Joseph’s Execution

There are countless stories, both personal and political, of tragedy and horror, entwined in the relatively recent history of South Sudan, as it finds its way to independence.

Dr Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, the current Minister of Investment in the Revitalised Transitional Government, is an experienced and passionate orator, recording the journeys of the people. A well-known ambassador for peace, he has written about, and been extensively involved in peace negotiations and conflict resolution.

Taking a different genre, in this story he has written an account of mistaken identity, the result of which caused a family and a community unspeakable heartbreak.

We all know how it feels to lose a loved one, but when the reason for the loss is undeniably the fault of another, it cannot go unspoken. Dr Wol took up the challenge of putting the record straight, for the family of Joseph John Bak. The excellent Introduction, written by publisher Osama Ibrahim, applauds Dr Wol’s skilful integration of political dynamics into the daily life of the people through this personal story. The story can be read on several levels. It is a tale of injustice, and also of love and acceptance, of Muslims protecting Christians, and of the history of this turbulent time. Above all, it is hoped that this will help to lay to rest the anger and despair of one man’s family, forced to come to terms with the wrongful death of their loved one, Joseph.