United Paanywaa Movement (UPM)

Organizational Program

Preamble

The United Paanywaa Movement (UPM) is a political and social organization established in February 2020, led by president and founder Morcen Ojwok Omot. We were born out of a historic necessity and a future of hope.

For generations, the Paanywaa (Anyuak) people have endured a legacy of hardship, exploitation, and state-sanctioned neglect. Our land has been invaded, our people killed, and our culture threatened with genocide. This has scattered our families across the globe as refugees and stateless persons. Our ancestral homeland has been deliberately underdeveloped, leaving our communities without access to adequate schools, healthcare, or basic infrastructure, ensuring our continued vulnerability.

We have witnessed the Ethiopian government’s policy of “visualization” become a tool for silent genocide, as indigenous people are forcibly relocated to barren lands with no means of livelihood. The new administration in Ethiopia has continued this pattern, exploiting our natural resources and passing laws that undermine our sovereignty. Meanwhile, the government of South Sudan remains helpless to protect our people in areas like Pochalla and Akobo.

The United Paanywaa Movement (UPM) was formed because we have reached a critical juncture; we cannot remain silent in the face of a new plan to annihilate us. We refuse to live under brutal and racist regimes any longer. We demand the reunification of all Anyuak land—including Gambella, Pochalla, and Akobo—which has never been rightfully integrated into Ethiopia or South Sudan. We are committed to securing our democratic right to self-determination, whether through a peaceful referendum or, if forced, through the struggle for liberation.

This program outlines our vision to liberate the Paanywaa people from the yoke of marginalization and secure a future defined by dignity, security, and prosperity.

Vision Statement

The United Paanywaa Movement is committed to achieving a self-determined, unified, peaceful, and prosperous future for the Paanywaa people, founded on respect for human rights, democratic participation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

Mission Statement

We came together to strengthen the unity, dignity, advocate for justice, equality, and the protection of ancestral land rights while providing a collective voice for marginalized Paanywaa communities. The UPM looks for peaceful and democratic solutions to long-standing political, social, and economic challenges affecting the region.

UPM Objective and Strategic Priorities

The UPM is committed to the peaceful reunification, restoration, modernization, and sustainable advancement of the Paanywaa people and their ancestral homeland. Our mission is to strengthen the unity, dignity, sovereignty, and prosperity of our communities while preserving our cultural heritage and promoting democratic governance, human rights, and inclusive development. To achieve these, the following goals must be implemented by all means necessary.

10.1 Reunification and National Unity

• Reunify ancestral lands and strengthen the social, cultural, and historical bonds among Paanywaa communities.
• Reconnect separated families and communities through peaceful and lawful means.
• Reinforce collective identity, cultural heritage, traditions, and shared responsibilities for community welfare and security.

10.2 Restoration of Sovereignty and Institutions

• Restore and safeguard indigenous land rights, territorial integrity, and community sovereignty.
• Strengthen effective, accountable, and community-centered governance and security institutions.
• Restore dignity, hope, and confidence among the Paanywaa people through justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

10.3 Modernization and Sustainable Development

• Modernize political, administrative, and economic systems to promote efficiency, transparency, and public participation.
• Advance sustainable agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, housing, natural resource management, and community development.
• Strengthen education, healthcare, technological innovation, and local capacity-building to improve the quality of life.
• Develop professional and responsible defense and security capabilities that contribute to stability and community protection.
• Foster constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with regional and international partners.

10.4 Democratic Governance and Political Advocacy

• Promote inclusive, democratic, and peaceful political participation for all citizens.
• Support transparent, accountable, and responsive governance at all levels.
• Encourage dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful engagement regarding representation, self-determination, and the future aspirations of the Paanywaa people.

10.5 Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation

• Advocate for the protection of indigenous lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
• Preserve and promote Paanywaa languages, traditions, customs, and historical identity for future generations.
• Support educational, cultural, and community initiatives that strengthen indigenous knowledge and values.

10.6 Economic Empowerment and Social Progress

• Promote sustainable economic growth, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and investment in local communities.
• Encourage partnerships that support infrastructure, social services, and long-term regional stability.
• Ensure that development benefits local populations while protecting cultural and environmental resources.

10.7 Human Rights and International Engagement

• Uphold and promote fundamental human rights, civil liberties, equality, and the rule of law.
• Engage constructively with international institutions, democratic governments, and development partners through peaceful dialogue and cooperation.
• Support initiatives that advance peacebuilding, conflict prevention, good governance, and sustainable development.

Through these objectives, UPM seeks to build a united, secure, prosperous, and culturally vibrant future for the Paanywaa people while contributing positively to regional peace, stability, and development.

Organizational Structure

To achieve these noble objectives, UPM operates with a clear and effective structure:

• Executive Committee: Provides strategic direction and leadership for the movement.
• Main Board: A 19-member governing body that oversees all political, social, and military aspects of the organization.
• Military Leadership: Ensures the security and defense of our people and our struggle.

Actionable Programs

Our commitment to the Paanywaa people is backed by concrete action in the following areas:

Political & Diplomatic Program: We will actively engage with the international community to build support for our cause and demand our democratic rights. We reject the illegal submission of Gambella to the Ethiopian authority without the consent of our leaders. We will continue to mobilize our people for our survival and the formation of a Free State.

Economic & Social Program: We are committed to a “modernization agenda” that includes providing free public education, developing sustainable agriculture, and building the infrastructure necessary for our communities to prosper. We believe in creating a sustainable and dignified livelihood for all Paanywaa.

Security Program: We will work to restore our security institutions to protect our borders and our people from external threats, ensuring the safety and security of the Paanywaa nation.

Call to Action: The liberation and development of Paanywaa require the collective effort and resources of our people worldwide. UPM actively solicits donations to fund our operations, support our marginalized communities, and fuel our fight for freedom.

Finally

The United Paanywaa Movement is the legitimate voice of the Anyuak people. Under the leadership of President Morcen Ojwok Omot, we are committed to building a strong, prosperous, and secure Paanywaa. Our journey is long, but our resolve is unwavering. We invite all Paanywaa at home and abroad to join us in this sacred mission to reclaim our future.