Tension...

It is now less than three months before the scheduled referendum when South Sudanese will vote on independence from the North. Leaders from both sides espouse a commitment to negotiate peacefully… but there is tension in the air.

A friend has asked that we pray for him and others who work in the area of peace and reconciliation, and especially that peace and stability can be maintained.

Pray for peace...

My friend Adub is the Director of Peace based in Aweil. He has asked that we pray for a Peaceful Co-existence Conference he is involved in next month. The conference will bring together people from two tribes which have a long history of conflict – the African Malual Dinka of Northern Bahr Al Ghazal and the Arabic Rezeigat from Darfur.

In the past the Rezeigat have been frontline soldiers for the northern forces against the Southern rebels, but even when not at war have formed raiding parties which have captured thousands of Dinka women and children to be enslaved. While in Aweil last year Joseph and I saw numerous fuzzy haired children whose mothers had escaped from their Arab captors. While the raids have decreased since the signing of the Certified Peace Agreement, it is still a source of conflict between these rival tribes. And as the Sahara steadily grows southward, competition for pasture and water increases the need for peaceful co-existence.

I remember Adub’s words of wisdom to me last year – that people first need to find peace within themselves before they can offer it to others. Please join together in praying for peace in this troubled region.

A Prayer Request...

I introduced Lino Adub earlier (see blog entry on August 19), and his work as Director of Peace for Northern Bahr Al Ghazal (Aweil State). Adub has asked for the church in Australia to pray for a peace conference he is sponsoring between the Dinka and Missiriya tribes.

The Missiriya are Arab graziers from Southern Darfur. I am told they have been armed by the Khartoum Government and function as a militia in the northern regions of Aweil State. While Joseph and I were in Aweil we were told we couldnt travel north without a UN escort because of the regular attacks in the region.

Of course there is always potential for conflict over traditional grazing land and tribal boundaries, but this dispute is much more volatile because of the sponsorship of the government and their call for Jihad against the African tribes. People from Aweil who are now scattered around the world are being invited to this conference - including a representative of the Adelaide Aweil Community - and this demonstrates how important the issue is.

Adub works hard for the peace of his region, and this is one way we can support him. Please pray for him as he seeks to negotiate a peaceful resolution to this conflcit.

Adub, the gentle giant...

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

I'm not sure of Adub's exact relationship to Joseph's mother Adut (other than having similar names), but it was quickly obvious to me he is like a son to her. And while Joseph and I were there he showed the same helpfulness to us: dropping around most days to see what he could do for us, allowing me to use his laptop, or just stopping by to tell some stories or jokes.

Adub's previous employment was as a "tree inspector" - at a time when people were cutting down Sudan's teak and mahogany to sell for their personal gain. I told Adub with his height he was an obvious choice to be a tree inspector! He is also naturally gifted in his current work as "State Director for Peace" in the Peace Commission of the Government of South Sudan.

When we sat to discuss his role Adub surprised me by saying the main focus of his work is on peace within and among the people of the region. He asks me how people can have peace with others unless they first have it within themselves - but then he adds that people have been fighting for so long many dont know how to resolve issues without conflict. He told me "It's not as simple as forgive and forget, but people need to make a choice for the sake of peace, not to fight. Whatever the result of the referendum in 2011, whether the south becomes independant or Sudan remains united, still North and South will be neighbours and have to learn to live together." Once he has said it seems so obvious.

At times Adub has been able to be directly involved in resolving conflict, for example between Arab graziers in south Darfur and the communities of Northern Bahr Al Ghazel. Climate change has reduced the grazing land to the North, forcing the graziers to look further for pasture, but in the process encroaching on land in Aweil North and breaching the peace agreement. In some situations Adub will refer the matter to UN peacekeepers, and in some cases he admits his best efforts have failed. But still he tries, and Adub emphasises to me the importance of his work. "Without peace, all development work is wasted. Unless there is peace we cant develop schools, hospitals, agriculture or anything." While seeing the value of other government departments and NGOs, Adub doesnt hesitate to say that striving for peace is the most important work to be done in his country.

Adub goes about his work with little in the way of resources, support or training. He asked if there were universities that offer Peace Studies in Australia, or other organisations similar to his Peace Commission that he might be able to liase with. I admitted I didnt know, but that I would look into it when I get back home.

So here is an opportunity for someone with a computer and some spare time (and most of all an interest in peace): If you are interested in doing some research in this area drop me an email. (My email has been a bit unreliable while travelling, so if I dont respond try the link on the Magill COC website or contact me through the GMP office).

And, as Adub requested, please pray for him and all who work for peace in Sudan.