Opinion: Unknown Gunmen, a blessing or a curse (RIP to all the victims)

July 4, 2020 Opinions

By Paul Ruot Bayoch

Fictional photo depicting an unknown gunman (Photo credit: Unknown)

July 4, 2020 (SSNN) – Hoth Nhial, you died a poor man prematurely. You died an innocent man. I know you’re not born to die like that. You’re killed by unknown gunmen in place you call motherland whose land had prematurely swallowed lives of many innocent people. You’re doing your best when you met your fate. You’re trying to make end meet making use of the available local resources. Imagine, unknown gunmen killing a mere charcoal maker in the bushes. Is it a blessing or a curse?!!

I remember your beautiful smile. I can’t believe you had just gone. I remember you asking me for a cup of tea a day before you met your fate. This had gone on for a while and I got used to you asking me for a cup of tea/coffee or local tobacco after returning from work marking charcoal. I was worried the day you did not return to ask for me. Untimely, you met your demise in the hand of an unknown gunman.

I thought it was great idea to make use of the forest. But it turned to be disaster as people safety cannot be guarantee. In our bushes, there are Murle cattle raiders, Lounuer hunters, Grass fetchers Wood cutters, Bees hunters, Fishermen, Charcoal makers, wood collectors and avengers. You never know who is who (A friend or foe)?

South Sudan, what a country?! Will we ever have a future? Will we ever enjoy the fruits of our labor?

Akobo, have you been cursed? Why are you so a blood thirsty land?

Mr. Hoth, we had lived together in refugee camp. I was a kids and hadn’t get to know you well.

The moment we met in Akobo, I saw a great soul and bright future in you. You’re trying to make a different. Suddenly, you’d gone too soon.

You left the world with no kids of your own. You’re such a great man who always smile and brighten the heart of everyone who comes in contact with you.

Many called you with names for they think you’re mad. I know you’re not mad. You just knew the secret of living. You knew that your happiness is in your own hands. You can decide to be sad or be happy.

I had lots to learn from you. As I always focus on making a different and learning from others and myself.

You had gone too soon. You died a poor man. You died an innocent man. Your killer is never known.

There is no justice for you. There are no laws in place. Judicial system is immature. No trained judges, No trained prosecutors, no advocates, no nothing. There is no system to protect you as there is total breakdown of system from top down. I felt pity for you. I wonder what the future of South Sudan will be.

I am confused. There is nowhere to seek for justice. Insecurity is a norm as tribalism, corruption, cycle of violence, political prostitutions, and over all lawlessness is the order of the day.

I wish there is system to claim justice for you.

I wish there are leaders calling for national unity

I wish there are citizens caring for welfare of others

I wish there is place to file a case to dig into truth about your death

I know Jesus is watching over your killer

I know your soul will redeem the cursed land

I know your legacy will outlive you

I know your will forgive whoever killed you prematurely

I know God will punish evil doers and reign over righteous

I know forgiveness and revenge are in the hands of God

That’s why I choose to forgive those who wronged me

I know God is coming to save South Sudan

I know Akobo would no longer be a curse land

I know the ghosts of those who were innocently killed would not allow this cycle of violence to continue

I know there are good people right there working day and night to make a different

I know sooner or later this cycle of violence and lawlessness would be of no more

I know soon, we’re going to live in discrimination and insecurity free South Sudan where everyone is entitled to live happily and longer

I know no one want to be killed and die prematurely

Because of that I decided not to kill

Because of that I decided not to possess weapon of destruction

Because of that I decided to love my neighbors and friends

Because of that I am thinking about how to make a different

Because of that I am thinking about how to change my victim narrative

Because of that I am working to empower myself and others

Because of that I am working to live longer and enjoy the fruit of my labor

Because of that I only pray to Yahweh to bless my land, family, friends, relatives and myself

Because of that, I am praying to Yahweh to bless and forgive the whole world.

Bro. Hoth Nhial, you’d gone forever.

May you forgive those who wronged you.

May you forgive your killer and bless our land.

I pray that your soul Rest in Eternal Peace. (RIP)

The author is a concerned citizen of South Sudan. He can be reached via: paulruotbayoch@gmail.com

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