Update on Wal Duany's status

Of interest to those who are praying for Wal Duany. I spoke with Wal briefly on Tuesday. He sounds fine, and is very busy. Julia gave me details to pass on: Wal recently helped conclude the Lou Nuer Peace Accord in the Upper Nile Region (east) of southern Sudan. This accord is part of the larger grassroots peace process. The next regional conference will take place in Equatoria (south), possibly in January. The last regional conference will be in Bahr el Ghazal (west). The regional conferences are a significant step forward in restoring law and order to southern Sudan. Wal has been advising local leaders on rebuilding civil structures, such as local courts. This is an important move away from martial law and, as was in some areas, anarchy.

Next Wal will help lay the groundwork for a final conference of the three regions. This conference will re-state the mission of the unified south, further organize the political body of the southern people, and prepare for negotiations with the Government of Sudan. Wal's responsibilities during this process are enormous. He also will be working with the diplomatic corps and with embassies of other nations, including the US, to gain recognition for the new grassroots coalition. The grassroots peace movement has undermined the power of the Marxist Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement. Sudan is a very dangerous place. Please pray for Wal daily. He said, "I really need your prayers."

Right now Wal is in Uganda and will soon go to Zimbabwe to brief the governments there. Wal operates on a shoestring budget and right now, his funds are running out. If you can help, send your tax-deductible contribution to

South Sudanese Friends International
P. O. Box 8582
Bloomington, IN 47407

But above all, pray for Wal, pray for peace and pray that God's will may be done.