February 26, 2001
Dear Friends,
I would like to reply briefly to Brother Y. M. who has so seriously misread my Open Letter. In several places, I emphasized that minority tribal members would be treated equitably and fairly under the New Sudan. In my view, it is even possible for a minority tribal member to become President of the New Sudan, even though many Dinka would serve, simply because of numerical realities, on his Government. Everyone will have a fair share of power, responsibility and work in the New Sudan.
If non-Dinka wish to form a united party, that would be wonderful! Although I personally don’t think it can happen because of pre-existing political and social divisions. And, conversely, if Dinka wish to assemble as one party that would be welcome, too. All voices must be heard in our New Republic.
The millions who have died to free our Country will be forever honored in our hearts and minds. We are learning to truly appreciate their supreme sacrifice, even as we continue our struggle for Liberation.
I invite you, Brother Y., to join with all of us in a united front against the oppression of Khartoum.
Yours cordially,
{confidential signature]
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February 27, 2001
Dear Brother P.,
Thank you for your valued reaction to my Open Letter dated February 23rd. I have been especially pleased that many of you are at least reading the notices and communiqués posted on SSNET. Through on-going dialogue we can surmount many disagreements and problems among our ranks.
You make several good points concerning the rivalries that have historically existed among our many tribes. It is particularly hard to forget the suffering that some of our brothers have inflicted on others. But in the interest of unity, and in order to win our struggle for Independence in the eyes of the world, we need to set aside our differences and pursue the common goals that are shared by all of us!
The SPLM/A may not be the most perfect organization at the present time. But we all need to stand together behind it and improve it, organizationally, militarily and in terms of internal discipline. This will take a lot of work. And many painful memories will have to be buried. But we must place our primary objectives, of independence and sovereignty, first and foremost, above our quarrels and differences.
Thank you for supporting the ideals of freedom and dignity toward which all of us are striving.
Yours cordially,
[confidential signature]