Press Statement

7 June 2010
Press Statement
Ladies and gentlemen of the press!!

On 31st May 2010 some members of SPLM staged a press conference in relation to the incident involving the death of paramount Chief of Shilluk, and those accompanying him at Panyikang County of Upper Nile. In the statement Mr. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, who to our knowledge is a diplomat, made a serious but misleading allegation that SPLM-DC was behind this horrific killing. As a matter of fact, SPLM-DC became aware after such incident took place and swiftly condemned this barbaric act, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences were delivered to the families of victims, we continue to pray for their comfort.

Coming to this allegation, we would like to reiterate that SPLM-DC is a party registered in accordance with the Political Parties Act 2007 and in full compliance with all its provisions. We are a self discipline party guided by our commitment to the CPA and the rule of law. We want to make it clear that SPLM-DC does not have an armed wing nor does it associate itself with any armed groups. We believe in the rule of law as our record speaks of itself, we previously waged legal battles where our members were subjected to mistreatment or where our democratic freedom was unjustly prohibited. In no way would violence form part of our quest for justice.

Second, the SPLM-DC is aware that the area where the incident took place is heavily occupied by the SPLA with continuous presence. Any presence of an authorized arm group would have been defected, reported to GOSS and exposed to the public. The absence of this information means whoever committed this horrendous crime defied our national Army SPLA. Therefore, we call upon the SPLA to redouble its effort to provide the much needed security in the area, and the whole of Southern Sudan.

Third, we would like to inform everyone that the area in question is and will continue to be our stronghold. This is evident by the fact that many candidates from local community including the brother of paramount chief contested the last General Election on SPLM-DC ticket. Hence, we would like inform everyone that SPLM-DC has won every seat that was contested and in no way should it be a source of insecurity to its supporters. We believe this is an act of retaliation from those whose illegitimacy was exposed. We believe the victims are deliberately targeted and made to suffer for their loyalty to our party. There is no way, shape or form that SPLM-DC could be a source of such despicable evil.

Fourth, we at the SPLM-DC, as well as the whole South Public have been appalled by the fact that the person making such definitive conclusions is a public servant whom to our knowledge lacks the expertise and legitimacy to report on crime related matters. The question we ask is who is actually in charge, whose job is it to attend and process crime-scene? Whose job is it to investigate, report or charge suspects? Perhaps the diplomat felt obliged as a result of incapacity of law enforcement agencies to do their job. If not then the Ministry of Regional Cooperation should explain the involvement of his employee on what fall within power and authority of Minister of Interior and Judiciary.

Finally, it is usual occurrence that SPLM Secretariat, especially the Secretary General Pagan Amum has been vocal in championing matters that are issues for GOSS. This is a serious source of concern because such reckless irresponsible manner of disseminating such flaws intelligent has potential to turn innocent civilians against each other. It serves nothing but misleading and distraction of general public from matters that are of public important. Such careless arrogant statements would undermine public confident on GOSS its a disgrace for the unity of our people and should be stop.

At last but not least, the persecution of our members has been an obvious occurrence in the hands of SPLA/M. The recent incident was the arrest of Hon. Mustafa Gai Lual, a member of Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly who is representing Panyikang County. Arrested with him was Dr. Odol Ochay, an employee of Upper Nile Ministry of Health, and three other innocent civilians.

The above named individuals were take in front of their families and their whereabouts still unknown, we are concern for their safety and demand their immediately released as this a clear violation of their civil and human rights as they were taken and detained by SPLA apparatus without charge or explanation furthermore, we appeal to United Nation Human Right Agencies to take up this case.

Thanks.

SPLM-DC Caucus
SSLA