The Fighting in Thothim area of the Chollo Kingdom

Dear Bol Tong Nyikango,

I strongly believe that you have been very much angered as I am by the fighting which had occurred in Dhathim between the SPLA and the Chollo volunteer civil defense forces, which were scheduled to be integrated into the South Sudan Armed Forces. I understand that the incident was sparked by the refusal of the Commanding Officer, Olony to go and join up with the other group under the command of one Robert Gwang in northern Chollo area.

This should not be confused with the case of a woman rapped by some SPLA soldiers. Officer Olony had insisted that he be integrated with his men in Southern Chollo area and vowed not to join any forces outside that locality. He had a few conditions including the position of a Major General for himself. The overall commanding SPLA officer in the area is a Chollo by name Pannyang Daniel Othwolo. The fight took place while he was in the northern Chollo area where he was engaged in integrating the forces under the command of Robert Gwang.

The story fitting the Dinka SPLA soldiers against Chollo forces which is being spread by some Chollo netters in Diaspora, particularly in the USA , is false and seems calculated to disrupt the unity attained by the South in the last referendum. I cannot deny the accusations against the GOSS for mismanagement of the   Southern public affairs, but the South has voted to go as one and the Chollo have always been in the fore front of the Southern leadership. We the Chollo elders will not tolerate the politics of division. We will not tolerate tribal politics. If Dinkas or Nuers practice tribalism or favourism or nepotism or corruption in the GOSS as they are now being accused, the Chollo or others should not copy this or think that that is the end of the South. This situation will be corrected by others including other Dinkas or Nuers who are still elbowing themselves into manhood.                

Yes, the Chollo were at war with the Dinka Padang over their encroachment onto the Chollo land and GOSS silence and later approval. However the Padang have now turned their guns on themselves. The Khorfulus and the Khoratar communities are now bitter enemies. So I am now of the opinion that our Chollo Clergymen should intervene and contact the GOSS and government of Upper Nile State to mediate between Themselves and Olony so that they can be integrated into the Army of the South. This should be done immediately since the general amnesty declared by H.E.the President is still holding. They could still full out of the army again if the Dinkas return to rob the Chollo of their land. I look at it as evil for some of us to be encouraging sons of others to continue to be defending their land, while they hide in Diaspora educating their children. This is a SIN.

James Agor