February 27th, 2012
Negotiating the Minefield of Conflict in South Sudan
"Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what in right in the eyes of everybody."
Rom. 12:17
As I arrived in South Sudan for the 12th time in early February, evidence of a developing infrastructure was immediately apparent. For the first time I was able to fly directly into Juba and drive south for only 2 hours to our mission compound in Borongole on a road that is mostly paved. This was a big difference from the bone jarring and throat dusting 12 to 14 hour drive from Kampala, Uganda that I had become accustomed to.
Along the way, there was a 12 mile stretch yet to be paved. A few days earlier, an unsuspecting bulldozer operator was killed when his machine exploded a land mine that had been planted by the Islamic forces during their retreat toward the end of the war. This stretch of road was left unpaved. We passed the de-mining machine preparing to do it's plodding work. This was a sad and unexpected tragedy, interrupting the progress of rebuilding the physical infrastructure in a land that had been laid waste in over 2 decades of war.
In early January we had been informed by our team on the ground of another terrible and unexpected event that interrupted the the rebuilding of the social infrastructure of the families, churches and communities we serve in Eastern Equatoria. A conflict had erupted over a land dispute between the Acholi and Madi tribes. Five Madi villagers were killed in a surprise attack just a few miles from our compound. Although the immediate grief and rage was palpable throughout the Madi community, the Elders responded in a temperate and wise manner. Consistent with Prov. 20:22 ("Do not say 'I will recompense evil', but wait for the Lord, and He will save you."), they instructed the community to not seek revenge or even call upon authorities to intervene. Instead, they contacted the Elders of the Acholi community to find out the root cause of the conflict and who was responsible. The Acholi Elders did their fact finding. It was discovered that a corrupt official had incited the attack by spreading rumors and false allegations for personal gain. This manwas turned over to the authorities to be dealt with appropriately. However, the damage had been done. Suspicion and a lack of trust brooded between the tribes.
The "PAUSE" Principles at work...
The Elders of both tribes determined to continue to do what is right in an effort to overcome evil with good. Peacemakers Ministries describes some basic principles in a wise process of cooperative negotiation. They are summarized in the acronym "PAUSE" (Prepare, Affirm relationships, Understand interests, Search for creative solutions, and Evaluate options objectively and reasonably).
The Elders, in their wisdom, outlined a way forward which elegantly reflected these principles. They established a time and a neutral place (February 25th at the mission in Loa, about 10 miles from the site of the conflict) where the Elders and the Boma Chiefs could come together to better understand the issues with the goal of reconciling differences. People were called upon to pray for discernment and wisdom for the leaders of the communities during the time leading up to the meeting. The Elders gathered facts from eyewitnesses and tribal historians were assigned to research the history of land boundaries between the tribes, and to review the history of similar conflicts (going all the way back to pre-colonial rule) and how they were resolved. This would set the background and context for the current dispute. Position papers were drawn up and proposed solutions were outlined. (Prepare).
I had the honor of being invited to the meeting of the Boma Chiefs and the Elders on February 25th. Members of the South Sudanese and government officials were also there to observe the process.
The meeting opened with prayer, acknowledging that God is a God of both tribes, and that He would reveal the way forward if those attending would humble themselves before Him. The meeting then started with opening remarks about the long history of mutual coexistence and cooperation between the tribes. (Affirm relationships). The historians presented the record of tribal boundaries and described accounts of prior conflicts and how they had been resolved. Eyewitness accounts and victim impact statements were then offered in an atmosphere of quiet repsect. Respective position papers were read. (Understand interests). Conciliatory gestures were offered, with both sides referring to the attack as "the tragedy". Both sides agreed that the land in dispute belonged to the Madis, but that the Acholis were welcomed, as both tribes have a mutual interest in restoring their country. (Looking to the interests of others, according to Phillipians 2:3-4.) As the day progressed into evening it became increasingly difficult to distinguish between tribal loyalties, as all the participants seemed to affirm the view of each speaker. Solutions were offered with the theme of "Restorative Justice", with one Acholi even proposing that that they agree to live under the authority of a Madi Chief in the interest of the common good. (Searching for creative solutions). As the meeting approached it's conclusion it was agreed that both sides would submit to mediation with the Inter Church Council. It was also agreed that the Boma Chiefs from throughout the region would meet on March 7th to review the root causes of the conflict and the interests of both parties and evaluate the options presented. (Evaluate options reasonably and objectively).
In addition to my work with Operation Nehemiah's Medical Mission, I am privileged to be able to promote the principles of Biblical Peacemaking in daily broadcasts over our radio station, "Nehemiah Trumpet Call, 97.3" and in workshops with local congregations. I must say that it is humbling to witness the church and it's Elders coming together in such an effective, gracious and Biblical manner to bring healing and reconciliation to the communities of the Eastern Equatoria region. This certainly bodes well for the cause of peace in New Sudan.
By His Grace,
Robert Kirkman
