STATEMENT BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EMORIMOR PAPA ITESO III

ON THE PURPORTED “ATEKER UNION” AND THE 2024 ATEKER REUNION

His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, Emorimor Papa Iteso III, wishes to clarify, in the interest of truth, unity and respect for the institutions and peoples of Ateker, that there is no duly constituted organization known as the “Ateker Union” representing the collective peoples of Ateker.

The Ateker peoples have, over the years, participated in various gatherings and initiatives aimed at strengthening our historical, cultural and fraternal bonds. The most significant recent gathering was the 2024 Reunion of the Ateker Peoples, which brought together representatives and communities from across the Ateker region and diaspora.

It is important to state that the resolutions arising from that historic gathering did not provide for the establishment or formation of an organisation called the Ateker Union.

Accordingly, any statement, communiqué, correspondence or public communication issued in the name of an “Ateker Union” should not be construed as representing the collective position of the Ateker peoples, the traditional leadership of the Ateker communities, or the institutions duly recognised by them.

His Royal Highness recognises the importance of continued cooperation among the Ateker peoples, including the Iteso, Turkana, Toposa, Jie, Nyangatom, Karamojong, Kumam and Lango communities, and remains firmly committed to initiatives that promote unity, cultural preservation, peace, development and the dignity of our peoples.

At the same time, such unity must be founded on proper consultation, legitimate representation, transparency and respect for the resolutions of duly convened gatherings. No individual or group should assume or create an institutional identity on behalf of all Ateker peoples without an appropriate mandate.

The 2024 Ateker Reunion remains an important reference point for the collective aspirations of our peoples, and any future institutional arrangements concerning the Ateker community should arise through broad-based consultation and the express agreement of the legitimate representatives and stakeholders concerned.

His Royal Highness therefore calls upon all Ateker peoples, traditional leaders, cultural institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to continue working together in a spirit of brotherhood and mutual respect, while ensuring that the names and institutions of our peoples are used with the appropriate authority and mandate.

The unity of Ateker is bigger than any individual institution. It must be built on truth, consultation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to our common heritage and future.

Issued by:
His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot
Emorimor Papa Iteso III
Teso Kingdom