Friday 21st January - Monday 24th January 2011
January 9th should have marked a day of celebration for all Southern Sudanese as an opportunity to finally participate in their very own self-determination referendum, an exercise that had been agreed in the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972. However, not all of Sudan was jubilant on the day. In the turbulent region of Abyei, between the 7th and the 9th of February, opposing groups of the nomadic Misseriya and Dinka Ngok clashed. The clashes were bloody resulting in the deaths of more than 30 people
Upon hearing the news of renewed violence, a provincial delegation headed by Archbishop Daniel Deng, travelled to Abyei to investigate the claims. The visit was a show of solidarity, an assessment of the needs of the people on the ground, many of whom had recently returned to Abyei after many years of life in northern Sudan, and an opportunity for the Episcopal Church of the Sudan to continue its advocacy efforts on behalf of the people of the Sudan.
Short background of the church in Abyei Town and Agok
The original mission was supported by the young pastors sent by Archbishop Daniel who was then, Bishop of Kongor based in Khartoum. They began concentrating mission efforts there in 1992. Formerly under the diocese of Wau, Abyei was moved under the direct supervision of the Archbishop after the 2008 clashes in which Abyei was razed to the ground. Abyei is now administered by the Bishop of Aweil, Rt Rev. Abraham Yel Nhial. There are four pastors in Agok and the pastor in charge is Rev. Nathaniel Maral. There are five pastors in Abyei Town. Other churches in the area, namely the Catholic and the Presbyterian, work together with the ECS in the Inter Church-Committee.
Arrival - Friday 21st January
The Archbishop is greeted by the Mothers’ Union upon arrival children from the local school), the Mothers’ Union, local pastors and other interested spectators. The delegation were then led on foot to the local ECS church, a short distance from the airstrip and located on the same compound as the ECS basic school. In the church, Archbishop Daniel explained his and the accompanying delegation’s mission. Through words of encouragement he reassured those who had gathered that, “The whole world is supporting you” and that they “should not feel left alone” because the rest of southern Sudan had voted in the referendum and they have not yet had their opportunity. The church service was short; a brief opportunity for His Grace to
bless those who had gathered. Outside in the school yard, the staff and students were keen to share information on their
situation. Amongst the many interesting things the delegation learned was that 1227 students attend the school with only 15
teachers to teach them averaging to approximately 80 students per teacher. Most of the children are taught under trees as there are only 4 classrooms. The school teaches primary level education. However, most of the students are returnee children used to all-Arabic schooling. Though older than primary school age, many have had to join younger classes due to lack of English. The few pastors on the ground, about 4 in total, have mobilised themselves to conduct pastoral The delegation left Juba at approximately 9am. His Grace, along with the provincial delegation made representatives from Education, SUDRA, the Finance department, support staff and the Director for the Sudan Council of Churches’ Development and Relief Wing, travelled together on a Mission Aviation Fellowship charter to the SPLM-controlled area of Agok, the nearest accessible airstrip to Abyei town. They arrived at 11.30am to be met by a singing crowd of children dressed in vibrant yellow and brown uniforms (the delegation would later learn they were up of ECS.
Internally Displace People (IPD) Settlements - Saturday 22nd January
The IDP settlements have, at a time, accommodated most of the 26,000 people who have travelled from different parts of northern Sudan to Abyei. There is little variation from camp to camp; conditions are cramped and unsanitary. The demographic trend is towards a younger population with most individuals in the camp under the age of 15. Many conclusions can be drawn from these observations. Firstly, illness and pressure on social services are the most plain deductions one can make. Also, the comparatively low number of adults, particularly men, coupled with the lack of schools in the area for children suggests that community development such as construction of accommodation may be slower to evolve, particularly as many of the women at the different camps were occupied with the care of young children or other dependents. One can infer from the noticeable number of single parent families combined with the dearth of children’s social services that community development will be
difficult unless local government and support agencies do not do a lot more to assist. Most families have some form of shelter but the delegation were surprised to see large numbers of people without protective sheeting and only tree trunks and personal belongings as protection from wind, dust and rain.
One of the interviewed returnees playing with her child at Miajak camp Food Programme have been the lead agency responsible for emergency food supplies and have distributed three month rations of sorghum, oil and lentils. The delegation discovered through interviews, however, that this would not be enough. There were no visible latrines in sight in any of the camps the delegation visited. Rather, young children could be seen defecating on paths and amongst crowds of people. Two women, one 28 years old, the other 30, spoke of how their lives now contrast so starkly to their lives in Khartoum. One of the women said, “In Khartoum we lived in houses. I worked in a powder soap factory. We have come here by [Government of Southern Sudan] assistance and we have been given land which is ours permanently but people in other places have not been given land officially. It will take time to adjust to this situation.” The woman speaking, surrounded by children as she was talking and preparing the breakfast, is certainly a typical example of a young female returnee. However, her hope and conviction in the grace of God was striking. “Even if there was no NCP, if there was no sharia’a law in the North, we would not return. We have had enough. All things are brought by God and this is our place. We shall remain here.”
In Rumamier Payam, there were many children Archbishop Daniel greeted who expressed their discontent to him at not being able to attend school. Nyanpieu is supposed to sit for class eight examinations but due to her displacement her family are unable to put her in a school. Other children like Malot, 16 years old, have been able to enrol in school and continue with their education. As the example in Agok proved, even if one is fortunate enough to continue with school education, the level and quality of learning can be severely affected by large class sizes and limited understanding of English.
Madut Manyel, is the Information Officer for Rumamier Payam. He explained that the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) is responsible for registering returnees when they arrive. However, the commission is able to do little about the increasing health and sanitation problems in returnee settlements as such large numbers of people arrive. “Some people queue at the borehole. Others do not like to wait there because the queue is long so they drink from the river. Bilharzia and diarrhoea are a problem here,” he said. He spoke passionately about the role of the international community in Abyei saying, “Through Naivasha, people were able to return to Abyei and the USA helped a lot then. Barack Obama must finish the job. It will take at least 10 years for us to develop ourselves but we will do it. The international community must not forget us. They need to channel resources, provide scholarships in their countries, train people.” On the role of the church he said, “The church should work for development and security" and increase the number of missionaries and pastors to our area.” As a representative of the local government and a Rumamier resident, his view on what Abyei needed and his belief in the determination of the local people could not have been more sincere. Whilst he is correct to think that the establishment of social services such as efficient schools and hospitals, and the expansion of commercial agriculture, road construction, and other manifestations of social development may not be seen for many years, there is much that can be done to help now. By meeting the basic needs of desperate returnees through access to affordable or free healthcare, an increase in the number of latrines and safe water points, work-for-food schemes, and other such initiatives that are already operational in the Sudan, the determination that Madut talks about and which is discernible in the hearts of the two women interviewed in Miajok camp will survive, if not flourish.
Community spirit
The community bridge at Maker Abior 7
Nowhere was community spirit greater witnessed than at the villages of Maker Abior and Rumamier. During the fighting between the Dinka Ngok and the Misseriya on January 8 and 9, some of the local residents of Maker Abior began work on a bridge. It was thought that the bridge, once finished, would link one bank of the river to the other to allow the local residents to defend themselves against attack more quickly. Men, women and children alike were all involved in the construction of this bridge. Initially, the project had been contracted to a Chinese firm. However, upon realising the rising insecurity in the area, the contractor left abruptly, leaving behind an incomplete job and some building materials. The community were prompted to finish the construction after having to physically carry two pick-up trucks with mounted machine guns across the river, this being the only way to get them from one bank to the other. By the time Archbishop Daniel and the rest of the delegation arrived to greet them, the community had made steady progress, so much so that the delegation were able to cross the bridge. In a show of solidarity, His Grace and Bishop Abraham assisted with some of the digging, prayed with the people they found there and heard a short briefing from the local chief, Kuol Deng Kual, who had received them. In Rumamier, the local community now have a vegetable garden in which to practice cultivation and eventually feed themselves. The community are currently growing kudra, eggplant, lentils, and bananas. According to Madut Manyel, the crops will be ready for harvesting in five months. The garden is quite small but it is an important symbol to those who have just arrived that the land can be a vital source of food and potential income if utilised correctly.
Sunday morning at a local ECS Church - 23rd January
The congregation greeting one another outside after the serviceArchbishop Daniel had another opportunity to address the Christians of Abyei, this time in one of the new churches within the town, a relatively small church which stands on the site of the former cathedral destroyed during the war. His message was inspired by Nehemiah 4:1-13. He began by greeting those who had gathered. Following this, His Grace briefed the congregation on the meetings he had had over the last 2 days. Nehemiah, who in the face of insults and potential attack was tasked to direct the construction of the wall around Jerusalem is very much a biblical character with whom the people of Abyei can relate. His Grace stressed the need for them to stand firm in a land that was theirs “from time immemorial” even in the midst of threats of violence and forced seizure of land. “Land is God-given” and if one claims to be from Abyei, “you should understand that this is your land.”
He also spoke of his relationship with the people of Abyei with special mention given to Mama Angelina and Rev. Zacharia Dau. Rev. Zacharia was part of the first mission team that settled in Abyei in 1992. He then left for studies in theology at Bishop Gwynne College and later assisted in the service of the Dinka Congregation at All Saints Cathedral Khartoum for 3 years. He returned to Abyei in 1998. In his time there he has witnessed the many problems residents of Abyei Town have had to endure. Back in 2003, Archbishop Daniel rushed to Abyei after hearing that Mama Angelina had been given 100 lashes and imprisoned along with Rev. Zacharia for their attempt to protect a group of young girls whom some soldiers were trying to kidnap and rape. In the barracks where they were held, they were accused of supporting the rebel forces and ordered to close ECS churches in Abyei. Archbishop Daniel met with security leaders and ‘talking seriously with them’ concerning Rev Zacharia and Mama Angelina’s case and eventually they, along with others who had been arrested with them, were released. Rev. Zacharia speaks highly of Archbishop Daniel whose courage that day, he says, resulted in them escaping death. Archbishop Daniel also took the opportunity to praise Mama Angelina and Rev. Zacharia for being witnesses to the power of God and committed to faith in Jesus Christ.
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After the service, Bishop Abraham led a group to a bus depot within the town. There were hundreds if not thousands of people congregating around buses and lorries but the Bishop and the team were in search of someone in particular, namely Baby Emmanuel Garang. Emmanuel and his family had been travelling by bus from Gabara near Khartoum to their place of origin, Aweil. According to eye-witnesses, his mother had been murdered by soldiers because she had refused to give up her baby upon request. The soldiers had already confiscated her mobile phone but the altercation over the handing over of the baby resulted in a violent attack, some saying she was stabbed in the neck, others saying she was beheaded. Baby Emmanuel’s handicapped father, was also beaten at the scene and is now recovering in hospital in Kadugli. Baby Emmanuel is currently being cared for by relatives of his mother who are nursing their own children and have very limited resources for additional children. Frankly, the future looks particularly bleak for Baby Emmanuel now, especially as he is left without a mother. Eyewitnesses who told their accounts of the killing were visibly traumatised by the events they were describing. A young boy by name of Garang spoke of a police officer who had also witnessed the attack but who ‘did not want to do anything to help us.’ These returnees’ initial problems arose when their caravan of cars was ambushed by Misseriya armed with automatic weapons and knives. They had left Gabara as a group of 30 vehicles but only 3 vehicles made the journey to Abyei Town. They were held in Nyama for 16 days and eventually released. However, according to Garang twenty-eight buses were looted. Inspection of some of the buses and confirmation from a Darfuri bus driver by name of Mohammed, confirmed that extensive looting had taken place by Misseriya hiding in the forest, and that many people had arrived with very few of their belongings. Bishop Abraham’s words summed up the emotions of those at the bus depot that day: “We have been fighting all this time for the next generation of southern Sudanese. This here (pointing at Baby Emmanuel) is the identity of the Southern Sudanese. We are proud of him and we are going to do what we can to support him.”
Emergency Training Workshop and departure - Monday 24th January
The final day of Archbishop Daniel’s official visit began with the opening of an Emergency Preparedness workshop for the pastors within Abyei. Dr Kediende Mapuor Akec, Director of the SCC Relief and Development Wing (ERRADA), was to lead the five-day training. The training would focus on how to plan for and act in various emergency situations, vital training for people on the ground such as pastors who are looked to as community leaders. Archbishop Daniel’s message challenged those who had had gathered to take the training seriously because the fate of people within Abyei rested in the hands of people like them and their plans in the event of emergency or disaster. There were 12 participants in total present on the first day. Also present was Dr Seth Kumi, Team Leader for UNMIS Civil Affairs Unit within Sector 6. His attendance was the fulfillment of the commitment he had made the previous day when Archbishop Daniel, Bishop Abraham, Dr Kediende, and ECS support staff met Dr Kumi and Guang Cong, Head of Office, on the UNMIS compound for a security briefing the previous day. The ECS sincerely hopes this will be the start of a good working relationship between the Church in Sudan and the United Nations Agencies in the Abyei area.
1) Abyei’s ECS Basic School
The delegation in a classroom of ECS Basic School Abyei
The ECS school in Abyei Town, the first school in the area, is a relatively new structure having been finished in 2007. It suffered vandalism during the severe fighting of 2008 when windows and doors were stolen off their hinges. The school is already too small and local staff are in desperately appealing for additional classroom blocks and a chapel. Additionally, the school administration feel their teachers could very much benefit from In-Service Training. ECS Education are appealing directly for financial support for the construction requests. If you are able to support or would like to know more about supporting Education in the Sudan contact the Education Coordinator, Rev. Emmanuel Lomoro at ecs.education.sudan@gmail.com
2) Baby Emmanuel Garang
Some paragraphs above give a description of how Baby Emmanuel is currently surviving and his expected future as a young infant without a mother, and a disabled father as his closest kin. The ECS Provincial Office will be receiving funds on behalf of Bishop Abraham who endeavours to continue supporting the child and those currently taking care of him. Please consider giving generously in order that Baby Emmanuel has some fighting chance at living to adulthood. To make a contribution, contact ECS finance at finance@sudan.anglican.org
3) Recreational equipment and learning resources for returnee children and support equipment for youth leaders
One striking feature of the returnee camps is the number of children with very little positive stimulation for learning.. The ECS is appealing for sports equipment such as footballs and basketballs, children’s hymn books, drawing and writing materials and financial assistance for the purchase of Dinka language education books, plastic sheeting for makeshift learning shelters in harsh weather conditions, general school stationery and motorbikes for pastors who will arrange youth activities in the different camps. Two pastors have already been charged with this responsibility. However, the 6 IDP camps in Abyei Administrative Zone cover an area of many square miles. Therefore, two motorbikes will be of much use to them. Please contact Bishop Abraham Yel Nhial should you like to support this youth project at bishop@aweil.anglican.org
4) Emergency relief assistance
Basic health and sanitation in the camps the delegation visited were extremely low. With very little access to fresh water and inadequate shelter there is a fear that a health epidemic is imminent. Additionally, it is unclear how returnees without jobs or alternative sources of income will survive once food rations stop in less than three months time. As there is also no alternative accommodation to the camps for the vast majority of returnee families, there is an immediate need to support IDPs with adequate shelters, mosquito nets, food supplies and access to clean water before the rainy season begins. To support these causes please contact the Emergency Preparedness Officer, Mr Benjamin Sindan at bsindan@yahoo.com
5) Tools for agricultural development
Much of the land around the town of Abyei remains unfarmed because of lack of tools and machinery. There is a desperate need for agriculture tools and training in the diocese on agriculture techniques. Please contact the Agriculture Department through Miss Robin Denney on redenney@gmail.com if you would like to support an agriculture initiative in the area.
(RAC)
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