Opinion: Urging South Sudan Government to Acknowledge and Recognize Abyei Referendum Results and Fully Implement the Abyei Protocol

The People of Abyei Deserve a Right to be Reinstated Back to Their Original Motherland, South Sudan!

By HRH Yom Deng-Katoch Bul,

Jan 15, 2022 — I appeal to the South Sudan’s government under President Salva Kiir Mayardit Thiik along with South Sudan Members of Parliament, the Settings Ministers, the States Governors, Ambassadors and Diplomats, to recognize and acknowledge openly in a upcoming Cabinet Meeting the Abyei Referendum’s result outcomes. The Abyei referendum which took place between October 27th and October 29th, 2013 and was overwhelmingly well organized. I give my congratulations to the people of Abyei for having voted for a partisan returned Home to South Sudan. The Brief background of Abyei Region and Abyei people. The Abyei Territory has its well-defined boundaries, and the populations. The Abyei people belong to the Dinka (Jieng Tribe), South Sudan’s largest ethnic group based in the South Sudan region including Ngok Dinka of Abyei. The Abyei inhabitants of Ngok Dinka are part of the Dinka Nilotic ethnic group. This region has been disturbed by post-Northern Sudan, now Sudan’s associate Pastoral nomadic Arab called misseriya tribal Militias and Sudan Armed Forces armed personnel who randomly constantly attack and kill the Abyei people every day. The Abyei Region is very rich with crude-Oil and plenty of natural resources which attracts many elements in the region. This has been devastating the region for almost a century. Abyei’ region is rich in Crude Oil, Fertile soil for farming, richest in Agriculture, it has a favorable climate and wildlife and tourism attractive places to go for Honeymoon or leave vacations as well. The Ngok Dinka have their own culture, community’s strong Values, regulated social lives and societal setting with their traditions, all similar in ways to other Dinkas Subsections. This region is both politically, economically, and socially devastated by wars and International Communities are rivalries over the natural resources. Most of Abyei Region’s security threats are resulting from SAF, Sudan, Tribal armed militias like Misseriya Nomadic and other political motives criminal organizations who are involved in illegal Natural resources lootings in Abyei Area, which attracts many actors in the Region and this has been going on for many decades. Abyei was illegally transferred from the Southern Sudan region, which is now (the Republic of South Sudan) and its Administration area was transferred to the Southern Kordofan based in Northern Sudan, Now Sudan in 1905. The people of Abye Under Paramount Chief Deng Majok Administrative Taxes were taken direct to Southern Kordofan. This pernicious and vital decision was made by the Sudan Post’s Colonial Master. This decision was done by Britain as a severe revenge on people of Southern Sudanese. Britain’s political hidden agenda might have wanted to preserve future conflict and approximately millions of Abyei people since 1905 might have perished in the Abyei Area. And like I had said, this unacceptable decision was made by the former British Colonial masters without any consolation carried out and without the knowledge of the people of Ngok Dinka. Abyei Region’s headquarter is Agok and Abyei Region is Part of Warrap State, based in Greater Bahr El Ghazal Region, South Sudan. 

In 2005, the CPA’s signed the Protocols had addressed the Abyei Region case and Independent Case and part of CPA Chapters discussed and agreed as part of post Sudan’s root causes of Sudan’s Post first and Second civil wars which addressed its longest Land dispute. This was signed at the time Post Sudanese two warrings parties of the SPLM/A under South Sudan Founder Late Dr. John Garang De mabior and the NCP under dictator Omar Al-Bashiir signed the Treaty in Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. The CPA gave the people of Abyei region the rights to Self-determination. The People of Abyei had determined their fates through a referendum in October 2013. They went for a referendum to vote. The people of Abyei let their thoughts be known, they had voted for Partisan returning back Home. In their hearts, they remain a beloved part of their motherland South Sudan. They voted in favor of returning back to South Sudan. The only problem at the time was the South Sudanese government’s silence to recognize the Abyei referendum result. Now it is their turn, we the people of South Sudan have an obligation to warmly overwhelming our brothers and sisters. We desperately want to hear our government of South Sudan to Openly say Yessssssss to the Abyei Referendum result. President Kiir has to recognize the result of that action. My clear message to our government of South Sudan is to call off the ongoing commission of atrocities and violence in Abyei Area by re-welcoming back Abyei Area so that people of Abyei Dinka can start to enjoy the lasting Peace. Being a Head of State always comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability. I hope Mr. Kiir sees it, and acts wisely this time. President Salva Kiir is called a leader because of such a remarkable moment of a demanding situation. This decision will be one of our life-time to see our brothers and sisters of Abyei cheer up in a giggling moment and celebrate their victory.

 I’m asking Mr. Salva Kiir Mayar, to me it doesn’t matter how failed your Administration is, you can still make history to do this for our brothers and sisters of Abyei. We hope that Abyei People’s suffering shouldn’t go in vain. They have seen so much worse amidst conflict and bloodshed. The only way to compensate the people of Abyei to preserve their rights and doing so will be by standing with them in Solidarity in such a tough moment. I have been campaigning and speaking on this topic of the unresolved case of Abyei area for so many years. I will be more than happy to see this matter addressed amicably and see freedom become reality. I’m appealing to all South Sudanese, the International Community (UN) and friends of Abyei to please join hands together in this. I know we can use our influences, advocacy, connection networks and voices to help stamp out violence in the Abyei region. Let’s help the South Sudan Authority bravely stand up and Yes to the Abyei referendum result. To our bravest Cabinet members, please say Yes to the Abyei Referendum result. let’s make it done once and for all. Mr. Salva Kiir Mayar, you don’t forget all the tremendous works and Contributions of which Abyei Sons and Daughters had added into the SPLM/A movement. Those comrades and colleagues who made sacrifices and fought Sudan’s Post civil wars alongside you and your Chairman, the SPLM/A leader and South Sudan founding father, Late Dr. John Garang De Mabior. Without the people of Abyei having our back, for the last 21st years, there would be no sovereign South Sudan today. Those Abyei sons and daughters who were SPLM High Ranks commanders have supported our liberation struggle since May 16, 1983 and until we achieved our independence on July 9, 2011. For Example, those of Hon. Deng Aloor Kuol, Hon. Dr. Luka Biong Deng, Gen. Ping Deng Majok and Author Francis Mading Deng. In addition to that, why can we do this as a way to honor late Ngok Dinka’s Paramount Chief Deng majok, the Assassinated Abyei Ngok Dinka’s Paramount Chief. Deng Kuol Deng by Misseriya Pastroalist criminal on May 4, 2013, people like Hon. Elder late Edward Lino and South Sudanese favorite Iconic Musician, late Nyankol Mathiang Deng and plus nearly a million fallen Abyei Dinka’s bravest sons and daughters who were merely killed on the virtual of them being Abyei inhabitants. These destructive killings and use of warfare in cold blood against Abyei Ngok Dinka in their own land began centuries ago, and it’s still tearing down Abyei people. Abyei Area is Abyei people’s ancestral Historical land. 

Furthermore, I’m campaigning for South Sudan Cabinet members to vote in favor of the Abyei People’s chosen destiny by themselves as inhabitants of the land. Let us also remember and commemorate the Abyei’s fallen sons and daughters, those fallen heros and heroines will be remembered. They made sacrifices so that the region could have peace. I feel like we owe the people of Abyei a lot, and let’s return the favor. Many Abyei who served in South Sudan and perished in the SPLM/A’s post Liberation struggles RIP. They didn’t die in vain and this South Sudan’s scheduled Cabinet meeting will restore hope and may justice prevail. Moreover, the people of Abyei and Nuba Mountains have done so many good things for us South Sudanese during those dark days. I’m wondering if there is any humanity that exists, then I think we people of South Sudan can do anything for this case to end and Abyei Region return back to its previous. The above-mentioned Communities had done more than just helped. When I was a little child growing up in Yambio and Maridi, amidst a war-torn region of Western Equatoria, in Southern Sudan under few areas controlled by the SPLM. I had witnessed how many Abyei Dinka and Nubian who served as SPLM’s foot soldiers died in defense of populations including millions of South Sudanese children throughout Sudan’s post conflict violence. They were there for us during and who stood with you in your dark days are true brothers and friends. Now it’s our turn to show them that we truly love them. If President Salva Kiir says Yes to the Abyei Referendum result, then Kiirdit’s name will go down in our lifetimes as a brave person. I mean the years of liberation struggles shouldn’t be forgotten just like that. The people of Abyei have never seen any Freedom and whom they had fully participated and fought for in the Post South Sudan-Sudan Civil wars. It’s time now for us South Sudanese to rely behind them. Please join me and let us stand with them so firmly. 

The Abyei Area is Ngok Dinka’s ancestral historic land. They deserve to be reunited back with their brothers and sisters of South Sudan. My fellow South Sudanese, let’s stand up and shoulder miith ke Abyei Dinka, let’s stand in consolidarity emotionally show our support for the people of Abyei Dinka. Let’s give them our full attention, supports. To fellow South Sudanese citizens globally, Let us all, Speak up, let’s engage the faith Community and the Church Leaders, South Sudanese Local Chiefs, the Civil society groups and individual influential leaders, South Sudanese intellectuals and Diaspora Community to join hands together with us for us to make this campaign become successful. I’m also urging our South Sudan government to give the people of Abyei a chance to celebrate this referendum result. Be informed that Minister Mayiik will be making a presentation, (South Sudan Policy on the Final Status of Abyei). The Cabinet members will be voting and I don’t know the method of voting, and if it’s going to be through showing up in the hands of Cabinet members or is it going to be done through a Ballot Box. It doesn’t matter, and whatever it’s going to be, what matters is Mr. President Kiir encouraged Cabinet members so that they could vote for Yes for the Abyei’s post referendum Result. A Yes to Abyei People partisan decision to be returned back to South Sudan is the only thing required of the South Sudan government. I hope this final attempt will end in the people of Abyei’s favor and their victory is our win. I would love to see our Abyei’s brothers and sisters free at last and cheer up in a giggling mood. 

   CONCLUSION 

To South Sudanese kindhearted and advocates, individual volunteers, please, let us all use our different networks, it could be social media or any other medium to raise more awareness on these sensitive issues. The CPA Treaty which was signed in Nairobi, Kenyan between the post Sudan’s two political warring Parties, being the SPLM/A and The NCP in 2005.  The CPA has clearly defined the resolution to the Abyei Land disputes in its protocol. In the CPA Treaty, and especially (the Abyei Protocol Chapter) , it gives the People of Ngok Dinka A Right of Self-Determination through Referendum. The Ngok Dinka of Abyei region can Choose to vote for Reinstate and go Back to their motherland South Sudan or say, they can choose to vote for unity and they remain Part of Sudan.  If you want to help, then you don’t hesitate to create your own banners and posters. Your Banner/ Poster should say: Appealing to South Sudan’s President and his Cabinet members to vote for Yessss in recognition of post Abyei People’s October 27, 29 2013 Referendum result. The Abyei Protocol’s Post Referendum exercise gave people of Abyei an Absolute right to return and reunite with their South Sudanese sisters and brothers. The only thing we require from you, please spread this message. Let all use our influences and Network. Let’s all make sure we reach out to as many people as much as we can. We need those who can make a positive impact to make this happen in our favor. 

And Let’s mobilize some of our best friends that we know can support and who can extend their voice and make a difference. Let’s continue to influence our colleagues around the globe. If you know a few South Sudanese Ministers, MPS from across different Constituencies in South Sudan, then you don’t waste time or wait to approach them and tell them the same message. I want to see this final cabinet policy Meeting on Abyei Referendum result to yield the fruits because Abyei Peace is our peace and stability. I have a pure heart and confidence. My unconditional love for you Miith Ka Abyei Dinka will help you through this. I promise you that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a beautiful and brave people. You are our own and you mean so much to us South Sudanese. In my perspective, I think pushing for Abyei ‘s Final Cabinet policy vote is a Constitutional Rights and an obligation. Please, if you come across this Article of mine, then don’t ignore it, and i’m asking you a favor, could you please share it and help take the campaign to your Social media Platforms. And you can also develop or rewrite your own post, you can publish it on your social Media wall. You can also share this campaign article in some of your inner circle groups social media platforms. You can share it too on your Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook pages, Messenger or Skype, WhatApp, Text messages and email. You can also carry out the campaign behind closed doors because Mr. Mayiik’s South Sudan’s Presentation in a Cabinet meeting is scheduled for next week. Nothing is impossible when United on Goal. May God bless the people of Abyei (Ngok Dinka). 

WHO IS HRH.YOM-KATOCH DENG BUL?

MY Name is HRH. Yom Deng Bul, I’m an influential leader and a Committed Children and Women’s Rights Activist.   I am a motivational public Speaker and a South Sudanese Human Rights Violations, Conflict Analyst who has been Researching on South Sudan War Atrocities and ongoing gross Violations of Human Rights in the Republic of South Sudan. I’m a former South Sudan Minister of Justice Director of Public Affairs, Founder & former Chief Executive Director of Achut Foundation (A.F). I’m the Founder and the former CEO of Ayual Super Power Girls “Nyan Pakou Ku Dollar” Global Association (ASPGA). I was born amid Sudan’s prolonged post Second Civil war which was fought between the SPLA/M, the political Party led by South Sudan’s Founding Father, late Dr. John Garang De Mabior and the NCP Party under dictator Omar Al Bashiir with Islamic coalitions based then in Northern Sudan then, is now Republic of Sudan.I’m currently working per Time as the Background Actress with CENTRAL CASTING BASED IN MANHATTAN, NYC, U.S.A. CO-FOUNDING MEMBER OF UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION. I had voluntarily worked as a Board member of University of Nairobi International Students Association from 2014-2017. The Former President of South Sudanese Students Association at the University of Nairobi, from (2013-2015).

 EDUCATION: In progress Master of Arts in Diplomacy. I’m Majoring in Diplomacy, International relations from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi. I was supposed to graduate on December 4th, 2019 an Academic year, but I unfortunately am not in Kenya. I was Invited over to the U.S. by Trinity College in Connecticut midst April 2018, Spring Season. I hold talks, (Speaking Engagement project) In Few Colleges, Universities and have attended numerous Human rights talks and I attended Youth Summits at the UN in Manhattan, New York City, U.S in June 2018. I had Submitted my Immigration Application to the U.S government and approved. I got my papers and became part of the New Yorkers community and I’m so thankful to the U.S government for considering my protection and safety. I’m counting my blessings.  I Holds a Postgraduate Diploma, an Equivalent to (Associate Master Degree). It’s an Associate Master of Arts in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies. It majored in Human Rights Laws, International Relations, Conflict and Peace Studies, it’s from the Department of History and Archeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi (U.O.N). My Third Degrees, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations, Majored in International Laws, International Security, Evolution of Modern History & Diplomacy, Mass Media and Communication, International Environmental protection and Humanitarians and Human rights laws from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, all are from the University of Nairobi. 

SOUTH SUDAN EMBASSY IN KENYA: I had worked with South Sudan Mission in Kenya. This Internship gave me an idea on how International relations can shape both the domestic policies of member States and the International system. In every state interaction, I understood very well how diplomatic relationships contribute to the operation of the Sub Regional, International political setting Organizations. I was luckiest to get the opportunity and know how they negatively impact the UN and its settings. I was able to put the skills and the knowledge I acquired to use toward an enhanced perspective into the field. In 2009, In my position of former Director of Public Affairs. I had Served in the Ministry of Justice, known as the former Legal Affairs Constitutional Development, as Director Public Affairs. This broadened my skills because I work as the bridge between ministry and her Partners Ministries. A few years down the line, I had wished to stay and continue to help in the Nation Building operation in South Sudan, but I was forced out of the country because pressure became harder. 

NORWEGIAN PEOPLE’s AID (NPA): My first Job in 2006 was mainly in the remote area of Duk Chut, in my Hometown of Wangulei, my ancestral parental Home and an inhabitant of Ayual-mathondit, Twic East County in Jonglei State, South Sudan with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). I was hired ate the age–16 -year, a teenager as Deputy Finance. I was promoted in three months as Outreach Agent and Community Peace Mobilizer Officer, I had enjoyed interaction with farmers. I served the communities from different tribes across South Sudan. The stakeholders were Famers, Communities leaders, women and Youth programs that used an artistic approach to address body progression and seasonal changes, where women and the youth acquired modern Agricultural skills in farming. I made awareness of the importance of food Security, good nutrition to address issues of Chronic poverty, Starvation and Health disease. I made an impact on HIV/AIDS awareness and reduced the stigmas stage around HIV/AIDS victims and bullying it came with when tested positive of the virus. I carried out and made Education awareness for children while using my own personal influence of my own life story to motivate parents using my education as a tool. I had trained thousands of community leaders in 11 Counties in Jonglei plus under my leadership skills and knowledge. This was evidence of the importance of girls’ children’s education. This boosted up enrollment of the Girls children population in Twic East and many States in South Sudan around 2006-2013 and beyond. This awareness had bridged the gaps of an inequality between boys’ and girls’ children enrolment in primary and Secondaries schools in a remote area of South Sudan. 

SOUTH SUDAN MINES ACTIONS AUTHORITY COMMISSION:  In 2006-2009, I was appointed as a Director of Administration and Finance with South Sudan’s Mines Action Authority/Commission (SSMAA) in Juba, South Sudan. The Commission was tasked by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed by Sudan warring parties in 2005 to deal with the extraction of the Land Mines. 

The author of this article, HRH Yom Deng-Katoch Bul is a writer, researcher and a South Sudanese Human and Political Rights Activist. She is currently based in Manhattan, New York, U.S.A and can be reached through email at yombul2015@gmail.com

The statements, comments, or opinions published by Nyamilepedia are solely those of their respective authors, which do not necessarily represent the views held by the moderators of Nyamilepedia. The veracity of any claims made are the responsibility of the writer(s), and not the staff and the management of Nyamilepedia.

Nyamilepdeia reserves the right to moderate, publish or delete a post without warning or consultation with the author(s). To publish your article, contact our editorial team at nyamilepedia@gmail.com or info@nyamile.com.