February 7, 2013 (SSNA) — Two days ago, a body of a dead Shilluk boy came floating in the river until it reached and anchored on the shore near the Governor Simon Kun Pouch office at the Council of Ministers in Malakal. The dead body had in his hand some money as if was coming with a complaint to the governor that he killed by SPLA at Owachi across the river.
The diseased is from Dur Village and he was sent by his father to go and sell vegetables in Malakal. Although he came with other vegetable growers from his village, he never reported home for two days and reported missing and only pronounced dead when his body appeared at the Council of Ministers riverside. He was intercepted by SPLA Soldiers at Owachi who wanted to rob his money which he was taking home to his parents. He tried to escape towards the river but that could not safe his life from the savage Dinka SPLA. He was shot at the back and felt into the river.
This is not the last incident committed by SPLA on Shilluk civilians. Just to mention a few, Shilluk merchant was killed by SPLA Soldiers in Tonga a few months ago. The merchant was sleeping in his boat in Tonga when two SPLA soldiers murder him and stole his 17,000 SSP money. These soldiers were arrested but the governor pardons them and is now free. The diseased was not compensated and his money was never returned. Another merchant operating between Kodok town and Kal-Agany interior to the west in Fashoda County was also killed by an SPLA Dinka soldier who was also released free without judgment. Besides the killing of civilians, SPLA is raping Shilluk women which are not being reported.
These incidences seem to be isolated cases on individual persons whose immediate families will feel the agony, but, it is general policy by SPLM to systematically eliminate the Shilluk population from County side and take their land to settle Panaru Dinka of Bentiu. The Shilluk people have to bear in mind that they are the target of SPLM/A policy of eradication. They will either migrate to Sudan or submit to the ruthless rule of SPLM.
No one cares about civilian protection when it comes to Shilluk land. Genocide is being committed in the broad day light in the presence and knowledge of international communities. Civilians were killed in Lul and others were killed in Owachi sometimes back.
It is high time the Shilluk people should of taking the responsibility of protecting themselves from Dinka SPLA who are currently occupying our land. There are a lot of weapons are flowing through Shilluk land into Nuba Mountains provided by SPLA. The Shilluk should find ways to acquire some of these weapons and form Popular Civil Defense Forces to protect themselves. SPLA is rather a tribal army serving only the Dinka. They must be flush out of the land or be taken to specified garrisons. They are indiscipline army groups whose command comes only from Salva Kiir.
It shouldn’t be misunderstood that Popular Civil Defense Forces is under rebellion against the government of South Sudan. Instead, it will be helping government to protect civilians when necessary. There is campaign from certain groups within SPLM/A against Shilluk as a tribe. Popular Civil Defense Forces is similar with Community Policing when these forces are from the community. In some areas like Jonglei, Warrap, Unity and Lakes States, this system cannot work because what is going on in those states is the communities fighting among themselves because of cattle rustling.
The Shilluk will not go for somebody’s land or property. But if Dinka of Akoka, Khor Fulus and Bailet Counties have claims on Shilluk land, then it would be better to resolve the issue peacefully through border conference which is headed by Dr. Riak Macar.
However if Dinka persist on land grabbing, then the conflict will escalate to the point arm struggle will be necessary for the Shilluk to liberate their land through forceful means.
The attached list of Shilluk civilians killed by Dinka SPLA and the villages they occupied in Shilluk land. All the Shilluks in SPLA should come out to defend their civilians before Dinka could finish them.
The purpose of this list is to bring the case to the international community that one day Salva Kiir will face justice in the court of law accused of genocide. Also the Shilluk communities will one day commemorates the death of civilians and asked God the Almighty to punish those who committed this genocide.
SHILLUK CIVILIANS KILLED BY SPLA IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF SHILLUK COUNTIES
S/No |
Name |
Sex |
Age in Yr |
Village |
Date of Death |
County |
Site of Killing |
Cause of death |
Remarks |
01 |
John Olwak Kur |
Male |
37 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
Panyikang |
Dur |
Gun Shot |
|
02 |
Yoanes Anei Ayang |
Male |
34 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
;; |
;; |
;; |
|
03 |
Maurice Stephen Odol |
Male |
32 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
04 |
William John Awol |
Male |
25 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
05 |
Thomas Andrew Oyath |
Male |
25 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
06 |
Otor Aleng Koryak |
Male |
62 |
Thathim |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
07 |
Opwol Laa Maijok |
Male |
60 |
Tahthim |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
08 |
Onoj Ashiek |
Male |
30 |
Thathim |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
09 |
Okoth Onak Luakyak |
Male |
34 |
Thathim |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
10 |
Chan Nyajwok |
Male |
18 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
11 |
Okutdwok Yor Ajawang |
Male |
39 |
Dur |
6/3//2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
12 |
Oyor Otor Otong |
Male |
38 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
13 |
Tressa Nyakal Luigi |
Female |
71 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
14 |
Nyagak Tor Mayom |
Female |
55 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
15 |
Achol Agaw |
Female |
40 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
16 |
Chol Jago Deng |
Male |
25 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
17 |
Omac Adyang Agaw |
Male |
18 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
18 |
Ogash Bol Kumday |
Male |
16 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
19 |
Akoth Adwok Ajobong |
Female |
31 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
20 |
Nyatholong Adwok |
Female |
18 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
21 |
Aboy Yor Ajobong |
Male |
37 |
Tufugia |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
22 |
Ayul Amuc Awan |
Male |
75 |
Awaw |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
23 |
Nya-Khartoum Ayul |
Female |
60 |
Awaw |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
24 |
Paulino Adwok Ador |
Male |
30 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
25 |
Nyabac Yor Onyuello |
Female |
59 |
Adod |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
26 |
Micheal Obeny Aban |
Male |
42 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
27 |
Chol Kuol Kur |
Male |
36 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
28 |
Oyor Otor Ajak |
Male |
38 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
29 |
Tino Adwok Ajang |
Female |
25 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
30 |
Nyanok Adwok Ajang |
Female |
67 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
31 |
Chol Ahmed Ajang |
Male |
48 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
32 |
Weli Jago Ajawang |
Male |
15 |
Alel |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
33 |
Otor Jago Ajawang |
Male |
55 |
Alel |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
34 |
Adyang Ayong Ayul |
Male |
8 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
35 |
Nyabac Amum Adwok |
Female |
57 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
36 |
Kur Bol Adwok |
Male |
12 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
37 |
Achol Adiek Gok |
Female |
80 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
38 |
David Pio Okok |
Male |
40 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
39 |
Juma Olay Otieno |
Male |
35 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
40 |
Abar Odhong Achobek |
Male |
40 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
41 |
Omot Nyawol Abor |
Male |
11 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
42 |
Nyabwonyo Tor Adok |
Female |
49 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
43 |
Achol |
Female |
18 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
44 |
Owor Andrew |
Male |
82 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
45 |
Akwolong Chol |
Male |
78 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
46 |
Obwonyo Agaw Lual |
Male |
15 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
47 |
Nyadier Ogwel Ajing |
Female |
20 |
Adodo |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Adodo |
,, |
|
48 |
Nyamum Akwoc Nyibong |
Female |
28 |
Kwogo |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Kwogo |
,, |
|
49 |
Jago Adwok Yor |
Male |
54 |
Kwogo |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Kwogo |
,, |
|
50 |
Shieklek Dewal |
Male |
80 |
Kwogo |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Kwogo |
,, |
|
51 |
Augustino Ochan Yomon |
Male |
29 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
Panyikang |
Dur |
,, |
|
52 |
William Vanasio |
Male |
35 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
53 |
William Deng |
Male |
28 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
54 |
Tona Chol Otwel |
Male |
45 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
55 |
Cangjwok Yogeng Akwoc |
Male |
32 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
56 |
Oliny Luong |
Male |
30 |
Makal |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Makal |
,, |
|
57 |
Estimir Yor Oywac |
Male |
33 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Dur |
,, |
|
58 |
Obac Luong |
Male |
37 |
Makal |
6/3/2011 |
Makal |
Makal |
,, |
|
59 |
Juma William |
Male |
41 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
Panyikang |
Dur |
,, |
|
60 |
Wadeng Akulith |
Male |
29 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
61 |
Paulino Deng Kujo |
Male |
37 |
Makal |
6/3/2011 |
Makal, |
Makal |
,, |
|
62 |
Adwok Mayong Ador |
Male |
40 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
Panyikang |
Dur |
,, |
|
63 |
Odhong Laa Kur |
Male |
36 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
64 |
Pakwan Anei Anyaiding |
Male |
31 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
65 |
Paromi Dak Akiw |
Male |
28 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
66 |
Oman Awur |
Male |
18 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
67 |
Cangjwok Ageng Ngor |
Male |
48 |
Dur |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
68 |
Aban Dak Pakwan |
Male |
45 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
,, |
,, |
|
69 |
Pacbene Adowin Nyikwac |
Male |
13 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
70 |
Onuar Deng Awur |
Male |
35 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
71 |
Okony Aban Anyang |
Male |
27 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
72 |
Oyay Adwok Obeny |
Male |
65 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
73 |
Aban Owiyiwok Ocam |
Male |
48 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
74 |
Racpiny Pamet Dak |
Male |
16 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
75 |
Sebit Otwali Nyibek |
Male |
22 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
76 |
Ojwok Okan Deng |
Male |
26 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
77 |
Pajwan Nyibong |
Male |
14 |
Owaci |
6/3/2011 |
,, |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
|
78 |
Owak Ogwen Nyibong |
Male |
36 |
Tonga |
16/6/2012 |
,, |
Tonga |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
79 |
Paul Opwot Okac |
Male |
32 |
Dur |
8/3/2011 |
,, |
Dur |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
80 |
Yoanes Dewin Otor |
Male |
24 |
Lelo Obwa |
7/3/2011 |
Makal |
Lelo Obwa |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
81 |
Micheal Aban Wahn |
Male |
37 |
Owaci |
9/3/2011 |
Makal |
Owaci |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
82 |
Jago Ageng Ajang |
Male |
85 |
Wadajwok |
9/3/2011 |
Makal |
Wadajwok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
83 |
Obac Akwoc Matjak |
Male |
19 |
Wadajwok |
9/3/2011 |
Makal |
Wadajwok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
84 |
Ogwaok Nyibong Kiir |
Male |
56 |
Makal |
9/3/2011 |
Makal |
Dur |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
85 |
Obac Adwok Kuol |
Male |
48 |
Makal |
12/3/2011 |
Makal |
Makal |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
86 |
Nyawello Othur Olawo |
Male |
26 |
Kodok |
23/3/2011 |
Fashoda |
Kodok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
87 |
Mathew Denis Ayuok Kur |
Male |
29 |
Tonga |
30/7/2011 |
Panyikang |
Kodok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
88 |
Okok Oliw |
Male |
45 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
89 |
Aban Ayul |
Female |
25 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
90 |
Ocwop Ogwal Yieljak |
Male |
27 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
91 |
Othwohn Yor Geng |
Male |
65 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
92 |
Amum Both |
Male |
42 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
93 |
Sebit Loth Alwong |
Male |
16 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
94 |
Obac Aban Ajang |
Male |
19 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
95 |
Wadeng Odienj Alwong |
Male |
19 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
96 |
Ochar Othom Awan |
Male |
18 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
97 |
Olwak Sebit Ageng |
Male |
24 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
98 |
Ngor Koryom Alwong |
Male |
35 |
Nagdiar |
10/11/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
99 |
Ronyo Chan Ngor |
Male |
28 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
100 |
Awan Aallwong Aba |
Male |
40 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
101 |
Lua Amum Yor |
Male |
39 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
102 |
Opiti Nyiker |
Male |
25 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdiar |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
103 |
Chyen Ochir Nimeng |
Male |
20 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdia |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
104 |
Deng Ajawin |
Male |
40 |
Nagdiar |
9/1/2009 |
,, |
Nagdia |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
105 |
Prince Akic Dak Padiet |
Male |
53 |
Pathaw |
3/7/2009 |
Makal |
Pathaw |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
106 |
Nyman Pagan Ajang |
Female |
65 |
Padit |
6/6/2009 |
Makal |
Padit |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
107 |
Nyijok Olwak Anok |
Male |
43 |
Padit |
6/6/2009 |
Makal |
Padit |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
108 |
Ogomac Othom Jabur |
Male |
10 |
Wau |
6/8/2009 |
Makal |
Wau |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
109 |
Ocheti Bodho Akol |
Male |
31 |
Pathaw |
7/8/2009 |
Makal |
Pathaw |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
110 |
Mijwok Adwok DongNyial |
Male |
70 |
Bol |
10/3/2009 |
Makal |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
111 |
Nyarengi Ogur Adijok |
Female |
37 |
Bol |
11/11/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
112 |
Adwok Odol Mijwok |
Male |
12 |
Bol |
11/11/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
113 |
Olew Mijwok Adwok |
Male |
10 |
Bol |
11/11/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
114 |
Acwil Mijwok Adwok |
Female |
4 |
Bol |
11/11/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
115 |
Ogat Akol Aba |
Male |
19 |
Bol |
11/11/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
116 |
Awol Omay Ogwen |
Male |
37 |
Lul Otang |
3/3/2012 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
117 |
Otor Othialo Ajarial |
Male |
75 |
Abanim |
8/9/2012 |
Fashoda |
Abanim |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
118 |
Onani Otor Ajang |
Male |
38 |
Agodo |
1/10/2010 |
Fashoda |
Kodok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
119 |
Peter Othow Anei Nyaba |
Male |
58 |
Gulo |
7/10/2010 |
Fashoda |
Gulo |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
120 |
Nyawello Othur Othow |
Male |
16 |
Ngonyam |
13/10/2010 |
Fashoda |
Kodok |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
121 |
Okuc Deng Mayik |
Male |
56 |
Bol |
4/7/2010 |
Fashoda |
Dingjol |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
122 |
Anyang Aba Kiir |
Male |
35 |
Both |
16/6/2010 |
Fashoda |
Both |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
123 |
Otor Adwok Wello |
Male |
30 |
Both |
16/6/2010 |
Fashoda |
Both |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
124 |
Abaan Kimo Nyidhok |
Female |
42 |
Both |
16/6/2010 |
Fashoda |
Both |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
125 |
Ngor Orac Kukel |
Male |
15 |
Nyingaro |
13/7/2010 |
Fashoda |
Both |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
126 |
Arenyi Bol Acien |
Male |
48 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Both |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
127 |
Nyibol Adwok Athiik |
Female |
52 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Bienythiang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
128 |
Lam Nyathap Athiir |
Male |
12 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
129 |
Balash Olwal Lamitho |
Male |
15 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
130 |
Oboki Chol Wolo |
Male |
30 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
131 |
Deng Adung Adiang |
Male |
66 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
132 |
Chol Awak Deng |
Male |
17 |
Tungmier Lul |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
133 |
Anam Othow Nyawello |
Male |
25 |
Lul Otang |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Lul Otang |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
134 |
Alobo Onywany |
Male |
13 |
Pabur |
4/9/2010 |
Fashoda |
Pabur |
Gun Shot |
Lynched |
Comments to Analysis and summary: The figure of (134) one hundred and thirty-four slain collo (Shilluk) civilians would have risen, if bodies of secretly killed were recovered. Most of the victims were and are cut being killed, either their stomachs are cut open and thrown to the river and do not float. Some are killed in the forest far away from houses where these are no witnesses or left to be eaten by birds and wild animals. These missing and being fetched are pronounced dead. This mad mess killings, rapes, looting and harassments apparently tantamount to genocide in the collo Kingdom land. This is with the knowledge of the government of South Sudan by deploying one tribe army in the area. The C-in-C of the SPLA and the president of the young nation had backed and arrange the deployment of these cruel soldiers under the command of one tribe commanders with a programme i.e Division (7) Seven was deployed in the whole of Shilluk area western Nile from Manyo under the command of hostile Dinka Major-General Matur who had upper hand in killing the Shilluks. The HQs is in Owaci, Panyikang County upto Manyo County. The second is Division (1) One where the same cruel soldiers are deployed under the same one tribe commander Major-General Ajonga replaced again by Major-General. The plan is to grab and encroach the collo land be occupied by Dinka Dingjol, Ngok in the east of the Nile, the land they claimed to be their ancestors land. This is the policy and plans of what they called Padang organization. This wass executed by H.E. The President of South Sudan when he physically flew to an area known as Pijo belonging to Shilluk and declared it a Dinka land and annexed it to Jonglei State which is ridiculous. So the same plocy goes on, the Shilluks are still being killed so that they leave their land and nobody intervened because the government belongs to one tribe or the majority in the government is from one tribe.Very unfortunate |
The Author lives in the Republic of South Sudan. He could be reached at [email protected]