Introduction & Background

The Liliir Conference marked an important step in the progressive people-to-peoples' movement for peace and reconciliation among southern Sudanese ethnic groups.  Its achievements must be understood in the context of earlier peace initiatives conducted between various local groups, the most significant being the Wunlit conference in March 1999 between the Dinka and the Nuer, who reside on the west bank of the river Nile.  Since then, other notable achievements of the growing peace process have occurred at the local level.

 

Under the facilitation of the New Sudan Council of Churches, the peace process is characterised by being people-led and people-focused, i.e. an encounter between the traditional and civil representatives of the participating ethnic groups independent from the political and military domain.  This is perceived to be a critical element to the process: that it remains as free as possible from the interference of opportunistic political forces which, if unchecked, is capable of manipulating proceedings for self-seeking gains.

 

Encouraged by the significance and powerful spirit generated at Wunlit (which concentrated on the dominant Nilotic groups west of the Nile), the peace process advanced to other areas and a momentum grew among people east of the river to convene a second major conference to address their particular concerns.

 

The challenges facing the Liliir conference were complex given the diversity of the ethnic groups that reside in the region; the arrangement of its divided political landscape; and the intense mistrust and conflict that has arisen as a result.  Throughout Sudan's civil war, the traditional hostilities between many of these groups have often been appropriated by warring parties for their political and military ends, sometimes with devastating effects for the ethnic groups concerned. 

 

While the Liliir conference was attended by a large number of ethnic groups, it was unable to assemble a full representation from the region.  This was partly because of the distance and logistics involved and partly because some participating delegates were obstructed from attending (by their military commanders).  The delegates deeply regretted that 10 Gawaar chiefs, and 6 Lou chiefs (both Nuer), while transiting to the conference, were detained in Lankien and were unable to attend.  Finally, the conference didn't have adequate time (and resources) to conduct the number and range of more localised encounters and reconciliations necessary to bring about a comprehensive, region-wide settlement.  Once the rain season intensifies in Sudan (from the month of May), transport and logistics become prohibitive for over 4 months.

 

However, at the bequest of the people themselves, a significant and sufficient number of groups declared their interest to meet in the spirit of the (now 1 year old) Wunlit conference, and capture the desire of the people to talk of peace and reconciliation.  These groups were the Anyuak form Akobo and Pochalla; the Bor and the Padang Dinka; the Jie and Kachipo groups from the Boma area; the Lou and some Gawaar Nuer from Ayod, Waat and Akobo; and finally the Murle from Boma.

 

The box below gives a simple representation of the participating groups and their approximate boundaries of interaction.  In varying degrees, conflict exists between ethnic groups and within ethnic groups, and not all the members of one group are necessarily perceived to be hostile to another. 

 

Thus, for example, the conference distinguished between the Murle from Boma and the Murle from Pibor, the latter residing in areas under northern government control and seen as hostile to almost all neighbouring groups.  Similarly, the Gawaar and the Lou Nuer were distinguished, as there is currently discord between members of both sub-groups. 

 

Box depicting proximity of participating ethnic groups, to each other.

 

It was also acknowledged that prior to the conference, dialogue and smaller localised agreements were either in process or actually brokered - principally among the Bor Dinka and the Gawaar and Lou Nuer, and also among the Padang Dinka and the Gawaar Nuer - reflecting the changing trends taking place at the grassroots towards peace in southern Sudan among civilian groups.

In order to consolidate these positive trends, NSCC deployed a team of mobilisers and an elaborate network of consultations were set up.  Although Wunlit recommended that the next major conference be in the land of the Nuer, the organisers failed to obtain agreement on a suitable site where security would be sufficiently guaranteed.  This regrettable situation was a disappointment to all, and finally, Liliir was agreed as an alternative.

 

Organisation of the Conference

The host community prepared the conference facilities and NSCC provided facilitation and technical support.  An additional water point was secured with assistance from the NGO community.  Security was provided by the SPLA.  Because of the relative distances between the groups, airlifts had to be conducted for the visiting delegates.  A number of observers also attended, including elders from the diaspora (and other parts of Sudan), church leaders, international representatives and the media. 

 

The occasion commenced with the traditional sacrifice of a white bull and the conference followed a now proven procedure.  Firstly, beginning with the hosts, the delegates faced each other and told their story of transgressions, hostility and violence against their people.  A period was then offered for rebuttal, comments and observations.  This dialogue continued for three days and produced a catalogue of sensitive but key issues upon which a peace agreement would be fashioned.  In response, 9 working groups were established to address the topics in more detail:

 

1.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS FOR:  I) THE IDENTIFICATION OF MISSING            PERSONS; II) THE RETURN OF ABDUCTEES; AND III) THE RECOGNITION OF        MARRIAGES

 

2.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS: TO ENSURE THE FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

            & THEIR ANIMALS, AND THE PROVISION OF ACCESS TO ANIMAL WATER   POINTS AND GRAZING AREAS

 

3.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS FOR: THE IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON BORDERS

            & THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BORDER CHIEFS, POLICE, COURTS AND PATROLS

 

4.         PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR: MONITORING THE PEACE AGREEMENT          GENERALLY

 

5.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS: TO ENCOURAGE THE RESOLUTION OF INTERNAL          NUER CONFLICTS IN THE FUTURE

 

6.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS: TO CONSOLIDATE AND DEVELOP THE     RECONCILIATIONS BETWEEN THE (GAWAAR) NUER AND PADANG & BOR       DINKA

 

7.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS: TO RESOLVE THE TENSIONS BETWEEN THE LOU           NUER AND THE ANYUAK IN AKOBO

 

8.         PROPOSED MEASURES: TO BRING ABOUT DIALOGUE WITH THE PIBOR       MURLE

 

9.         PROPOSED MECHANISMS: TO SAFEGUARD THE PEACE PROCESS

            FROM POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM AND TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION        OF THE REMAINING UPPER NILE GROUPS, TO JOIN THE PROCESS

 

The working groups reported back to the conference their proposed resolutions and recommendations.  After discussion, and a number of amendments, they were finally approved by the delegates. 

 

Reflecting the substantive issues discussed, and in the spirit of reconciliation generated by the process, a covenant was signed by 129 representatives.  This formal act publicly sealed the participants desire for peace and outlined the areas where they will take responsibility for its implementation.  The ceremony was concluded with the sacrifice of a white ox.  The Christian community, both those attending the conference and those scattered throughout the world who are in solidarity with the peace process, offered prayer for its success and the advancement of peace and reconciliation throughout southern Sudan.  The conference also expressed appreciation to the many supporting governmental and non-governmental organisations that have provided financial assistance to the peace process.

 

The conference recognised and regretted that not all ethnic groups, or important sub-groups, were represented on the day.  It was the wish of the delegates that, with the assistance of NSCC, the process move forward to encompass these groups as soon as possible.  Nevertheless, the Liliir conference stands as a remarkable accomplishment.  The conference was successful in fortifying the voice of the southern Sudanese people in their compelling demand for peace.  The delegates were unambiguous in appealing to their leaders (military, civil and the educated class in general): that there must be unity and peace amongst all the southern people, and more accountable administration and governance of their interests and affairs.  However, the determination of the people to persevere with the achievement of peace, regardless of what obstacles are encountered, was apparent.

 

The following attached documents testify to the achievements secured at Liliir, namely;

 

•           Liliir Covenant Document

•           Conference Recommendations and Resolutions

•           Press Statement Released by NSCC

•           Delegate Signatures to the Covenant Agreement

 

This document therefore represents the official publication of the Liliir agreement and has been approved by members of the NSCC conference facilitation team:

 

 

 

__________________________                                            __________________________

Dr Haruun L. Ruun                                                                Mr Telar Deng

 

 

 

 

__________________________                                            __________________________

Ms Iliana Nadi Albino                                                                        Mr Paul Murphy

 

*A more detailed record of the conference will be made available by NSCC in the future.

MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

OF THE LILIIR CONFERENCE

9TH TO THE 15TH OF MAY, 2000

 

Throughout the proceedings, a number of motions were proposed by delegates of the conference, passed by the assembly, and which are recorded below.  In addition, the 9 working groups produced a series of resolutions and recommendations which are intended to accompany the general covenant agreement.

 

The following motions were unanimously carried at the conference:

 

1.         MOTION

            THAT THE LILIIR CONFERENCE FULLY ENDORSES THE WUNLIT WEST BANK         PEACE AND RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE, MARCH 1999.

 

2.         MOTION

            THAT THE LILIIR CONFERENCE CALLS FOR A SPECIAL 'CONFERENCE OF    COMMISSIONERS' TO OVERSEE THE RESOLUTION OF BORDER IDENTIFICATION      AND THE REGULATION OF MOVEMENT

 

3.         MOTION

THAT THE LILIIR CONFERENCE CONDEMNS THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE UPDF IN DETAINING THE AEROPLANE WITH THE CONFERENCE DELEGATES ON THE 11TH OF MAY.

 

 

The following resolutions were approved by the conference:

 

4.         RESOLUTION

           

            TO ENSURE I) IDENTIFICATION OF MISSING PERSONS; II) THE RETURN           OF ABDUCTEES; AND III) THE RECOGNITION OF (DE FACTO) MARRIAGES

 

•           All abducted women, together with their children (whether born in legitimate wedlock or not), will be handed back to their biological parents and relatives in the presence of the local civil and security authorities.

 

•           For parents who consent to the marriage of previously captive girls/women, that their marriages will be fulfilled according to local norms after the handing over procedure has taken place.

 

•           The local civil and security authorities in the areas cited below are to be charged with the collection of the abuctees and to co-ordinate with the identification of the missing persons through the regional Peace Council (see N° 7) and the legitimate owners of the abducted children.  The process should be implemented between the relevant chiefs, under the supervision of the Council.  11 areas were identified with one or more chiefs who are to provide lists of the abducted persons.  

 

Contact List:

 

i)          Lou Nuer,         Chief Char Reath Kok (Akobo)

                                    Chief Peter Pok Reath (Gon-Gat Bol)

                                    Chief Dak Nyop

ii)         Gawaar Nuer,          To be identified later.

 

iii)         Anyuak,            Chief Akug Obang Obuala

                                    Chief Opathi Ghuara Jok

 

iv)        Murle,               Chief Boya Girgir

 

v)         Bor Gok,           Chief Madhoor Alier Jongroor

 

vi)        Bor Athool,       Chief Ajak Mabior Deng

 

vii)        Twic Ajuong,    Chief Ayuel Warabek Ayuel

                                    Chief Maketh Arok Maketh

 

viii)       Twic Lith          Chief Garang Deng Douth

                                    Chief Kuir Bul Ruaal

                                    Chief Bior Aguer

 

ix)        Duk Payuel       Chief Majok Chol Jok

 

x)         Duk Padiet        Chief Deng Mathiang Mabior

 

xi)        Padang Chief Majok Mabil Deng

                                   

 

5.         RESOLUTION

           

            TO ENSURE THE FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE & THEIR ANIMALS AND  THE             PROVISION OF ACCESS TO ANIMAL WATER POINTS AND GRAZING AREAS

 

The conference favoured the setting up of a committee to oversee the issue of access to common or shared resources, especially animal grazing and water points, and how those rights can be protected. 

 

•           That the functions of the committee will be given to a special Peace Council (and its various sub-committees), recommended below (N° 7).  Representation should include; regional authorities, security, police, local administration, veterinary services, health services, head chiefs, ethnic group representatives. 

 

•           That the grazing period be considered from January to June (people & cattle to be dispersed by end of June).

 

•           That people and their cattle will be accompanied to their allocated grazing areas by the border chiefs.

 

•           That the Peace Council will visit sites annually before allocating rights of access to the head chiefs (and copied to the local authorities).

 

•           That a small police force at the grazing areas be established.  Security forces shall be responsible for the general security of the people and their cattle.  Support for the security force shall come form the chiefs and their people.  Security forces shall keep the Peace Committee informed of what the security status is, and what actions they have already taken.

•           That the provision of clean water for the settled population and their animals be part of the implementation plan.

 

 

6.         RESOLUTION

           

            TO ENSURE THE IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON BORDERS & THE         ESTABLISHMENT OF BORDER CHIEFS, POLICE, COURTS AND PATROLS

 

•           That border post police will control incursions by cattle rustlers, etc., and report transgressions to their respective chiefs for prosecution.

 

•           That chiefs will meet from the border areas and that courts will be established close to the border posts.  Difficult issues or cases will be reported to the higher authorities from the respective areas. 

 

•           That the police will be equipped with radios (13) for easy communication with their counterparts in the region.

 

The conference identified a number of common borders and recommended border stations:

 

ANYUAK       

- Murle: Pochalla & Pibor

              Border Station: Abich/Okello

- Murle: Pochalla & Boma

              Border Station: contested (Alal/Rad)

- Kachipo: Pochalla & Dima

              Border Station: Dima

 

AKOBO/ANYUAK

-Murle: Akobo & Pibor

             Border Station: Bim

- Nuer: Akobo & Waat

             Border Station: Duachen

 

MURLE

- Nuer: Pibor & Akobo

             Border Station: Nyandit

- Nuer: Pibor & Waat

             Border Station: Biem

- Dinka: Pibor & Bor

             Border Station: Langou (for Bor south)

                                       Manawan (for Bor north)

 

DINKA BOR

- Nuer: Bor & Waat

            Border Station: Ayuai

- Nuer: Bor and Ayod

            Border Station: Chueithon

 

NUER WAAT

- Dinka Bor: Waat & Bor

             Border Station: Riek/Panyok

 

NUER AYOD

- Dinka Duk Padiet: Ayod & Bor (North)

             Border Station: Paloich

 

DINKA PADANG

- Nuer Lankien: Baliet & Waat

            Border Station: Kuel (Dinka) & Nyirol (Nuer)

- Nuer Nassir: Baliet & Nassir

            Border Station: Nyayin

- Shilluk: Baliet & Sobat

            Border Station: Nyinibil

 

 

7.         RESOLUTION

           

            TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL PEACE COMMITTEE TO MONITOR AND   SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT

 

            Recommended that a Peace Council be established with the sole purpose of overseeing and assisting the implementation and strengthening of the Liliir Covenant and resolutions.  Membership, it was suggested, should consist of a chair and vice/chair; secretary; secretary for information and for finance; chief and associate advisors; resource people and other members to be identified.   Each county/district will have a sub-committee, and where appropriate, establsih them at the village level.

 

            It is also recommended that the chiefs and civil institutions in each area make an explicit commitment to support the peace process and Peace Council, and monitor its implementation.

 

The following recommendations were agreed by the conference:

 

 

8.         RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            TO ENCOURAGE THE RESOLUTION OF INTERNAL NUER CONFLICTS IN THE           FUTURE

 

            Recommended that a meeting be called in the area where the conflict is reputed to be occurring.  In particular, a committee should be formed to address the conflict between the Gawaar and the Lou Nuer, and presided over by the chiefs of the neighbouring tribes, i.e. Dinka from Bor, Bahr el Ghazal and western Nuer (to discuss root causes and reach a peaceful solution).  Ayod or Yuai were suggested as possible locations. 

 

            The conference raised an appeal to the liberation movements of the region to establish secure conditions in the recommended areas, and assist the church in preparing the ground for such a meeting.  An appeal was also made to NSCC to assist with facilitation, and to the chiefs to assist with security by mobilising the communities for peace. 

 

            Recommended that this meeting take place 'as soon as possible'.  The Gawaar and Lou chiefs who attended the Liliir process should be mandated to go and inform their respective communities of the conference's covenant and resolutions.  It is viewed as essential that these areas have (supervised and conditional) radio access.  A practical but vital recommendation is to address the critical lack of water in the areas of Ayod and Yuai, as part of the process.

9.         RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            TO CONSOLIDATE AND DEVELOP THE RECONCILIATION TAKING PLACE       BETWEEN THE (GAWAAR) NUER AND PADANG & BOR DINKA

 

            Recommended to form (joint) committees at the local level with four members from each ethnic group (suggesting a chief, a church leader, civil administrator and a member from a woman's association).  Groups that have not attended Liliir should be given a record of the conference (e.g. Gawaar Lak, Renk, Pariang, Atar, & Jikeny). 

 

            Appeal to NSCC to assist the joint committee with transport for their task and essential commodities for peace meetings.  Appeal to the authorities of the region to assist with security in support of such encounters.  [Ayod suggested as a location, or Atar if security is a problem.]

 

 

10.        RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            TO RESOLVE THE TENSIONS BETWEEN THE LOU NUER AND THE ANYUAK     IN AKOBO

 

            Recommended that the (to be established) regional Peace Council address this issue in the near future.  As part of the problem originates from scarce resources in the Nuer home areas (water/grazing), recommended that these issues become part of the solution.  Sharing of administrative duties (between Anyuak and Nuer) was also recommended.  [Also noted that hostility between the two groups in Ethiopia was having an impact in Sudan.]   

 

 

11.        RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            TO BRING ABOUT DIALOGUE WITH THE PIBOR MURLE

 

            Conference urged, that despite the lack of contact with the Murle residing in areas controlled by the Khartoum administration (i.e. in the Pibor area), and the negative profile they have acquired, that all peaceful options should be considered to establish communication with the group, in the hope that some positive response might be achieved. 

 

            Recommended that a NSCC send a message to SCC to spread the word of the people-to-people peace among the Murle residing in their areas and inform them of what has been achieved so far.  Similarly, a delegation from the Murle in Boma should send a similar message.

 

 

12.        RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            TO SAFEGUARD THE PEACE PROCESS FROM POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM         AND TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF REMAINING UPPER NILE             GROUPS TO JOIN THE PROCESS

 

            The delegates distinguished different functions, and how they should be appropriated by the different parties to the process.  Firstly, it is a people-to-people event, and thus the agenda and initiative must always remain with the people.  Once it has been agreed when and where a peace meeting will be held, then the civil authorities, in the company of the traditional leaders, are both responsible for identifying a suitable location and making preparations for the meeting to take place.  Finally, issues of security should remain with the security forces, in support of the people's peace process.

 

            The conference recommended that the achievements of Liliir be widely disseminated throughout the region and documentation be made available in each county/district.  The need for continuing smaller, more localised peace initiatives, was stressed before a larger conference is convened.