CHILDREN AND CONFLICT

It was a battle for existence, now it is the battle for continuity!

Wed, 23 May 2007 09:38:08 +0200

One nice day of 29th July 2004, a baby of only two months old appeared at GUSCO reception center wrapped in a blooded piece of cloth and wounded on his thigh by bullet and bomb splinter, he was referred to the center by the UPDF who was recovered from the back of his dead mother according to one returnee who was at the battle field.
Joe (not real name), a nice looking boy and very active within the center premises, is a darling of all center staff and visitors who come across him. In the most word, he has gone through a great misfortune that no one could ever imagine, but it has been a consolation on the part of GUSCO that he has managed to fight all odds to survive the most difficult moment of child development according to the caretaker.

The Myth in Culture
It is amazing how psychology works. In Acholi land, it is a taboo for a woman who has just given birth to wash her son up to three days from birth. It is culturally believed that, if the mother of the child happens to touch the private part of the new born baby 3 days from birth, the boy may be impotent.
So, how possible is it to carry out that taboo in captivity where the condition is totally hostile not to only human being and the environment but also cultural ways? And secondly, these are children abused by the rebels therefore how possible is it for them to know that taboo? Could this be the cause of misfortune to some of the children born in captivity since the nature of life in captivity doesn’t conform to cultural ways of life?

Once hit by misfortune, always prone to misfortune
After about a period of 6-7months at the GUSCO reception center, with the keen interest and continuous monitoring of the child’s progress and development, the staff taking care of Joe observed abnormality in the child which was similar to one of her kids way back i.e. when Joe is urinating, he doesn’t jet the urine like other children which is a prominent sign of impotence in a child [In Acholi it is said, the child can’t urinate over the plate]. Boy children are normally monitored when they urinate before they are approved to be normal. Acholi mothers always observes their boys while they get up in the morning to see if their private parts are erected, as a matter of fact, Joe did not seem to qualify. The caretaker further requested the center Nurse and the Matron to help her monitor the child. With the aid of the two mothers, the caretaker was given the go a head to recommend further treatment to avert the situation. It is strongly believed in Acholi that such problem [possible impotence], which Joe is confronted with, could possibly be corrected by performing traditional ritual/cleansing.
NB
GUSCO in its approach to rehabilitation considers both scientific [modern] and traditional approach basing on individual child `s interest and belief, as long as it does not harm the child further and in conformity with our principle, for this is what puts GUSCO a point in reference of psycho social rehabilitation.

The process of the traditional cleansing
After a thorough analysis and consultation, Joe was taken to the home of the care taker where the ceremony was to last for 3 days. This is an in house ceremony that was to represent the three days from birth.
In the house, there were 3 people i.e. the mother of the child (care taker), the child and an elderly woman referred to as ‘Lakwee’ (Elderly lady). In the house, the mother of the child is not supposed to do any house work including bathing the baby and also disposing his waste. It is entirely the work of ‘Lakwee’.
Secondly, the child and the mother are not to get out of the house before the 3days elapse. However, due to natural call, and given the fact that our houses aren’t self contained [with bathroom], the mother is forced to get out of the house on condition that she covers her head with either a basin or a winnower symbolizing that however much condition subjected her to leave the house, she has resisted being directly under the sunshine making the situation more less like in the house.
In the house, only traditional materials are used for cooking and they are normally new ones. E.g. Awal (calabash), Agulu (pot), Kwete (traditional brew), Arege (Traditional gin), yen (firewood), moko kwon kal (Millet flour), Pul (ground nut), Nyim (simsim), Ringo (meat), Atabo lobo (clay bowl) etc.

Symbols and materials used in the ceremony
In performing traditional cleansing/rituals there were symbols used and one of it was;
1. Koo [Bamboo] put just on the door way to symbolize that traditional ceremony is taking place and also a sign of protection. It should be noted that, bamboo is often used for opening the granary [Home made food store] which carries great significance to the family.

“Koo” [bamboo] which is normally put at the door way to symbolize or notify the visitors that, traditional activity is taking place in the home hence visitors are not accepted in the house.

2 “Awal” [calabash] is for putting bread for those in the house i.e. the mother, the child and the Lakwee [elderly woman]. In the olden days, silver plates did not exist.
3 “Atabu pala” [bowel made of clay] this is used as the plate in the olden days.
4 The mother of the child should not bathe him till after three [3] days of traditional cleansing is over.
5 Only traditional food is cooked during this important ceremony.
6 “Kwon kal” [grind Millet] should be produced by grinding stone not grinding mills
7 Food must be cooked with “Odii Nyim” or Odii Pull”[sim-sim/g-nut paste]
8 The child is to sleep or stay in the house with out any pant, short or trouser but only covered with cloth if need arises.

Major Don’ts for a successful Cleansing ceremony
1. Iodized (Table) salt should not be used or eaten throughout the three days.
2. Food left over should not be poured
3. Visitors/foreigners are not allowed inside the house
4. The uncle of the boy should not enter the house, this is believed that it will cause the boys neck to twist to the side, this is also applied for the newly born babies in their first three days.
5. The mother is not allowed to do any house work including bathing the boy, this is in recognition that, in the first three days of delivery mothers are yet weak and vulnerable to infections.

Some dos
1. The mother should remain half naked while in the house for the entire three days and the boy should remain naked, [this applies even for anybody who should be taken back in the house]
2. Talking and laughing is allowed in the house

UNDERLYING FACTS;
According to the Acholi cultural believe, all means of production and continuity comes from the forefathers who have died many years ago. To have good health, harvest and happiness the spirits of the forefathers must be appeased.
In case of impotence, the elders would attribute this to a forefather who could have been offended in a way; therefore a cleansing would be required to appease the dead.
It should be noted that, should the set dos and don’ts be interfered with significantly, the elders would be consulted and the sacrifices of animal would be done to appease the spirits and on appropriate date, a whole new process would begin, to this effect the family members would do anything possible to ensure a successful cleansing.

On the 3rd day, the mother [caretaker of GUSCO], Joe and Lakwee came out of the house, food was cooked, so many people who were earlier on informed of the ceremony came around 10:00am to 11:00am,.the ‘mother’ (care taker) of the Joe was then brought to the door way, she sat facing inside the house placing the child on her laps. Joe was laid on her [caretaker `s] laps facing up and the head towards the body of his mother. The mother then symbolizes pouring water 3times and then start to bath the child. [Water symbolizes purity and start of a new life]

After the bathing, eats was next on the agenda. The eating was unique in that, the ‘mother’ (care taker), the Lakwee and the baby boy had to taste all the food cooked for the ceremony 3 times and even the alcohol [doesn’t apply to the child] that was availed for the ceremony before any other person invited could go ahead to eat or drink. Every one invited ate from the same bowel and table. However, according to the culture of the Acholi, the women normally eat from their groups as the men also eat from their separate group. In this instance, there is no self-serve and all the food cooked for the ceremony must be finished.
After eating, Joe and the ‘Mother’ (care taker) were then required to go back to the house, as they entered the house, there was “Mwoj dog” [casting out the evil], “Kijira” ululation. That marked the end of the ceremony
The people who attended the ceremony continue to drink and tell stories of their past experience that are related to culture or any other story related to their interest.
During this important event much as one is drunk, there isn’t quarrelling in this compound in respect to the ceremony that has just taken place. Quarrelling is associated with ill feelings hence it can affect the out come of the cleansing that has just been done. Those who are tired [drunk] normally greet, wish those remaining well before they can quietly walk to their respective homes.

Monitoring the out-come of the event
Following the experience of other people who have undergone the same experience like Joe, the result might come after some period of time, that is to say it is not instant, which requires patience and keen interest. For instance the caretaker of Joe had a son who underwent the same experience and now has two children.
Joe shall still stay at GUSCO until he is three years old that is when he will be united to his family with relatives from his mother’s side.
.Back at the Reception Center
On arrival at the GUSCO reception center, every Formerly Abducted Children and staff were happy Joe was back healthy and looking normal. Being an active kid every one was missing him and his magic was “Caa” which means Sir [referring to the center staff]

Comments

Geoffrey's experience with LRA

Wed, 23 May 2007 09:34:56 +0200

He left me for dead…

I was abducted on the 29th Aug 2003 while I was sleeping with my siblings. One of my sister and two brothers were also abducted together with me however, my elder brother was released shortly after reason being, he was quite big and may inspire the young ones to escape. The other brother and the sister managed to escape hence I was the only one from my family faced with the challenge of escaping from captivity which is not any easy.

Before the abduction, my parents had died and my elder brother took the role of parenthood at 16. I was therefore afraid I might be killed and this bothered me every time the leaders tell me they would kill me if I try to escape.

After my abduction, the rebels walked with us towards Aswa River which boarders Gulu and Kitgum. We were carrying heavy loads at that age and we were beaten if you can't catch up with the pace of the adults (LRA). We stayed at the bank of Aswa River for a month but could not stand the constant attack by the UPDF hence our group shifted to Pader where we met similar trouble. We then came back to the bank of Aswa from Kitgum side where we spend 4 months before setting off to Nyono Hill in Kitgum. The UPDF were attacking us frequently so we had to shift location to Palabek at the foot of Lalak Hill. We resisted the UPDF attack till the end of 2004. In Aug 2005, we took off to Leria Hill where we met the Head of the Operation Room Otti. He then divided us into two groups of which one was under his command and he led them to Congo. On the other hand, the group that I belonged to under the command of Colonel Lamola moved to the Sudan.

Life in the Sudan

In the Sudan, we made constant attack on the Dinkers in order to get food stuffs and water. We were all the time on standby since any militia (Arabs, Dinkers and UPDF) can attack anytime.
They managed us by attacking at the time we were cooking since we run and leave the food being cooked and other food stuffs in row form and also they denied us access to water sources which made it very difficult since it was very hot.
With constant attack, I was given SMG gun (lugoch) without any training. I was given tips of how to clean, shoot and assemble the gun. This worried me a lot since I wasn’t sure of handling the confrontations

My fateful day,

One day, other three children and I, under the command of Colonel 'Doctor' were sent to raid the Dinker’s [ethnic tribe] home and check on the simsim (foodstuff) they had hidden and get more food stuff. On our way however, the commander got a radio call demanding us back immediately. Lieutenant Otto was with me and was telling me to move fast yet, I was having injuries on my foot due to over moving and using oversized gumboots. Shortly, Otto started beating me and told me to pour the sorghum I was carrying so as to move a bit faster to avoid the attack by both the Dinkers and the UPDF. While I was bending down to do what Otto had said, he shot me on the head and the bullets passed from my cheek. I fell down and he thought I was dead. He urinated on the barrel of his gun, took my gun and fired a shot in the air so that he could say I committed suicide because I couldn’t walk. He did report I shot myself. In the morning (the next day), I gained my conscious and started following them. I moved the whole day and could not get them, in the evening around 8:00pm; I was able to get them. They queried me about what happened and I told them everything and they jailed him over the night. I was given first aid since there was no proper medication and food was given to me. However, I couldn’t open my mouth at that time.

The next morning, we walked a long distance and met the rebel leader Joseph Kony in southern Sudan and the commander narrated all that happened to me, but he ignored and said I shot myself. There was nothing I could do to make him realize it was done by his colonel. I was bitter but had no option!

I was in Sudan for 4months i.e. from Aug 2005 until the end of Dec 2005. It was only after the raiding of 60 cattle from the Dinkers that the Whole six groups that had come together was scattered by the attack of UPDF which was very timely. We started to walk towards Uganda and I was very thirsty yet there was no water. It was too much and I couldn’t walk any more hence had to remain behind. I sat under some tree and spent 5days in the bush alone without food and water, I was just imagining death. I decided to remove all my cloths and remain naked since it was very hot but that couldn’t help either. I cried and prayed. But all was worsening. I picked my gun and put it at my chest with an intension to die but! A voice inside me said "Geoffrey, it’s yet early to do that! Hang on... you will get water soon". I then fired that bullet in the air and dropped the gun and started the search for water. I realized a river was just about a mile from where I had wanted to end my life. I took six litters of water before I could stock it and go back to where had dropped my gun because I realized I may need it for my protection. I then walked to a different location after getting the gun.

My way home….

I suddenly found out that the UPDF had just left there a few minutes ago. I ate their left over and took water before following them to their new location. I was surviving on remains of food that was thrown by the UPDF since I had no alternative. I could wait till they had gone to patrol then sneak in to their base and eat left over in their rubbish pit. I thought of going to Juba but couldn’t do that because of the phobia of the Arabs. I then sat at the river bank for 3days and on the 3rd day I heard the UPDF talking much close from where I was this gave me the feeling that it was my opportunity to go back home. I handed myself to the UPDF who took good care of me for a night. They asked me about life with the rebels and then in the morning, other children and I were driven to Nicitu (UPDF base). We took off for Aruu at 3:00 Pm and the next day I was brought to Gulu CPU and later I was brought to GUSCO My brother and sisters have come to see me and it was amazing to hang around them after all this years . Am very happy to be at GUSCO where I am getting medical treatment following the injuries I sustained in captivity.

Future ambition
"When I go back home, I want to study to become a pilot of Uganda Airline" said Geoffrey

Comments

When 20 years in war leaves you with tears for peace

Wed, 23 May 2007 08:36:04 +0200

In Northern Uganda, the two decades old conflict has displaced over 1.5 million people from their homes, destroyed the cultural fabrics of the society, loss of thousands of lives, massive human rights violations, maiming of innocent civilians and abduction of children who are turned in to fighters, sex slaves, transporters among other things. The horrors of the conflict are more pronounced when children are forced to get on with what adults initiate and have failed to over come the challenges for the past 20 years. Peace may finally be on the horizon for the people of northern Uganda. However its sustainability is questionable:-

1. For peace to be sustainable, has anything been done on the notion that the Acholi’s are warriors or naturally violent which has/is the perception of a number of people?
2. What are the sources of small fire arms proliferation and what is it that the suppliers get in return?
3. What are actually the grievances of the people sponsoring rebel activities both from within and without Uganda?
4. How effectively has Uganda government responded on the previous underlying factors of conflict in the country?
5. How effective are the programme of reintegration of the youth in the community? Do they feel like still living by the way of the gun or have no place in the society?
6. With the eventual peace return, are the IDPs being settle economically socially living better than before resettlement or reintegration?
7. Are there any government policies that address issues of marginalization considering the so called North-South Divide?
8. How shall the rebel commanders live alongside people in the community as well as with their ex-fighters? Are they still in psychological control of the people in the community?
9. Since what has been experience at conflict always be reflected and reintegration is in the same society, what should the society expect since memory is fragile?
10. Conflict created a number of situations and one of it has been violence even in words therefore; how do parents communicate with their children? Does it cause fear, guilt or shame?

The toll of this crisis has been massive, not only on the people of northern Uganda, but also on the surrounding region. The LRA has wreaked havoc in three countries, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and caused widespread instability. With the eventual peace return, there is need for a conflict management mechanisms put in place to tackle rising conflict that may escalate in to violence.

Comments