Dinka-Nuer West Bank Peace Council

Communication

The 30th of September, 1999

Yirol, Bahr el Ghazal, Sudan

The Dinka-Nuer West Bank Peace Council, established by the Wunlit Peace and Reconciliation Conference in March, 1999, met in special session in Yirol, Sudan, from the 25th to the 30th of September, 1999.

The meeting was facilitated by the New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC) and hosted by the local community of Yirol County.

The Wunlit Conference had charged the Peace Council with the responsibility to see that the Covenant and Resolutions of Wunlit are fully implemented.

Twenty-three Council Members, gathered representing nine of the eleven counties and provinces along the border areas of Bahr el Ghazal and Western Upper Nile regions.

In addition, radio operators from the areas attended for intensive training in the use of radios.

This is in preparation for the establishment of the border posts that are a key part of the implementation of the Wunlit Resolutions.

Extensive story telling revealed the achievements of the People-to-People Peace Process just six months after the Covenant was signed by more than three hundred delegates at Wunlit.

The narratives revealed the significance of the work underway and highlighted the direct benefits of peace.

Specific Achievements:

Return of 148 abductees

Return of 141 cattle not covered in the amnesty

Finalizing of 5 proper marriages involving abductees

Arrest & arraignment of leaders of the one identified violation

Extensive trading routes opened

Peaceful reception of thousands of displaced Nuer, entering Dinka areas as a result of Government of Sudan sponsored fighting in Western Upper Nile

Sharing of toich grazing areas and fishing sites

Extension of the reconciliation process to the East Bank of the Nile among Nilotic and Equatorian people

Benefits of the Peace

Freedom of movement:

"We are all free and visiting each others’ places."

Refuge in Time of War:

"If it were not for Wunlit, we would have been annihilated.

The Dinka have given us refuge when the Government of Sudan attacked us."

Breaking the ‘Culture of Silence’:

"Since Wunlit we are free to discuss all issues, debate anything freely, and talk with anyone without raising suspicions."

Security in Unity:

"We have moved from being enemies to brothers and sisters.

Now our unity strengthens the security for both Dinka and Nuer."

Transforming Communities:

"We are living together and even civil administration is being adjusted to include all people.

Now we can work together to reclaim the abandoned places and rebuild the relationships of neighbors."

Expanding the Peace:

"This is no longer a Dinka and Nuer peace.

It is the way to unite the whole south and bring peace to all of Sudan.

Those who fought against their neighbors are now joining the peace.

Everyone is welcome."

Working groups focused on careful review of the Wunlit Resolutions and set priorities for immediate and longer term plans for implementation.

Immediate and Longer Term Plans:

Designation of two sites for emergency response and resettlement of Nuer people who have been displaced by the Government of Sudan sponsored fighting in Western Upper Nile.

Designation of six high priority locations for rebuilding communities and resettlement of Dinka and Nuer people displaced by the seven and a half years of conflict between the communities.

Priorities were set for services needed such as provision of bore holes, health, schools, and initial humanitarian assistance for relocation.

Location of nine border posts for placement of HF radios to facilitate communications between the communities and strengthen security.

Establishment of a process for final resolution in the tracing missing persons, the return of abducted people, and in retrieving of cattle which did not fall under the amnesty provisions.

The Peace Council extends its special appreciation to the New Sudan Council of Churches and two of its partners, Christian Aid UK and DanChurch Aid of Denmark, for providing the funds and facilitation for this meeting and the provision of the first five radio communication sets.

Thanks also go to UNICEF for providing a trainer of radio operators.

We also appreciate the presence of Paul McDermott of USAID.

Rev. Marc Nikkel of CMS again served with great diligence in helping record all the proceedings and actions of the Council.

Additional thanks go to the SRRA, the County Commissioner, and the Executive Secretary of Yirol for all their work to host the Council.

The Commissioner of Rumbek County, the Executive Director of Tonj County, the Commissioner of Jikany, and the Acting Commissioners of Bul, Jagai and Leer all participated in the deliberations of the Council.

None of the work of the Council could be accomplished without the SPLM/A and UDSF/SSDF who have given their full blessing to this People-to-People peace process and the facilitating role of NSCC.

Finally, the Peace Council urgently urges the UN/OLS, all International NGOs and Indigenous NGOs, and the International Community to study carefully the full decisions of the Council and participate as partners in the implementation of the Wunlit Resolutions.

Approved by the Peace Council

29th September, 1999 ______________________________

Yirol, Sudan Telar Deng, Peace Council Chairman

(Copies of the Council documents are available from the NSCC.

Nairobi telephone:

254 2 446 966;

448 141 / 2;

e-mail:

Peacedesk@Swiftkenya.com)

Working Group I.

Return of Missing Persons, Abductees & Cattle

(Refer to Wunlit Resolution I)

Returned persons and missing persons from Dinka and Nuer

Retrieving cattle and missing cattle from Dinka and Nuer

Marriages

Strategies

Working Group I. Members

Mrs. Awut Deng Acuil, Chairperson

Mr. George Mut Nyang, Co-Chairman

Mr. Gabriel Anyar Madut, Secretary

Mr. Ambrose Akec Rong, Member

Chief Malony Kulang, Member

Chief Bahon Mabior Deng, Member

Chief Gabriel Kuol Buth, Member

Chief Manyiel Liany Wol, Member

Chief Mathew Riek Toal, Member

Chief Mangol Matet Dhieu, Member

Judge Akec Ajuong Tokmac, Member

Mrs. Elizabeth Nyamac Chan, Member

Mrs. Rebeka Atet Makuei, Member

Mrs. Elizabeth Nyankuer, Member

Mrs. Sarah Nyiebol Kai, Member

A. Returned and Missing Abductees.

The Chairperson, Mrs. Awut, opened the discussion aimed at determining the number of persons returned and those who have gone missing between the Wunlit Peace Conference of February and March, 1999, and the present.

After long discussion by both the Dinka and Nuer, the following figures were confirmed as accurate:

Dinka returned Dink Missing Nuer returned Nuer Missing

69 8 79 42

5 from Rumbek 35 from Rumbek

3 from Yirol 7 from Yirol

Retrieved & Missing Cattle.

The second point of agenda concerned cattle that have been retrieved and those still missing.

It was found that Nuer had not raided any Dinka cattle after the Wunlit Peace and Reconciliation Conference, but Dinka raided a total of 700 head of cattle from Nuer since the Wunlit Conference amnesty date of the 1st of January, 1999.

These raids occurred prior to Wunlit but were not covered by the amnesty.

The Conference determined that the two raids of February, 1999, were designed to disrupt the peace process and one was held during the exchange visits between Dinka and Nuer chiefs.

Retrieved Missing Retrieved Missing

Dinka Cattle Dinka Cattle Nuer Cattle Nuer Cattle

Nil Nil 141 559

The raid was executed by individuals from four areas, with number of cattle already returned, as follows:

Luacjang of Chief Madut Aguer of Tonj County:

(no cattle returned)

Gok of Rumbek County, including:

Chief Chol Madol (no cattle returned)

Juom Maciek (no cattle returned)

Mador Koc (no cattle returned)

Agar Pakam, including:

Chief Manyiel Liany Wol (94 cattle returned)

Marik Lianny Malith (no cattle returned)

Magon Dalkoc Maluoth (no cattle returned)

Magon Awicwal Deng (no cattle returned)

Kumbai Dhalbany Mapuor (no cattle returned)

4. Rek area of Ex.

Chief Mabior Dau, with three persons involved in the raid:

Majok Mabior Dau (no cattle returned)

Mamer Yuot Ciur (no cattle returned)

Thot Deng Kiir (no cattle returned)

The Dinka who went to raid Nuer were provoked by Nuer who came to raid cattle from Agar and which were then retrieved by SPLA soldiers who then returned to abduct the girl named Ayiep Manyiel Atembai which had caused the raid of Nuer cattle by Dinka.

C. Marriages

Dinka, Nil Nuer, 5 proper marriages

D. Strategies.

The following are three strategies to solve the issue of missing persons and cattle:

Collection of missing persons should go side by side with the collection of missing cattle by the border chiefs and the police

Nuer chiefs should move in Dinka areas or their representatives to identify their missing persons and cattle, and vice versa with Dinka chiefs or their representatives since there is peace and reconciliation among two communities.

It is like number A. except that there is a point added to have certificate from relevant authorities on both sides such as to be issued by Payam administrators or Ex.

Chiefs to those going to search for missing persons and cattle.

Insofar as H.E. the Commissioner of Rumbek County suggested two points for the members of the Peace Council to discuss and resolve:

In case of any marriage the father of the girl from the two parties should delegate a number of relatives to settle the marriage in order to collect the bride price in a group rather than a single person coming to collect the bride price and taking a different direction without reporting back to relatives who will later deny that the bride price has been received.

Those who identify the raided cattle should move with certificates from the authorities such as payam administrators or chiefs to avoid inconvenience caused by immediately selling away the livestock which may belong to somebody different from him and that causes confusion.

Working Group II.

Resettlement of People & Border Administration

(Refer to Wunlit Resolutions II, III & IV)

Working Group II.

Members

Mario Muor Muor, Co-chairman

Michael Thoat Jany, Co-chairman

Andrew A. Yaak, Secretary

Isaiah Alier Mashinkok, Member

Ayan Maguat Ruai, Member

Yar Malek Malual, Member

James Gatwak Tap, Member

James Ruai Keat, Member

Marco Pam Kap, Member

Gideon Beding Jakgei, Member

Aggostino Agany Dut, Member

Peter Ring Patai, Meber

Joseph Riak Gatkek, Member

Daniel Ayual Makoi, Member

Dabora Yar Jany, Member

Juol Macok Lieny, Member

Susana Ayen Macok, Member

The Working group is assigned to consider methods of implementing aspects of resolutions made at the Wunlit Peace Conference:

Determination of two locations as Stations for Emergency Relief

Identification of Six Locations for Resettlement of Displaced

Border Police Posts and Border Court Centers

(Note:

the term ‘Resolution’ is here used to refer to those initiatives that the Peace Council has determined to undertake through the participation of the local population;

the term ‘recommendation’ is used for those undertakings for which we request the assistance of the international community.)

After frank and comprehensive deliberations the Working Group adopted the following resolutions and recommendations:

A. Determination of two locations as Stations for Emergency Relief

Resolution:

The Council resolved that the following two locations be created as

emergency relief stations:

Pabuong with population of 4,350 displaced people and more being expected.

This location will receive displaced persons from Adok, Jagei, Jekany, Leek and Bul

Mayom, currently with a population of 5,750 displaced people.

Note:

Airstrips are already constructed in these two locations and are ready for use.

Security arrangements for protection of displaced people and relief workers are put in place.

Recommendations:

Immediate delivery of emergency food relief items.

Provision of non-food items such as cooking utensils, blankets, plastic sheets, mosquito nets, used clothes, etc.

Medical and veterinary services

Provision of fishing equipment and materials

Supply of Agricultural tools and seeds

Educational services.

Drilling of four bore holes for each station.

B. Identification of Six Locations for Resettlement of Displaced

Resolution:

The following locations have been agreed upon:

Boor:

to resettle Nuer people from Adol, Adok and Kuei.

Pagarau:

to resettle Dinka Ciec from Yirol County and Nuer from Ador.

Aol: to resettle Nuer people from Jagei.

Mader:

to resettle Dinka from Agar Pakam

Wuncuei:

to resettle Dinka from Luacjang and Lou Paker from Tonj County.

Amung Piny:

to resettle Dinka from Agar section.

Note, for implementation by local population:

Airstrips are to be constructed as soon as possible

Construction of roads, schools, health facilities and police stations

Recommendations:

Provision of clean water by drilling at least four bore holes in each allocation.

Establishment of one primary school for each location and provision of school materials and equipment.

Provision of medical services for human beings and cattle.

Supply of agricultural tools, seeds and relief food for those displaced from Bentiu area.

Provision of fishing equipment and materials

Provision of food for work (FFW) for construction of roads, schools, police stations, etc.

C. Border Police Posts and Border Court Centers

Resolution:

The following villages have been agreed upon to be established as border police posts and border court centers:

Madol:

for Dinka of Agar Pakam and Nuer from Nyuong, Adok and Kuei.

Pagarau:

for Dinka Ciec and Nuer from Aduor.

Akuocok (Nyiboor): for sections of Dinka Agar, Yirol and Nuer from sections of Nyuong and Ador.

Shambe:

for Dinka from Ador, Gok and Bor and Nuer people from Ador and Adok.

Makuac:

for Dinka Luanyjang and Nuer sections of Beek.

Luony:

for section of Nuer of Jolok and Dinka sections from Luacjap.

Meshara:

for both Dinka Lou Pakeer and Apuk Padoc and Nuer from Jagei.

Purjuer:

for Nuer Jagei and Dinka Luany Jang.

Majak-Lou:

for Dinka Lou and Nuer Bul.

Recommendations:

Each post be provided with radio communications

Uniform and other accessories be supplied for policemen

One bore hole be drilled at each station

One clinic be constructed and supplied at each police post

Stationary, law books, and copies of Peace Conference Resolutions and circular communications be supplied at each post and training be provided for paralegals and border chiefs

Provision of food for at least first one year

Supply of basic office furniture

Working Groups I and II.

approved by the Peace Council

29th September, 1999 ______________________________

Yirol, Sudan Telar Deng, Peace Council Chairman

(Copies of the Council documents are available from the NSCC.

Nairobi telephone:

254 2 446 966;

448 141 / 2;

e-mail:

Peacedesk@Swiftkenya.com)

Appendix

A. Abductees returned between the Dinka of Rumbek County

and the Nuer of Nyuong and Leer Provinces

6 children went with Chief Peter Nyuong Dounhier.

Magal Both went with his two children plus 7 other people who are now settled at Agar Pakam in Rumbek County.

Nyagon Ruac, a girl, is now staying with Agar Pakam and she refused to go back to ther parents among the Nuer.

The daughter of Manyang Nhial was married by an Agar man.

Nyieth Agontol from Agar Pakam section married the daughter of a Nuer with a bride price of 10 head of cattle and they were received by Chief Kok Yar of Nuer.

Majuong Chol left his own Nuer area and lived with his family at Agar.

He has now returned after the Peace Conference and found his 7 people alive and took them back to his home in Nuer area.

Two children of Tap Muongpiny have been staying with a certain Agar man, but have now been united with their family.

A cow was given to the family to celebrate the reuniion of the family.

Thiei Machar, a Nuer, is now staying with his maternal uncle in Agar area, and is willing to return to his parents if they so desire.

The daughter of Partap, a Nuer, has been married by an Agar man, and has to date given birth to one child.

The daughter of Cieny Buoth, named Akuac, has married a man named Malieny with the bride price of 40 cows having been paid.

Duong Ruot, a Nuer, secretly negotiated the return of his son from Chief Maniel of Agar, and received him prior to the Wunlit Peace Conference.

B. Abductees returned between the Dinka Atuot of Yirol County

and the Nuer of Leer Province

The son of Majok Marial Malith was raided by Nuer and has been returned to his parents.

Three children and one wife of Chief Amac Kuocnin have been returned.

Two children of Macuol, a Nuer, were restored to the Nuer but their mother refused to return with them.

The wife of Matueng Angong, a woman from Nuer, is now officially married with the payment of five cows by the family of the husband.

Majak Aciengedie, of Yirol, had abducted the daughter of Duop Makuac of Nuer, but has now returned her to her father.

The daughter of Manyuel Bapal was staying with her maternal uncle, who is from Agar Dinka, and married an Agar man of the area.

Chief Manyiel Lieny of Pakam is the uncle of the husband and has officially concluded the marriage with the bride price payment of 40 heard of cattle made to her parents in Nuer area.

Five married Nuer women were abducted by people of Yirol and were remarried.

Though they have been identified they have not yet been released at time of writing.

The community of Yirol have released 23 persons who had been abducted from Nuer.

Of these 5 women who had been married among the Dinka refused to return to their people.

The lady Agony Nyieth of Nuer, is the mother of four children by her husband.

Wut Ruat.

She and her children were staying among the Dinka of Yirol at the time of the 1991 split.

After Wunlit they were all allowed to return to their people.

The wife of Maker Monuer is missing, thought to be among the Nuer.

The wife of Majok Malueth is missing.

Mabor Makur Beny is missing, still in Nuer, with Chief Peter Nyong Danhier.

The wife of Muorwel Nyot has now returned from Nuer with her 2 children.

The daughter of Acol, a woman from Agar, has been married by a Nuer, and is now staying with a certain Riek Boshop.

Magok Ater, of Agar, had been living with his Nuer wife in Nuerland with the 3 children to whom she had given birth.

Amidst fighting related to the 1991 split Mogok fled to his homeland.

In his absence his wife gave birth 4 more children by a Nuer men.

With the Wunlit Conference all 7 children were returned with their mother to Magok Ater, now living in Rumbek

The Nuer wife of Magar Aciek was abducted by Nuer with her son, but since Wunlit has been brought back to her husband in Yirol.

Efforts have been made to restor Ayor, a Dinka, to her husband, Bol Riak of Yirol, but she has refused to return.

In 1994 the Dinka Luacjang of Chief Madut Aguer abducted 4 Nuer of Kuei.

During the disturbances 15 people from Luacjang had been abducted by Nuer of Kuei.

With the Wunlit agreement the 4 children were returned to the Nuer, while the 15 Nuer were repatriated to Dinkaland.

A man named Muong Maciek, from Pakam, was wounded by Nuer and captured;

since Wunlit he has been released to his people Rumbek County.

The daughter of Gai Nang named Nyagok, together with her three children, were released to return to their home in Agar area.

Malony Kulang, a border chief among the Nuer has brought the son of Manyuat Gur back to his people in Yirol.

The wife of Daniel Galuak had been abducted by the Agar, but has now been restored back to her Nuer people.

The daughter of Manyiel Aciek, named Ayiep Manyiel, of Agar is still with Buoth Gei in Nuer area.

Five young women of Nuer have been located, 4 of whom have been officially married by Dinka men of Rumbek and one married by a man from Yirol.

However, there were no Dinka girls who have been married by Nuer.

C. Missing people from Nuer now in Rumbek County

The wife of Maleel Puaal with her 3 children, missing

2 children of Mading Madel, missing

4 children of Marwod Tap, missing

5 children of Wecpaw, missing

2 children of Maciek Chol, missing

3 children of Malet Put, missing

4 children of Macol Makar, missing;

among these children one daughter is known to have been married.

2 children of Kuet Majok, missing

2 children of Mawec Kual, missing.

Of these one daughter has been married.

With concern for the missing people listed above Border Chief Malony Kulang has been given responsibility to identify people from Nuer residing among the Dinka in Yirol County, and to receive the displaced arriving in the area.

The same is true for Dinka of Rumbek, Yirol and Tonj who likewise need to have a chief appointed to locate their missing people in Nuer area.

D. Total of 700 Nuer Cattle raided by Agar and Gok, Rek, Luacjang

Cattle already returned:

Nyuan Yar has received 30 head of cattle from Chief Manyiel Liany Wol.

Peter Nyong Dahniar has received 64 head from Chief Manyiel Liany Wol, 47 from the Commissioner of Rumbek County, totaling 141 head of cattle.

Cattle still to be returned:

The balance of 559 head of cattle should be traced by the Civil Administrators of Luacjang, Gok and Pakam.

Chief Chol Madol Wat, Mador Kuc, and Jum Maciek are responsible for collecting Nuer cattle among Gok people

Chief Manyiel Lieny, Marik Liany Malith, Magon Dalkoc Maluoth, Magon Awicwal Deng and Kumbai Dhalbany Mapuor are responsible for retrieval of Nuer cattle among the Dinka Pakam people of Rumbek County

Chief Madut Aguer is responsible for retrieval of Nuer cattle among Luacjang people.

Chief Majok Mabior Dau, Mamer Yuot Cuir and Thot Deng Kiir are responsible for retrieval of Nuer cattle among the Rek people.