"We have been maimed, enslaved and treated worse than a refugee in our own country," declared President Kiir. "We will forgive," he continued, "but we will not forget!"
For 22 years as war raged in Sudan millions died or were displaced largely ignored by the rest of the world. Tens of thousands black African Sudanese were captured and enslaved by the northen Arab north. Their stories are emerging as South Sudan begins a new nation without slavery. On July 9 as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) South Sudan was born but for those who are Nuba their situation is still up in the air with an undefined status.
The African Nuba are largely Christian and live in the Nuba Mountains in the north.
"Nuba were often just shot on sight by Khartoum forces, no questions asked," testified former State Department official
Roger P. Winter before a congressional hearing recently. "Today, again, Nuba are positioned for liquidation by Khartoum forces."
In the past week 404 people who were held as slaves since the North-South civil war (1983-2005) were liberated by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) from northern Sudan. Most of those liberated were women and children. The majority of those who had been enslaved were captured by Arab militias as part of jihab war booty. Some of the freed children were the offspring of masters and slave women.
The stories from freed slaves tell of savage treatment including genital mutilation, beatings, forced religious conversions and rapes.
Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Government of Southern Sudan, speaks to news reporters, outside the Security Council chamber, at UN Headquarters in New York. jenny.rockett@journalist.com
Jenny Rockett
President Salva Kirr thanked CSI for their work in anti-slavery.
"The people of South Sudan shall remain ever indebted to your good services and the tireless efforts that have led to the festivities of this day."
There are an estimated 35,000 people still enslaved in Sudan.
Kuot and John Eibner in South Sudan
creepy sleepy flickr
"CSI is committed to working with the new Republic of South Sudan for the eradication of Sudanese slavery," stated
Dr. John Eibner, CEO of CSI-USA, in a press release, "until the last slave is free."
