Dinka-Nuer Washington Declaration
13 January, 2002

Representatives of the Dinka and Nuer communities within the Sudanese Diaspora living in the United States of America, met from 11-13 January 2002 in Washington, D.C.  We met within the spirit of the People-to-People peace process, which is facilitated by the New Sudan Council of Churches in southern Sudan.  Unanimously we join our hearts, minds and lives to this process of reconciliation among the Sudanese people. We commit to further this peace process through this declaration and our dedication to pursue our resolutions. 

We have reviewed the history of conflict in Sudan and particularly the conflict between Dinka and Nuer going back more than ten years.  We acknowledge with gratitude and hope the Declaration of Unity between the SPLM/A and SPDF issued by Dr. John Garang de Mabior and Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgeon on 6 January 2002. This brings to a close a more than ten-year period of division, conflict and suffering centered around the two leaders and expressed so often in violent conflict between their two communities, the Dinka and the Nuer. We also recognize that the bitterness of this period has left numerous factions and many deep wounds that are yet to be healed among southern Sudanese. Serious mistakes have been made by our leaders during these years that have resulted in deadly consequences for our people.  This reconciliation process will not rest or be complete until all Dinka and all Nuer are freely incorporated into this peace process and it is extended to all Sudanese who long for peace.

 Therefore, we publicly declare:

• That we appreciate and recognize the resolutions of previous People-to-People peace conferences as our resolutions.  This includes the conferences at Loki (1998), Wunlit (1999), Waat (1999), Liliir (2000), and Kisumu (2001) in addition to other councils and meetings facilitated by the NSCC;

• That the Dinka and Nuer communities living in the USA declare that we are now One People and that our traditional name of Jieng and Naath in our own languages have a common meaning of being “The People”;

• That any forces of the Government of Sudan or any leaders, factions or movements who attack one of us will be viewed as attacking “We the People” and will encounter a united front of united People;

• That we confess on behalf of all of our people and on behalf of our leaders that grave mistakes have been made and wrongs have been committed in the past years and we seek forgiveness from all who have suffered, those who have died and those who live on with deep bitterness and open wounds;

• That we invite all who are embittered by the past to join us in this reconciliation process. We stand ready to enter dialogue with all, and we oppose any attempts to bring unity by force or violence;

• That we commit ourselves to a reconciliation process that is much greater than Dinka and Nuer, one that includes all southern Sudanese of all peoples, all movements and factions who seek a just peace for Sudan, all traditional leaders, religious leaders, women and men, youth and adults, the children of today and those yet to be born;

• That we commit to organize the Sudanese community in the USA for a full engagement in the process of peace in Sudan. We stand ready to work in collaboration with the Sudanese Diaspora communities around the world and all of our sisters and brothers in southern Sudan.

• That we call on the international community to commit the necessary resources, both diplomatic and material, to bring the Sudan conflict to an end in a manner that achieves a just peace for all and includes the right of self-determination; and

• That we call on all Sudanese and the international community to imagine a Sudan at peace and to engage in the deeds today that will make that just peace a reality tomorrow.

As Sudanese who are far from our homeland, we express our deep appreciation to the United States of America, which has allowed us to take refuge in this country and has provided us sanctuary.  We grieve that the deep pain of terrorist violence and destruction that we have known for decades in our homeland has recently come to our host country in the horrendous terror attacks of September 11, 2001.  May God heal this land and its people and grant them the courage and wisdom to work for justice and peace around the world with increased energy and commitment.  We pledge to be partners with them in the pursuit of peace with justice.

We express our sincere thanks to the Sudan Working Group – USA that has supported the organizing of this reconciliation conference, and we thank the Church of the Brethren in Washington, D.C. for hosting our meetings.  Seven donor organizations, all from the faith community, have made this meeting possible and deserve our deepest gratitude.

In confirmation of this Declaration and the implementing Resolutions, we append our signatures and dedicate ourselves in full devotion.

Signatures for Communities:

Dinka-Nuer Reconciliation and Peace Conference
13 January 2002
Washington, D.C.