Letters
In Response to Mr. Vice President, Dr. Machar Apology Featured
The perimeter apologetic of Dr. Riek Machar Teny which was "revealed by a deputy sportsman, Major general Malaak Ayuen Jok" needs clarification and the full scale of its importance; why an apology is now necessary to Dr. Teny and to all of us before it will be treated as political motive. Twic East needs the meaning of Dr. Machar apology. What does his apology mean? Is this apology a healing apology that will change Dr. Machar political spectrum; or is it the one that will bring peaceful reconciliation between Dr. Machar and the victimized people of Twic East, Duk and Bor? Is it true apology? Or is it an experimental to see the reaction of the people who were once attempt to be wept out? What is it exactly? Twic East needs Mr. Vice President, Dr Riak Machar to speak to the people of Twic East, Duk and Bor. A good politician should be straight forward, or else the outcome should not be considered as a true apology. Response to Dr. Riek Apology The people of Twic East Community in the United States need sincerely apology, not a political gimmick. We are therefore called for to hear from Dr. Machar himself not from spokesman who has his own agenda. We have to understand Dr. Machar aspiration, whether he is giving a significance apology, or not. If this is true, then Dr. Machar need to comes out to whom, he is trying to apologize to and acknowledge what had happened in 1991, explained your action in his own word, not through other people like Mr. Malaak Ayuen Jok. Mr. Jok is a deputy spokesman of the SPLA not Dr. Machar spoke person. If this apology was directed to politicians from Bor, Twic East and Duk Communities, then it is not acceptable to the public and the citizens of all three counties; or otherwise, it will be known as a relationship building among the politicians like Dr. Machar and other top officials. It will not be taken as public apology. We will take it as a political agenda to gain political ground among the people of all three counties which he will not get if he is not truly apologizing. Twic East, Duk and Bor will remain quite until that day Dr. Machar come out openly to them and say what when wrong during that time. The County of former Jonglei District that gave birth into three Counties Twic East, Duk and Bor are all in favor of sincere apology and problem solving. The whole region of Duk, Twic East and Bor had suffered psychological trauma from the manmade disaster of 1991 and severely lost properties, which were confiscated by Dr. Machar militias. We do think that Dr. Machar knows the difference and will make the change in his move. We are the voice of Twic East, and the children of the dead Twic East mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers of the abducted ones. Because of Dr. Machar orders, Twic East, Duk and Bor lost great leaders who were arrested and assassinated in Nasir. How come, a potential leader like Dr. Machar allowed assassination of other leaders under his control during the movement? As you can recall, Twic East, Duk and Bor lost most people lives and properties as a result of Dr. Machar political miscalculation. As result of 1991, Twic East, Duk and Bor people had lost multiple generation ranging from young children, young adult, elders, both men and women. Some of them died from hunger, malnutrition due cattle raiding, middle age women and young girls abducted, raped and forced to be wives at that time. What kind of good does these memories bring to us, if someone like Dr. Machar allegedly gave poor apology and play like nothing happened? Does it mean anything? Is it true apology? Is this what we want to hear? Of course not, it remains to be heard. It will be an insult to Twic East, Duk and Bor Community's to bring such a disaster and play like nothing happened simply because Dr. Machar wants leadership. Yes, Dr. Machar has been a Vice President for more than six years now without any word said by the people of Twic East and several other communities even Nuer themselves where he came from and the people of Bahr el Ghazal region. Dr. Machar action of 1991, created a tense division that divided the entire people of former upper Nile which resulted in the massive killing among the tribes like Dinka and Nuer. Dr. Machar, chaos had raised tensions higher and created a division line between Nuer and Dinka in Upper Nile who have been living peacefully for centuries. It's also created a massive Exodus of the refuge into other countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia among Nuer and Dinka, which mean all had suffered in displaces camps inside South Sudan. It also created insecurity in Duk, Twic East and Bor Counties and more other counties in Nuer regions. Dr. Machar, actions had marked the beginning of mistrust among Dinka and Nuer. Dr. Machar apology may re-establish the long lost trust among Nuer and Dingka. As you know, Dinka and Nuer used to shared wealth through trade, inter-marriage and dwelling and it is no longer in place. The Lou Nuer used to share cattle grazing zone (Tooch) in the summer with Dinka, Twic East and Dukeen, and because of Dr. Machar action, relationship is no longer maintainable. Who is responsible for this chaos? It is Mr. Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny. The massacre of 1991 had disabled local people relationships among Nuer and Dinka. The survivors still bear pain of Dr. Machar action, and that pain remains unhealed. The 1991, atrocities were severe and painful to us and our people; imagine children were thrown in the pool and left there to die alone, their mother body part (breast) were cut off. Women of all ages were forced raped to death including young girls. However, the occurrence of 1991, and the infamous coup attempt that degenerated into the killing of Twic East, Bor and Duk Dinka civilians need sincere justification follow by an apology, not a political zero sum game. We deeply need to hear the truth not a gimmick that appeared to tests the will of the people. We the people of Twic East did not asked for an apology and will accept it, if well delivered. If this was proper apology, then Dr. Machar need to bring his apology to the people in Twic East, Bor and Duk counties and all villages he had once victimize. Nothing wrong with earning a well delivered apology, if Machar meant what he said. We want to let Mr. Vice President, know that people of Twic East, Duk and Bor counties are still hurt from his atrocities conducted under his commanded in 1991 and still hold boredom. The most important thing is your apology because it is not a sign of conflict maintaining but the healing of soar relationship. We will be very happy to acknowledge the wrongdoing and accept it. Our Demands to Mr. Vice President Dr. Machar: 1. We need peacemakers to participate in relationship building and peace preservation between Nuer and Dinka Twic East, and Duk. 2. Returned abducted women and girls to their families 3. Stop cattle raiding and mass killing of defenseless civilian. 4. The Twic East community requires a standard apology for a peaceful reconciliation in Jonglei State as well as in South Sudan, from every tribes, community, opposition parties and defectors to reconcile with each another and make peace. Only sincerely apology will bring back the long lost relationship among the tribal groups in South Sudan and opposition. 5. Dr. Riak is not the only leader in South Sudan; therefore, he should have to respect any leader from other tribe. Notice: If Dr. Machar is willing to give an effective apology, and then he must consider the above mentioned steps. We're willing to works with Dr. Machar, so long as he meets our demands. This is a sensitive is a case that needs a careful approach. Founding father of South Sudan As people of Twic East County, we were proud and are still proud of our national father, Dr. John Garang De Mabior. As you know Dr. Garang was a charismatic leader, visionary, liberator, educator and a dreamer. He fought for our freedom, unity and now there is a better life of southerners and the happiness of our citizens. The price of his vision remained higher than most people think. Nevertheless, we suggest to Dr. Machar, to clean up the mess he made before bringing people together and make peace among the warring group, give promising "apology" and good message to the people of Twic East, Duk, Bor and Nuer in his own subgroup in South Sudan as whole. We believe in promising leaders who makes difference. We hope Dr. Machar as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan has the same vision to unify the people. We further, edge Dr. Machar to understand our position and would comply with our suggestions. Conclusion Finally, the Twic East community in the United States is crystal clear in her/his message. Regardless of what happened in the past, we can forgive and will forgive if Mr. Vice President read and listen to us. It will be priceless and much appalling not accepts a well unorganized reconciliation from a repented shepherd. Twic East Community USA By Executive committee |
Twi Community in Canada Conference Announcement
On Saturday, September 3, 2011, sons and daughters of Twi[1] Community in Canada (TCC) will attend the first ever conference to be held in Canada. The conference will be convened in Calgary, Alberta in order to put in place a functional leadership that will administer the workings of the organization and the community. The organizers of the conference and the community believe the conference and the leadership to be elected, will bridge gaps in communication and also, channel available resources back home to South Sudan. The euphoria engendered by news of the now independent South Sudan should be juxtaposed with aspirations for socio-economic development especially at grass root level. The challenges in now independent South Sudan are enormous. They require a body of talented citizens and leadership to translate that excitement into service provision to civilians in various payams within Twi County (Twic East) and all over South Sudan. Twi Community in Canada Mission and Vision Vision Unity and effective pooling of resources for Twi County (Twic East) development and prosperity Mission Twi Community in Canada will mobilize human and material resources in order to efficaciously unite all the Twi community clans and sub-clans for efficient development and provision of indispensible services for the health, security and prosperity of the county Sub-communities in Twi County (Twic East), Jonglei State Twi County (Twic East) has one of the largest Jieng (Dinka) sub-tribe in Jonglei State. This community is comprised of 16 clans namely: Abek, Adhiok, Kongor, Awulian, Dachuek, Ayual, Anok, Hol, Bere, Chir, Akonychok, Kuac, Nyapiny, Ayoliel, Adiang, Nook and Abiong. All these clans are traditionally governed by able and well-respected chiefs. There are various sub-clans governed by sub-chiefs. Reason for the Conference and leadership institution Twi Community is one of the families of dialectal Jieng (Dinka) groups such as Agar, Rek, Nyarweng, Hol, Bor and Ngok etc. As sons and daughters of Twi Community in Canada, we are pleased to be forming Twi Community organization to bridge communication gaps, channel resources, promote unity, and foster meaningful cooperation among our people both abroad and back home. Forming Twi Community organization will be away forward in consolidating our collective efforts for the betterment of our people. As we know, there are no reliable schools and health care centers, infrastructure, and more importantly, community cohesiveness. This bridging requires our collective utilization of knowledge and skills acquired abroad to initiate developmental programs such as agricultural projects, entrepreneurship supported by provision of micro-finance for small business, education and peace-building initiatives etc. Besides these, we are forming the organization to help us in reunification of Twi Community in Diaspora when the incoming leadership will organize the Home Coming Reunion (HCR). It will be a rare moment for Twi community members to reunite with their relatives after more than two decades living in other parts of the world. Without any functional leadership and brainstorming to be made possible by the conference like this, we will miss an opportunity to observe and utilize our knowledge and skills for the benefit of Twi Community and the nation at large. Having a conference to elect a sound leadership will ensure effective coordination and cooperation, which will then put check and balances on community affairs locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. It is important to have a “cohesive community” with “talented and responsible leadership”. We are envisioning and hoping that our upcoming leadership will be more practical with inclusiveness, socially, economically, culturally and politically. Historical Background and Contribution toward Freedom Struggle Historically, Twi community is a peaceful county that believes in tolerance, respect for human life, personal dignity, communal integrity, governance transparency, and pride as the records of good relationship with neighboring counties within Jonglei State manifests. The reason why we believe in peaceful co-existence with our neighbors is because we are one people through intermarriages, geographical proximity, and shared history. As people of the Republic of South Sudan continue celebrate the birth of the new nation, it is an honor for the Twi community to afford South Sudanese a glimpse of the history of massacre in 1967 when Khartoum government ordered the killing of 17 chiefs in Twi County (Twic County). That 1967 massacre is remembered according to Twi Dinka’s traditional calendar as Run ë Na? de Bäny; literally meaning, the year in which the chiefs were killed. Among them were paramount chiefs Ajang Duot Bior and Bul Koch who were asked by Khartoum’s brutal judiciary to jump into burning fire if they believed South Sudan’s land belonged to South Sudanese. The killing took place in Paliau and a mass grave of the assassinated chiefs was marked in the same payam. These chiefs were civilians, but they suffered untold suffering because they were known for their unwavering support for the dignity of their people and of being loyal citizens for the course of South Sudanese’s freedom; leaving historical records as source for future learning for generations to come. What we learn from 1967 massacre Ø We learn that in 1967 in Twi County (Twic East), there were untold massacres of able-minded leaders Ø We learn that our community has been suffering in the hands of Khartoum government during the Anya Nya war and before the second civil war of 1983. Ø We learn that Twi community chiefs massacre is a unique legacy not found in many communities across South Sudan Ø We learn that these chiefs have not died in vain as their lives are part of more than 2 million lost in the course of our struggle for freedom Ø We learn that the chiefs have set precedent of resistance for Anya Nya I, Anya Anya II and Sudan People Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) Ø We learn that their sacrifices have contributed greatly towards independence of South Sudan. Moreover, our chiefs’ legacy of unwavering support has transpired into achievable vision. For example, the founder of the SPLA/M who came from Twi community has lead the course of South Sudanese knowing what had happened in his home county. The assassination of almost all the community leaders was not only a humiliation to the Islamic government in Khartoum, but also, an act of inhumanity. That unforgettable incident energized late Dr. John Garang de Mabior Atem to define South Sudan fundamental problems in the right way. In Twi community, it was not only the founder and father of the SPLA/M, Dr. John Garang, who was inspired by the call for freedom, many sons and daughters of that community picked up the legacy by joining the ranks and files of Anaya I & II plus Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA/SPLM) as of July 9, 2011. Late Dr. John Garang’s Home County Celebrating July 9, 2011 As Twi historical accounts continue, celebration of July 9 declaration of independence intensifies. In Panygor, Twi County (Twic East) Commissioner, Mr. Dau Akoi, hoisted the flag of the new nation in the county that witnessed untold massacres and human suffering in the story of South Sudan. Many citizens of Twi County (Twic East) accepted citizenship as their responsibility and heeded the call for freedom struggle. They therefore left their community for various theatrics of many ills during the struggle. About the Election Process The process will be done through ballot box with an attestation of free, fair and transparent election. All interested candidates are advised to submit their applications to the organizing committee not later than August 25, 2011 at 4:30 pm, Alberta local time. Submission can be done via email or by phone. If you are submitting your application by phone please register your name by contacting Mark Aruai Bol at: [email protected] or Juach Khor at:[email protected]. Each application should include the title the person wishes to apply for. Each of these posts will be deputized and that means the leadership of TCC will be composed of 10 elected members of the executive body. Upon completion of the election, all the elected members will take their responsibilities in the office with the mandate that each province will have executive body to mobilize memberships and resources for an effective deliberation and execution of TCC’s mission and vision. Last but not least, there will be a celebration on the last day of the Twi conference and all other communities in the city of Calgary especially citizens of Jonglei State will be invited to join us. Also, we are extending our invitation to Twi County (Twi East) citizens living in the near-by cities in the United States of America to join us on that day since our goal is meant for the same people back home. Executive Positions 1. President of TCC in Diaspora 2. Secretary General 3. Treasury 4. Information 5. Social Affairs 6. Council of elders Organizing Committee Members and their Contacts: Ø Abraham Juach Khor: 403-793-5241 or email: [email protected] Ø Michael Nuul Mayen:403-427-0394 or email: [email protected] Ø Mark Aruei Bol: email: [email protected] Ø Dau Achuoth Yong: 403-3633396 or email: Ø Kiir-Agou Garang , phone, or email: [email protected] Ø Abraham Mayen Yak: 204-880-4735 or email: Ø Mabior Thuch Wieu, phone, or email: [email protected] Ø John Garang Chol Aguer, phone, or email: [email protected] If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of the above individuals either by phone or email. For readers and members of Twi community around the globe, please stay tuned for the conference news and conference report. |