AFRICANEWS

Sudan

Warlord not remorseful

Conflict

After collaborating with the government for four years, Sudanese war lord Kerubino Kwanyin Bol, reputed for unleashing terror on his own fellow southerners, earlier this year rejoined the SPLA mainstream. Charles Omondi interviewed him in Nairobi.

What is your background?

I am a Dinka. born in a small village called Paywayi. I attained my education in Gogrial up to 1957. I am a career soldier who rose to the rank of major general in the Sudanese army. I am the one who fired the first bullet that triggered off the current phase of the Sudanese civil war in 1983. I am currently a commander in the Sudanese People's Liberation Army.

You have changed sides many times in the Sudanese conflict, don't you think this has watered down your credibility?

I don't think so. The changes have always been necessitated by popular demand. In 1983 when I quit government service, I was supported by the youth, when I was jailed by Dr John Garang in 1986 for six years, I was fighting against communism that was creeping into our ranks. Where is communism today? It has collapsed! When I went back to the government, it was as a result of hammering out a popular deal on self determination for southern Sudan. It is the government that failed to live up to the expectations of the agreement, forcing me to re-consider my stand. So, my going this way and that way has always been in pursuit of best solutions to the problems of our people in southern Sudan.

What was the reaction of the members of your faction on your latest shift of allegiance?

When we were leaving the government, we came out with a complete and fully-armed division, that is about 12,000 soldiers and about 80, 000 civilians. We came out with the entire police force in Wau, Gogrial and Awil. So our coming out was a popular move occasioned by the realisation that the Sudan government was taking us for a ride. We have now opted for the armed struggle in order to achieve our goals, unless the government changes its tactics and wins our confidence back to the negotiation table.

With such a strong force behind you, why was the Wau take-over attempt unsuccessful?

War is like a game of soccer. Winning a battle does not necessary mean success in war. The mere fact that it was not successful may not mean much. What is most significant to us is the fact that this good number of people have taken the right direction in the struggle. They are now united in demanding a say in the running of their country. The government of Sudan must now seek their opinion through a popular referendum and that is the way forward.

How have you been received in the SPLA mainstream on your latest return?

The SPLA is brainchild. of all of us. It does not belong to Kerubino or Dr. John Garang. It belongs to all of us. When we were with the government, we were called SPLA Bahr el-Ghazal Group, if you put group out, it remains SPLA.. There is nobody who is a guest in SPLA. My latest move is a major boost to our struggle in the south. Our past divisions were counter-productive. All the southerners are happy about it.

You have been accused of being behind some of the worst atrocities against your own people, what is your comment?

I think this is completely one-sided. It is true that I had differences with Dr John and we parted ways but we all continued fighting. During that time, I lost my men just as any other group that we fought against. We all fought among our people and no single person should take all the blame. One thing you must bear in mind is that even among the Dinka community, people often fight in case of disagreements but the moment the problem is resolved, they come together as brothers. All of us must bear the blame for all the afflictions of our people during that period.

What in your opinion would be the most effective way of bringing lasting peace to Sudan?

Since our brothers in the north are very intransigent, the only lasting peace will be realised through our unity in the south. If we are united then we can talk to the government, we will be taken seriously. Our case is well known to the government which has been cashing in on our divisions to perpetuate the fighting.

With all these factions that have emerged in the south, do you see unity as being tenable in the foreseeable future?

Unity will be achieved through the youth. The youth have no time for all these divisions. We have appealed to the youth to come together because the problem in the south is not for one leader, it is for all the people. I have also appealed to my fellow leaders to reconsider their divergent approaches and work together.

Describe briefly the current famine situation in your motherland?

It is completely natural but it is very grave. I don't exactly know how it is going to be resolved. Now people are dying in their thousands though the international aid agencies, the churches and the NGOS are doing their best to contain the situation.. Unfortunately, the Sudan government continues bombing the safe havens and other strategic positions for relief operations. The international community must exert great pressure on the government to abide by the recently declared cease-fire.

Can you confirm or deny allegations that soldiers are taking food meant for starving civilians?

It is not true. The soldiers are fighting for the civilians and it is in their interest to safeguard the welfare of the people. The main problem is that the food reaching the famine-stricken region is not enough. If the food was enough, there would never be such allegations. I am a commander and I have recently had an extensive tour of the affected area in the company of NGOs. I am therefore well versed with the situation on the ground.

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