A call for reconciliation
Hopeful news: One of our Murle contacts (Mary Boyoi, the musician and intellectual) says she and others are trying to gather all Murle leaders in Juba on December 10 for an emergency meeting to discuss child abduction and the case of Yar and Ajak specifically. We hope that other Murle leaders will agree with this constructive idea.
This campaign has been guilty of over-generalizing about people of Murle ethnicity. As we learn more about them, and as we become acquainted with people like Ms. Boyoi, we are reminded that all people are capable of peace and no one deserves to be stereotyped on the basis of their identity.
So we call on all Dinka reading this blog, although you may be angry over the actions of some Murle people, don’t take out your anger on different people who happen to be of Murle ethnicity. Ms. Boyoi mentioned that she is grieving the loss of three Murle men who were killed in Juba in recent days, apparently in an act of intertribal retaliation.
Ms. Boyoi has joined a growing number of voices from South Sudan who are calling for an intertribal conference aimed at bringing reconciliation between Murle and Dinka and other ethnic groups in Jonglei state.
Such conferences have been held in the past. We agree that it’s time to try again.
Similarly, participants in a workshop held in May 2007 by UNICEF and the South Sudan Child Protection recommended that “a conference for the chiefs of Murle and Dinka communities to be organized in Jonglei State to create awareness” of child abduction and cattle raiding (Miraya FM).
Putting such a conference together would take some funding. We will help Ms. Boyoi look for that.
Ms. Boyoi is now composing some peace songs for the proposed Murle gathering. We hope they ring across the land.
–DLB
I warn the Dinka Bor and the authorities of the Souther Sudan of their full responsibility on the anger and enmity feelings. If some Murle are guilty of some crimes, why keep silent on the same commited by some Dinka Bor, like today’s attack on sick Murle in Bor by Dinka
Akom Zaar
November 29, 2007
Akom:
I agree with you on the issue of temper. The Jieng people must deal with this calmly, but the responsibility should be of that of Murle abductors.
Take me for instant, my cousin was abducted 10 years ago. How do you want me to respond? The Murle people must also be seeking peace and cease further attacks and stealing of cattle in order for this to work..
For the sake of innocent Murle who may not be bad guys, it’s the responsibility of the community leaders now to do the right thing before it turn into a major tribal conflict and believe me, the Murle is surrounded by enemies such as Anyuak, Dinka, Nuer and Kachepo.
Deng Bol Aruei
December 1, 2007