Machien Luoi T. Dagoor

Congratulations Hon. Atong Kuol
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Dear family and friends in facebook, I had an opportunity to meet Hon. Atong Kuol, the new Deputy Governor of Jonglei State yesterday. Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang is a wife of a great friend, Pastor (Abuna) Jacob Matiop from Duk. Her husband and I lived, worked and went to school at Fargo City, North Dakota State in the United States. I met her briefly towards the end of 2008 and early 2009 before my return home to South Sudan in March that year. It was great to see her again, this time to congratulate and acknowledge her ascendance in the public leadership arena in our country.

Jonglei State is one of the largest and diverse states, a microcosm of the Republic of South Sudan's endowments and woes. Hon. Atong Kuol is aware about the public demand for public goods and services in Jonglei State and the need to ensure a united, cohesive, mutual and interdependent communities, especially along the Sudd Swamps and the Nile River, where interdependent trade, transportation and communication activities have the potential to galvanize our communities.

Let's wish her good health and success in her new role as Deputy Governor and Chairperson of SPLM in Jonglei State. Ustaz Kachuol Mabil Piok Chiengkuach Mabil Majok Chol P Mayom Mayol Awan Alier Atem Alier Reng Reuben Panchol Panther Alier.

Just A word on Non-oil Revenue Contribution to S. Sudan Budgets and Economy
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Yesterday, 05 March 2024 - H.E President Salva Kiir met with top leaders of the country on economics (Economic Cluster) where they agreed on " how to strategize and implement measures to curb the persistent inflationary pressures affecting the economy." One of the measures of the meeting called for "increase in non-oil revenue collections." This is a great step in order to reduce the so called "dependence on oil revenue" and fight the inflation.

That meeting was a better way to deal with dark forces which drives our economy to abyss. I think, it is a great way to dispell of any negative impact of senior government officials briefing of the 27th Feb 2024 on the situation of the economy (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1sdR8jBXgSL8i2k6/?mibextid=2JQ9oc). I thought the situational brief of the 27th Feb played into the hands of the speculative nature of the market and did not help our frailing economy. For instance, to publicly admit that there were oil pipeline bursts or an Houthi's attack on oil cargoes travelling in the ocean and seas to international markets, played into the invisible hands that torments our economy to speculate and temper with the normal market operations. In my opinion the press brief contributed to the hike of the market prices, continued depreciation of SSP and further appreciation of USD. It is to be stated here that the market responds negativey when government officials make statements that points towards a looming crisis. So, the President's meeting came at the right time.

The1st National Economic Conference (1st NEC) had highlighted some uncollected non-oil revenue sources as well identified leakages in the non-oil revenue at the points of collection and remittance. There is a lot of non-oil revenue out there that's yet to be collected. Leakages in the collected non-oil revenue should be stitched or ceiled in order for the non-oil revenue national income to increase. The President's meeting with the Economic Cluster compliments the resolutions of the 1st NEC conference on ways to wane our country of oil resource dependence.

Moreover, the President's meeting has a basis in the success of the NRA. In the 2023-2024 national budget 13.8% of the national revenue reflected is to be achieved via non-oil revenue funds. This is based on the projections made by NRA on its past and future collections. This means that 86% of the national revenue in the national budget is oil revenue. This is the truth and trumps the false insistence that South Sudan depends on oil revenue for the 98% of its national budget ex*****on. Given what NRA has done over the years, any citing of our country's dependence on oil revenue for 98% of budget allocations should be considered misinformation. Scholars who depends on the data generated at independence should begin to check on new statistics about our revenue sources and collections for reality checks.

Not to forget the rural economy - the cattle and consumer goods, produced, exchanged and consumed in the peripheral parts of South Sudan make for household budgets for the folks at the countryside. These are not computed and often ignored when speaking about South Sudan economy, especially the non-oil revenue. Yet rural production and consumption play a role in the overall economy, mostly that which is not dependent on oil revenue. Efforts should be made at the state levels in coordination with NRA to record these economic activities in order to gradually diminish our oil revenue dependence and to dependent on non-oil income for household and national budgets.

Last but not least, the President's meeting called for a "Ban of all illegal checkpoints throughout the country and directed the security forces to immediately implement the directives." This is justified because the illegal checkpoints been used to siphon away non-oil revenue and end up in the individual pockets. Notwithstanding that, illegal checkpoints could be transformed into legal economic hubs that helps the government to regulate local and peripheral economic activities with view to enhance commerce and increase non-oil revenue collection into the government coffers.

The recent measures taken by H.E the President and the Economic Cluster are welcome, more stringent measures targeted at the invisible drivers of bad market speculations and thuggery should follow, and to increase the non-oil revenue.

Peace! Peace ! Peace
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It was a privilege to once again have the oppprtunity to facilitate "Wunlit Peace Meeting" at Rumbek, Lakes State 6-8 February 2024.

This meeting brings representatives of Three States (Lakes, Unity and Warrap) together to talk about issues that cause death and human discomfort on their borders.

Peace, peace and always peace is all our people want and need to produce food for living, to be mobile and prosperous.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year (2024)
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Family and friends, please allow me this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (2024) in advance. I hope you do experience a memorable Christmas holidays and a prosperous 2024.

For some of you it may not be a joyful time to celebrate for one reason or another. Don't lose hope, your happy days will come, keep your heads up.

God Bless you all to realize your dreams as you continue to hope and work hard to live life.

RIP Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban
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Dear Late Bishop Paride Taban, it is sad to learn about your passing today. This has come just 2 days after the South Sudan received its first Cardinal Stephen Ameyu since Independence in 2011.

Following into the footsteps of late Bishop Daniel Comboni and the hardwork of Cardinal Zubeir Wako, you lived upto the expectations of the Catholic Church, its faithfuls in South Sudan and the Universal Church of Christ.

You were a strong voice against the oppression of our people by neo-colonialists in the then Sudan. You were to us as Late Bishop Desmond Tutu was to South Africans against the Apartheid oppressive system. You will be remembered as a liberator alongside the leaders of liberation struggle.

We will continue to love you and be inspired by your legacy. Those of us who had the opportunity to see and witness your strength closely, to have benefited from your advocacy for himan rights and freedom, and firm stance in support of the objectives and leaders of our liberation, we shall ever be grateful to you.

Continue to pray for your people to remain in peace and freedom which you fought for.

Rest in Eternal Peace in heaven Bishop Paride Taban, until we meet again!

Food Security and Economic Progress is Possible
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Physical insecurity obstructs human beings from securing their other freedoms - liberty and economic independence. Additionally, catastrophic climate change induced disasters have aggregated the already difficult situations for man-kind.

Despite the extremes of situations, humans still fight back. It was unfathomable three years ago that Nyuong Nuer would return to old ways of making a living, that's farming and livestock raring. Food aid and relief were never customary ways of life sustenance. After insecurity and flooding, Nyuong Nuer are slowly reverting to the roots of their life sustenance.

Thanks to brother James Gatloi Nyak Machar for sharing these photos of current harvest at Tarweng village of Panyijiar County, Unity State in the Republic of South Sudan. Should our people continue to work hard, they will surely have food security and thereafter achieve economic progress. It is just a matter of time and persistance.

It is Unpatriotic to call us "Animals" Over Naam Clearance
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It is sad to once again see brother and Comrade Ayuen Panchol Anyieth Dhol waging war of stereotyping against the entire citizens of South Sudan in Unity State by calling them "Animals" over the ongoing clearance of Naam River (Bahr El Ghazal River).

Honestly, I was never for dredging of the Nile (Bahr El Jebel) or Naam Rivers, whatsoever. Nevertheless, if what is now called "clearance" of the Naam can help get rid of stagnant water, I will be equally grateful knowing that which citizens of South Sudan living in the Western Flood Plain climate zone have endured over the years.

Just like Oil, water resource must be well planned for and utilized for the good of our citizens. Importance of water resource overweighs that of oil resource. Therefore, when touched we should all be concerned. Those concerned by the Naam clearance may not be wrong in their pleas against it.

But the government of South Sudan has to decide on citizens' behalf what it deems fit. That's what Public Policy is all about. Briefly, Public policy is simply "what government chooses to do or not to do," who gains or loses what under the chosen public policy position. The government of the Republic of South Sudan has chosen to clear the Naam of unwanted dirt, w**d and reeds. We will tell whether that was a good public policy for the government and citizens or not when the work is done, especially looking at the greater good in the aftermath.

It is very unpatriotic attitude to insult those who are doing what the government has chosen to do, instead of the government itself. Brother Ayuen, if this "animal" insult was to apply, it won't be the people of Unity State that are animals. It is the government of South Sudan that chose to do Naam clearance, if this "animal" tag applies to anything or anyone that permits it to happen. Why spear the shadow of the elephant when the real elephant is standing in front of you?

Brother Panchol Anyieth, I truly respect you as a comrade from younger age, but this was overboard. We are your fellow nationals. We don't deserve your generalization of us as "animals" over a public policy you know well the government has agreed to take on. You have the right to disagree with Naam clearance, but to take your anger on us and to call us "animals" is unpatriotic in my opinion.

I hope you understand!

Jocque Aguto August Mayai Ustaz Kachuol Mabil Piok Jok Madut Jok Abraham Mabor Chuol Gabriel Changun Choul Peter Biar Ajak Kuir Ë Garang Matter Machar James Ninrew Kong Dual Deborah Akech Kuocnin Ruai Malual Jal Simon Chuol Biel Aizacq Chuol and all friends, what do you think?

The Boys Are Well On National Duty
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It was nice to meet the Republican Guards (Tiger) - VIP protection guards recently deployed at Rum-Koor/Agok/Aned to help separate the Twic Dinka of Warrap and Ngok Dinka of Abyei who clashed on their borders last last year. Gatkuoth Mabith G*i Bol (Red hat) and Dictor Liem among others are doing well in performance of their national assignment.

The communities of Rum-Koor/Aned/Agok are grateful with their presence and service. May they continue to protect both Twic and Ngok Dinka civilians from all harms.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2022
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Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you family and friends, online and offline a Merry 🎄 Christmas 2022.

It is my hope that the birth of Christ brings you happiness and joy during this festive holidays. Please convey my warmest regards to your families.

God Bless you abundantly!

Consequences of Indiscipline Leaders
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According to the Great Late Chinua Achebe:

- An indiscipline citizen can be contained by his fellow citizens or by a few actions of policemen. But, an indiscipline leader can't be treated the same.
- When entrusted with power and authority, indiscipline leaders are conferred immunity from common censure. This makes the indisicipline leader the envy of the powerless who will turn him into role model and imitate his actions of indiscipline. A cluster of indiscipline actions may turn an entire society into an indiscipline climate.
- A leader's undisciplined actions can incite his subjects to anger and rebellion.

Those entrusted with some kind of Leadership position and authority must heed to the message of Late Chinua Achebe or else they shouldn' be surprised that the people and climate of their tenure are chaotic and reeled with unending anger and rebellions.

Credit: Chinua Achebe on The Image of Africa (Book).

Killing & Torching Huts Among Dok & Haak Unacceptable
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While since 2013 war and politics have motivated incidents of killing, huts torching and cattle looting to achieve a political or economic objectives by some individual political and military leaders, communities don't enjoy doing it. Among the people of Southern Unity it remains foreign and pariah to the psychic and emotions of majority of Jagei, Haak, Dok and Nyuong Nuer to turn to one another in this manner.

It is unfortunate that the trauma of wars imposed upon these communities the attitude of internal internecine. What happened between Haak-Nuer (Mayendit County) and Dok-Nuer (Leer County) in the past few days is unacceptable. There is peace (negative peace) in place at the moment. Instead of using this opportunity to recuperate from the devastation of 7 years of war and to cope with floods and consequences of flooding, our armed youth are turning to each other to kill, torch huts and proudly loot each other of cattle.

The community leaders (Grassroots), County commissioners and politicians at the state level must act to avert any acceptance of internal strive among the Haak and Dok Nuer. Time to benefit from inter and intra-communal conflicts is in the past, at least we should think it like this. It is time to gather ourselves and reject the negative past and to use the devastation of the past to build a better society from the ruins.

Haak have no enemies in Leer and Dok have no enemies in Mayendit. Last night, I read a post from a young man from one of the two communities calling the other community all names on his facebook wall. There are many of the kind floating everywhere. This should be discouraged, detested and treated with highest level of contempt.

Young or Old people from these communities, you are not enemies. Your enemies are bad governance, abject poverty caused by Dutch Disease and resource curse, illiteracy and health hazards. Stop aiding these enemies.

Resolve your conflicts through dialogue.

Are we together?

6 dead, houses torched in intercommunal clashes in Unity State At least six people were confirmed dead, nine houses torched, and an unknown number of people injured in revenge attacks in Leer County of South Sudan's Unity State last Thursday.

2002 & 2003 - Memories of Political Activities and Engagement in Diaspora.
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With Hon Dr. Wani Igga and James Gatpan Teny (Maguock Tung) @ Raddison Hotel, Omaha NE, March 2002.

With Hon Amb. Ezekiel Gatkuoth at Washington DC, August 2002. The reunion of the SPLA Red Army (called Lost Boys in the United States), Hon Amb. Ezekiel Gatkuoth was on of the facilitators of the event.

With Hon Moulana Abel Alier Kuai, Fargo ND,
December 2003.

Towards the South Sudan "We Aspire For"
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Stage One: Freedom from Foreign Forces

Who were these forwign forces? They were Slave Traders, Turko-Egyptians - slave and raw materials extraction exploitators, Anglo-Egpytians colonialists and the Arab-Islamic neo-colonialism. This stage is completed, at least that South Sudan is an independent State recognized UN.

Stage Two: Freedom from Political Tyranny

Since 2011 South Sudan has been under the rule of political and military elites, advanced and canvassed through perpetual transitional governments of Natational Unity. This stage has been chaotic and dangerously confusing. War induced famine and the ongoing climatic change flooding calamity have exacerbated the grave living standards of the citizens. Freedom from political tyranny is yet to be achieved. Current measures through the R-ARCSS are meant to conclude the war, and to allow for non-violent political competition between and among political elites/other forces, as well that of inter and intra-communal relationships. A People's promulgated constitution and inclusive and professional army would be characteristic of this stage. This stage is yet to be completed. It has to come to a very successful conclusion in order to have success with next stage.

Stage Three: Social Transformation

This last stage entails combating abject poverty, horrible health conditions and elevating literacy levels of citizens through improved social and economic situations of the masses. While throughout the three stages something could be done to imrpove the socioeconomic conditions of the masses, chances of great success are assured under conditions of political freedom. We have long ways to go to arrive to Stage Three for lives of common citizens to change positively.. This is the last stage where true Statehood shall deserve celebration by a common citizen.

Just saying the obvious! Have your say.

Deprivation, Neglect and Manipulation - South Sudan context!
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When a very important person tours the state, especially the state governor, there are a few constituencies that couldn't be accessed by road, river and air. Close aids of the State leader ( s) make excuses and conclude that they couldn't risk going on a trip that puts the leader and his entourage at perils. They make the following claims depending on conditions of each area they couldn't accessed.

A. No Road Accessibility: They claim these areas have no roads connecting them to the State headquarter. A road trip is possible through a long journey via other States. Given the cost and security risks of going through other states, this option is called off. The leader is adviced to think of other ways to access these areas.

B. River travel is dangerous: They argue that there are no sufficient river boats or barges that could facilitate important trips for such a leader and his entourage. Even if this option is tried, the leader and his aids would need to travel to meet communities and visit important sites in these particular areas after arrival. Boats or barges won't do the job. The idea is shelved and the trip is adjourned indefinitely.

C. Air travel is insufficient: Close associates call off the air trip claiming that there won't be sufficient entourage to accompany the State leader to these locations. Accompanying politicians, senior civil servants, organized forces, secretaries and bodyguards won't all be airlifted to participate in the trip for the State. Unfortunately, UN partners won't provide air flied services for all who were planned to go on these visits. Most importantly, on the ground, the leader and his entourage would need to move around, meet people and see places. Air service won't do these. There must be vehicles and automotives on the ground to move the leader around. In these locations there are just a few vehicles and enough for the top VIPs only. Let's call this option an impossible option.

D. What about accommodation and catering? The state leaders need to accommodate in well furnished local houses or huts. The mattresses, beds, bedsheets, bathing soaps and more would need to be avaliable not just for the Big Man, but for almost all the entire entourage. They need to be fed and quenched. Food and beverages must be in adequate supply to soothe their vexation. All these may not be available in adequate quantities in these locations, even though the cost of buying these items rests on the local authority and local populations. The locals are reminded of the days of liberation struggle where collection of Tayin was routine and traditional obligation.

Given the dire situation in the localities to be visited, going hungry or sleeping empty stomach could not be dismissed. It is therefore concluded that risks are eminent and sufficient to justify calling off the trip. It is cancelled until further notice.

E. Additionally, a question of communication adds to the odds. Some close aids claim the State leader will have no means of communication with bosses and other contacts when in these particular areas. These constituencies have no phone networks in existence since the time immemorial. INGOs have limited internet access, yet due to various sensitivities, their facilities won't open their spaces for use by political leaders for many reasons. Satellite phones are sparingly used, however, only a few have them. Satellite phone calls have proven quite expensive, therefore the state is not ready to spend a dime on them. The verdict is to never take a trip to a location where the leaders of the state won't have means of communication. Please postpone the trip indefinitely, they command.

Verdict:

The very entities and individual leaders with responsibilities to emancipate the helpless citizens from the above conditions are the very ones making claims and excuses as if the heavens is to blame. They are responsible deprivation and neglect of the citizens they purport to lead, yet they have the guts to use their irresponsibility to justify their inaction.

No one has any rights to use their failures or hell bound strategic plans to deprive and neglect you. Tell them it is enough. Emancipate yourself from deprivation, neglect and manipulation.

People's Power: What is it?
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People's Power is a political revolutionary idea (slogan) or a call for a popular government that resonates with the aspirations of the masses. It is not my idea. It has been there for ages. Various people around the world called for a People's political power and succeeded. Our liberation Movements of Anyanya and SPLM/A (1960 - 2005) were People's Power revolutionary movements.

People's Power revolutions can be peaceful or violent. I prefer non-violent political revolution manifested by participatory mechanisms for change of political leaders, consequently strengthens social contract between the masses with their various levels of political structures or government.

People's Power craves for all possible opportunities to the ruled to have a say in how their affairs are managed. This is vital in order to anchor the systems and structures of governance on the popular consent of the governed.

It is a call for a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is our collective agenda. We should make our calls loud for the ruling elites and for the world to hear.

South Sudan is deficient of a popular system of governance. This is partly why the rule of transitional governments has not only squandered the opportunities to dignify our masses, but has installed leaders without interest in handing power to the people to decide who should lead them and what kind of services should help change their current horrendous human conditions.

South Sudan citizens have all rights to ask their leaders to hand power to the people through non-violent means. The most easy way to do that is popular, peaceful and free and fair elections.

In Solidarity with Nyuong Nuer in the face of Devastating Floods
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It is hard to swallow, but it is the reality, it is the nature talking. In the 21st Century societies and governments found ways to overcome these kinds of devastations.

But, can a community totally marginalized, deprived and neglected like Nyuong Nuer overcome the current flooding devastation alone? This disaster only send a single message to Nyuong Nuer people. The message is, "You are on your own."

Nyuong are the only saviour of their current situation. It is quite disappointing how helpless we are... but nothing comes to stay.

In solidarity with you my people... we are abandoned, but we are not done. Keep your heads up.

God Bless you in spite of the hardship you endure....

The pictures are a courtesy of Kissy Battalion Simon and in Ganyliel.

Martyrs Day! 30 July 2021!
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1. Hanged or Killed By Anglo-Egyptian Colonialists:

- Gatkek Jiek Puoch (1931)
- Chuol Weng Khor (1929)
- Chief Dang Dungjiek (1931)
- Guek Ngundeng B**g (1928)

2. Died in the Sudan's Two Civil Wars (1962 -2005):

- Dr. John Garang De Mabior (2005)
- Gen. Joseph Oduho (1993)
- Gen. Kerubino Kuanyin Bol (1999)
- Gen. William Nyuong Bany Machar (1996)
- Elijah Hon Top
- Father Saturnino Lohure
- Chief John Both Diu
- Aggrey Jadden
- Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial (1968)
- Faustino Puok Majock (1984)
- Captain Lony Majiok Dang (1992)
- Dhuor Doang Puot
- Gatdiang Mut Chaak Thiec
- Kerubino Aguer (1994) - Red Army
- Mayuen Mach (1994) - Red Army
- Red Army Colleagues who sacrificed in various fronts during the 2nd Civil War.

The list can be too long!

These martyrs rejected wealth, forfeited relationships, and gave up life for freedom of the people of the today's Republic of South Sudan. May their revolutionary souls rest in peace!

Happy 10th Independence Anniversary South Sudan!
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Heroes/heroines of our liberation struggle, alive or dead, won our independence by their blood, sweat, resources and diplomatic prowess. Years since the dawn of the Turko-Egyptians occupation (1821-1881), Mahdists Revolution (1881-1889), the Anglo-Egyptian Colonialism (1898 -1956), and the Arab-Islamic Sudan State's Neo-colonialism (1956 - Jan 2005), the people of South Sudan longed for unperturbed freedom and independence from these forces of exploitation and hegemony.

The 9th July 2011 - is a day we officially broke the chain of external control of the land the people we today call South Sudan. We commemorate and jubilate over our collective achievement of independence. We won independence, but yet complete our liberation (our liberation is a process). It will require a different kind of struggle and calibre of leaders sophisticated to diagnose and prescribe relevant solutions to the contemporary and constantly changing political and economic context of South Sudan in an increasingly flat-world. South Sudanese must endeavour to:
- End all wars and conflicts through dialogue. While positions as reward to the political and military elites are a short-term fix, attention must be paid to rewarding victims of wars and conflicts. Their children should go to school and access health services at cheaper costs. In this way their forgiveness and cooperation would be guaranteed.
- Channel the petro-dollars to agricultural sector and locally produced market goods. Instead of insistence on taking loans from international monetary organizations (International Monetary Funds - IMF/World Bank - WB) at high interest rates to strengthen the South Sudanese Pound (SSP), petro-dollars should replace IMF/WB loans. This would saturate the local markets with dollars, consequently reducing the demand for dollars while increasing the demand for local currency.
- Strengthen legal, regulatory and oversight institutions to ensure imported market goods are of reasonable quality standards and prices. Our citizens need to be guarded from predatory and exploitative attitudes of unscrupulous merchants (foreign and domestic).
- Support the states and local governments to delivery basic services to our citizens. This would improve the way the government is viewed/perceived by our Masses, in return confidence in government by the citizens would be assured.
- We must press on our leaders, inside and outside the government, in urban and rural areas to recognise the sovereignty of our masses. Without the citizens there won't be independence to celebrate and a nation-state to scramble over. Citizens have many non-violent means to claim their rights from a nation-state that serves them. We must encourage peaceful ways to claim our rights and ask the governing elites to reciprocate.

We must always be grateful to our heroes/heroines for the independence of South Sudan; To appreciate and honor international friends who stood by our side during the difficult times of our struggle. They shall always be called "our friends."

The Republic of South Sudan is here to stay, but it must serve our masses and honor the memory of our heroes/heroines.

Happy 10th Independence Anniversary South Sudan!
Oh God Blessed South Sudan!