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

Our vision is a strong, prosperous, and secure Paanywaa—a free and independent nation where our people can thrive, free from oppression and injustice, and enjoy the fruits of democracy and the rule of law.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to lead the struggle for the independence, safety, and security of the Paanywaa people. We are dedicated to ensuring our inalienable right to self-determination through the reunification of our land and the modernization of our society.

Core Objectives

1. Reunification: We will unify our ancestral lands, reunite our families scattered by conflict, and restore the Paanywaa people’s collective commitment to a shared destiny.
2. Restoration: We will restore our historical borders, establish sovereign security institutions, revive our rich cultural heritage, and reclaim our dignity and pride as a nation.
3. Modernization: We will modernize our political processes to create a democratic government, build robust economic systems, advance our agriculture, develop vital infrastructure, establish professional defense forces, and forge strong international relations.

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.