “learnt through the letter of Minister, Dr Luka Biong Deng, that H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit was retired from the SPLA on 16th July, 2007.”(sic). Our objection is based on the fact that the information provided by the Minister, on which basis you arrived at the conclusion that he is not an army officer, is NOT TRUE. We presented to the Commission some of the evidence we have. The only ruling expected from the Commission is either to stand by the conclusion of its Chairman as above or if it is persuaded by our argument that he is indeed an army officer in active service then his name be struck out of the list of candidates. We look forward for a definitive ruling from the Commission on the basis of the Act and the Rules. Thank you. Sincerely yours, Dr Lam Akol Ajawin, Chairman, SPLM- DC, Candidate for the Presidency of the Government of Southern Sudan Attachment: Letter of the Chairman of the National Elections Commission No. NEC/1-A-1 dated 21st January, 2010. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3174 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3173/The-National-Elections-Commission-and-the-flouting-of-the-National-Elections-Act-and-Rules.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3173 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3173&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3173/The-National-Elections-Commission-and-the-flouting-of-the-National-Elections-Act-and-Rules.aspx Open Letter Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3173 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3172/The-National-Supreme-Court-Elections-Objections-Circuit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3172 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3172&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3172/The-National-Supreme-Court-Elections-Objections-Circuit.aspx Open Letter Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3172 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3129/Congratulatory-Message-to-The-Minister-LabourPublic-Service-Human-Resource-Development-GOSS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3129 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3129&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3129/Congratulatory-Message-to-The-Minister-LabourPublic-Service-Human-Resource-Development-GOSS.aspx St. Joseph Parish, The Catholic, Arch Diocese of JubaSouth Sudan, 7th January, 2010 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3129 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3120/Reaction-to-the-UN-Secretary-Generals-Comments-on-the-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3120 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3120&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3120/Reaction-to-the-UN-Secretary-Generals-Comments-on-the-Sudan.aspx "...no one should dictate the future of our long-suffering people, but us." Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3120 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3078/An-Open-Letter-to-Obamas-Deputies-on-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3078 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3078&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3078/An-Open-Letter-to-Obamas-Deputies-on-Sudan.aspx To: Tom Donilon, National Security Council Jim Steinberg, Department of State Stuart Levey, Department of Treasury Michèle Flournoy, Department of Defense Erica Barks-Ruggles, United States Mission to the United Nations From: John Prendergast, Co-founder, The Enough Project Omer Ismail, Senior Advisor, The Enough Project At the first quarterly review of Sudan policy by the Deputies Committee, you will likely sense two very different assessments of what is happening in Sudan today. This divergence of opinion has major implications for your policy recommendations and decisions. One version of Sudan’s current reality will highlight recent agreements on the referendum law, high rates of voter registration, and the lack of village burnings and cross-border adventurism in Darfur as demonstrations of tangible progress in Sudan. The reality on the ground in Sudan speaks in starkly different terms. The dangerous status quo in Darfur remains unchanged in some key aspects: millions of people are left in squalid camps, unable to return home because government-supported militias occupy their land and make travel very dangerous. Women face high levels of sexual violence in Darfur, aid is erratic, and progress in the Darfur peace process remains painfully limited. More broadly, the April national election in Sudan – an election for which the Unites States has provided tens of millions of dollars in technical assistance – is in the process of being stolen by an indicted war criminal who will use the ballot to “legitimize” his rule. The conditions to make the national election free and fair simply do not exist, and will not exist, by April, and there may well be sharp questions as to why the United States heavily bankrolled an election so obviously flawed. Most urgently and ominously, there are abundant indicators that Sudan is on a dangerous road back to full-scale North-South war as violence increases and key elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) have been left completely unimplemented. The international community’s position toward Sudan at this vital time reflects neither consensus nor coherence. Officials from both North and South speak of not wanting war, but are intensively preparing for it. Local clashes in South Sudan are escalating, against an historical backdrop of extensive support to southern Sudanese militias by the ruling party in Khartoum designed to undermine southern unity. The heavy lift of diplomacy needed to assure that Sudan’s referendum is peaceful and well managed simply remains largely undone, with no full-time, on-the-ground diplomatic teams from the U.S. engaging the regional actors on either the North-South issues or the Darfur process. To prevent a full-scale war from erupting in Sudan in the coming year, the Deputies should recommend to their superiors and President Obama a course of action marked by much deeper diplomatic engagement, backed by more assiduous efforts to build a multilateral coalition of countries willing to impose consequences on those undermining the path to peace in Sudan. On the occasion of this first quarterly policy review, we urge you to consider three main actions: The Deputies should recommend that diplomatic efforts begin immediately in New York and in capitals to pull together a coalition of countries willing to pressure the parties multilaterally to take the steps necessary for peace. Those officials and parties undermining peace should face specific and clear consequences. At this juncture, that would also involve withdrawing further U.S. financial support for the April election, expanding and more effectively implementing the current arms embargo, identifying specific officials who are undermining peace and targeting them with aggressive asset freezes and travel bans, and denying the Khartoum regime any form of multilateral debt relief until peace agreements have been far more effectively implemented. The Deputies should recommend that the U.S. immediately deploy a small team of diplomats to be based in Sudan and the surrounding region to work full-time on the peace processes for Darfur and the CPA. Trips by the envoy, no matter how frequent, are no substitute for on-the-ground, around-the-clock diplomacy. The team should include senior diplomats with real experience in peace processes and existing familiarity with Sudan. The Deputies should recommend a ministerial level meeting among North American and European diplomats on Sudan at the earliest possible juncture. The lack of a common position on the multiplicity of profound issues facing Sudan over the coming year – including serious post-referendum issues – must be addressed. We want to personally thank you for all of the work that you continue to do to advance U.S. national interests and the cause of peace in Sudan, and thank you for your consideration. John Prendergast Omer Ismail Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3078 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3053/Open-Letter-to-Kiir-Sudan-Passport.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3053 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3053&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3053/Open-Letter-to-Kiir-Sudan-Passport.aspx "In most cases, the renewal application is either rejected or deliberately delayed, thus complicating life for those who have to apply annually for Residence Permit and other important legal procedures". Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3053 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3046/Rumbek-Central-County-Petition-Against-Electoral-College-Committee-Results-in-Lakes-States.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3046 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3046&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3046/Rumbek-Central-County-Petition-Against-Electoral-College-Committee-Results-in-Lakes-States.aspx Particulary in Jiir Payam Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3046 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3006/Secretary-Clintons-Remarks-on-CPA-Anniversary.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=3006 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3006&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/3006/Secretary-Clintons-Remarks-on-CPA-Anniversary.aspx "Whatever result may ensue after January 2011, Khartoum and Juba stand to benefit far more by working with one another – economically and politically - if they maintain open and frank lines of communication." Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3006 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2996/Obama-Praised-and-Urged-on-Sudans-Peace.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2996 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2996&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2996/Obama-Praised-and-Urged-on-Sudans-Peace.aspx The agreement is entering a potential make-or-break year, with national elections scheduled for April and the South’s vote on secession just one year away. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2996 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2995/Joint-Statement-by-USA-Norway-and-UK-on-CPA.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2995 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2995&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2995/Joint-Statement-by-USA-Norway-and-UK-on-CPA.aspx We call on all parties in Sudan to rise to the challenge with political will and vision. There is much to be done. Dialogue, cooperation, and political leadership are vital, but time is short. Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2995 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2950/Popular-Consultation-Bill-Passed.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2950 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2950&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2950/Popular-Consultation-Bill-Passed.aspx Great! But, Dr Biong, we are still waiting for the passing of democratic media bills by Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly! Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2950 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2648/Open-Letter-Government-of-Southern-Sudan-GOSS-Ministry-of-Health.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2648 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2648&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2648/Open-Letter-Government-of-Southern-Sudan-GOSS-Ministry-of-Health.aspx A letter to all Government of Southern Sudan's Ministry of Health employees on salary scales. Click here to read the FULL LETTER. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2648 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2592/Registration-Conditions-Flawed-and-Unacceptable.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2592 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2592&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2592/Registration-Conditions-Flawed-and-Unacceptable.aspx Requirements of "valid Sudanese Passport, Nationality Certificate or Sudan’s National Identity card , on the basis of information and statistics obtained from Sudanese embassies abroad is utterly flawed and unacceptable." Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2592 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2585/SPLM-UK-Ireland-Northern-England-ChapterOpen-Letter-to-Sudan-NEC-Chairman-on-Voter-Registration.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2585 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2585&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2585/SPLM-UK-Ireland-Northern-England-ChapterOpen-Letter-to-Sudan-NEC-Chairman-on-Voter-Registration.aspx The people of South Sudan living in Manchester, Bolton, Liverpool, Leeds and other towns in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland would like to express their gratitude for your exerted and commendable efforts in making Sudan’s electoral law and voters’ registration process a success story in the history of the country. Click here for the FULL LETTER. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2585 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2452/Letter-to-President-Salva-Kiir-MayarditCriterion-for-Diaspora-Registrants.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2452 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2452&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2452/Letter-to-President-Salva-Kiir-MayarditCriterion-for-Diaspora-Registrants.aspx Click here to read the full ID criterion for registration of Sudanese Diaspora members that is fair, based on the NEC guidelines published in their 2010 registration manual. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2452 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2451/Elections-Concern-Over-Diaspora-Registration.aspx#Comments 2 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2451 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2451&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2451/Elections-Concern-Over-Diaspora-Registration.aspx Requirements: a)Valid Sudanese nationality, b)Valid Sudanese passport c)Birth certificate/assessment of age d)Canadian passport or permanent resident card (if you live in Canada) Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2451 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2443/Open-Memo-to-UNDP-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2443 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2443&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2443/Open-Memo-to-UNDP-Sudan.aspx Alier quoted: "The Presidency is the highest authority which decides on issues pertaining to country affairs such as voter registration". Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2443 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2401/Elections-and-Referendum-Have-you-Registered-Register-Now-South-Sudan-Needs-you.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2401 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2401&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2401/Elections-and-Referendum-Have-you-Registered-Register-Now-South-Sudan-Needs-you.aspx This electoral roll will most likely be used for the Referendum in 2011. So if you don’t register now you will not vote in the referendum! Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2401 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2381/Sudan-elections-Complaint-to-UN-in-Sudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2381 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2381&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2381/Sudan-elections-Complaint-to-UN-in-Sudan.aspx Please assist us in quickly changing the NEC's position on these key matters, given the precious time elapsing in the registration period. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2381 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2364/Open-Letter-to-The-National-Election-Commission-NEC.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2364 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2364&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2364/Open-Letter-to-The-National-Election-Commission-NEC.aspx SPLM, The European Chapters: UK/Ireland, Benelux, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland Chapters Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2364 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2297/Calls-for-Investigation-of-Chief-Dobuol-Deng-Assassination.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2297 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2297&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2297/Calls-for-Investigation-of-Chief-Dobuol-Deng-Assassination.aspx Late Dobuol had a constitutional right to live his life and those who took it must face justice as soon as possible. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2297 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2079/Struggle-for-Conducive-Media-Environment-in-SouthSudan.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2079 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2079&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2079/Struggle-for-Conducive-Media-Environment-in-SouthSudan.aspx As general elections grow ever nearer in Sudan, the need for a conducive media environment to freely engage in relationship debate between North and South has never been so urgent. Jacob Akol Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2079 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2068/Open-Letter-to-Government-of-Ethiopia.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2068 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2068&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2068/Open-Letter-to-Government-of-Ethiopia.aspx What bothers me most is the apathetic silence of the religious leaders more than the adamant insensitivity of Berukan’s captors. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2068 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2066/GoSS-Students-in-Egypt-Voted-Out-Their-Coordinator-Overwhelmingly.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2066 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2066&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2066/GoSS-Students-in-Egypt-Voted-Out-Their-Coordinator-Overwhelmingly.aspx The Southern Sudan Students’ Association (SoSSA) in various Egyptian universities and higher institutions of learning held their meeting on 9 October 2009 on the issues affecting students in various colleges and institutes in Egypt. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2066 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2057/Bona-Malwal-Letter-to-Sadiq-Al-Mahadi.aspx#Comments 1 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2057 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2057&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2057/Bona-Malwal-Letter-to-Sadiq-Al-Mahadi.aspx Elections is one of the most crucial steps of the CPA. Without elections now, there will be no referendum on Self-determination for the Southern Sudan in 2011 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2057 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2041/The-Secrecy-of-GOSS-Failure.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2041 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2041&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2041/The-Secrecy-of-GOSS-Failure.aspx Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on 9th January, 2005 in the Kenyan city of Nairobi, GoSS has suffered a number of social, economic and political pandemonium which invite a series of questions from analysts let alone a patriot like me. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2041 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2029/Abyei-Boundary-Demarcation-Appeal-to-HEDr-Riek-Machar.aspx#Comments 2 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2029 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2029&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2029/Abyei-Boundary-Demarcation-Appeal-to-HEDr-Riek-Machar.aspx Members of the Border Demarcation Commission from South Sudan are in fear of their lives as they are constantly obstructed and threatened by those opposed to the demarcation. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2029 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2004/Petition-for-Government-Intervention.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2004 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2004&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2004/Petition-for-Government-Intervention.aspx Petition for Government Intervention Gurtong Admin Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2004 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/1969/Open-Letter-to-the-First-Vice-President-of-GOSS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=1969 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1969&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/1969/Open-Letter-to-the-First-Vice-President-of-GOSS.aspx TO THE GOSS PRESIDENT From Ruweng People Association(RPA) in the Diaspora, officeOf the Chairman, Mr. SantinoKutpul Dau. 2445 48th StreetSoutheast Calgary,Alberta,T2B1M5, Canada. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1969 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2250/In-the-commemoration-of-the-CPA-and-SPLM-Action-Plan-in-Canada-for-2007.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2250 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2250&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2250/In-the-commemoration-of-the-CPA-and-SPLM-Action-Plan-in-Canada-for-2007.aspx Issued, 9 January, 2007 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2250 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2802/Letter-to-President-Bush.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2802 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2802&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2802/Letter-to-President-Bush.aspx Dear Mr President, I am writing to you as a follow up of my visit to the White House last June during which we shared a lot with you at the Oval Office. Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2802 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2758/Darfur-Peace-Should-Be-Renegotiated-Not-Enhanced.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2758 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2758&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2758/Darfur-Peace-Should-Be-Renegotiated-Not-Enhanced.aspx An Open Letter to Ambassador Sam Ibuk, AU Chief Negotiator & Head of AU Committee for the Implementation of the DPA. Fri, 20 Oct 2006 12:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2758 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2761/Darfur-Peace-Should-Be-Renegotiated-Not-Enhanced.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2761 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2761&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2761/Darfur-Peace-Should-Be-Renegotiated-Not-Enhanced.aspx An Open Letter to Ambassador Sam Ibuk, AU Chief Negotiator & Head of AU Committee for the Implementation of the DPA. Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2761 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2555/Open-Letter-to-GOSS-President-Unpredictable-threat-of-Jonglei-Canal.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2555 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2555&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2555/Open-Letter-to-GOSS-President-Unpredictable-threat-of-Jonglei-Canal.aspx Mr. Deng-Athoi Galuak Deng-Athoi Open Letter to; His Excellency President of South, Sudan Salva K. Mayar-dit Cc: Honorable Governor of Jonglei State Philip Thon Leek Cc: Honorable Governor of Upper Nile State Dak Duop Ref: Unpredictable threat of Jonglei Canal: August 26, 2006– First and foremost, I humbly and cordially salute you for your assiduous effort to rally around for deprived people of South Sudan. Your hard work as watchful team is wholeheartedly appreciated. (But) to begin with, I am deeply distraught to learn that Jonglei Canal scheme is set to restart. Second of all, I could not believe that our government of South is surreptitiously in agreement with Egypt to sign this erroneous contract. Please be forewarned that whoever is going to sign (or has signed) this kind of contract is “digging our grave” before we perish. I am deeply concern that this canal is going to bring nightmares that will never be forgotten. I am sure my fellow citizens share the same sentiment. According to article published in Khartoum dated August 10th. It is already a done deal to restart Jonglei Canal. “The Government of Southern Sudan has signed an agreement with the Egyptian government.” First of all, let me implicit that this contract must be signed with the knowledge of President Mayardit, Governor of Jonglei and Upper Nile states, respectively. If so, is it true that this kind of blunder would happen under any legitimate government watch? Did the government endeavor to inform the people who are directly affected by the canal? If the government is truly “for the people…and by the people,” then, the digging of canal should be made transparent to the locals immediately. It is total hypocrisy for this administration to deceive citizens that GoSS is “playing by democratic rule” while it is not even an inch close. Let me anticipate that the government has not and will not contract nor signed such agreement. If the government really did, thus far, it would be a colossal error and mistake in your power to accept an immoral deal. It would be an everlasting gaffe for any administrator to make this verve!! And the history will haunt you down for decades. As an innocent child, I vividly remember hearing a weird and unusual noise in 1983. That noise was gigantic France cranes ripping through the ground in the heartland of our village. The canal divided our historic town of Poktap (and most of towns and villages in Twic East & Duk Padiet and etc) into segments. Most poignantly, our people were divided, leaving the rest on one side and others on another side. As a young kid, we watched France cranes digging through the ancestral ground and we thought it was fun. Our elders could not take it. I saw people watching tearfully. I thought they were crazy. But they were not. Our land was invaded by Egyptian and French civilization. How frightening it was. The older people were horrified. They were helpless because they could not do anything. All they could do was to watch and cry. It was horrible and terrorifying. I still remember the day when the cranes passed through my village and I still remember the massive crane (Varkelwind), which still stands today. Everyone experienced the shoddier of it. For better or for worse, the digging of canal has to stop. Our people cannot take this massive invasion of their land anymore. We cannot take this grief for land for the second time since the civilians’ burnt the crane in 1984. These regions have not yet fully recuperated from the deadly war for many years. Remember, if the government failed to stop the digging of canal; it is imminent for local people to take the matter in their hands through violence. Civil disobedience will work as the last resort if all peaceful interventions are abortive. This is a new era! You cannot fool people all the time. The old days are long gone and our eyes are wide open. And do not forget, part of the reasons that caused 21 years of pitiless war was sparked by Jonglei Canal. Another sad note, during the digging of canal in the 1980s, citizens were not informed about the passing of canal. They were just driven out of their home by bulldozers. Basically, bulldozer will raze homes if it is in the corridor of canal. Land is natural right for any living thing and no one can take it away by force. It is absurd for anyone (government) under the sun to sign the Canal to pass through the heartland of Bor, Nyarweng, Twic, Hol, Nuer and Shilluk. I appeal to Mr. President to suspend the canal progression right way. Otherwise, civil obedience will be used to thwart the progress of this canal. If this administration cannot do anything in their authority, I therefore, encourage our fellow citizens to use revolution and violence to stop Egyptian cranes to pass through the graves of our ancestors. Our forefathers have been buried there and there is no reason to extort them out of their dwelling. It is unethical in my view to disregard civilians on their land without their consent. People were driven out in the 1980s because of this canal without proper jurisdiction. Likewise, this trend is being pursued without the local peoples knowledge. It is sensible to all mankind to respect the properties of others. If this scheme is necessary, then I urged President Salva, Governors Leek and Duop to explain the benefits to people and the reason why it is indispensable to dig the canal. If anyone of these powerful individuals cannot equitably explain the benefits of the canal to local citizens, then, nobody should dare to sign this agreement without local people approval. I am appealing to specifically to governors of Jonglei and Upper Nile states. If you look at the milieu of the project in profundity, there is no real benefit to the citizens of your states in particular, and South Sudan at large. The Canal was intended to speedily take 4.7 bcm (that they claims are lost to evapotranspiration) annually to Northern Sudan then to Egypt. The whole sudd will dry up. Our gorgeous lakes, rivers, streams and swamps will be lost altogether. Those who will still be keeping cattle will have no water and pastures for their cattle. If you really care for people in your states, there are various ways to manage flooding, one is to build a dam on the Nile to reduce the volume of water reaching sudd (toch) and the other one is to construct a dyke (levee). It would be dim-witted to presume that Egyptians are doing us favor by decreasing the flooding in the potential regions. Just meditate and think! Does it make sense that Egyptians are samaritarianly helping us and when is the last time they reach out for help? Of course Never. GoSS is just making an oversight by assuming that we will benefit from Canal. Of course yes and in deed flooding is going to be reduced; however, what is the benefit Egypt going to get? Hence, this canal is being made easy for the whole lot benefit to Egypt. Subsequently, I don’t yearn to predict the consequences that we are going to face in the far future. But I am hypothesizing that South will definitely surge into confrontation with Egypt in similar predicament of Suez Canal. I beseech to the gov’t to suspend the canal until citizens see it has munificent to them. Let the experts explore all the probable options available for us before anything takes place. Some of my colleagues imprudently argued that the canal will ease harness and devastation of water to the regions prone to flooding. It is bizarre for someone to think that the canal is being dug to stop flooding. The basic premise of Egyptian gov’t is not to help reduce flooding, they are simply investing to boost their agricultural economic through irrigation. They are ripping us off our resource by the name of “flooding.” Of course our regions in deed get flooding during the rainy season but we cannot be duped to make it a deal. We have been in the flood corridor since the epoch of creation and people are prosperous at the same level. So what make it special in 2006 to restart the canal? I can’t comprehend that and I need the government to think about it. Finally, how is the canal going to be beneficial to South? The principle in our minds is to reduce flooding. Thus, does this worthwhile to trade it for million of benefits? The only importance of the project is control flooding along the Nile Valley Counties of Bor, Twic, Duk, Ayod and Atar but apart from that there is no any other benefit. It seems to me that someone has been bribed to accept this. In fact, the deal should proceed with the consultation from Jonglei and upper Nile States government and above all with the say-so of all South Sudanese people. They can not just rush to an agreement while they have not consulted the State citizens. As I was writing this letter, I was abruptly insane to do my research about the benefits of this canal to the people of respective states. However, I don’t have to be rocket scientist to grapple the swindle behind the canal. I know for sure that there is no real benefit. I promise to do my research and make comprehensive analysis and will present my finding in the next three weeks. I will present my finding publicly. At the mean time, I firmly reach out to the governor of Jonglei and Upper Nile states to do whatever it takes in their power to stop this plan. You have ultimate power and support of the respective states to do anything in their interest. To Mr. President, I hope Goss have not signed such erroneous contract with Egypt and I trust you have contemplating not to. The proper role of the government is to serve the interest of the South and your government shepherdship is for the people. I thank you all in advance for taking your time to analyze my concern. * Deng-Athoi Galuak is a senior at the University of Mass Boston (USA) majoring in Political Theory and Philosophy. He can be reach at dengathoi.galuak@comcast.ne Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2555 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2554/Community-Leaders-Open-Letter-To-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2554 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2554&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2554/Community-Leaders-Open-Letter-To-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx Date: 5th August 2006 Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2554 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2649/Letter-to-HE-Omar-Hassan-Al-Bashir.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2649 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2649&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2649/Letter-to-HE-Omar-Hassan-Al-Bashir.aspx Request for 31st July to be declared a National Peace and Reconciliation Day. Fri, 07 Jul 2006 07:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2649 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2539/NS-WATCH-Protest-Letter-to-the-President-of-GOSS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2539 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2539&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2539/NS-WATCH-Protest-Letter-to-the-President-of-GOSS.aspx An Open Letter Of Protest To President Of Southern Sudan, Chairman And C-In-C Splm/A, Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit Regarding Women Representation In The Appointment Of Ambassadors To The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Fri, 12 May 2006 19:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2539 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2538/Dismissal-of-Bona-Malwal-and-the-problem-of-Unity-State-Assemblys-members.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2538 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2538&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2538/Dismissal-of-Bona-Malwal-and-the-problem-of-Unity-State-Assemblys-members.aspx To: Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Chairman of South Sudan Democratic Forum Party Juba, South Sudan Dear Mr. Chairman, We, the undersigned members of South Sudan Democratic Forum Party, are appealing to your leadership to rescue the party from internal collapse. As founding members of the party, we want to bring to your attention the failure of your leadership to address the problems faced by our party. The first problem is the violation of the Constitution of the party in the nomination of South Sudan ambassadors. As you already now, the nomination was conducted based on the power-sharing protocol of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which states that SPLM party has 70% of power while the rest are divided by other parties. In the issue ambassadors, the National Congress Party does not need to be represented because there are already NCP’s ambassadors abroad. Therefore, it is SPLM and other parties that should share the ambassadorial positions meaning that the Democratic Forum and other parties should get 15% of the South Sudan ambassadors. Although the SPLM party partially implemented the power-sharing protocol in the nomination of the ambassadors, what disturbed us is the violation of our party’s procedures to fill the position allocated to Democratic Forum. We are shocked to see the name of Akuei Bona Malwal as ambassador representing the Democratic Forum not because he is not a member of the party, but because his name was not on the list of the people nominated to serve in foreign service. Nobody could doubt the loyalty of Akuei Bona to our party; however, his name was not on the list of the people proposed to work in foreign service. Due to the violation of the procedures of our party’s constitution, we have a moral authority to question the one who brought Akuei through backdoor. The culprit within our party who did that is nobody other than his father, Hon. Bona Malwal Madut. We would like to refer to him as uncle Bona Malwal in this letter because there is no honorable person who could violate the rules of the party because he has undue influence on President Salva Kiir. Mr. Chairman, You know that Bona Malwal was accepted as a member of the party in 2003 to assist us in dealing with late Dr. John Garang. We didn’t welcome him back then because he is a man of principle. He joined us because had a personal vendetta with Garang. Although some of our members warned us not to allow “a black cobra into our room as a friend”, most of us agreed to work with any devil to bring John Garng down to his knees. We dispatched Bona to the U.S. State Department to talk to U.S. authorities about South-South dialogue and the war that would follow if Garang refused to swallow our political program. Although we are the very people who invented the term South-South Dialogue in 2000, Bona attempted to steal our effort to secure himself a political power in Sudan. Yet, we tolerated his machinations because our greatest enemy was Dr. John Garang. When Bona declared in October, 2004 that he would highjack the SPLM and the CPA from Garang, we called him an hero when Commander Salva Kiir declared to remove Garang. Bona was busy getting praises from members of our party for his work to convince Salva Kiir to get rid of our enemy. As soon as Dr. Garang died, uncle Bona became a different person. We already knew that when Garang is gone, Bona would turn against us. It exactly happened as predicted. He joined his Gogrial elites and started working towards building a “Gogrial leader for life”. In June 2005, the National Congress Party paid his mansion in Khartoum estimated around a million dollar. He was also given three farms in Northern Sudan. Bona started the process of high-jacking both the South Sudan Democratic Forum and the SPLM Party. Although we warned you about the threats posed by him, you ignored our pleas and spent much time with him and Justin Yac Arop. You rarely meet even with SSDF’s members of Parliament in Juba. Bona secretly told some of Bhar el Ghazal members of the party in London that their strategy is to unite the people of Bhar El Ghazal and Equatoria. He said that “the Nuers should go to hell” because of criticism of your leadership by Gordon Buay Reath and Dr. Samuel Koang Gatluak. Bona began to call Gordon Buay “the most dangerous boy in the South”. According to him, the GoSS is not threatened because “Garang’s orphans like Pagan Amum, Nhial Deng are disciplined by President Kiir”. Concerning Madam Rebecca Nyandeng, he made it clear to his Gogrial subjects that “Kiir would provide her an escort who would discipline her at night to respect the President”. Mr. Chairman, We are deeply troubled by your inability to listen to members of your party who are warning you of the dangers posed by Bona Malwal Madut. This old cobra is allergic to principled politics. He has been practicing machinations, betrayals and tribalism since he joined politics of the Sudan in the 1960s. You don’t need to be reminded that he betrayed William Deng Nhial to Jellaba Arabs for a position. He is not afraid to pursue childish projects that could jeopardize the cause of South Sudan struggle. What baffles us is how Bona could highjack the leaderships of SPLM and the SSDF simultaneously without protests from leaders of these two parties. We don’t care much if he high-jacks the SPLM, what we don’t want to see happening is the high-jacking of SSDF entrusted by South Sudanese to check corrupt practices of the SPLM. You know Bona was crowned two years ago as the leader Twic Mayardit. As somebody nominated as a Chief of Twic Mayardit in 2004, President Kiir is his subject who should follow his orders including high-jacking of the SPLM. He is already the leader of Gogrial Kitchen cabinet. Mr. chairman, The second problem you failed to address is the violation of the CPA in the Unity State by Governor Taban Deng Gai. President Kiir issued a decree in September, 2005 ordering every State in the South to implement the power sharing protocol of the Agreement. All South Sudan States followed the decree except Unity State. Taban refused South Sudan Democratic Forum Party’s members like Kerubino Pow Gatluak to be sworn in as State’s members of Assembly. Until today, all members of SSDF, USAP, SANU and UDF have been prevented to assume their responsibilities. Taban said publicly that the decree of President Kiir means nothing to him and put SPLM members in the Assembly in places of our members illegally. The members of the Democratic Forum in Sudan and Western World brought this matter to your attention. However, you totally failed to address the problem by appealing to President Kiir to enforce his decree. While our members are languishing outside the Unity State Assembly, Taban Deng Gai and Riek Machar are busy depositing 2% of Unity State budget in foreign banks. The only ordinary people benefiting are the women who frequently visit the residence of the governor. We wonder whether you are also benefiting from the corruption in Unity State because you are incapable to protest why the members of your party, who should question corrupt practices of the SPLM, are being prevented to take their seats. Mr. Chairman, We call upon your leadership to convene the party conference which will address these problems. The members of the party need to meet and terminate the membership of Bona Malwal Madut from South Sudan Democratic Forum. He is now the employee of Omar Bashir entrusted to highjack not only our party but also the South in general. If we regard Omar Bashir as the enemy of South Sudan’s aspirations, we should also include Bona on the list of spoilers of the right to self-determination. We are seriously warning you that failure to address the problem of Bona Malwal and the marginalization of our party’s members in the Unity State, we are capable of staging a coup d’etat against your leadership to rescue our party from internal collapse. Bona Malwal will not come to your help when your leadership is threatened by “angry mob” determined to restore the aspiration of the people of the South and rid the GoSS of corruption. Signed 1. Mr. Robert Kisanga 2. Mr. Samuel Madut Malwal 3. Mr. Peter Chuol Gai 4. Mr. James Lumoro Udhuo 5. Mr. Charles Othow Akuan 6. Madam Rebecca Nyayual Tut 7. Dr. John Lomodong Peter 8. Mr. Peter Arok Yak 9. Mr. William Nyuon Gatluak 10. Madam Elizabeth Sitona Contact: Peter Arok Yak Email: Arok_yak@hotmail.com Mon, 08 May 2006 19:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2538 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2637/LETTER-TO-UN-SECRETARY-GENERAL-ON-UN-FORCES-IN-SUDAN.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2637 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2637&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2637/LETTER-TO-UN-SECRETARY-GENERAL-ON-UN-FORCES-IN-SUDAN.aspx Your Excellency, we strongly denounce the Sudan Government and Egypt-driven Arab League for rejecting deployment of UN Forces in Darfur in preference for ailing AU Forces. Their position is totally inconsiderate and genocidal. Tue, 18 Apr 2006 09:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2637 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2206/LRA-Atrocities-Open-Letter-to-Four-Presidents.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2206 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2206&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2206/LRA-Atrocities-Open-Letter-to-Four-Presidents.aspx To: H.E. Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, 1st Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan and President, Government of the South Sudan Juba, South Sudan And: H.E. Lt. Gen. Omar Bashir President, Republic of the Sudan Khartoum, Sudan And: H.E.Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President, Republic of Uganda Kampala, Uganda And: H.E. Joseph Kabila: President, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, Congo Your Excellencies, LRA Atrocities Against Civilian Population in South Sudan We, the South Sudanese Community in the Diaspora are gravely shock concerning the mass killings and violence that continued to be inflicted upon our people by the foreign rebel group known as the Lord Resistant Army (LRA). Your Excellency, the purpose of this letter is to call upon you and your governments, the Government of National Unity (GONU) in your capacity as the 1st Vice President of the Sudan and the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) as its President to bring an end to the agression of the LRA on the civil population in Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria and Bahr el Jebel (Central Equatoria) States respectively. We strongly believe that without peace and security in Equatoria, which is in essence the gateway of the South Sudan to the neighbouring countries, rebuilding of the country including the implementation of the recently concluded Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) leading to the referendum in 2011 will not be realized peacefully. Your Excellency, as you may be aware, the LRA rebel group fighting the Ugandan government headed by Yoweri Museveni on the premises of installing a new government base on the Ten Commandments have inflicted serious atrocities on the civilian population along the borders of Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, its action as well as mode of operation does not reflect its mission statement. The havoc and terror caused by the LRA on our people in South Sudan has been reported by numerous news agencies such as Radio Juba, Sudan Radio Service, Sudan Tribune and OCHA to mention just a few. As recently as early February 2006, the LRA attacked, burnt down several houses and brutalized people in Yei area and other places. Similarly in early January 2006, the LRA attacked, abducted children and adults and chopped people in Gumbo an outskirt of Juba town just across the Nile Bridge. Consequently, the residents of Gumbo are now forced to move and confine themselves in Lologo Displaced Camp as if we are still at war. The same atrocities were carried out by the LRA in Ikotos, Tseretenya, Lofus, Imotong and Katire areas in early December 2005 in which primary school children and farmers there were massacred, people,s houses burnt down and several people abducted. Unfortunately, the LRA brutalities and terror is not only limited to the afore-mentioned areas in South Sudan. Other towns such as Yambio, Nimule, Arapi, Pageri, Moli, Kit I and Kit II, Magwi, Palotaka, Omeo, Pajok, Lirya, Lolubo, Ngangala, Torit, Rejaf and Loka witnessed similar atrocities. As we write this letter, JubaTorit road is one of the major roads in the South Sudan still closed, which is a further testament on the extend of the negative impact of the LRA terror on the civilian population in the South Sudan. Your Excellency, peace is not merely the absence of war, but peace is measured by the level in which the civil population can go about doing their daily activities in life, but with the presence of the LRA this is lacking. The widespread sufferings in Equatoria which has in many villages forced people to sleep in the bushes at night is a matter of urgency that requires your immediate attention and action to end this misery. We are therefore calling upon you to bring an end to this tragedy simply because with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on January 9, 2005, it was hoped by all Southerners that the long awaited peace has finally arrived after 21 years of liberation struggle. As a result, we are requesting you to do the following in order to help bring an end to this ongoing tragedy to restore peace and security together with the governments of Uganda and the DRC who are also affected by the same atrocities: a) Pay any outstanding salaries of the SPLA soldiers and mobilise them to launch an immediate action to remove the LRA from the South Sudan; b) Deploy significant numbers of troops in all border entry points. The mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Forces to be expanded to include the removal of the LRA since their main primary objectives in Sudan is to keep peace during the Interim period; c) Seek cooperation of the Presidents of Uganda and that of the DRC and form a join military operation that will enable the SPLA get rid of the LRA from the South Sudan; d) GOSS under your leadership and beng the main governmment of South should take control of all security operations, and punish those individual Sudanese army commanders found to be collaborating with the LRA; e) The Military Protocol signed and renewed between the Governments of Sudan and Ugandan several times to allow Ugandan army to enter Sudan and search for the LRA will not succeed without full cooperation of the GONU and the GOSS. The implementation of any protocol must be backed by action and not by making political statements as recently made by President Omer Beshir during his recent visit to Juba and Rumbek. Thanking you for your cooperation in this matter. Sisto Olur Chairman PEACE WITH NEIGHBOURS Hjellplassen 35 N-9750 HONNINGSVÅG Norway Tel +47-93219832 Epost: olurer@yahoo.co.uk HONNINGSVÅG, March 5, 2006 cc. Mr. Jan Eliasson Chairman, United Nations Security Council New York, United States of America Secretary General, African Union Addis Ababa Ethiopia Mon, 06 Mar 2006 12:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2206 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2514/An-open-letter-to-President-of-South-Sudan-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2514 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2514&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2514/An-open-letter-to-President-of-South-Sudan-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx First of all we, the signatories of this open letter, would like to congratulate you and your government for having taken decisive steps to address Cairo Massacre of December 30, 2005, during which many innocent refugees were killed in cold blood. Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2514 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2467/Open-Letter-to-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2467 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2467&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2467/Open-Letter-to-Salva-Kiir-Mayardit.aspx No one wishes to rise to power through the tragic death of a great leader. Through no wish of your own, following the accidental death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, great responsibility has been thrust on you. Wed, 17 Aug 2005 10:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2467 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2238/An-Open-Letter-on-Signing-of-Protocals.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2238 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2238&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2238/An-Open-Letter-on-Signing-of-Protocals.aspx Now that the six protocols have been signed on the 6th of June 2004 in Nairobi and the Sudanese people await the final agreement;... Wed, 16 Jun 2004 12:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2238 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2213/An-open-letter-to-General-Omar-Hassan-Ahmed-Al-Bashir-President-of-The-Republic-of-Sudan-Khartoum.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=124&ModuleID=519&ArticleID=2213 http://www.gurtong.net/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2213&PortalID=0&TabID=124 http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/2213/An-open-letter-to-General-Omar-Hassan-Ahmed-Al-Bashir-President-of-The-Republic-of-Sudan-Khartoum.aspx The position of the people of the South Sudan, who had had bitter experiences, from the successive defunct regimes, did not have trust in the policies announced by your government. Fri, 21 Nov 2003 14:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2213