"Price of Independence"

Photo of a young Dinka man in a cattle camp in Eastern Rumbek, South Sudan. He keeps his AK-47 close.

This photo depicts the commonality of weaponry, even in remote cattle camps like this one in South Sudan. South Sudan has endured generations of civil war - a Comprehensive Peace Agrement between the Government of Sudan in Khartoum and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) was signed only in January 2005.

When I lived in South Sudan in 2005-2006, ordinary people - men, women, and children - carrying their AK-47s in the market or on the main road through town was a common sight. Given this context, gunfights between men who had been drinking - or among families during civil disputes - were also "normal." Particularly in ethnic Dinka areas, where Dinka sub-tribes traditionally clash, carrying AK-47s and other guns is a simple means of protection.

At the time of this photo - November 2005 - the SPLM authorities in Rumbek were conducting a demobilization campaign. Just after I took this photo, this young man was disarmed and his AK-47 claimed by the local police commissioner for Eastern Rumbek County. I was surprised at how calmly the young man gave up his weapon. Despite the targeted demobilization, guns remain common, especially in more rural areas.

Plaudits for this photo:

This image has been selected for exhibit at the 2008 Photographic Society of America (PSA) International Exhibition of Photography. Visit the News - "2008 PSA International Exhibition of Photography" page for further information.

This photo is one of five South Sudan photos that has been picked up by the international multimedia news agency, Reuters. Visit the news page for a link to the photo slideshow on the Reuters website.

Keywords:
international development, underdeveloped country, underdeveloped countries, developing country, developing countries, humanitarian aid, humanitarian assistance, poverty, poor, vulnerable, vulnerability, east africa, north africa, south sudan, southern sudan, rumbek, akot, sahel, sahara desert, nomad, nomads, nomadic, tribe, tribes, tribal, dinka, culture, anthropology, african tradition, cattle herders, pastoralist, cattle keepers, fighting, aggression, aggressive, courage, spirit, conflict, post-conflict zone, war-torn, civil war, guns, arms, AK-47, demobilization, disarmament, SPLA, sudan people's liberation army, SPLM, sudan people's liberation movement, soldier, soldiers, military, defense, defend, north sudan, documentary photography, travel photography, adventure travel, photojournalism, fine art photographer

Ref: IMG_2528

Location: Eastern Rumbek, South Sudan, Africa

Photographer: Irene Abdou