By Simon El hag Kulusika
![SPLM/SPLA founder Dr. John Garang speaks to the media in Nairobi, Kenya Thursday, Jan.16, 2003. [Photo by Khalil Senosi/AP]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/garang2.jpg?resize=850%2C580&ssl=1)
This article does not comment on the documentary, which has raised serveral compelling questions. Questions that have remained unanswered. As was the case of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in Dallas, Texas, USA.
The reader may try to construct questions on the killing of de Mabior, based on the contents of the documentary. At least 17 questions could be raised, that might throw light on the Riddle of the death of de Mabior in the reported Helicopter incident. The questions would be difficult and begging inlusive answers.
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OF DE MABIOR
Dr. John Garang de Mabior (this writer met him and had a long and liberal discussion on the movement) did not found his liberation movement on specific political ideology, eg, communism, socialism, Pan Africanism, Islamism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Capitalism, or liberalism, and so on. However, from his speeches, military statements and what was written about him; three recurring ideological themes and trends could be traced. That is Communist, Socialist, and Pan Africanist inclinations. But his emphasis would appear to be greater on Socialism. Which some political thinkers considered to be a cover – up for Communism.
Such political maneuvers were used in conjunction with his calls for the
establishment of “New Sudan”. Calls that defused fears regarding communism, socialism and separatism. They earned him some popularity in northern Sudan (NS) and reserved support amongst the intellectuals of southern Sudan (SS), especially in “Greater Equatoria”.
The indifference amongst Equatorians induced many of them to sit on the fence. Rather than join SPLA/M. As a result, their participation in the activities of SPLA/M was as one Equatorian Professor described it “dismal”. Hence, they were not given equal, or fair shares of the spoils of war. This may continue. Despite protestations from Equatoria. Unless new formular for participation in all activities of governance is invented.
“NEW SUDAN”
It has not been clarified whether the “New Sudan” was a political ideology, a strategy, or merely a propaganda tool used to galvanize support far and wide. To ensure ascendancy to leadership for the entire “New Sudan”. During negotiations leading to the conclusion of CPA, and after, the term “New Sudan” disappeared. It was replaced by a dubious phrase, If NS wanted one Sudan, “they must do something” that would persuade SS that togetherness was better. It was the last attempt by de Mabior and his advisor Dr. M. Khalid to rescue a sinking boat. But this didn’t find support within a divided National Congress Party (NCP) led by Marshall O. H. A. Al Basher.
As for CPA, it was comprehensive. Because all armed groups, in SS, that emergered after the foiled Coup, joined in as one SPLA/M, in talks with Khartoum Government. It was disappointing to groups in Abyei (its case was complicated by the Arbitral Award in favour to NS), Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile. They were left out in the cold; so to speak.
Meanwhile, a book on SS and right to self – determination and establishment of New Sovereign State, was published by S.E. Kulusika. It came out to push for self – determination. It was read widely by SS, especially members of the first transitional national assembly in Juba. It was priced at $ 10, but the author has not received anything in return. Most important was that it acted as impetus for Freedom; the people of SS are experiencing, nowadays.
Sadly, de Mabior did not live longer enough to pursue his dreams of the “New Sudan” and used it, to make the people of SS, to go to a referadum, to confirm it. Rather than opting for Separation, as they have done. Creating a New Sovereign State: SS (as it’s called, for the time being).
PANACEA OR RISK
For many politico – military commanders within SPLA/M, de Mabior’s calls for “New Sudan”, was seen as a Panacea for the problems Sudan was facing at the time, the calls were made (by de Mabior). There also were groups of commanders in SPLA/M, who held secretly, the views that the calls for “New Sudan”, posed real risk to the existence of SPLA/M, as unified armed forces and movement. That it would create enemies for SPLA/M leadership in NS While in SS, SPLA/M would be perceived as armed forces and movement that have betrayed the people of SS. In both cases the calls for “New Sudan”, aroused opposition to de Mabior in NS, and SS for different reasons.
THE DIFFERENCES
In NS, the Sectarian political leaders (eg, of Umma, DUP and others), the liberals and the Muslim Brotherhood feared the concept of “New Sudan” and opposed it. The talks between DUP and SPLM was no more than a window dressing affairs. Intended by DUP to hit at Umma Party, which has defeated DUP in all elections held since independence.
The “New Sudan” was welcome by the Sudan Communist Party, as a channel to its redemption. After their near fall from Sudan’s politics in the wake of violent conflict with Nimeiri. One of them, a diplomat, said to this writer, “we would like de Mabior to rule Sudan, so that we can judge whether, or not, a Junubi can be a ruler over Arabs.” Another NS, an Ambassador, reacted to a reference to “New Sudan”, by shouting, in the presence of other ambassadors, “what liberation?”, ” What ‘New Sudan’?” He was furious.
Generally, NS did not want de Mabior, because a Junubi could not rule them.
In SS de Mabior’s popularity was questionable. Those who could be called die – hard disciples and followers were very few. Even his own Dinka did not show total loyalty to him. One Dinka told this writer that “the Dinka do not recognize de Mabior as leader. They have not chosen him. But that as a military leader they will stand with him until someone else is found.” He said a lot, which decency forbids to be disclosed.
As for other persons in SS the idea of “New Sudan” was to be rejected ‘without much ado’. Again it shows that de Mabior was never adored by majority of people of SS. Very disappointing, indeed.
THE “ENDS” OF JOHN GARANG DE MABIOR:
The preceding brief discussion leads one to make some preliminary conclusion:
- With the exception of Communists and their allies the Socialists, no one in NS liked de Mabior. Some would even like to see that he was removed from the political scene by all available means, including the use of Witchcrafts, or offensive weapons. Could one attribute the incident of the Helicopter to such under – hand methods? Only the Iblis can tell the reader. If the Iblis so wishes.
- In SS, de Mabior commanded respect within certain circles in SPLA/M. Outside those circles, de Mabior’s acceptability was shrinking alarmingly. The attempt on his life in Nairobi. The attempted coup against him, plotted by Dr. R. Machar, Dr. L. Akol and others were sign – posts of rejections. Does this mean that anyone of those groups could be held responsible for the incident of the Helicopter, on that fateful day?
- On the international plane, the idea of “New Sudan” was saleable in China, Russia, Cuba, Italy, India, Ghana, South Africa (ANC), Angola, Mozanbigue, Zambia (one of the Presidents welcome de Mabior on Red Carpet), and the Scandinavian countries. Elsewhere, it had no place. The rejectionist countries might have prayed day and night that de Mabior should go. So that their Capitalists, through conditional investments, would become the masters of the new country: SS. Are they suspects in the killing of de Mabior?
Your conclusion would be fear killed de Mabior. It’s irrelevant who caused the incident of the Helicopter, killing all on board including de Mabior. What sad and covert “Ends”.
BENEFICIARIES OF DE MABIOR’S DEATH
Al Jazera’s documentary throws to you, a politic sentence: “maen Almustafeed min Wafateehi”. A quick response would be “we don’t know”.
If international syndicates were suspects, they came and have since run away, fearing loss of their conditional investments.
If the NS were suspects, they have earned loss of 1/3 of Sudan, they called Dar Al Harbb. Where Jihad is a duty to covert Al Kuffar into Islam.
If the SS were accused, they have got a land that is ungovernable. People’s hope lapses. Because fighting is raging in some parts of SS. Economy is morbid; mostly, controlled by foreign investors. Consumer Price Index (CPI) is distorted due to Inflations. Unemployment is deepening. Poverty is widespread. Independence euphoria has fled, through the small windows, with the west winds.
No, no one is a beneficiary of the death of de Mabior. Perhaps those who plotted the incident of the Helicopter. De Mabior death has brought more miseries than happiness to people of SS.
Demands of Leadership:
DISCIPLINE
SPLA/M was/is a military/political organization. In military, chain of commands is critical for the survival and success of a military establishment. It has one strategy, one discipline, one goal : to defeat an enemy, and one command – for which second thought was punished severally, including firing squad. Those were what SPLA/M was used to and employed by de Mabior with vigour. They gave him the confidence that he was a political leader and Commander – in – Chief, in charge and total control.
CONSPIRACY
He also was aware that there were persons who, as he said it to this writer, “wanted to cruxify me alive.” That is what every person who is vying for leadership should expect. Because some persons would like to assume leadership the easy way, such as, plotting to kill the incumbent, or staging a bloody coup d’etat. Even though they do not possess the qualities, and credentials of leadership.
De Mabior has left us. But the fruits of his struggle are being, somehow, enjoyed by all the people of SS. Including those that had managed to get rid of him by violent means. Have they become disgracefully the beneficiaries of the death of de Mabior?
SUCCESSORS
It’s now for the successors of de Mabior, to accomplish what he had wanted to realize. To do so, they will have to wage war in varying fronts. That is what leaders have to do. Bearing in mind that leadership is a difficult and risky undertaking. Those who assumed it should be praised for their bravery and willingness to serve humanity.
That is true. Every one of you wants to be a master, or a leader. But when you get there, whether legitimately, or by hooks – and – crookks, you suddenly develop a cold feet. Because you are face to face with the reality of being master, or leader. You realize in a flash of light that you are in a world suffused by “Cares, Crosses” and intrigues, rendering your tasks exceedingly difficult
EPILOGUE
Let us offer thanksgivings to Gen. Dr. J. G. de Mabior for his sacrifices that have contributed to making SS what it’s today. Elites with big bellies. Commoners with collapsed cheeks. But, better than nothing. Things soon will get better. President Kiir, Dr. Machar, Dr. Lam, Gen Shwaka, Gen Malong, and other leaders, and their teams are working day and night, to ensure three meals per day return to all households across SS. Leadership is about constructive actions. God, Almighty shall protect our Citizens.
The author is a professor of Law at Zambia Open University. Reach him via: simonkulusika@gmail.com.
The views expressed in the ‘OPINIONS & ANALYSIS’ section of Sudans Post are solely the opinions of the writers. The veracity of any claims made are the responsibility of the author not this website. If you want to submit an opinion piece or an analysis please email us here.
Who is John Garang De Mabior?
Garang was a military strategist and agro-economist who muted in later years into great thinker out of long war experience against powerful Sudanese State.
Garang as the leader
Garang was a socialist in thoughts and not communist as he believed in the uplifting of the ordinary citizens through a government that delivers services. Which is why he came up with a phrase closer to the hearts of the ordinary citizens+ taking towns to the people. Though he could govern with an iron fist indicated by the way he led guerilla SPLM/A as dictator.
Garang’s internal and extern enemies
Garang in his own words was diametrically opposed to intellectuals he didn’t control, while endeared to those he could and shower them with high ranks like Arok Thon Arok, Riek Machar, Lam Akol and Martin Manyiel. He was fond of those with ability to practically accomplish missions with which he entrusted them irrespective of ethnicity and religion. Not however ignoring his adoring love for members of his greater Dinka Bor clan he sent to schools abroad, while assigning the rest to lucrative foreign missions and administrative responsibilities in liberated areas away from the firing lines. Nonetheless, comparing Garang with his colleagues he left behind, Garang is better than them.
And why?
One, Garang could have built South Sudanese because he was visionary and focused.
Two, Garang would endear himself with the ordinary citizens to sideline declared and potential rivals
Three, Garang wouldn’t have allowed corruption to be perpetuated by others than himself. Because Garang would know billions stollen by his colleagues in government could later be used to remove him from power.
Four, Garang could eliminate senior members of SPLM either politically or physically to stifle competition.
Garang’s ashilheels
One, Garang would contest for president of Sudan in 2010 mid-term election.
Two, Garang could likely win and dismantle referendum crusade in the South.
Three, if he failed to win, there could have been post-election conflict and unilaterally declare Southern Sudan independence.
Who killed Garang?
Two possibilities are highly likely.
One, Garang could be victim of oil contracts he stayed with Chinese instead of cancelling them in favor of the West.
Two, Garang could be a victim of East African regional power struggle as he showed himself as too strong future leader to be manipulated and Salva Kiir Mayardit as a weak link immensely benefited from the plot, but not the likely architect.
Those interesting historical narrative, however we the people of south Sudan are hopping for new economic development policies set in place,decentalisation, and unity in diversity as a foundation for prosperity. Only and only if education is given apriority.
The continuous pain within the Sudanese nations
January 1/2023
Historical Summary of the past Sudan:
Dear Sudanese nations in diaspora and inside the two nations! Teach me your ears and eyes, a wise and conscious person of God cannot keep silent when his people are bleeding daily. Sudanese people are made in the image of God, read Genesis chapter 2 when our first parents Adam and Eve were made. This means, we are the picture of God on earth. Let me first draw a basket of imagination to brainstorm your minds. 1)How long will we be refugees? 2)How long shall we be called “internally displaced people” (IDPS) 3) how long shall we suffer under brutal non visionary leaders within our rich Godly lands without salaries? 4) How long shall we live without God our maker/father? 5 how long shall we live without regular schools, hospitals, public buses on tarmacs, railways, and mechanized agriculture? 6) How long shall our children from the ages of 3 to 35 live without A B C D? 7) how long shall we live without modern roads with permanent bridges, flyovers, and national buses connecting states, counties and villages? 8) How long shall we stand with foreign crutches like IGAD, AU, UN or UNIMSS and, Arab League? 9) How long shall we be spiritually blind, ignorant of God our maker? 10) When shall we be free and enjoy our independence in our Godly given lands? 11)When will the Sudanese stop killing their Sudanese people? 12) How can Sudanese stop Isaiah 18 which says “God will punish the Sudan”? 13) what are the Sudanese names in history? Cush in Hebrews, read Genesis chapter 10:6 titled “the table of nations.” Ethiopia in Greek, dated back to the time of Alexander the Great who conquered Middle east and north Africa in 320 BC, Sudan in Arabic means black, dated back to 1200 AD when Arabs defeated “Cush Christian kingdom” within their capital of Merowe. It was queen Candace (kandaka) and the Ethiopian Eunuch who started Churches in Mamlakat Makura within Dongola and Alodai around Ingesina areas back in 64 AD, read Acts chapter 8:26-42.
prophet Moses, the first man to write the Bible, married A Sudanese lady called “Tharbish” read Numbers chapter12, he ruled Cush or Sudan today for 40 years under Egyptian empire/dynasty. Tharbish and Thorbush are Darfur names “Tharbish” for ladies and “Thorbush” for men. This means Moses married a Darfuri lady, that is why Israelis love Darfur people, because their eyes got open slightly in 2004 when they rebelled against Khartoum regime. Israelis support them, even today, it is printed in their blood since 1200 BC.
Sudanese citizens become herbivores or grass eaters’ animals, but they are eaten by carnivores daily because citizens are like buffaloes, giraffes etc. crashed daily by the lions, leopards, bears, crocodiles, hyenas, bears, foxes. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers, which means when dictators fight, the citizens suffer. This is what Jesus said to the women who were crying when he was taken to the Cross. “Dear women! don’t cry about me, cry for yourselves and your children” read Luke 23:27-31. December 23/2022, I saw Congolese rebels M23 chasing hopeless villagers, girls and boys crying without any rescue, the same thing within the Sudanese nations today, I don’t want to explain, you see daily. The messianic prophecies are fulfilled daily. The carnivores/brutal dictators could not allow herbivores/citizens to graze peacefully in their Godly given lands. I see lions climb over buffaloes, and giraffes, warthogs, gazelles’ every day, this is what dictators are doing to Sudanese within the two nations, we cannot benefit from our Godly given minerals like oil, gold, uranium, vegetables wildlife, fishery, maize, poultry, lubia or beans. We don’t have space for freedom of expression. Predators/dictators overpowered the prey or citizens. God assigned Church leaders, journalists and police in Ezekiel 33 and 34 to watch the national leaders and warn them not to mistreat, marginalize or leave citizens without their salaries for their daily bread, as Jesus said in Matthew 6:6-15, when he taught people how to communicate with God their maker, “people should say “God! forgive us and give us our daily bread,” If God knew that there is no food within the Sudanese lands, he would have not made new babies. The three group church leaders, journalists and police are the national pillars for the citizens. Sudanese leaders hate these three groups who represent Godly children, they starve the citizens to death. People in both nations cannot protest and gain something, in South Sudan, the brutal leaders say no protest because they don’t have false bullets. This means killing people who have no salaries for 12 months to feed their families and relatives. They must die of hunger. They say, “I don’t care about leadership.”
Dear Sudanese people in diaspora and inside the two nations! wake up and cry in the name of the living God for your rights, God will answer our prayers. Pastor John Haggai quoted one of the past British leaders who said “You cannot negotiate with the lion when your hands are in its mouth” Sudanese citizens have been trying many times to remove these lions for 66 years since the British left the country 1956 to this day January 1/2023. you cannot push military forces away with your light words. You need to involve God and the international community like UN. All human nations are made in the image of our Biblical God and God can use them to solve national problems, nobody is an island as my book “we are not an island in the Sudan” says. Carnivores will never spare herbivores or powerless citizens. Sudanese leaders in both nations are busy killing their own citizens, such brutal leaders should not be welcome in UN, these nations should not be welcomed in the UN because they are not yet independent. The world leaders said more than 8 million South Sudanese and the same number in Sudan, are food insecure this year 2023.
The Sudanese peace of 2005 expired in 2011.
Today January 1/2023, I asked a Sudanese congregation in Denver, Colorado this question I quote “what can happen to you if your driver license expired, Will you still drive the car on public roads? Some say yes but illegally where there are no police or CIDs. You will be caught and arrested and not allowed to appear in public places or show cars that have no number plate in any station. This is what I mean, the Sudanese peace of 2005 expired in 2011, Sudanese nations went back to war, killing themselves every day in both nations, can you welcome criminals to your wedding party or UN meetings?
foreign donations:
Many people know that the troika and western nations send billions of dollars for the hungry people in Northern Sudan and Southern Sudan, the donors don’t know that there are two types of fishermen on the way, the space fishermen and ground fishermen. The space fishermen follow these billions of dollars from the west to spots where that billions of dollars fall within the third world nations, then take 70% back to the western secret pockets, the ground fishermen get 25% and their close relatives will take 25% from their ruling class. So, 90% of the marginalized tribes failed to get anything, they will continue looting NGOs and raid cattle.
The minerals and other national assets.
The oil of South Sudan is refined in Port Sudan, “port Sudan” means “black port” our color. Khartoum take 50% and the rest shipped through Mombasa, Kenya takes 20% and continued through Uganda then Uganda takes 15% only 15% reaches Juba, that is why our people have no salaries, but they have to loot NGOs conduct cattle raids, some form rebel groups, some switch from one faction or party to other faction or party, and back forth and those inside take a lion share of the 15% unfortunately all of these groups are poor, no food, no option, finally people decided to be IDPs and flee to exile as refugees in Kakuma, Uganda Buwyale, Egypt, USA, Europe, Australia etc. Sudanese become a burden to international communities. What did we do? We killed three million Sudanese in the first civil wars of 17 years, from 1955-1972, we killed 3 million Sudanese in 22 years from 1983-2005. How many more do you want to kill? The idea of saying let us use the port of Djibouti is an illusion. How long can you crack the Ethiopian highlands to reach the port of Djibouti? This will take fifty years and destroy millions of people or manpower, why not use the port of Sudan, since “port Sudan” means we are the blacks? “Little knowledge is a disease” my book says
From 2011 to this day of January 2023, Sudanese leaders from both countries killed one and half million Sudanese in both countries, apart from those who die of hunger, diseases etc. let Nuba, Darfur, Ingesina, Dongola, Beja, South Sudanese people vote in a referendum for UN three years interim period. Those who oppose this idea, means they want to continue killing Sudanese. God will judge them. God chose Moses around 1200 BC with a vision known as “let my people go” to take his people from Egyptian slavery back to their promised land, God chose Rev Martin Luther King Jr with a vision known as “I have a dream” to unify whites and blacks in USA in 1965, and Barack (blessed) Heusen Obama jumped into this dream in 2009 and fulfilled the dream. The same God picked Rev Karlo kolong in Nairobi February 2002, with a vision called “we are not an island in the Sudan” that brought Sudanese peace of 2005.
Three years international rule:
We need Louis Paul Bermer who ruled Iraq for one year 2002-2003 to rescue our Sudanese nations. What I mean is that, let the UN rule our nations to be, guided by troika for three years as one Sudan to develop the country speedily, the present brutal leaders will never develop our country. This can allow all Sudanese tribes to contribute for equal constitution based on the Ten commandments mentioned in Exodus chapter 20 that says”1) don’t make idol gods 2) don’t swear 3) don’t worship false gods, 4) don’t kill, 5) don’t steal public money, 6) don’t’ commit adultery, 7) honor your father and your mother, 8) don’t lie, 9) don’t envy somebody’s family or property. 10 keep sabbat, the day of God holy. Everybody should be free to choose his or her religion of faith. you don’t force somebody to believe in your God because you don’t make people. Everybody can switch from another religion to his choice, don’t block him, it is like members of the same party switching to another party. You cannot design a baby or force him to die before the day of God. Nobody can determine the sexes of any baby, it is God. Don’t defend your religion or God, let God defend himself, unless your god has no power, then both of you will lose the battle.
Sudanese leaders have been ruling the nation for the last 66 years without a constitution or civil government. They have interim governments and an interim constitution every three years; they can also call it “transitional period” to confuse the citizens. Arab came to Sudan in 1200 AD while Sudanese Africans have been in the land since 2500 BC to this year of 2023. Arabs have 800 years, Africans have 5000 years, Arabs became blacks without their knowledge, they need to be told. They are Africans now and have a full right to live with us, just like the white minority in South Africa, when Mandela won the election in 1994, they live together. Sudanese African even jalaba Africans can vote in this referendum. Like the number of people in South Africa, the whites are 15% while the blacks are 85% the same analysis in Sudan, Arabs are 15% and blacks are 85% but the Africans are illiterate because their families have never had regular income to educate their children and they lack historical knowledge. We must make inclusive constitution without big fish-eating small fish; God does not want exploitation of man by man.
How many wants UN interim rule for three years to expedite quick and equal development in all the marginalized communities within this short period.? We want to benefit from our Godly minerals. The three years period will allow all the Sudanese tribes or communities to shape their equal constitution for all, and rotational leadership within the former British nine provinces, with four years of presidential and parliamentary election, the big bullying tribes in South Sudan will not have power to manipulate the government because Darfur, Nuba, Dongola, beja, Ingesina people can help us silent these imaginary bulls. The new capital city has to be built in Kosti, the center of Sudan, all dictators will be forgiven, no ICC, if they resist, then kamikaze, the wind of God, will remove them when we pray for God to take action.
Why should our leaders send our army to the Middle East and DR Congo? This is a bartering business for individual benefits, not for public interest. how can you remove stone from the eye of your brother while you have fifty kilos of stone in your own eyes? Read Mathew 7:3 you cannot go and clean somebody’s house while your house has not been cleaned for the last 66 years.
Thanks Rev Karlo Kolong
founder of Evangelical free Churches of Sudanese nations, architect of Sudanese peace of 2005, youtube by Rev Karlo Kolong and Merowe tv, author of 53 books.