Hero WO. Daniel Agoyi, Nurse Prison W. Officer

                   

Born in South Sudan, he was a citizen of Western Equatoria State (WES) of Azande ethnicity. He was a trained nurse at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH) and seconded to Sudan Prison Services in Juba. Between 1990-1992, he worked under the leadership of Dr. Josephson Mogga, M.D. at JTH until the time of his arrest, after which he was never seen again. Many believed that his arrest followed deployment of military nurses at JTH with the mission of reporting SPLA supporters. He was a very intellectual individual, reliable, punctual, precise, and calm.

Hero Lt. Col Philip Benarato Modi

Born in Juba city, he was a citizen of Central Equatoria State (CES) of Bari ethnicity. He earned diploma in Police and law enforcement studies from Police Academy in Khartoum. He was married to Ms. Hafasa

Hero Maj. Joseph Ladu, Military Officer

Born in Juba city, he was a citizen of Centre Equatoria State (CES) of Bari ethnicity. His academic journey started at ?? high school, and he earned diploma in Military Sciences and Defense Studies from Sudanese Military Academy. He married to Fidenisa

Hero Maj. Wilson Sometimes, Police Officer

Born in Western Equatoria, he was a citizen of Western Equatoria State (WES) of Azande ethnicity. He earned a diploma in Police Sciences and Law enforcement Studies from Police Academy in Khartoum. He was married. His two children currently live in the U.S.A.

Untold Stories of True Greatest Heroes of South Sudan and Journey towards Independent

PREAMBLE

This work in progress is about personal stories and accounts of the July 7^th, 1992 (The 1992 Juba Massacre By The Khartoum Regime) Equatorians on the True Greatest Heroes (SPLA Insiders/ SPLA cell) who shed their precious blood and paid the ultimate price  to advance the South Sudanese cause to the next level in their struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination and independence

 

In addition to this, it is to nullify the false claims advanced by Kiir and his associates that Equatorians never participated and contributed their fair share in the struggle for South Sudan independence. These are the testimonies of sons & daughters of Equatoria who energized and encouraged many young men and women from their own communities and region to join the liberation movement in the time the SPLA lost its momentum after the September 1991 Dinka-Nuer conflict and split up. As a result, the Equatorian manpower provided SPLA with competent, disciplined, skillful, well-trained officers and soldiers who successfully took the fight to the next level. The highly trained Equatorian Officers and soldiers trained SPLA soldiers in battle procedures, advance tactics and the training helped the movement to achieve more victories across South Sudan.

 

On the other hand, Equatorian civilians fed and provided SPLA soldiers with food, shelter, and safe heaven within the CES, EES, WES bushes. Without CES, EES and WES and the men, women and children of the farming community, SPLA would have perished of hunger and failed to achieve its mission. Without Equatorians support, the President’s tribesmen would have not survived in Greater Equatoria as they are known for laziness, desires for unethical gains, stealing and grabbing people’s properties. This is noticeably clear in the way the country is being run today by Kiir and his tribesmen.

 

This work in progress, constitutes befitting tributes honoring the sacrifices, prides, and purpose for life of the defenders of justice, freedom, and equality. These heroic defenders of justice, freedom and equality were arrested, detained, tortured, and brutally killed by the Mundukurat in cold blood. If their plan to help SPLA to take control of Juba had succeeded the road to South Sudan independence would have been shorter and would have stopped the suffering of South Sudanese in refugee and IDPs camps.

 

The July 7^th, 1992 event meant a lot to every South Sudanese, because their blood was re-energized, re-empowered, re-injected new blood of heroic fighting to re-make SPLA stronger, and conquered more territories from Khartoum regime.

 

The July 7^th, historic event deserves recognition because the extraordinary risks the Greatest heroes exercised to overpower regime in Juba and overcome fear to challenge the Mundukurat from inside was not an easy task and it is only the courageous & true well trained military personnel can achieved such highly dangerous military mission in bright daylight. Thus, why the July 7^th, 1992 deserves acknowledgement because it meant a lot to every South Sudanese. The true greatest heroes’ blood re-energized, reawakening, re-empowered, re-injected new blood of fear free into movement and remake SPLA stronger, and conquered more territories from Khartoum regime.  

 

The July 7^th,1992 freedom legends of South Sudan left behind enduring legacies that will never be forgotten. They were the icons of South Sudan independence who treasured as voices for the voiceless. These true greatest heroes heroically championed SPLA vision inside former Sudan without fear, exercised courage, and determination to send message of freedom across former Sudan.  They engaged in continued struggles within former Sudan and provided SPLA with vital information to attack Juba and capture Juba easily. If the plan had succeeded, the road to independence would have been shorter with less suffering and losses.  They led by example and left indelible imprint in the history of South Sudan. They dedicated their own lives to enriched South Sudan values in their diversities.

 

Furthermore, this work in progress sheds light on the total neglect, and lack of acknowledgment for the contributions of the true greatest heroes of South Sudan by government authorities, leaders of both national and state levels as well as failure of governments to care for the children and spouses of the July 7^th, 1992 heroes.

 

Both levels of government failed to establish (The July 7^th, 1992 True Greatest Heroes Trust Fund) to cater for the daily needs of these families. Over more, national government failed to follow up with Khartoum government heroes’ pensions, compensation and seek transitional justice to investigate the circumstances of their deaths. However, the biggest failure and lack of recognition are from the Three Governors of Great Equatoria who failed to acknowledge the contributions of their own sons & daughters, failed to erect statues to honor, and remember their memories as well as establish “The July 7^th, 1992 Great Equatoria States Trust Fund” to cater for the families of the true greatest heroes. Shame on the Equatorian leaders. If Equatorians cannot pay tributes to their own sons & daughters’ struggle for independence, & why should the common enemies of South Sudan officials in the centre do so?  One of the common enemies of Equatoria are Equatorians themselves in a time unity of Equatorians is a must.

 

In contrast, instead of honoring and remember the legacies of the July 7^th, 1992 True Greatest Equatorian Heroes, the previous and current Great Equatoria Governors are busy pleasing their masters (mede na-Aluwele) and kiss their asses, giving them public residential houses in Juba. Some houses were sold to the enemies of Equatoria, natural resources and lands were sold to the governors’ masters in return secured governorship positions. Great Equatorian leaders whether in the Parliament or Governors, they are all busy focusing on re-appointments in the next government, power, position, working day-and-night destroying Equatoria unity. True kanoliliaka ti mede na-Aluwele are been used to advance JCE’s agenda of one ethnicity imposing its will on majority 63 ethnic groups.   

 

The mission of true greatest heroes was to liberate South Sudan from within, which was more important than their personal ambitions. They looked out for the SPLA true vision of New Sudan and not inward for Khartoum & Kiir regimes’ policies of discrimination, marginalization, dehumanization, divide and rule, Arabization, and Islamization, dankinzation, tribalism and centralization of powers in the hands of two ethnicities. The courageous acts to tackled Khartoum regime from the horns and head in Juba during daylight was extraordinary unheard in the history of revolutions in Africa.

 

Therefore, 2020 is the year to celebrate, their blood, lives, ultimate sacrifices, public services for this generation and for the next generation to be free. South Sudanese are honoring them today with these personal accounts to hold this generation to account. They made their contributions and it is time for this generation of Equatoria to create its own share for freedom, justice, equality and liberate the oppressed from the hands of two ethnicities that are destroying the country.

 

The true greatest heroes of South Sudan showed goodness, unselfishness, constant sacrifices for independent South Sudan free of injustice, inequality, discrimination, and dehumanization of others. The 63 ethnicities should not give up and give in to Kiir and his associates policies of indifference and no matter what keep fighting for equality, economic equality, justice, and freedom. The best solution for South Sudan political instability is for the majority of 63 ethnicities fight for SEPARATE COUNTRY of their own like the Balkans to put an end to all injustice, inequalities, dehumanization, and marginalization.

 

What should be done?

1. Juba regime should address Khartoum government to request Sudan’s Attorney General to investigate Bashir about the July 7^th, 1992 massacres, and add file to current charges against Bashir.
2. The national government should introduce July 7^th, as a statutory holiday on both level of governments
3. If the national government failed to do so, the Three Great Equatoria States government should introduce July 7^th, as State Statutory holiday in their respected state.
4. To remember, honor the true greatest heroes of equatorial fighting spirit, the Governors of Great Equatoria States should build statues with flames in CES, EES, WES to represent their fighting spirits.
5. To remember, honor them, the Three Governors of Great Equatoria States should establish The July 1992 Trust Fund for the children and spouses of the true greatest heroes.
6. To remember, honor them, the three governors of Great Equatoria States should establish junior, and high school’s scholarship funds for their memories &
7. To remember, honor them, the three governors of Great Equatoria States–in partnership with South Sudan football, basketball association-should organize annually tournaments in their memories

 

Acknowledgment

Lakusr's Research Centre (LRC) is deeply indebted to all who contributed to this work in progress and provided historical accounts of some of the true greatest heroes of South Sudan. This work in progress would not have been half completed without your time, energies, advice, and support. I would like to express my special thanks to Al-Zein Al-Senussi, Gen. Salah Samsona, Hassan Lugga, Benaiah Duku, Dr. Josephson Mogga, M.D., Dr. David Bassiouni, Dr. Charles Bakheit, Prof. Alfred Lokuji, Rhama Sabit Darfur, Gen. George, Hon. Awutu N'Deke, Ustaza Gweadt Jambir, Fataka Lako, Alfred Lado, Akino Jada, and most importantly LakuSr's Research Centre for taking the led in this project. Let us continue search for missing information about other true greatest heroes of South Sudan.

Should you have some additional information on the current one and missing one, please, leave note on in the commons box and will follow up with you. We need to document their personal stories and accounts as well as what led to their deaths.

Hero Kennedy Khamis Ladu Jambiri, Custom Officer

 

                                                                        

Born in Juba city, he was a citizen of Central Equatoria State (CES) of Yangwara ethnicity. His father has a senior and a Co-wife/junior wife. The senior wife has eight boys and one girl and Kennedy’s mom (junior wife) has one daughter and three sons. His brothers are Majack and late Sabit Timbok a well-known carpenter in the Malakia market. His hammer beats were very distinct in Juba.

On November 30^th, 1983, Kennedy married Ustaza Asenta Lomeling Lado (known as Gwaedt), in a spectacular wedding in Juba. On December 13th, 1985, God blessed the couple with a baby boy whom they named Lobojo. Lobojo died in the U.S. just two days before his 33rd birthday. Kennedy loved his family as much as his school.

His academic journey commenced in Juba. Between 1966 and 1969 he attended Buluka elementary school (BES). In the period 1969-1974 he earned his teaching diploma from Malakal Teachers Institute (MTI) and was employed as teacher at the Ministry of Education and Guidance in Juba. After MTI, he taught for a short period; in 1978, he completed high School, and went on to study Custom College in Port Sudan where his focus was on Exports and Imports and where he graduated with a diploma in Customs Law in 1979.

He worked in Port Sudan, Juba Airport, Kaya and Yei. His greatest achievement was the current customs office building in Kaya which he built from scratch and established customs law which governs and controls the movement of goods across the country’s borders by imposing reporting and control procedures over all persons. In addition to this, he built a compendium for all taxes, duties and levies, regulations, and procedures for importing goods at the border, duty-free items, import-export restrictions for the office use. These were his successes. He worked in Sarase youbu and Republic of Central Africa (RCA). He spent three years in Kaya. We wish the customs building could be renamed to honor this amazing man. He served Sudan and Southern Sudan with decency, integrity, professionalism, stewardship, and excellence. In 1986, he was transferred from Yei to Juba where he became the senior Customs Officer in charge of Juba Airport and surrounded by his friends till his death.

Kennedy was known to everyone in Juba as loving, conflict free, honest person, a good Samaritan, one who followed rules, regulations, and directives at work, consulted others for second opinions, employed logic to resolve issues, great networker and people person who was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. For instance, during the difficult times, and between periods of midst 1980s-1990s, he helped many people travelled to Khartoum free of charge. To substantiate his honesty, Ustaz El-Zein Al-Senussi left his vehicle with him in Juba, then when security and the political situation was worsening and El-Zein could not return to Juba, Kennedy transported Al-Senussis’ vehicle to Khartoum and advised him to be extra careful about his political activism.

 His home was always open and full of visitors from early morning to sunset. He loved to socialize with his friends: Hon. N’Deke, Ustaz Al- Senussi, Dr. Tangu, late Dr. Maj. Gen. Kameri, M.D., Dr. Sindani, M.D., late Awad Lako, Wani Jumi, late Paulino Lo-Nyabek, Adidi, Maj. Henry Lakas, Maj. Gen. Ramdan Laku, and many others at picnics in Rajaf, and at weekend parties. He was a devoted catholic and always attended Sunday services at Saint Tereza's Cathedral.

Beside picnics, weekend parties and church activities Hero Kennedy provided moral support to the Al-Helal football team, and junior and high school football tournaments teams. He enjoyed running and was a night show comedian at school. He has no affiliation to any specific Sudanese or Southern Sudanese political parties. He was, however; against Arab-north negative behaviours towards southern Sudanese and always criticized Khartoum regime's policy of discrimination and economic inequalities.

In January 1st,1990, Kennedy and his family left Juba for Nairobi for treatment of his first-born son diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The Customs authority granted him 45 days leave which was extended to additional 30 days. On Feb 1990, he returned to Juba, resumed his duties at Juba Airport and left his family behind in a Nairobi’s hotel to continue with treatment and medical follow ups.

While in Juba, he provided financial support to his family in Nairobi through his trusted friends and relatives. In Feb 1991, Kennedy sent money to his family with his colleague late Ark-Angelo Lemi (Pojulu). Ustaza Gweadt met him at the church but has no knowledge of letter and money sent with Ark-Angelo. Ark-Angelo stayed few days in Nairobi and left for Uganda without handing over the money to his spouse. After the departure of Lemi, Kennedy spoke with his wife over the phone and asked if she received money from Lemi. She was surprised to learn that financial support was sent with Lemi.  

Later, the family situation was worsening and with the help of late Dr. Tangu, the family moved to new rented house in Nairobi. Dr. Tangu informed Ustaza Gweadt that, no news about her husband, and she has no knowledge of the arrest incident and murder.

One Sunday afternoon, after church at bus stop in Nairobi, Gwaedt encountered a Nuer man who disclosed to her the list of the True Greatest Heroes killed in white house in Juba and in the list was Kennedy’s name. The list included organized forces personnel and civilians. She pleaded with the Nuer man to make her a copy of the list, but the man refused and left the scene. This was how she received the shocking information about Kennedy’s ordeal.

She subsequently decided to relocate to Ifo refugee camp and applied for asylum. The family lived in the refugee camp for over ten years before resettlement to U.S.A. Kennedy was an amazing person, humanitarian, good Samaritan, mentor, a loving father, & husband. He was greatly missed and survived with three children.

According to some trusted persons, Kennedy was accused of helping two young men who participated in SPLA Juba attack. The National Islamic security agents followed the young men to Khartoum but failed to track them as they disappeared in Khartoum. Additionally, his name appeared on the SPLA insiders/cell list in Juba. Boutrous Simon also was accused but released and transferred to Atbara.

Other trusted individuals in Juba confirmed that, Kennedy’s colleagues in Khartoum tipped him off with a copy of security report. The security report was written and submitted to security authority by Late Maj. Sabit Makekele. In the report, late Makekele described Kennedy and Amos Mujur Dinka from Bhar Al-Ghazal as dangers to national security and they might import heavy weapons via Juba airport. He recommended that both men were persona non grata and must be deport to Khartoum. Different report by Makekele, also accused Maj. Diling Director of Wildlife as SPLA insider.

Kennedy showed Makekele’s security report to Hon. N’deke and told him that he was looking for an opportunity to transfer to Khartoum as the situation was worsening every day. Hon. N’deke confronted Maj. Makekele and told him that he saw copy of the report he wrote against Kennedy and asked him why he did it? Maj. Makekele responded that, the report was written by his junior soldier and soldier was bugging him and wanted to know if he submitted the report to high authority or not. Hon. N’deke did not buy Maj. Makekele’s argument. Hon. N’deke stated how could a soldier has power and authority over senior officer? Makekele has no answer.

Side note, Makekeles’ father was known for betrayal of fellow Equatoria citizens. His late father was traitor in Torit. The father reported many southerners to Khartoum regime during the Anya-anyone.   

Hero Warrant Officer (WO) Amosa Laku

                          

Born in K’uda Payam in 1935, WO Amosa Laku was a citizen of Central Equatoria State (CES) of Yangwara ethnicity. In 1940, he attended basic school in the Karo language and in 1942, he was transferred to Juba to continue his studies at the Christian Missionary Society (CMS). After CMS he was admitted to the Yei teachers Institute, but WO Laku declined the admission offer and took employment offer at the Juba Town Council (JTC) that could earn him some cash to provide for his family. For the following year he worked at JTC as a messenger. In 1957 he enrolled in the Sudan Police force (SPF) in Juba town. He was one of the few Yangwara young men who joined SPF in the Post-Independent period.

Professionally, after graduating from SPF basic training, WO Laku served in Juba, CES, Torit, Eastern Equatoria State (EES), and Yamabio Western Equatoria State (WES). He served Sudan with dignity, decency, integrity, courage, loyalty, and professionalism. He worked along his colleagues Anthony Makana, the father of Hon. Lino Makana former Speaker of South Sudan Parliament and WO Al-Haja Mori, father of Lasu Kwaja, Secretary General of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOMA). He was respected as a man and a community protector.

Additionally, he worked under Robin Much (Dinka Bor), the corrupt and tribalist Police Director in Juba during the time of Kokora. Robin stripped him of the rank of Sergeant (SGT) and demoted to rank of private (Nafar). Robin accused him of firing bullets in the air to disperse the protesters. On a side note, Robin introduced and instituted the culture of discrimination, marginalization, and tribalization of police in the SPF. During the tenure of Robin, non-Dinka citizens of Equatoria in Juba experienced discrimination at police stations while Dinka enjoyed preferential treatment when reporting crimes committed by his tribesmen. For instance, most Dinkas enjoyed 1000% immunity from prosecutions whether related to corrupt politicians or not. Additionally, when a Dinka killed a non-Dinka or raped women and girls, looted properties or stole money, no arrest was made, nor any attempt to investigate the cause of the crimes or the crime itself. Currently, South Sudan is again experiencing the Dinka policy of preferential treatment. Dinka officials at all levels of government always offer fellow Dinkas protection regardless of his/her affiliation with corrupt politicians in the centre or not. This brings us to the family life of hero Amosa.

Socially, in 1960, WO Laku married Mrs. Khamisa (Ijang) Abud-Allah Rhama Juka Romba and had nine children: two boys, four girls and three who died. He is survived by his children Fataka Laku (Othman Rebuko) living in Canada, Kenyi Loku (Mabure) in Finland and Al-Tahir (Lo-Nginnya), Hayat, Najat, Sadia and Nahala all in Juba and four grandchildren. In addition to this, the WO Lakos’ brothers and sisters are James, Sopekin, Juma Paulo Prison Officer, Poni and Kiko. Beside being a great father, hero Amosa was a traditional person.

Traditionally, he loved to sing and dance Yangwara traditional songs at (Miri Nyarnyar-God loves) square and always with his contemporaries such as Chief Denis, Felix, Ustaz Waradi Lo-Yangwara the great composer and singer of Yangwara cultural melodies leading the crowds.

As community protector, hero Laku loved his members of his community in Juba and stood behind Equatorian citizens in difficulties times such as merisa/marisa Kasha (araki/beer brewed from sorghum and other grains). Always, he makes sure that, women (Scheika Ana’adyia) who were involved in the marisa business were protected. During the Khasha he woke early in the morning and went around the neighborhoods to make a cross sign at each door of a woman who brewed marisa to avoid police checks or inspections. This was how he protected the local marisa makers from police arrest and that might have implicated him later in his career in the 1992 Juba genocide.

Hero Amosa was accessed by the Jellaba Khartoum regime to provide arrest information to members of SPLA/M insiders in Juba and tipped off Capt. Thomas C. Swaka (Current C-in-C of NAS) to escape Juba. He was arrested and detained at Malakia Police Station and later transferred to military headquarter in Qa’ada. The last person to encounter him alive is Mr. Mudether and he was brutality beaten, in bad shape and killed by Omar Hassan Al-Bashir national security genocidaires.