Books by Dr Lam Akol

This book is about the genesis and struggle of the people of Southern Sudan in order to be free to determine their destiny as symbolized by the armed struggle against the Sudanese government. It follows the development of the freedom fighters from small groups fighting in their localities, through to the coalescence into the Anya-Nya in 1963 and up to the unity of command in 1970. It also deals with how the Simba rebellion in the Congo contributed towards the acquisition of arms by the rebels. The role of the state of Israel in supporting the struggle is also dealt with. The book considers as well the impact of the developments of events in Khartoum and the changes of the governments there in the period 1958 -1972 on the struggle of the Anya-Nya. The basic information used in writing the book was provided by many of the leaders who led this struggle including officers who took part in some of the military engagements covered. The book is therefore an important contribution to the history of the Anya-Nya in Southern Sudan based on information from eye-witnesses and actors in the struggle.

Preface to the Fourth EditionThis is the fourth edition of this book. The previous editions were in2001, 2009 and 2011. The book has been in high demand in Sudan(s)and East Africa but its exposure to readers beyond this geographicalarea was limited due to the scope of publication.This edition is prompted by two considerations. First, there is apressing need to get it to more readers across the globe. Second, thecurrent state of turmoil in the new state, South Sudan, has left manypundits wondering as to what went wrong in a country that was fullof hope and promise when it was declared independent in July 2011.This book does not claim to provide all the answers but it has clearlyshown that the state of political disorganization of the SPLM/A, theruling party, since its inception was a disaster in the waiting. Perhapsthe readers may want to refresh their memories by going through thearguments put forward in that direction more than 16 years ago.As always, I am grateful to all who advised me to republish thebook and also to those who helped me in any way to prepare it forpublication.Dr Lam Akol,Addis AbabaAugust, 2017.