Congratulatory Message to Lt. Gen. Budhok Ayang Anei Kur on his Appointment as the Governor of Upper Nile State, South Sudan

We, the undersigned, Chollo Community Leaders in Diaspora, while emphasizing the inadmissibility of the recurrent breaches of the R-ARCSS by the SPLM-IG and the unwarranted concessions by the SPLM-IO are:

cognizant of the immense suffering of the people of Upper Nile State in general and the Chollo Kingdom in particular,

encouraged by the vigilance and restraint shown by Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thubo Commander-in-Chief of Agwelek Armed Forces,

hopeful for a genuine peace and stability,

committed to seize the moment and consider the positives and inherent opportunities that are and still to be offered by the recent developments in the politics of Upper Nile State.

We therefore, unreservedly, congratulate Lt. Gen. Budhok Ayang Anei Kur, on his appointment as the Governor of Upper Nile State. We trust, Lt. Gen. Budhok, has the experiences and competencies essential to sailing confidently through the huge challenges in governing an
ethnically diverse state like that of Upper Nile.

The key outstanding contention remains the ownership of land. Hence, we stress, a successful completion of the transitional period as per the principles outlined in the R-ARCSS, entails the return of displaced Chollo people as well as all other people of Upper Nile to their  respective villages and observation of the district borders as per 01/01/1956.

All unlawful occupation of civilian properties in Malakal town must be dealt with swiftly for the safe return of rightful owners to their  legitimate homes. Crucially, security measures including demilitarization of Malakal town and expulsion of all sorts of militias are cardinal to confidence building and resumption of normal life.

We wish Governor Budhok all the best and offer to work with him to achieve much needed peace, justice and rule of law in the state.

May God’s blessings and grace be upon Governor Budhok, Chollo Kingdom, Upper Nile State and South Sudan.

Signed:

Mr. Karlo Kwol Akol, Chairman, Chollo Community in the United Kingdom

Mr. William Ator, President, Pashodo Community Mutual Assistance Association, USA

Mr. Victor Lwanyo Awang, Chairman, Chollo Community Association, USA

Dr. Banydhuro Samson Oyay, Chairman, Australian Chollo Community in Victoria

Mr. Yoanes Nyago, Chairman, Chollo Community in Europe

Mr. Emmanuel John Lual, Chairman, Australian Chollo Community in Queensland