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Elisabeth Janaina
Jun 9, 2013, 5:16:16 AM6/9/13
to
Juba to hold the 21st Nile Council of Ministers meeting.
JUBA, May 6 2013 - Ministers in charge of Water Affairs in the Nile
Basin countries will on June 20, convene in Juba, the capital of the
Republic of South Sudan for the 21st annual Nile Council of Ministers
(NILE_COM) meeting.
The annual regular meeting of the Nile Basin Intiative (NBI) governing
body will deliberate on how to move the Nile cooperation forward and
discuss administrative issues such as assessing the performance of the
NBI work plan for the previous year fiscal year, review and approval
of the work plan and budget for fiscal year 2013/2014. The meeting
will also review and endorse a number of strategy and policy
documents. The official Nile Basin Website stated.
The Nile- COM meeting will also witness handover of the leadership of
the Nile Council of Ministers from Rwanda to South Sudan.
South Sudan joined the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) on July 5 last year
taking number seven on the alphabetical listing order of the member
states thereby assuming the one year leadership of the body after
Rwanda. The other members include Burundi, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
“South Sudan has stake on the Nile Basin waters, its usage, management
and development”. Said Alier Bullen Ngong, the Director General of
Water Resources and Management in South Sudan’s Water Resources and
Irrigation ministry.
Members of the Organizing Commitee in a meeting yesterday
[photo: by Matata Safi]
Ngong said South Sudan stands to benefit from the common basket funds
that are within the regional block. He said South Sudan laying between
downstream and upstream of the Nile , upon assuming chair of the
regional block will use its position to coordinate with various
position within the NBI to spearhead the existing cooperation.
Ngong made these remarks yesterday in Juba while chairing a meeting of
the organizing committee at Water and Irrigation Board room.
Reported by Matata Safi.
JUBA, May 6 2013 - Ministers in charge of Water Affairs in the Nile
Basin countries will on June 20, convene in Juba, the capital of the
Republic of South Sudan for the 21st annual Nile Council of Ministers
(NILE_COM) meeting.
The annual regular meeting of the Nile Basin Intiative (NBI) governing
body will deliberate on how to move the Nile cooperation forward and
discuss administrative issues such as assessing the performance of the
NBI work plan for the previous year fiscal year, review and approval
of the work plan and budget for fiscal year 2013/2014. The meeting
will also review and endorse a number of strategy and policy
documents. The official Nile Basin Website stated.
The Nile- COM meeting will also witness handover of the leadership of
the Nile Council of Ministers from Rwanda to South Sudan.
South Sudan joined the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) on July 5 last year
taking number seven on the alphabetical listing order of the member
states thereby assuming the one year leadership of the body after
Rwanda. The other members include Burundi, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
“South Sudan has stake on the Nile Basin waters, its usage, management
and development”. Said Alier Bullen Ngong, the Director General of
Water Resources and Management in South Sudan’s Water Resources and
Irrigation ministry.
Members of the Organizing Commitee in a meeting yesterday
[photo: by Matata Safi]
Ngong said South Sudan stands to benefit from the common basket funds
that are within the regional block. He said South Sudan laying between
downstream and upstream of the Nile , upon assuming chair of the
regional block will use its position to coordinate with various
position within the NBI to spearhead the existing cooperation.
Ngong made these remarks yesterday in Juba while chairing a meeting of
the organizing committee at Water and Irrigation Board room.
Reported by Matata Safi.
Elisabeth Janaina
Jun 13, 2013, 3:50:02 AM6/13/13
to
Mr. Pagan holds talks with AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner
JUBA, 13 June 2013 -South Sudan’s Chief Negotiator and
Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)
Cde. Pagan Amum yesterday in Addis Ababa held talks with the African
Union Peace and Security Commissioner Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra.
The two sides reviewed the status of implementation of the agreements
which were concluded in September 2012 between the Republic of South
Sudan and the Republic of Sudan, the African Union peace and Security
website reported.
South Sudan Chief Negotiator Pagan and Lamamra, AUPS commissioner
They also exchanged views on the current challenges and prospects for
an early resolution of the issues affecting continued and satisfactory
progress in the process of the implementation of the Cooperation
agreement.
Commissioner Lamamra expressed confidence that the two countries,
South Sudan and Sudan will both support the proposals of the
Chairperson of the AU High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and
fully cooperate in their implementation.
Reported by Matata Safi
China pledges support in resolving differences with Sudan
JUBA, 12 June 2013 (NASS) – The Government of the People’s Republic of
China has pledged to support efforts towards finding solutions to the
oil problems between Sudan and South Sudan.
The outgoing Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, Li Zhiguo made this
pledge yesterday after a meeting with South Sudan’s minister for
Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
China's outgoing ambassador Zhiguo in a meeting with Dr. Benjamin.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin briefed the ambassador on South Sudan's position
following the announcements made by the President Omar el Bashir of
Sudan that he will stop the flow of South Sudan's oil through his
territory on allegations that the Republic of South Sudan is
supoorting rebels fighting in the two Sudanese states of Southern
Kordofan and Blue Nile.
The Chinese diplomat who underscored China’s good relations with the
South Sudan said “Our friendly relation with South Sudan has been so
long and will be cherished by two of us”.
Dr. Benjamin urged the Chinese government to talk to the government of
Sudan over the latest developments between the two countries. He said
shutting down of the country's oil flow or going to conflict doesn't
solve anything but instead affects development and stability of the
two countries. Dr. Benjamin reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to
fully implement the cooperation agreement.
UK ambassador meeting Dr. Benjamin
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
In a related development, Dr. Benjamin in his office yesterday met
with the British ambassador to South Sudan, Ian Hughes. The two
discussed the current relations with Sudan. Ambassador Hughes said the
United Kingdom and the Troika are working to see that the problem is
resolved.
Reported by Martin Jada, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
PANOS to develop RSS information systems
JUBA, 12 June 2013 (NASS) - The Ugandan based PANOS Eastern Africa
organization has expressed great interest to participate in the
building and development of information systems in South Sudan.
Dr. Melakou Tegegn, the organization’s executive director disclosed
this yesterday after a courtesy call on South Sudan’s minister for
Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
Dr. Benjamin (second right) and his deputy Atem Yaak Atem (l) pose
for a photo with Dr. Tegegn (r) and Mr Taban.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin, who welcomed the initiative, urged the organization to
continue with the program which he said will help in the nation
building process. Dr. Tegegn said their program would focus on how the
media can be a tool towards attaining sustainable development.
Meanwhile Mr. Alfred Taban, a prominent South Sudanese journalist and
the Editor-in-Chief of the Juba Monitor newspaper backed the
initiative saying it will help the government to understand the
feelings and demands of the citizens.
PANOS is a regional NGO working in the east and horn of Africa serving
nine countries in the fields of media.
Reported by Martin Jada, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
President Kiir challenges Sudan’s rebel-support claims
JUBA, 11 May 2013 – South Sudan’s President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit
has challenged Sudan to provide evidence of the continuous allegations
that South Sudan is supporting rebels fighting to topple the
government of Sudan.
President Kiir who was responding to statements made by the Sudan’s
President Omar el Bashir last Saturday, said South Sudan has more
serious demands to attend to other than to support rebels in a foreign
country.
“If we have money, we have a lot of services that our people need. Our
people need roads so that they can connect to each other. They need
hospitals, schools and clean drinking water. We cannot leave these
demands and buy guns to support their rebels”, President Kiir told the
press at the State House in Juba yesterday.
President Kiir reacting to Preisent Bashir's Saturday statements yesterday
[Photo: by Matata Safi]
President Omar el Bashir was reported to have ordered his oil minister
to shut down the pipelines carrying South Sudan’s oil “if it [South
Sudan] does not stop supporting the rebels of Sudanese Revolutionary
Front (SRF) fighting his government in the states of South Kordofan
and Blue Nile.
Quoting a famous Arabic proverb, President Kiir said Bashir is
behaving like someone who slaps you; he goes crying and later accuses
you of having fought him. Sudan, he said is supporting rebels of Yau
Yau and many others that have already taken up government amnesty. The
President explained that weapons that were brought in by the militia
leader General Jonathan Olony who heeded to his amnesty, among others,
testify to Khartoum’s support to rebels to destabilize South Sudan. He
wondered how Khartoum can be accusing South’s of supporting its
rebels.
President Kiir said Sudan’s accusation of the South’s support to
rebels fighting in the Sudanese territory is a mere attempt to derail
the implementation of the September Cooperation Agreements. He urged
his northern counterpart to use the already established mechanisms
within the Cooperation Agreement to channel any complaint “if at all
he has credible complaint against the government of the Republic of
South Sudan”.
Furthermore, he said the decision to prevent South Sudan’s oil from
transiting through Sudan to the international markets seriously
undermines the September peace pact and the implementation matrix.
Since no official notification has been addressed to the government of
South Sudan, President Kiir said his government will remain committed
to the unconditional implementation of the Cooperation Agreement.
President Bashir’s utterances, President Kiir said are a test to the
African Union High Implementation Panel, which is the main broker of
the September Agreement as well as the United Nation Security Council.
Click here to read the President's statement.
Reported by Matata Safi
President Kiir urges Abyei citizens to return home
JUBA, 11 May 2013 - President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on
leaders of Abyei in Juba and elsewhere to head to the oil rich region
to spearhead the return of the people of Abyei ahead of the much
expected October referendum. He said it is important for all the
people of Abyei to return to the area and get registered to vote in
the referendum.
“I told my brother Deng Alor [the minister of Cabinet Affair] that
they [Abyei leaders working in South Sudan] should go to Abyei and
mobilize the people register for the referendum,” President Kiir said.
He said nobody will be allowed to vote in Juba or elsewhere in South
Sudan for the Abyei referendum.
President Kiir
[Photo by Matata Safi]
Khartoum’s push for the nomadic Arab pastoralists to take part in the
Abyei referendum denied the people of Abyei their right to determine
where they would want to belong as per the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement (CPA).
A new date (October this year) has been fixed by the African Union for
the Abyei referendum. Nonetheless, the Abyei Administration, Abyei
referendum Commission as well as the Abyei police are yet to be
formed.
A return arrives in Abyei town
[Photo: by Matata Safi]
President Kiir expressed dissatisfaction with the African Union and
the UN Security Council on their stance on Bashir. The African Union
is not doing much to tell Bashir to move out of Abyei Area.
Reported by Matata Safi
Campaign against Child Marriage launched
JUBA, 11 June 2013 NASS –South Sudan’s ministry of Gender Child and
Social welfare in collaboration with United Nations Children Fund
(UNICEF) yesterday launched the Campaign against child marriage as the
country prepares to join the rest of the continent in commemorating
the International Day of the African Child.
Celebrated every June 16, The Africa Child Day, has been established
by the Organization of the African Unity (now the African Union) in
1991 in honor of the children killed in the 1976 uprisings in Soweto.
A protest by school children in South Africa against apartheid
resulted in the public killing of the unarmed young protesters by
police officials.
“It’s important to note that in South Sudan there are a number of
harmful social and cultural practices that are been practiced. These
include but are not limited to the; Child Marriage, forced Marriage
economic Value attached to girl Child (the use of dowry price)
tattooing and piercing of children, milk teeth extraction and breaking
of the teeth, preference attached to child’s gender (son preference as
regards education) female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and
scarification” said Dr. Priscilla Joseph Kuch the ministry’s Deputy
Minister
Deputy minister Dr. Kuch at the launch
[Photo: by Simon Matiop Akol]
Dr. Kuch said child marriage is a very critical issue in the Country
and she said it is being practiced in all the States of South Sudan.
“The rate at which young girls a being married off has become very
alarming and this limits their development prospects and participation
in education and other developmental activities” She said. she called
on all stalkholders join efforts to fight harmful practices against
children in South Sudan.
The 2010 South Sudan Household Survey (SHHS) indicates that about 40
percent of the girls are married when they are still below 15 years;
child marriage is also stated as one of the main reasons why there are
very few girls who complete basic primary school.
Members of UNICEF and Gender staff at the launch
[Photo by Simon Matiop Akol]
The theme of this year’s celebration has been ‘”Elimination of the
Child Marriage in South Sudan “Our main focus is on creating awareness
about the various harmful practices and how they affected our children
and also look at what the way forwards as regards eliminating these
practices” the Deputy Gender Minister said.
The national celebrations will be held’s at Nyankuron Cultural Centre
this Fridaywith the rest of the states convening at their respective
state capitals to mark the day.
Reported by Simon Matiop Akol (NASS)
RSS to sign core UN human rights conventions
JUBA, 11 June 2013 - Justice Minister Hon John Luk Jok yesterday
appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva and
officially acknowledged South Sudan’s decision to sign several core
human rights conventions. The minister’s visit marks the first time
that the Republic of South Sudan has appeared before the Human Rights
Council in order to update the Council on the human rights situation
in the country.
When the new nation of South Sudan was born in July 2011, the
government pledged to adopt several core conventions. “By signing the
eight core international and regional conventions, the government of
the young nation has shown its commitment to the inalienability and
universality of human rights,” Hon Jok said.
The South Sudan Transitional Constitution grants fundamental rights to
all South Sudanese people to enjoy human rights and fundamental
freedoms at all levels. The Constitution further affirms the sanctity
of those rights and freedoms by stating that they are non-derogable
and are to be upheld and protected by the Supreme Court and other
competent courts.
Since its independence, South Sudan has taken great strides in state
and nation building by developing institutions, structures and systems
for democratic governance, upholding the rule of law and protecting
human rights.
Hon Jok added, “We will relentlessly work towards the implementation
of these instruments through our domestic institutions and laws.”
After The President signs the instruments of accession, the
instruments will be deposited with the United Nations Secretary
General for official adoption.
RSS has no official notice of oil shutdown
JUBA, 9 June 2013 –The government of the Republic of South Sudan has
said that it has not received any official communication from the
government of Sudan regarding the alleged intention to shut down South
Sudan’s oil from being exported through Sudan.
Speaking to the press in Juba after an emergency meeting, Dr. Barnaba
Marial Benjamin, South Sudanese minister of Information and
Broadcasting said South Sudan’s Council of Ministers will continue
with discussions till Monday 10, where a statement will be issued.
President Omar el Bashir is reported to have issued the warnings on
Saturday while inaugurating an electricity plant in Shil’ab area of
Khartoum. He allegedly accused the government of South Sudan of
supporting rebels of Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) fighting his
government in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
“The oil of South Sudan will not pass through Sudan ever again,” the
Sudanese media quoted President Bashir as having said.
Dr. Marial who is also South Sudan’s government spokesman, warned of
environmental consequences should Khartoum go ahead to implement a
sudden oil shutdown without involving authorities in South Sudan.
“The pipelines within South Sudan are owned by South Sudan and the
rest by Sudan; ordering a shutdown, there are agreements and technical
issues that need a time frame. Any abrupt shutdown can cause a “back
pressure” on the pipelines consequently resulting into an oil spill”,
said Dr. Benjamin.
He said South Sudan will continue to implement the Cooperation
Agreement as agreed by the two countries. Dr. Benjamin urged the
African Union High Implementation Pannel (AUHIP), the African Union
Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) as well as the UN Security Council
to take note of such threatening statements.
Dr. Benjamin said since the resumption of oil production in early
March, South Sudan has pumped about 6 million barrels of oil into
Sudan territory destined for the international market.
In the same press briefing, Col. Philip Aguer, South Sudan’s Army
spokesman also accused the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) of violating the
Cooperation Agreement by crossing into South Sudan’s territory on
Saturday. Col. Aguer said the Sudanese Army was sighted in Kuake in
South Sudan’s Upper Nile state. He called the incursion “unacceptable”
and said the government of the Republic of South Sudan will launch an
official complaint to the African Union about it.
Reported by Matata Safi
Pagan briefs President Kiir ahead of African Union team of experts meeting
JUBA, June 8, 2013 -South Sudan’s negotiating team has announced it
will be heading to Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia to submit the
country’s position to the African Union team of experts on borders as
well as to discuss teams of reference for the resolution of the
disputed and claimed areas.
This was disclosed yesterday by country’s Chief Negotiator Cde. Pagan
Amum Okec after a meeting with the president of the Republic H.E Gen.
Salva Kiir Mayardit
The team, Mr. Pagan said will hold talks on implementation of the oil
agreement as well as the formation of the oversight committee to
monitor the flow of the country’s oil through Sudan based on “ very
clear terms” among other issues.
Though he did not specify when the team will be leaving, Mr. Pagan
said his team will also engage Sudan on its continued “false”
allegations against the Republic of South that its supporting rebels
opposed to the Khartoum government
“The civil war inside Sudan is a Sudanese war with two Sudanese
parties to the conflict”. Pagan said.
Pagan (r) and Thebo Mbeki, AU/HIP lead mediator in a previous meeting in Juba
[File photo: by Matata Safi]
Furthermore, he called on the government of Sudan to remain committed
to fully implement the cooperation agreement. South Sudan’s position,
he said is to develop relations with Sudan, relations of cooperation
in all the fields in pursue of the mutual interests of the people of
the two countries
On the final status of Abyei, Mr. Pagan urged the government of Sudan
to accept the AU/HIP proposal as the basses for final resolution of
the problem of the Abyei area.
“It’s unfortunate that the government of Sudan has been rejecting that
proposal and has been allowing the aggravation of the situation
including attempts of forceful displacement and settlement of non
Ngonk Dinka residence in area” he said.
Reported by Matata Safi
Juba to hold the 21st Nile Council of Ministers meeting.
JUBA, May 6 2013 - Ministers in charge of Water Affairs in the Nile
Basin countries will on June 20, convene in Juba, the capital of the
Republic of South Sudan for the 21st annual Nile Council of Ministers
(NILE-COM) meeting.
JUBA, 13 June 2013 -South Sudan’s Chief Negotiator and
Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)
Cde. Pagan Amum yesterday in Addis Ababa held talks with the African
Union Peace and Security Commissioner Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra.
The two sides reviewed the status of implementation of the agreements
which were concluded in September 2012 between the Republic of South
Sudan and the Republic of Sudan, the African Union peace and Security
website reported.
South Sudan Chief Negotiator Pagan and Lamamra, AUPS commissioner
They also exchanged views on the current challenges and prospects for
an early resolution of the issues affecting continued and satisfactory
progress in the process of the implementation of the Cooperation
agreement.
Commissioner Lamamra expressed confidence that the two countries,
South Sudan and Sudan will both support the proposals of the
Chairperson of the AU High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and
fully cooperate in their implementation.
Reported by Matata Safi
China pledges support in resolving differences with Sudan
JUBA, 12 June 2013 (NASS) – The Government of the People’s Republic of
China has pledged to support efforts towards finding solutions to the
oil problems between Sudan and South Sudan.
The outgoing Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, Li Zhiguo made this
pledge yesterday after a meeting with South Sudan’s minister for
Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
China's outgoing ambassador Zhiguo in a meeting with Dr. Benjamin.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin briefed the ambassador on South Sudan's position
following the announcements made by the President Omar el Bashir of
Sudan that he will stop the flow of South Sudan's oil through his
territory on allegations that the Republic of South Sudan is
supoorting rebels fighting in the two Sudanese states of Southern
Kordofan and Blue Nile.
The Chinese diplomat who underscored China’s good relations with the
South Sudan said “Our friendly relation with South Sudan has been so
long and will be cherished by two of us”.
Dr. Benjamin urged the Chinese government to talk to the government of
Sudan over the latest developments between the two countries. He said
shutting down of the country's oil flow or going to conflict doesn't
solve anything but instead affects development and stability of the
two countries. Dr. Benjamin reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to
fully implement the cooperation agreement.
UK ambassador meeting Dr. Benjamin
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
In a related development, Dr. Benjamin in his office yesterday met
with the British ambassador to South Sudan, Ian Hughes. The two
discussed the current relations with Sudan. Ambassador Hughes said the
United Kingdom and the Troika are working to see that the problem is
resolved.
Reported by Martin Jada, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
PANOS to develop RSS information systems
JUBA, 12 June 2013 (NASS) - The Ugandan based PANOS Eastern Africa
organization has expressed great interest to participate in the
building and development of information systems in South Sudan.
Dr. Melakou Tegegn, the organization’s executive director disclosed
this yesterday after a courtesy call on South Sudan’s minister for
Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
Dr. Benjamin (second right) and his deputy Atem Yaak Atem (l) pose
for a photo with Dr. Tegegn (r) and Mr Taban.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin, who welcomed the initiative, urged the organization to
continue with the program which he said will help in the nation
building process. Dr. Tegegn said their program would focus on how the
media can be a tool towards attaining sustainable development.
Meanwhile Mr. Alfred Taban, a prominent South Sudanese journalist and
the Editor-in-Chief of the Juba Monitor newspaper backed the
initiative saying it will help the government to understand the
feelings and demands of the citizens.
PANOS is a regional NGO working in the east and horn of Africa serving
nine countries in the fields of media.
Reported by Martin Jada, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
President Kiir challenges Sudan’s rebel-support claims
JUBA, 11 May 2013 – South Sudan’s President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit
has challenged Sudan to provide evidence of the continuous allegations
that South Sudan is supporting rebels fighting to topple the
government of Sudan.
President Kiir who was responding to statements made by the Sudan’s
President Omar el Bashir last Saturday, said South Sudan has more
serious demands to attend to other than to support rebels in a foreign
country.
“If we have money, we have a lot of services that our people need. Our
people need roads so that they can connect to each other. They need
hospitals, schools and clean drinking water. We cannot leave these
demands and buy guns to support their rebels”, President Kiir told the
press at the State House in Juba yesterday.
President Kiir reacting to Preisent Bashir's Saturday statements yesterday
[Photo: by Matata Safi]
President Omar el Bashir was reported to have ordered his oil minister
to shut down the pipelines carrying South Sudan’s oil “if it [South
Sudan] does not stop supporting the rebels of Sudanese Revolutionary
Front (SRF) fighting his government in the states of South Kordofan
and Blue Nile.
Quoting a famous Arabic proverb, President Kiir said Bashir is
behaving like someone who slaps you; he goes crying and later accuses
you of having fought him. Sudan, he said is supporting rebels of Yau
Yau and many others that have already taken up government amnesty. The
President explained that weapons that were brought in by the militia
leader General Jonathan Olony who heeded to his amnesty, among others,
testify to Khartoum’s support to rebels to destabilize South Sudan. He
wondered how Khartoum can be accusing South’s of supporting its
rebels.
President Kiir said Sudan’s accusation of the South’s support to
rebels fighting in the Sudanese territory is a mere attempt to derail
the implementation of the September Cooperation Agreements. He urged
his northern counterpart to use the already established mechanisms
within the Cooperation Agreement to channel any complaint “if at all
he has credible complaint against the government of the Republic of
South Sudan”.
Furthermore, he said the decision to prevent South Sudan’s oil from
transiting through Sudan to the international markets seriously
undermines the September peace pact and the implementation matrix.
Since no official notification has been addressed to the government of
South Sudan, President Kiir said his government will remain committed
to the unconditional implementation of the Cooperation Agreement.
President Bashir’s utterances, President Kiir said are a test to the
African Union High Implementation Panel, which is the main broker of
the September Agreement as well as the United Nation Security Council.
Click here to read the President's statement.
Reported by Matata Safi
President Kiir urges Abyei citizens to return home
JUBA, 11 May 2013 - President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on
leaders of Abyei in Juba and elsewhere to head to the oil rich region
to spearhead the return of the people of Abyei ahead of the much
expected October referendum. He said it is important for all the
people of Abyei to return to the area and get registered to vote in
the referendum.
“I told my brother Deng Alor [the minister of Cabinet Affair] that
they [Abyei leaders working in South Sudan] should go to Abyei and
mobilize the people register for the referendum,” President Kiir said.
He said nobody will be allowed to vote in Juba or elsewhere in South
Sudan for the Abyei referendum.
President Kiir
[Photo by Matata Safi]
Khartoum’s push for the nomadic Arab pastoralists to take part in the
Abyei referendum denied the people of Abyei their right to determine
where they would want to belong as per the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement (CPA).
A new date (October this year) has been fixed by the African Union for
the Abyei referendum. Nonetheless, the Abyei Administration, Abyei
referendum Commission as well as the Abyei police are yet to be
formed.
A return arrives in Abyei town
[Photo: by Matata Safi]
President Kiir expressed dissatisfaction with the African Union and
the UN Security Council on their stance on Bashir. The African Union
is not doing much to tell Bashir to move out of Abyei Area.
Reported by Matata Safi
Campaign against Child Marriage launched
JUBA, 11 June 2013 NASS –South Sudan’s ministry of Gender Child and
Social welfare in collaboration with United Nations Children Fund
(UNICEF) yesterday launched the Campaign against child marriage as the
country prepares to join the rest of the continent in commemorating
the International Day of the African Child.
Celebrated every June 16, The Africa Child Day, has been established
by the Organization of the African Unity (now the African Union) in
1991 in honor of the children killed in the 1976 uprisings in Soweto.
A protest by school children in South Africa against apartheid
resulted in the public killing of the unarmed young protesters by
police officials.
“It’s important to note that in South Sudan there are a number of
harmful social and cultural practices that are been practiced. These
include but are not limited to the; Child Marriage, forced Marriage
economic Value attached to girl Child (the use of dowry price)
tattooing and piercing of children, milk teeth extraction and breaking
of the teeth, preference attached to child’s gender (son preference as
regards education) female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and
scarification” said Dr. Priscilla Joseph Kuch the ministry’s Deputy
Minister
Deputy minister Dr. Kuch at the launch
[Photo: by Simon Matiop Akol]
Dr. Kuch said child marriage is a very critical issue in the Country
and she said it is being practiced in all the States of South Sudan.
“The rate at which young girls a being married off has become very
alarming and this limits their development prospects and participation
in education and other developmental activities” She said. she called
on all stalkholders join efforts to fight harmful practices against
children in South Sudan.
The 2010 South Sudan Household Survey (SHHS) indicates that about 40
percent of the girls are married when they are still below 15 years;
child marriage is also stated as one of the main reasons why there are
very few girls who complete basic primary school.
Members of UNICEF and Gender staff at the launch
[Photo by Simon Matiop Akol]
The theme of this year’s celebration has been ‘”Elimination of the
Child Marriage in South Sudan “Our main focus is on creating awareness
about the various harmful practices and how they affected our children
and also look at what the way forwards as regards eliminating these
practices” the Deputy Gender Minister said.
The national celebrations will be held’s at Nyankuron Cultural Centre
this Fridaywith the rest of the states convening at their respective
state capitals to mark the day.
Reported by Simon Matiop Akol (NASS)
RSS to sign core UN human rights conventions
JUBA, 11 June 2013 - Justice Minister Hon John Luk Jok yesterday
appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva and
officially acknowledged South Sudan’s decision to sign several core
human rights conventions. The minister’s visit marks the first time
that the Republic of South Sudan has appeared before the Human Rights
Council in order to update the Council on the human rights situation
in the country.
When the new nation of South Sudan was born in July 2011, the
government pledged to adopt several core conventions. “By signing the
eight core international and regional conventions, the government of
the young nation has shown its commitment to the inalienability and
universality of human rights,” Hon Jok said.
The South Sudan Transitional Constitution grants fundamental rights to
all South Sudanese people to enjoy human rights and fundamental
freedoms at all levels. The Constitution further affirms the sanctity
of those rights and freedoms by stating that they are non-derogable
and are to be upheld and protected by the Supreme Court and other
competent courts.
Since its independence, South Sudan has taken great strides in state
and nation building by developing institutions, structures and systems
for democratic governance, upholding the rule of law and protecting
human rights.
Hon Jok added, “We will relentlessly work towards the implementation
of these instruments through our domestic institutions and laws.”
After The President signs the instruments of accession, the
instruments will be deposited with the United Nations Secretary
General for official adoption.
RSS has no official notice of oil shutdown
JUBA, 9 June 2013 –The government of the Republic of South Sudan has
said that it has not received any official communication from the
government of Sudan regarding the alleged intention to shut down South
Sudan’s oil from being exported through Sudan.
Speaking to the press in Juba after an emergency meeting, Dr. Barnaba
Marial Benjamin, South Sudanese minister of Information and
Broadcasting said South Sudan’s Council of Ministers will continue
with discussions till Monday 10, where a statement will be issued.
President Omar el Bashir is reported to have issued the warnings on
Saturday while inaugurating an electricity plant in Shil’ab area of
Khartoum. He allegedly accused the government of South Sudan of
supporting rebels of Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) fighting his
government in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
“The oil of South Sudan will not pass through Sudan ever again,” the
Sudanese media quoted President Bashir as having said.
Dr. Marial who is also South Sudan’s government spokesman, warned of
environmental consequences should Khartoum go ahead to implement a
sudden oil shutdown without involving authorities in South Sudan.
“The pipelines within South Sudan are owned by South Sudan and the
rest by Sudan; ordering a shutdown, there are agreements and technical
issues that need a time frame. Any abrupt shutdown can cause a “back
pressure” on the pipelines consequently resulting into an oil spill”,
said Dr. Benjamin.
He said South Sudan will continue to implement the Cooperation
Agreement as agreed by the two countries. Dr. Benjamin urged the
African Union High Implementation Pannel (AUHIP), the African Union
Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) as well as the UN Security Council
to take note of such threatening statements.
Dr. Benjamin said since the resumption of oil production in early
March, South Sudan has pumped about 6 million barrels of oil into
Sudan territory destined for the international market.
In the same press briefing, Col. Philip Aguer, South Sudan’s Army
spokesman also accused the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) of violating the
Cooperation Agreement by crossing into South Sudan’s territory on
Saturday. Col. Aguer said the Sudanese Army was sighted in Kuake in
South Sudan’s Upper Nile state. He called the incursion “unacceptable”
and said the government of the Republic of South Sudan will launch an
official complaint to the African Union about it.
Reported by Matata Safi
Pagan briefs President Kiir ahead of African Union team of experts meeting
JUBA, June 8, 2013 -South Sudan’s negotiating team has announced it
will be heading to Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia to submit the
country’s position to the African Union team of experts on borders as
well as to discuss teams of reference for the resolution of the
disputed and claimed areas.
This was disclosed yesterday by country’s Chief Negotiator Cde. Pagan
Amum Okec after a meeting with the president of the Republic H.E Gen.
Salva Kiir Mayardit
The team, Mr. Pagan said will hold talks on implementation of the oil
agreement as well as the formation of the oversight committee to
monitor the flow of the country’s oil through Sudan based on “ very
clear terms” among other issues.
Though he did not specify when the team will be leaving, Mr. Pagan
said his team will also engage Sudan on its continued “false”
allegations against the Republic of South that its supporting rebels
opposed to the Khartoum government
“The civil war inside Sudan is a Sudanese war with two Sudanese
parties to the conflict”. Pagan said.
Pagan (r) and Thebo Mbeki, AU/HIP lead mediator in a previous meeting in Juba
[File photo: by Matata Safi]
Furthermore, he called on the government of Sudan to remain committed
to fully implement the cooperation agreement. South Sudan’s position,
he said is to develop relations with Sudan, relations of cooperation
in all the fields in pursue of the mutual interests of the people of
the two countries
On the final status of Abyei, Mr. Pagan urged the government of Sudan
to accept the AU/HIP proposal as the basses for final resolution of
the problem of the Abyei area.
“It’s unfortunate that the government of Sudan has been rejecting that
proposal and has been allowing the aggravation of the situation
including attempts of forceful displacement and settlement of non
Ngonk Dinka residence in area” he said.
Reported by Matata Safi
Juba to hold the 21st Nile Council of Ministers meeting.
JUBA, May 6 2013 - Ministers in charge of Water Affairs in the Nile
Basin countries will on June 20, convene in Juba, the capital of the
Republic of South Sudan for the 21st annual Nile Council of Ministers
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