President Kiir Recalls Enslavement of Southern Sudanese

CSI Facilitates Liberation of 404 Slaves

JUBA, Sudan and WASHINGTON, July 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the new Republic of South Sudan, recalled in his inaugural address that the Southern Sudanese had been subjected to slavery during the late North-South civil war (1983-2005). "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!"

In the week leading to the independence of South Sudan, CSI facilitated the liberation of 404 slaves, mainly women and children, who had remained in bondage in northern Sudan following the end of the North-South civil war.

The majority of slaves had been captured as jihad war booty by Arab militias allied to the Government of Sudan. Some of the freed child slaves are the offspring of masters and slave women.

Among the liberated slaves were:

Aluat Mabor Aguer, age 29: Raped by master. Cut with knife around both ears for punishment. Genitally mutilated as cultural initiation rite. Frequently beaten, and racially and religiously insulted.

Kwac Kon Garang, age 14: Renamed "Hamad." Beaten on legs by master. Infected wounds remain open. Forced to pray like a Muslim. Psychologically abused.

Adau Mayen Tong, age 22: Separated from her mother in infancy. Raised by master as a Muslim. Attended Koranic school for nine years. Called "abd" (slave), "jengei" (nigger). Raped and gave birth to child of master.

President Salva Kiir expressed appreciation of CSI's anti-slavery work on the occasion of the independence of South Sudan, stating: "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."

Over 35,000 slaves remain in bondage in northern Sudan, despite the end of the civil war in 2005, according to James Aguer of the Sudanese government's now defunct Committee for the Eradication of the Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC).

"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, "until the last slave is free." Eibner furthermore urged again President Obama to work together with the Governments of Sudan, South Sudan and the international community to implement the recommendations of the U.S. government sponsored Eminent Persons Group report on slavery in Sudan.

Contact: Val Sawelenko, (805) 777 7107.

SOURCE Christian Solidarity International