Warrnambool family's bid for change in South Sudan

The couple arrived in Australia as refugees about 14 years ago to escape Sudan’s civil war that was ripping the African nation apart.

After a referendum, South Sudan gained independence in 2011. The pair were among the Sudanese community celebrating, but no one realised the further horror that was to befall the fledgling nation.

“The people of South Sudan were excited, celebrating their independence and the end of persecution.

“But since the government in South Sudan took over, South Sudan has been in a very complex conflict within the people of South Sudan because the government is a tribal government, the government is most corrupt,” Mr Lual said.

While the first civil war that led to independence was fought by a united South Sudanese front, the newly-formed nation was now embroiled in internal, tribal-led conflict.

Mr Lual and Ms Bol Obony watched in horror from Warrnambool as the fresh conflict broke out – sparked after the president accused his vice-president of starting a coup the spiraled into tribal warfare. 

“War erupted but it was the making of the government,” Mr Lual said.

“The government ruled the country according to their tribe and they don’t want to share anything with the people of South Sudan.

“When the war started in the capital the major second tribe was massacred in the thousands by the militia that was owned by the government, and it was their policy to silence any tribes who wanted to come and share the government with them.”

Mr Lual said people were being targeted by government forces, gunned down in the streets, burned in their homes and forced into United Nations’ camps or into the bush, living off grass and leaves.

“The government is killing the Shilluk people in their own land and displacing them,” he said.

Mr Lual’s brother was killed in front of family members and fellow villages as they were fleeing the militia.

“I lost my brother in this war. This was done by the government… The government is still chasing the citizens of Chollo Kingdom, so either you live in the bush or you’re in a United Nations-protected site.

“Because they were still running he lost a lot of blood… and sadly he lost his life.”

His mother still lives in Malakal, South Sudan’s second city, which has been flattened by armed forces since civil war broke out.

“The president wants to silence any tribes that he sees as a threat to the government," Mr Lual said.

“If you’re on the street you will be gunned down, the government troops are running around, around the compound of the United Nations, if you are out and you are from that tribe you will be shot dead.”

With four children of their own, Mr Lual and Ms Bol Obony are increasing their own aid efforts.

Joining with their family group from St Joseph’s church, the couple is putting on a film night to raise money for the South Sudan effort.

“What we have been doing here is trying to help as much in the humanitarian way,” Mr Lual said.

“This is part of an ongoing effort to do our part to help Shilluk people because they have been targeted by their own government.

“The family group has come in to see how they can help those people living in the bush and the people scattered all over.”

Despite the dire situation South Sudan is facing, Mr Lual is confident past wrongs will eventually be made right in his beloved homeland.

“They will pay a price. The international community now are documenting everything that is happening,” he said. 

“The peace deal signed in August last year, the government is dragging its feet on it because it needs to form a transitional government and they are putting up a lot of obstacles.

“It’s a very sad situation… It’s an unnecessary war.”

Ms Bol Obony said the Warrnambool community had welcomed the family with open arms and they were grateful for all the support their had received in the city.

“We’re happy here in the Warrnambool community, they are very friendly and supporting of us,” she said. 

“We feel like we’re home, but sometimes our mind is back home because our people are suffering but in the end we say God will one day bring peace to our people.

“We appeal to the government to give us a second chance to bring our brothers and sisters from overseas because they have kids, their kids are suffering.”

The film night fund-raiser, showing The Lady in the Van, starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings, will be held on March 10 from 6.30pm at Warrnambool’s Capitol Cinema.

For tickets contact Pauline and Jim on 0408 624 869 or 5562 4869 or Kay on 5562 7024.