Previously, I talked and dwelled much on the social bonds which had existed among the Dinka Bor, Laak, Gawaar, Murle, Anuak, and Lou Nuer. This is an incontrovertible and undeniable fact. Historians have admitted in their researches that these tribes and communities have lived together for centuries despite the existing hostilities, which have most of the time, been politically motivated or imported.
It is important to remind our people that the conflicts among these communities, particularly between the Dinka Bor and Lou Nuer, have always been due to political incitements.
Most of the events occurring in Jonglei are foreign driven, caused and perpetuated by individual leaders who have always wanted to use our communities as a Trojan horse and a ladder to ascend to power which serves only their vested interests.
The 1991 incident was fueled and precipitated by the unfortunate SPLM/A split as a result of the disagreement among the top echelon of the Movement. The 2013 incident was triggered by the war of the SPLM leaders over resources but not over ideologies about nation and state-building.
Although these leaders have fought themselves, they still cling onto the name SPLM across their political divides. What was to be an internal disagreement within the ruling party got out of hand and led to the gunfire; and subsequent rebellion following the targeted killing of the ethnic Nuer; with revenge killing of the ethnic Dinka in the areas controlled by the Nuer.
The culture of cattle raids and child abduction are not common or completely non-existent between Dinka Bor and Lou Nuer, to be specific. It is worth mentioning that the relationship between Dinka Bor and Lou Nuer is in the bloodstream. They would always face any threat in unison. The intermittent incidences of thefts of cattle among these communities are usually considered as isolated incidents. They are being dealt with and given fair hearings in the traditional courts where local cases are adjudicated on and settled.
The disparity between the conflict in Greater Warrap, Great Lakes and Unity state, and Jonglei is because the conflict there is commonly due to the repeated cattle raids and cycles of revenge killings. Nothing else.
The tribes and communities in Greater Jonglei particularly Dinka Bor and Lou Nuer have resolved with goodwill and clear conscience to bury the hatchets and peacefully coexist; against the wish of the pessimists who do not want to see them live in peace; and who have found the prevailing differences as a lucrative business to satisfy their material needs.
Their unity will flourish and rise like a phoenix from the ashes.
I came under a scathing attack for saying that Dinka Bor and Lou Nuer are not enemies and the enmity perceived should not be expected to last forever.
If there are people who don’t feel comfortable with the reconciliation and coming together of the inhabitants of Greater Jonglei, they should, as of now, come to the terms with the fact that it has happened and nothing will change or prevent it. It should not be seen as a threat to others but a positive initiative that will, in due course of time, be extended to the 63 tribes of the Republic of South Sudan.
The author can be reached via email palcholnyan2016@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made are the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.