Rev. Matthew Mathiang: We have consumed a good deal of time with the testimony of the Bishop. Before ending our devotions I want to tell you that one of our brothers, Mario Muor Muor is sick and we are asked to pray for him. I invite two people to pray, one being Rev.. John Akumo and the second, Mary Abuk. Let us thank God for the words of the Bishop, and pray for the healing of Mario Muor Muor.

Mary Abuk: (comes forward, and sings, "Who is Jesus? Who is Christ? . . . Christ our Lord.") Let us pray. All things come from Christ, who has brought us to this place. Lord, hear our prayer. You have brought us here, you have made us in your image. Cleanse our hearts, give us wisdom as we call upon you. It is not possible for us to go forward on our own. You transform us. Merciful God, we call; you this morning, asking through these years suffering. We will be in your blessing today. We pray for Mario that you raise him up. Be with us Southerners, and bring life to our land. Bless Mario, and we who are confused, you guide us. Let us reflect carefully, cleanse our hearts, be with widows across the South. They have suffered for years. Our people at Kakuma, bless them. We pray to you and thank you in Jesus' name.

Rev. John Akumo: Let us continue. Our heavenly Father, God, we thank you for this time which is give to you. Draw near to us as we seek peace between ourselves. We thank you fro the testimony of you servant. The miracle in prison tells us that we must have faith that will move mountains. We pray as we seek peace between ourselves, in our country. Pray for your healing hand to b e on Muor Muor. We give thanks for his hard work in preparing this place. We know the Devil is clever, bringing sickness among us so your name will be disgraced. But we pray you will heal him, that we can praise you and continue out work. We ask that the fruit of our work might be rich. Give us love, and wisdom from above, not human wisdom. This we pray through Christ our Lord.

Telar Deng: Our session is now beginning ((9:32 a.m.), and I give the floor to Dr. Peter Kok.

Peter Nyot Kok: You Chiefs of Dinka and Nuer, the women of Dinka and Nuer, our elders, commissioners, and those who accompany them, I greet you all. We will proceed from where we left off last evening. We have new delegates who arrived last evening, people who support our efforts. They have worked in support of the efforts of NSCC until we have reached this day. They support the peace process between Dinka and Nuer which is why they have come. I will call these guests, just arrived, to introduce themselves.

John Marks, an American working with USAID which has greatly assisted us. Thank you. I am glad to be with you on this historic and important occasion. I congratulate those who have worked so hard organising this conference, both those who have been building here, and those in Nairobi and other locations. At US Government we are happy to be among those who have put some support into this conference. You should know that there are those abroad who are very interested in this peace and reconciliation. I'm sorry I'm only here for a short time. I could not attend the great opening of the conference but that story is being told in many places. But I did want to come to show my support and that of our Government in this process, and I wish you all good success. Thank you. (Chief William shouts an delight).

PNK: I thank you for your remarks. We are all grateful as you see by our applause

Paul Mc Dermit, also working with USAID, assisting people in need, especially women and children.

Carolyn Kurtz, working with Bill Lowrey, who is responsible for much of the logistical support for this conference from Nairobi. She has assisted with our transport, and many other areas.

Elizabeth Philipo, who has worked with NSCC and now serves with CEAS. Cibak & Mali. She has been working in Gogrial County.

Sharon Hutchinson, Nyareal, a person who has written a great deal, and spent many years in Nuerland. If you have something to say in Nuer, you are welcome and it will be translated into Dinka (Dinka sing). I greet you all. I am happy to be with you, and thankful you are all well. I have stayed not only in Nuerland, but also in other parts of Southern Sudan. You, my brothers and sisters, I have been in Sudan before the war and through the war. I wish you health. Long ago there was a man called Ngundeng who left his word for us, saying that you as Sudanese, you will gain your independence. That is the hope of all of us. Thank you.

Commander Edward Lino Wor, is one of your own sons, you the people of this area. If you are her, please stand and introduce you. (not present). He has accompanied two journalists who will record events here, whose video camera you have seen this morning.

If there is any person I have forgotten, please stand now. The two people I left out are the two chiefs from Bul area. It was said that perhaps those who had not come did not want peace, but now several have come. Paramount Chief of Tuic County informed us that they are on their way .

Michael Ray Dieu from Bul. If I am given an opportunity to speak I will tell you about my area

Chief Gabriel Gagar Riak, from Bul. I greet you. I will return to my seat, but if I have opportunity I'll tell you why I have come to this conference.

PNK: I am grateful to those who have come today, but we must now go forward. Before we move into our process let me say something. When I asked Rev. Matthew to remember Mario Muor Muor in prayer, we did not forget our traditional practice. We pray as Christians for peace, and our spiritual leaders also sacrificed Mabior with the people of the area. Now we are praying for Mario as Christians. I also ask our spiritual leaders, Dinka and Nuer, to go to Mario and make invocations for him. I believe that our God is one, Christian, and the God of our local people. We should not forget our own traditions. If the chiefs are willing the spiritual leaders are free to make invocations.

Now, we are running late. We must begin our normal programme. Our delay was due to important issues. The people of Rumbek did not speak last evening, and I call them now. Together the four of them have 30 minutes. They all have borders that face the Nuer. They are asked to address issues of peace and reconciliation. Paramount Chief Col Magyar you are welcome to speak.

Paramount Chief Col Maguar Gel: I am from Rumbek County. What I will say is brief. We have married in the past with the Nuer. Now we have reconciled, and there is nothing bad to be said further. Even the Nuer have understood that we have all come with our people. They came but did not bring those they had abducted who are with them. I'm certain they would be happy if they walk all the way here without being harassed. This is a sign of reconciliation showing there is peace. We have come with Nuer whom we once fought and we have not killed them and we have given them the Nuer we arrested recently. WE of Rumbek have accepted reconciliation. If this is genuine, since Mabior was sacrificed, than there will be no more staling. If any one continues to steal, from Dinka and Nuer, Mabior will watch him. I greet you Nuer. The person who was handed over is called Pok Mac.

PNK: Pareer Cul Dol is the second person who will speak.

Chief Pareer Cul Dol: We have accepted reconciliation. Because we are staying here, the divisions among us. We cannot succeed if we are divided. Chief Malual borders my people, and he is the only elder remaining among our elders. and can act as an elder between Dinka and Nuer. Had he done so, our conflicts would not have happened. Now we will not speak again of killing and conflicts. We must address issues of Peace. I tell Chief Malual, request that all who have reconciled here, must now proceed to Nyibor. What I say now is to Bill Lowrey: do not let our reconciliation be like Abuja talks. Today as we gather here, if we were to swear there is an old man who is neither D or N, an elder who can confirm the rights of any person. If you have accepted our peace, than come and let him stand between Dinka and Nuer, and grasp their hands together. If anybody is going to violate the agreement then he will hold us to our word and enquire what has happened. We have divided ourselves between those in Khartoum, and those in the South. Things begged from other people are not good. Why don't you come out from Khartoum so that we all work together to achieve what we all want. I now call on Chief Manyel who shares a border with Nuer.

Chief Manyel Liac Wuol: What I am going to say: the reason we gather here

Chief Akucbeny, I thank you for bringing us here. The sacrifice of Mabior we have made is like taking an oath. The things of reconciliation have been completed by our Chiefs Malual and ... . However, why do you say that John Garang and Riak Machar are very bad? You have not decided to save your lives, but now this meeting confirms that we will take responsibility. When people go for dancing that person becomes an important person. Now that we have gathered here, we show that something good is coming to S Sudan. There is an old saying: those who do not unite obtain nothing. Like the oil of Bentiu, if we unite, nobody can take it from us. Our peace and reconciliation is going to terminate the killing of people, abductions and cattle raiding. Peace will be across the land. Let us unite to save the lives of the few cattle we have, and return our guns to their stores. Let us together face our common enemy. Our peace.

The Chief of Murle insulted us yesterday and we must look simple in his eyes. There is the story of the leopard, the hyena, the lion and the fox. They agreed that if we all kill an animal and it falls on its left side, we will not eat it. The leopard did not agree, and went away. When he returned he asked the lion and the hyena what they have agreed. The leopard refused the agreement. Now Chief Malual Wol and Danier, let us make our agreement. If we numerate all the evil we have done, Nuer have done to Dinka and Dinka to Nuer, even our brother Bill Lowrey will not want to hear them. He will weep. Let us leave those things and go forward. Now we will go to Nyibor and then to and in each location we will make sacrifice so our animals multiply and we live in peace (applause). There is the man with whom I have fought, whom I will hand over to his chief, Isaac Magok (Isaac M comes forward).

PNK: Is Puk going to say something? Today I am going to hand over Puk to his chief, Isaac Magok. (Murle chief comes forward, also chiefs ). Also Madhol and Martaba. Pok will speak if he has something brief to say. IN Dinka the name Pok means to divide. Pok was once captured by the Dinka and is today returned to his chief, Isaac. Today Pok is a sign of reconciliation.

Abductee Pok Mac: It is good. When they abducted me I was going after my cattle that had been stolen by my own son. I found three cows that had been raided. When I went I wrote a paper. Nyong Dong Donyir. He wrote a letter and I took my cows. I slept in a place called where there is a large army. My cattle camp had b been evacuated, and brought to the far side. I found myself alone. The dog of the Anyanya was left with me. My three cows and I and the dog, we were five. I was discovered because of the dog, we five. God closed the way, The people of Kulong Marial captured me. I told them, what are you going to do with me, when you are our children. You kill your father and mother? They said I would not be killed. I was taken with my cows and my dog. When they pointed at the dog I asked why they pointed the gun at the dog and myself as well. You kill me. If you kill me I will not fill the entire land of S Sudan. I was taken to Chiefs Manyel Lieny, Chief Kulong Marial and Bileu Agueer. I was handed over to Monykuer Mabior, and then to the chief who kills people, Chief Deng Monydit, a commander who does not play around. When Rumbek was captured by SPLA Deng Monydit ordered that I be brought to him in Rumbek in June, 1997. John Garang had come, and I was taken to him. He asked if I am the one Deng had captured from Anyanya I. Those who are now fighting are products of Anyanya I. John Garang wrote a letter to Deng Monydit, gave five soldiers to take me back to Nuer. And it was finished. A decision was made by John Garang instructing Monydit to give him 5 soldiers, but before we departed Deng said he didn't trust me. You must stay with me. I told him, my brother, I fought in Anyanya I, and I left it. Later, the head chief, from Isaac came who after became the gol leader of Chief Magok. Now I know what the law is. I am not going to escape. I spent 23 months with Deng. He gave me a mosquito net and a blanket, cooking utensils, half a sack of sorghum. I am thankful I've not been killed. That's why I'm speaking at length. These people, the Dinka, fight them, they will kill you; if you don't fight them, you will survive like I have. Those of the SPLA under John Garang are not killing the Nuer. You people of Garang, I am your man. Appoint me as a border chief. If my chief accepts it, that I stay with the Dinka, I will be glad to do that. I would like to be a border chief from the area of Malual Wun Wun to the end of N. Bahr el Ghazel. I don't want the border chiefs to be in the interior but on the borders. We should not divide ourselves, there should be no difference between Dinka and Nuer. All borders chiefs must work together. It is our cattle that cause death. The source of our conflict is cattle raiding. Dinka will pursue their cattle. We should establish border chiefs so that we are secure. If we establish this administration we'll be able to apprehend thieves, and report to commissioner of Rumbek and Commander. The thieves should be executed when they are caught. I greet you all. I ask, have you released me with my cattle? Is it good if I have been released and my cattle remain with you?

PNK: Pok Mac was not in our programme, but we have given him opportunity because his message was important. Pok asked if he has been released with his cattle. We ask the Commissioner of Rumbek, Paul Mayom Akec to respond.

Commissioner Paul Mayom Akec. Pok has stayed for a long time, and I consider him to be an Agar. If he has any claims, he can come as a citizen of Rumbek and we'll discuss his requests. Generally, his requests re not relevant here. We'll call the chiefs involved and encourage strongly that his cattle be located and returned. This would be treated as a special case, not to be repeated otherwise.

PNK: We thank you, Commissioner. We continue with the next speaker from Rumbek. Before Pok spoke those of Rumbek had only six minutes. I now call Chief Paul Madhol Thok.

Chief Paul Madhol Thok: I greet you all. I raised my hands because our greetings consume time. You Dinka and Nuer, all of you, I ask you if your father is called Mohammed. Our Father is called Marol. He is our father. I tell you, Dinka and Nuer, all that you have discussed, when you see D on this side and Nuer on this side, you are all crying. Nobody is laughing. What the Arab tells them is just to leave them and let hem kill themselves on their own. They are not going to liberate their land, but simply kill themselves. Omer Bashir said not to liberate themselves, but to discipline themselves, so let them kill themselves. He also said that the mentality of the Dinka is like the cattle they keep. If we grasp this, this thing called fighting, do you gain anything from conflict? I tell you, let us take measures to safeguard our resolutions so that we respect our agreements at Wunlit. Don't you listen to Radio Omdurman? Let us be united by something, as the Arabs are united by their religion. They are united by their religion in Omdurman. Why don't we respect our God. It is the Church people who have brought us together. Would it not be good that we respect what agreement arises from our meeting? I tell you, you who speak of Riak Machar and, John Garang, that they are here or there. For example, if you have a bull and that bull only produces more bulls, won't you get rid of it. (a bull that only produces more bulls is not desirable) A bull that produces heifers is kept until it is very old. If you have a bull that has gone to produce heifers for a foreigner, you will abandon it.

PNK: Chief, I thank you for your remarks. The time for Rumbek is ended. One of the Chiefs, Mataba Yoro, wanted to speak, but we do not have time at present. At the end, when we join hands together in blessing, Mataba will have a chance to speak. At present, I invite Commander Lino to stand and greet the people (stands and waves). In the next half hour we invite the chiefs of Bul area to speak. Please come forward, Chief Michael Ray Dio will now speak, asking that they tell us about the reconciliation they had with the people of Lang Juk.

Chief Michael Ray Dio: I am glad to be here with you, and that I was able to arrive before you concluded. Yesterday, I hurried to come, wishing that I myself could drive the lorry that brought me to join hands with you. Two of us from Bul have come. I was chosen to come because of my commitment to peace. We have come to confirm reconciliation with those across the border from Us: Pungyei, Luac, Kongor and Wau. I will tell you of the peace we formerly agreed with those of Tuic at Lang Juk, Madhol Lang. We began last year in August, and the question we asked, was: why have been killing each other for many years, without meeting to put an end to our suffering? There was one incident that give us opportunity to begin work for peace. I had gone to Nuer area in search for one of our people. Some wanted to kill Madhol Lang, but we defended him, and that was our chance to negotiate peace. As our peace meeting began, we called our great spiritual leader, called Moto Gedou, or Gadang. Our God, bless us as we began. When our spiritual leader accepted to work with us toward peace we sent two commanders to Mapeer, the place where we first gathered to meet. After that meeting we continued, nominating Giir Areek and another whom we went to Turalei where another meeting with Tuic representatives was undertaken. Following that meeting SPLA/M nominated one man, Madhol Lang, who was sent to the home of our spiritual leader, Roth Nyibol, Gadang, and meetings went further. That meeting at Roth Nyibol was attended by the elders and women's leaders, commandeers, and we chiefs. Together we all agreed to be reconciled with the people of Tuic. (PNK: Chief Michael Ray, you have but four minutes) This time is sufficient. We people of Bul pioneered the peace from the beginning; if you were sceptical about our participation, be assured that we have come to join with you (applause).

My brothers & sisters, let your hearts be at ease. You Dinka chiefs have no reason to doubt our participation. We have two commanders who are here with us to support the process. You, rejoice, that the meeting is in your Dinkaland.

I appeal to you not to dwell on the cattle of Dinka that were raided, and those of Nuer that were raided. Let us focus on sacrifice. Let us pray to God. We came late after you already sacrificed Mabior. You Dinka, let another bull be brought to be sacrificed at the conclusion of our meetings. Then we will participate in that sacrifice (applause). My words are finished. Let past conflicts be done with. Our concern is peace. Even if it takes a hundred days, I will offer opportunity to my brother.

PNK: I am grateful for your excellent words. We now invite Chief Gaga Riak Machar who accompanied Chief Michael Ray Diu from. His name reminds us that in the coming days of Riak Machar. You have 30 minutes.

Chief Gaga Riak Machar: You, translators, take my words. I am happy to greet you all. Our agenda, it seems that we are deviating from it. I expected that the Chiefs of our land, Dinka and Nuer, should sit on one side and address our grievances against the soldiers. I differ from previous speakers, because I believe this is not a traditional war using spears. In my view, our discussion should not concentrate on the chiefs of Dinka and Nuer, but against the soldiers, who are the ones who are responsible for beginning this conflict. When John Garang and Riak Machar began fighting did we understand the reasons for their fighting? When people went to Bilpham to get arms, we thought they would fight against the Government. We were not expecting to fight against ourselves. I would like for Commanders Selva Mathok & Selfa Kiir & Commander Parjak, to ask them if they have concluded the fight against each other. I would ask if they have ended their conflict;. Only then would we begin discussions between the chiefs of Dinka and Nuer. The soldiers are like snakes. When a snake comes to your house day after, one day he will bight you. Since God has given us this meeting together, we must ask the soldiers if they have concluded their conflicts. As people say that many call us names, we Dinka and Nuer, did it ever happen when we used to fight with spears and shields, were foreigners ever called in to assist us? The cattle that were raided from both sides, and the children that were abducted: I think there were no ordinary citizens involved in these actions. Basically we are not very powerful. But if we are indeed powerful then we must raise a case against the soldiers. If we decide to recover the cattle from Dinka and Nuer, you will not obtain them from ordinary citizens, but from the soldiers who hold them now. In the peace meetings we concluded with those of Tuic County, I was a participant. I have always been called to attend these meetings, but I do not honestly understand the genesis of these problems. We have been called to reconciliation. I know that if we sacrifice a hundred head of cattle to confirm our agreements. However, in the end will we be able to restrain the actions of the soldiers when they determine to raid? Our soldiers are really confusing us. Riak Machar split from John Garang. and again, What are they really doing? (Dinka begin to sing). what is happening is, our sons are deceiving us. Like Matip, when he split from Matip, he raided us. Riak also raided our cattle. They are simply deceiving us. Don't doubt the legitimacy of our peace agreement with Tuic, because our chiefs and our commanders met together and all were reconciled. You Southerners, Riak Machar who split form John Garang has now joined hands with John Garang. Traditionally, when we have a lion that attacks and eats our cattle, we kill it. I tell you, let us grasp hands, and ask Matip where he stands, if he says he is a man of Omer, let us prohibit him form taking our oil and get rid of him (applause). I tell you Southerners, if John Garang and Riak Machar are deceiving us by allowing us to have this meeting, and then will later refuse to honour our agreement, then we must rebel against them, and see ways that we can organise ourselves to work together. We must overthrow them so that we can be united and move forward. I will stop here, since I was taken by a fever last night.

PNK: The chiefs from Rumbek and Bul have now completed their addresses. Those have not spoken will have an opportunity today, or will have opportunities in days ahead. I now call on Bill Lowrey to come forward to describe the nature of our discussions the remainder of today and tomorrow. He will show how we will divide ourselves for discussion of certain topics. Welcome Bill.

Bill Lowrey: (applause from Nuer side). The people managing the conference have been listening, listing down the issues you have raised and the solutions you have suggested. We have designated six areas that will be addressed as working groups, and each of you will be invited to choose which of those you want to participate in. I will read the subjects to you, and the name of the rapporteur who will work with that group. After I have explained each of the groups, you will then depart for breakfast and rest, and decide which group you want to be a part of. At 3:00 you will come back here, and then go outside with your group. Three groups will meet in this building and three will meet under various designated trees outside. Here are the subjects for the groups:

Missing Persons and Marriages to Abductees, with rapporteur: Dhol Achuil.

How to Monitor the Borders, with rapporteur: Telar Deng.

Institutional Arrangements, including:

Police

C. Border Courts

C. Appeals Processes

Dinka/Nuer Peace Co-ordinating Council

with rapporteur: Michael Wal Duany

People Outside the Peace Process, with rapporteur: Faruk Garkual.

Reclaiming the Land and Rebuilding Relationships (concerns areas abandoned because of fighting, and how to re-establish), with rapporteurs: Rev. Matthew Mathiang and Peter Nyot Kok.

Extending the Peace for the East Bank of the Nile, and Equatoria, with rapporteur: John Luk.

We ask that you return here at precisely 3:00 this afternoon to be assigned to your locations for discussion. Having made discussions today, each group will make a presentation to the entire meeting tomorrow morning.

PNK: You have heard what Bill Lowrey has said, deriving from our discussions last night. The commissioner of Gogrial County would like to say a word.

Commissioner of Gogrial County: I believe there were will be difficulty if people divide spontaneously. I suggest that they should be apportioned so that groups are relatively equal in side.

BL: This we will do when we assemble at 3:00.

PNK: I now invite Edward Lino to offer his greetings, having just arrived from Nairobi. But please do not speak at length.

Commander Edward Lino Wor: I bring warm greetings from Joseph Kowa to all groups assembled here (applause). He has just come from Rome and had hoped to come here, but had difficulty with transport. He encourages us to make progress. He says the enemy is so weak, that we will triumph if we unite together (applause). On my behalf, I am proud, because I was once the commander in this area. The people of Akop know very well that in 1996 I sent a force to bring Gadeng for peace negotiations. I was happy because, when the mission failed, they returned with no one lost. I'm proud of all of you (applaud). This is the beginning of new life. People make governments. Government don't make people, so whatever you decide, follow it to its fulfilment. It must be completed.

PNK: I am grateful for your comments. Let us now break to go and drink water and rest.

Telar Deng: Let us begin our evening section. Michael Wal has something to mention.

Michael Wal Duany: This morning our church leaders offered prayers for our brother Mario. We would ask the traditional leaders, Chief Malual Wun and . .. offer invocation for him, as well as the Beny Bith of the Dinka. We will now divide into working groups as we mentioned earlier. I ask Bill Lowrey to assist us with dividing the groups.

Bill Lowrey: I will list the groups again, and the places where each will meet, and give you opportunity to join them in location (listed as above).

Missing Persons and Marriages to Abductees, with rapporteur: Dhol Achuil. This group will meet under the nearest tree outside the meeting house.

Monitoring the Borders, with rapporteur: Telar Deng. This group will meet outside under the tree in the near compound.

Institutional Arrangements, including:

Police

C. Border Courts

C. Appeals Processes

Dinka/Nuer Peace Co-ordinating Council

with rapporteur: Michael Wal Duany. This group will meet under the mango tree

People who are Outside the Peace Process, with rapporteur: Faruk Garkual. This group will meet in the centre of the Nuer compound near the place of Mario Muor Muor.

Reclaiming the Land and Rebuilding Relationships (concerns areas abandoned because of fighting, and how to re-establish), with rapporteurs: Rev. Matthew Mathiang and Peter Nyot Kok. This group will meet inside our meeting house on the Nuer end.

Extending the Peace for the East Bank of the Nile, and Equatoria, with rapporteur: John Luk. This group will meet on the Dinka end of this building.

Now it is time to choose your groups and go with your Repporteur, and begin the work that you will do all afternoon. As we list the groups, we ask that both D&N come forward to work with your leader on this question. People disperse with their Rapporteurs, with work underway in their groups by 4:00 p.m.

Notes taken by the Rev. Dr. Marc Nikkel