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Elisabeth Janaina
Jul 1, 2013, 6:17:29 AM7/1/13
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China to train South Sudanese diplomats
JUBA, 28 June 2013 - About twenty five South Sudanese diplomats are
set to benefit from a 21-day diplomacy training workshop in China, the
undersecretary in the ministry of Foreign Affairs & International
Cooperation Ambassador Charles Manyang De Awol has said.
Ambassador Wol made this announcement yesterday at the ministry's
headquarters after he on behalf of the ministry, inked a relief
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese Ambassador to South
Sudan Li Zhihuo. Without giving a date, he said the training is an
initiative from the government of the People's Republic of China.
As per the MOU document signed, Ambassador Wol, said the Chinese
government promised to provide humanitarian relief items such as
mosquito nets, Blankets, solar equipment among others to support the
most vulnerable people of in the country.
Ambassadors Wol and Zhihuo shakes hands after the MOU signing ceremony
[Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex]
Ambassador Awol extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the
people and government of China for their constant support to the
people of south Sudan.
Ambassador Li Zhihuo said the humanitarian aid from his government is
to help improve the social and economic development of the new nation.
He reiterated his government's readiness to closely work with the
government in bring about development in the new country.
Furthermore, he called on both Sudan and South Sudan to “seriously and
smoothly” implement the nine Septembers agreements reached in the
Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. He said this would help to overcome
many difficulties that hamper development in two countries and the
region.
Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex.
"Embrace agriculture" Uror MP urges youth
UROR, 26 June 2013 (NASS) –The member of parliament representing Uror
south county of Jonglei state in the national legislative assembly Dr.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin has urged the youth of Jonglei to embrace
agriculture in order to fight food insecurity in the state and the
country as whole.
The government has prioritized agriculture as one of the key sectors
that needs urgent intervention as it diversifies the economy away
from the dependence on oil revenues, he said.
Dr. Benjamin who is also South Sudan’s Information minister made the
remarks on Monday while commissioning the launch of Zain network, one
of South Sudan’s leading communication networks in Uror County.
Dr. Benjamin (c) chats with Zain's Andre Classen
[Photo: Ajang Monchol]
Dr Benjamin underscored the importance of communication in development
saying with the two network towers installed in the Payams of Pieri
and Yuai, communication between the county and the state capital will
now be by “a click on the button”. He urged the local community to
utilize the opportunity provided by the network to instigate
development in the area.
Zain South Sudan’s Andre Classen said Zain’s presence in Uror would
encourage development as well as extend relevant service to the
population. The launch was welcomed with chanting and dancing from the
local community who turned up in big numbers expressing their joy of
being connected to the rest of the world.
Dr. Benjamin (right) and deputy governor Mar (centre) touring the
newly built school
[Photo: Anjang Monchol]
The minister accompanied by the deputy governor of Jonglei state
Hussein Mar Nyuot alongside other state dignitaries also visited the
newly built school in the county with funds from the Constitutional
Development Fund (CDF) from the national government.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
“Murle community working to persuade Yau yau”, Deputy Governor
BOR, 26 June 2013(NASS) -The Murle community in Pibor is working to
persuade David Yau yau and his group to heed to the amnesty granted by
the President of the Republic H.E Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit. The acting
governor of Jonglei state, Hussein Mar Nyuot has said.
Mar said he was optimistic that YauYau’s group would soon denounce
rebellion in the state and join efforts to rebuild the country that
has been devastated by over two decades of civil war.
The acting governor who made the sentiments in an exclusive interview
to our reporter in Bor, capital of Jonglei State on Monday, warned of
“an awaiting hunger” in Pibor should there be no external assistance
to the state authorities.
Jongolei's deputy governor Mar
“Pibor is the only county among the counties in Jonglei state where
people did not cultivate due to the instability caused by YauYau’s
group”, he explained.
David Yau yau took up arms against the government after he lost
elections in April 2010 in which he stood as an independent candidate
to represent the Gumuruk–Boma constituency in Pibor County at the
Jonglei State Assembly.
The deputy governor said besides disrupting agriculture, the activites
of Yau,Yau's group has caused displacement among the population,
disrupted education as well as delivery of services in the state.
Earlier this month, the political wing under the reformed Johnson
Ulounj promised to join efforts to convince YauYau to denounce
rebellion and accept the amnesty.
The government has fomed a national healing and reconcialiation
campaign aimed at reconciling differences of the past and to forge a
way forward for nation building process.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
Seven payam police posts handed to Lake State Government
JUBA, 26 June 2013 - Seven payam police posts and one police station
built with funds from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
have been handed over to the Lake state government over last week.
Strategically built at Cuiebet, Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Rumbek
North, Yirol West, Yirol East, Wulu, and Awerial counties, the police
posts and the station are expected to improve community security in
the state.
While representing the caretaker governor of Lake State Matur Chut
Duol in the handover ceremony, Honourable Abraham Makoi Bol, the
minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies said “In
the whole of South Sudan, security has become a dominant issue,
without security, there will be no development.” according to a press
release from UNDP.
Hon. Bol shakes hands with Mr. Sharma after signing the handover documents
[Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP]
Hon. Bol who underscored the importance of community security to the
development of South Sudan, called on UN development agent UNDP to
continue with its community security and arms control (CSAC) project
in the country.
Mr. Surendra Sharma, UNDP Technical Advisor to the Ministry of
Interior, who represented UNDP Country Director Mr.Balázs Horváth,
said the projects that were being handed over, together with the
additional $17million in infrastructure programmes being implemented
through UNDP’s South Sudan Recovery Fund- Stabilisation Programme in
Lakes state, are delivering “a critical mass of conflict-sensitive
infrastructure that will leave a lasting impact on security in Lakes
state.”
Abina Ajok police post in Rumbek
[Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP]
Mr. Sharma however urged the government of Lakes state to ensure that
the facilities are regularly maintained, and police officers are well
trained and deployed in order to achieve the desired impact on
community peace and security.
Each of the police posts have solar power, separate custody cells for
both women and men, and are equipped with modern communication
equipment that enables the South Sudan National Police Service to be
more responsive to emergencies.
Reported by Matata Safi
H.E President Kiir arrives in Botswana
GABORONE, 25 June 2013 - The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva
Kiir Mayardit arrived in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana yesterday
for a three-day official state Visit to the Southern African country.
Upon arrival at Sir Seretse International airport, H.E Kiir was
received by the President of Botswana H.E Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian
Khama and a number of Botswana ministers and senior officials.
While in Gaborone, President Kiir is expected to discuss with his
counter-part areas of cooperation especially in natural resources
management, education, health and animal husbandry among others.
H.E Preisdent Kiir been recieved by President Ian Khama at Sir
serentse Int. airport
[Photo: Thomas Keneth]
Furthermore, he will visit various projects that the government of
Botswana has successfully implemented during their 47 years of
independence which has given the country the status of being one of
the most successful African states.
H.E President Kiir and KHama stand still as the two national athems
are been sang
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]
The South Sudan delegation comprising of ministers for Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, Office of the President, National
Security, Health, Commerce, Investment and Industry, Animal Resources
and General Education is scheduled to interact with the private sector
from various Southern African companies and bussinessmen in order to
encourage them to invest in South Sudan.
Reported by Thomas Keneth in Goborone
“Consultative body for reconciliation process formed” Rev Archbishop Bul
JUBA, 25 June 2013 - As South Sudan prepares for national
reconciliation process, Rev Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, the
chairperson of the committee for healing, peace and reconciliation has
announced the formation of a consultative body.
Comprising of “well known and respected elders and statesmen” the role
of the consultative body is to help the committee to reach every
County, Payam and boma.
Various working sub-committees have also been set up, including a
research sub-committee made up of respected academics. Arch bishop
said in a press statement a copy of which was availed to goss.org.
Rev. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul
“The initial task of the Committee is not to prescribe a process for
reconciliation; rather we see our role as creating a space for
listening and consultation, whereby the views of the citizens of South
Sudan can be ascertained. This involves every level of society, from
the grassroots to the Presidency, and includes government,
politicians, intellectuals, academics, military, police, business
leaders, civil society, elders, traditional leaders, women, youth,
disabled, tribes, faith communities, insurgents and everybody” said
Reverend Arch bishop Bul.
He said while the committee appreciates the degree of urgency for the
reconciliation process, he however called on all citizens to exercise
patience and perseverance as “there are no quick fixes in the
reconciliation process”. He said the process could take longer to show
results than what some citizens are expecting.
The committee has called for national prayers on the eve of the
country second anniversary due on 9 July.
“Our Muslim brothers and sisters will begin the prayer in their
mosques on Friday 5th July. It will be taken up in our Christian
churches on Sunday 7th July. On Monday 8th July there will then be a
national prayer event in Juba and prayers in each of the State
capitals” reads the press release in part.
Please click here to read more.
Reported by Matata Safi
Eritrean Foreign minister visits RSS
JUBA, 25 June 2013 – A delegation from the Eritrean government led by
the country’s Foreign Affairs minister Hon. Osman Saleh, arrived in
Juba, capital of the Republic of South Sudan last Saturday for
bilateral talks.
The delegation, according to South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs spokesman
Ambassador Mawien Makol Arik, met with the President of the Republic
H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit and delivered a message from the Eritrean
President Isaias Afwerki.
Ambassador Arik who made the remarks to the press on Monday said the
delegation expressed concern over the recent rift in relations between
Sudan and South Sudan. Hon. Saleh, he said urged both Sudan and South
Sudan to work towards the implementation of the cooperation agreement
which he said is the only way to establish two viable states.
Ambassador Arik
[Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex]
As a member of the regional body, Inter-Governmental Authority for
Development (IGAD) that made it possible for Sudan and South Sudan to
have a peaceful settlement through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,
Eritrea, he said called on Sudan to reverse its decision to halt the
follow of South Sudan oil.
He emphasized the need for the two parties to stick to the mechanisms
established within the nine agreements to resolve disagreements
arising during the implementation of the September agreement.
Hon. Saleh further said following the matrix agreed upon the Republic
of Sudan and South Sudan in March this year is the only way to resolve
the remaining outstanding issues.
Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex
Movable property may become collateral in South Sudan soon
JUBA, 24 June 2013 - It may soon be possible for business people in
South Sudan to borrow using movable property such as cars and
equipment as collateral. This was revealed last Friday during a
workshop held to deliberate the Draft Movable Property Security Bill,
2013. The workshop held at Home and Away Business Centre, Juba, was
officiated by the Undersecretary of Ministry of Justice, Hon. Jeremiah
Swaka to discuss a framework that can facilitate the private sector to
access credit using movable property as collateral.
In his opening address, Hon. Swaka said that Friday marked another day
of working towards a better regulated environment. He explained that
secured transactions were important because most people were unable to
work within the regulated environment adding that financial
institutions of the day leave most people outside the circle due to
the lack of capacity to borrow or secure transactions.
He said that secured transactions bill would add an important step in
helping business people in to secure funds adding that this touched on
90% of the population. He acknowledged the assistance of the IFC and
World Bank who he said had been working both with the Government and
private sector in this effort.
In his remarks, the SSBF representative Mr. Vincent Onwak said that
the Financial Services Working Group of the Forum had found that in
the absence of immovable property, financial institutions were
reluctant to give loans and that an additional impediment was the lack
of commercial courts. He said that this bill provided a platform to
overcome these hurdles by providing the necessary legal channels.
During the presentation, IFC’s Senior Transactions Specialist, Mr.
Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa emphasised the necessary preconditions
for secured implementation of secured transactions as: an appropriate
legal framework, a collateral registry, skills acquisition and the
interest of banks and other financial institutions. He cited a number
of African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone
and Rwanda that had already implemented secured transactions lending.
The vibrant discussion session dwelt on concerns of hosting secured
transactions registry, use of intangible assets as collateral,
enforcement issues and the attendant potential for conflict during
enforcement as well as partial credit repayments. Also raised was the
question of determining the value of collateral given depreciation
factors and other risks.
The consensus among participants in the workshop was that the Ministry
of Justice should host the Registry and details of the exact
directorate involved would be worked out.
The workshop was attended by a cross section of participants drawn
from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and
Investment, the Central Bank, commercial banks and representatives of
the South Sudan Business Forum and IFC and World Bank staffers.
Nigerian oil company to invest in South Sudan
JUBA, 21 June 2013 (NASS) - A leading Nigerian petroleum company, Dee
Jones has expressed interest to invest in South Sudan’s oil and gas
industry.
A delegation from the company arrived in the capital Juba early this
week and held meetings with various key government officials and
partners.
Sir, Richard Eze, Dee Jones’ Director revealed their intensions in a
meeting with South Sudan's minister of Information and Broadcasting
Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin last Wednesday. The company as well
expressed concern over supporting education in the country as well as
the agricultural sector saying this would help to improve the existing
economy.
Dr. Benjamin (r) shake hand with the Dee Jones delegation
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin who is also the government's spokesperson welcomed the
initiative and called for more companies to invest in the country. Dr.
Benjamin citing unemployment besides the country’s rich but still
undeveloped resources, said presence of investors in the country would
provide employment opportunity to the unemployed youth in the country.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
ILO to support youth entrepreneurship training
JUBA, June 20, 2013 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) will
support training of South Sudanese youth in entrepreneurship and
enterprise development, the acting national Minister for Labour,
Public Service and Human Resource Development, Mr Kwong Danhier
Gatluak, has said.
Kwong said the ILO recognises South Sudan as a young nation which
requires lots of support in developing its nascent labour sector. The
Minister was speaking to the media at Juba International Airport on
his return from the 122nd International Labour Conference which took
place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Kwong said the South Sudanese delegation to the conference met the ILO
Director General, Mr Guy Ryder, who gave the assurance that the UN
specialised agency would support capacity building in labour matters.
He said the ILO would also continue assisting the country by providing
technical support for the Decent Work Country Programme which seeks to
among other things promote dialogue between the government, employers
and workers on labour issues.
Hon. Kwong upon arrival at Juba international airport
[Photo: Alnour Ango]
The Minister said the National Assembly was in the process of
ratifying the ILO Convention No.87 which provides for freedom of
speech, assembly and association for workers, adding that this
particular convention had not been ratified by the Republic of South
Sudan from which South Sudan seceded in July 2011.
He said South Sudan had already ratified seven other ILO conventions
which it adopted from Sudan. The acting Labour minister was recieved
at the airport by his adviser, Mr John Itorong, and other senior
Ministry officials.
By Alnour Ango/Simon Owaka
South Sudan bans illegal mining activities
JUBA, 20 June 2013 - The minister for Petroleum and Mining Stephen
Dhieu Dau has issued a ministerial Order No. RSS/MPM/08/2013 for the
cessation and curbing of all illegal mining activities in the Republic
of South Sudan.
This two-page order which took immediate effect as of 19 June among
other things called for any person in possession of gold or any other
mineral product mined under an illegal license or for which loyalty
due to the government is not paid to immediate hand over the mineral
product to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining within five days.
Please click here to read the order.
Reported by Matata Safi
Latest Republican Orders
JUBA, 19 June 2013 – Please click the links hereunder to download the
respective Republican Orders:
Republican Order No.12/2013 – Lifting of the immunity of two
national ministers
Republican Order No.13/2013 – Formation of the Investigation
Committee to investigate into the alleged unprocedural transfer of
7,959,400 USD to Daffy Investment Group Ltd
International community urged to intervene RSS and Sudan relations
JUBA, 19 June 2013 (NASS) - The minister in the Office of the
President Hon. Emmanuel LoWilla has called on the international
community to intervene in the country’s current relations with Sudan
saying the latter’s continued “lies” are harming the good relations
established by the signing of the cooperative agreement.
Hon. LoWilla made this appeal yesterday when he briefed the
diplomatic missions in the country on the position of the government
on the decision by the Government of Sudan to stop the export of South
Sudan’s oil to the export terminal in Port Sudan through their
territory and “continuous rebel support allegations".
Hon. LoWilla during the briefing.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
The minister said “South Sudan is neither supporting the Sudanese
rebels nor working for a regime change in the Repblic of Sudan”. Hon.
LoWilla said the international community needs to engage Sudan to
fully comply with the implementation of the cooperation agreement as
well as accepting the African Union Peace and Security Council
proposal for Abyei.
In a related development, the minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin announced that the Vice
President Dr. Riek Machar is scheduled to lead a high level delegation
to Sudan to engage the Sudanese government on the recent turn of
events. The Vice President will be accompanied by a number of
ministers and senior technocrats.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
Reconciliation committee to mobilize for Abyei referendum
JUBA, 19 June 2013 (NASS) - The committee tasked with the
reconciliation process in the country has announced plans to form a
committee to mobilize for the success of the upcoming Abyei
referendum.
Bishop Daniel Deng Bul who chairs the committee revealed this recently
after a consultative meeting with the minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
According to the Bishop, the exercise will start immediately after the
planned July 8, national prayers day is over. Bishop Bul said, the
Ngok Dinka community in the diaspora will not be left out in the
campaign exercise. He explained that they intend to cover Europe and
the United States of America among other countries believed to be home
to many citizens of Abyei area.
Dr. Benjamin and Bishop Bul shake hands.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Abyei that missed out in the 9 January 2011 referendum exercise,
according to an AU proposal to Sudan and South Sudan is to hold a
referendum exercise by October this year.
Dr. Benjamin welcomed the initiative and urged the committee to work
hard in promoting and preaching peace in the ten states of the country
as well as the entire world. He further re-affirmed the commitment of
Government in ensuring the successful conduct of the reconciliation
exercise as well as the Abyei plebiscite.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS).
South Sudanese supermodel appointed UNHCR goodwill Ambassador
JUBA, 18 June 2013 – South Sudanese Supermodel and former refugee Alek
Wek has been appointed as the UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) newest
National Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR reports.
Wek was formally welcomed into the UN family on Sunday in Libreville,
Gabon, where she was participating in the New York Forum Africa
gathering of Heads of States, entrepreneurs and experts who came
together to create a road map of action for development on the
continent.
“I am humbled and honored to be presented with the role of UNHCR
Goodwill Ambassador. It is thrilling to receive this at a conference
full of business people and political leaders who are working to
increase development, education and healthcare in Africa,” said Wek.
Shelly Pitterman, UNHCR’s Regional Representative to the US and the
Caribbean, said in his video message that the former refugee had
demonstrated a “genuine commitment to humanitarian issues." Wek has
been an out-spoken advocate for access to education for refugee and
displaced youth for over a decade.
“I am confident that by undertaking this important role, with your
passion and concern, you will help UNHCR mobilize life-saving support
and resources to address the situation of refugees and displaced
persons around the world, specifically in Africa and South Sudan,”
said Pitterman.
The announcement of her official role comes just days before World
Refugee Day. This year's theme is '1 family torn apart by war is 1 too
many.' In 1991, Wek and her family were forced to leave their hometown
Wau and flee to Khartoum in the north of Sudan. "My father was unable
to get access to the medical care he needed and we lost him after we
fled our home," said Wek. Wek knows intimately the impact of violent
displacement on families.
Wek sought refuge in London where she was joined by her mother two
years later. During her first year in college she was approached by a
modeling scout. Wek went on to become one of the most influential
African models in the world breaking the mold for beauty in the
fashion industry.
In 2012, in celebration of the one-year anniversary of independence,
Wek traveled to South Sudan with UNHCR. In a small village built by
UNHCR Wek said she heard numerous women express concern over their
children's future, specifically their daughters. At the forum Wek
spoke passionately about the need to educate girls. "Today, it is
three-times more likely that a girl in South Sudan will die in
childbirth than make it to the eighth grade," said Wek.
UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassadors are, along with High Commissioner António
Guterres, the most recognizable public faces of the UN refugee agency.
They help bring UNHCR to every corner of the world through their
celebrity, popularity, influence, dedication and hard work.
Source: UNHCR Website.
US$2.24 million boost for capacity building in South Sudan
JUBA, 18 June 2013 - Five public institutions in South Sudan are set
to benefit from a $2.24 million (SSP8.96 million) grant for capacity
building from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF).
The Bank of South Sudan, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, the National
Audit Chamber and the University of Juba will have their staff trained
under the 3-year South Sudan Capacity Building Project which will run
until May 2015.
The South Sudan Capacity Building Project Coordinator, Mr Peter Juma,
said the project would provide training in public financial
management, fiduciary management, corporate governance, auditing,
accounts and executive leadership training.
Mr Juma said that the University of Juba would be a beneficiary
institution in addition to being a provider of training services for
the project while the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human
Resource Development will oversee the implementation.
Mr Juma was speaking on the sidelines of a five-day capacity building
workshop on executive leadership for staff drawn from the five
beneficiary institutions, government ministries, commissions and the
states at a Juba hotel.
He disclosed that the purpose of the workshop was to improve
communication from the top management to the junior staff in addition
to imparting leadership skills to the participants with a view to
improving service delivery in the beneficiary institutions.
He said that the project would undertake a comprehensive training
needs assessment in all the 10 states, adding that the project has a
graduate programme which would enable senior civil servants to pursue
masters’ degrees.
Mr Juma said the project was working with the University of Juba to
update its fiduciary management curriculum besides sponsoring three
members of staff annually for masters’ degrees.
The ACBF, which was established in 1991 and has its headquarters in
Harare, Zimbabwe works to provide a holistic approach towards capacity
building in Africa.
Earlier, while opening the workshop, Hon Deng Chol, the advisor to the
national Minister of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource
Development, said the ACBF/SSCAP project was designed to strengthen
skills and competencies of public sector managers in macro-economic
and public financial management.
Chol said the specific objectives of the project are twofold: to
improve skills and competencies to support public financial management
and fiduciary institutions, and; to strengthen systems in public
institutions involved in core fiduciary management.
Reported by Alnour Ango/Simon Owaka
Commerce Ministry unleashes a private sector development strategy plan
JUBA, 15 June 2013 – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment
has unleashed a four-pillar strategy document, Private Sector
Development Strategy (PSDS) aimed at developing the private sector in
South Sudan.
Presiding over a Consultation Workshop held at Quality Hotel in Juba
on 14 June to make final and critical recommendations to the document,
the Acting Undersecretary John Pan Paguir said the document aims at
helping the government in creating appropriate environment for private
sector development while indentifying constraints that inhibit the
development of the private sector.
“A strong and vibrant private sector is what South Sudan needs. A
strong private sector will act as a tool to provide the much needed
employment opportunity to our people” Mr. Paguir said.
Mr. Panguir speaking to the press.
[Photo: Matata safi]
Much hope, he said has been placed in the strategy which indentified
four pillars on which private sector development will rest. He named
the pillars as the South Sudan Investment Climate Reform Programme,
the South Sudan Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development
Programme, the South Sudan Access to Finance Programme and Physical
Markets and Institution Building Programme.
Mr. Paguir who made the remarks on half of the minister of Commerce
Hon. Garang Diing Akoung, said his Ministry will put emphasis in
developing the administrative and regulatory environment in
spearheading the private sector development in the country.
This he said would include taking business registration hubs to the
states and developing the capacity of the customs officers in order to
improve the flow of International trade.
Participants at the workshop
[Photo: Matata Safi]
Mr. Paguir also underscored the need to very fast diversify the
economy saying the economy of the country can not only relay on oil to
fuel its economy. He said South Sudan could become the “Dubai” of
Africa if attention is given to explore its rich resources.
“Rwanda has a vibrant economy without oil; Botswana also has a booming
economy when they do not have oil” said Mr. Pauir.
The strategy was supported by the International Financial Cooperation
(IFC) and took eighteen months to be prepared after wide consultations
with the public private sectors, donor members and the diplomatic
communities among others.
The workshop attacked representatives from the government, Private
sector, civil society and donor community.
Reported by Matata Safi
Committee on OP thefts releases findings
JUBA, 14 June 2013 - The committee formed by the President of the
Republic Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit to investigate the thefts that
occurred in March in the Western Wing of the administrative block
under the Office of the President has released its findings.
The committee chaired by Justice John Gatwech Lul has found
incompetence, gross negligence and lack of inter-departmental
communications as some of the factors that may have led to the March
15 and 23 thefts.
Justice Lul addressing the press today.
[Photo: Matata Safi]
The committee also put the total amount of the money stolen at 208,
543 South Sudanese Pounds and USD 14, 000 as opposed to the "millions"
earlier reported in the media. Justice Lul, who is also the
chairperson of the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission, said the
committee has already handed over the findings to the President.
H.E President Kiir in the wake of the incidents issued a Republican
Order No. 01/2013 forming the committee to investigate the
circumstances leading to the theft.
Click here to read the full report.
Reported by Matata Safi
Farmers urged to form associations
JUBA, 14 June 2013 - The national minister of Agriculture, Forestry,
Cooperatives and Rural development Hon. Betty Achan Ogwaro has urged
farmers to form associations if they are to fight food insecurity in
the country.
Addressing farmers from Eastern Equatoria's Magwi County on Tuesday,
Hon. Achan urged the farmers to work hard in order to promote cereal
productivition in the area. Hon. Achan who was hosted by the State’s
minister of Agriculture Mark Akiu, visited five progressive famer’s
groups at selected locations in the county supported by the FARM
Project Organization.
Agriculture minister Hon. Achan being shown a high quality banana
produced from one of the farms.
[Photo: Gabriel Lawrence]
The visit, Hon. Achan said was to assess how the farmers are
progressing in terms of agricultural production this rain season and
to understand their challenges. Hon. Achan who underscored the
government's committment in supporting farms groups urged the farmers
not to wait for government support to start production.
“Do not wait for the government support to begin cultivating. Start
and the government support will come when you have already began”,
Hon. Achan said. Maize is one of the major crops grown in the area
besides cassava, sweet potatoes, ground nuts and bananas among others
Mr.Oyet Moses, a member of Ayfat farmers group called on the
government to provide their groups with quality seeds and pesticides.
He said most of the seeds being used by the farmers are of low quality
and not resistant to drought and pests.
Reported by Gabriel Lawrence
“It’s time to work for a peaceful South Sudan”, former militia
JUBA, 14 June 2013 – Former militia leader Gen. Johnson Olony who
denounced rebellion against the people and government of South Sudan
recently has called on other militia groups still at large to lay down
the weapons and heed the amnesty declared by the President of the
Republic of South Sudan H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Formerly based in South Sudan’s Unity State, Gen. Olony came back with
over two thousand fighters and weapons. He reported to the Government
in Unity State last week and decleared it is time for all South
Sudanese to work for a peaceful country.
“It’s now time to work together to fulfill the dream of the South
Sudanese President Salva Kiir”, Gen. Olony stated.
This brings to three the number of militia groups which have joined
South Sudan government since independence nearly two years ago. Major
General James Guit accepted the government amnesty last year. Babiny
Monytuil, leader of another militia group also joined the national
government early this year.
“This is where you were born and grew up, you are South Sudanese and
this country belongs to all of us,” said General Johnson Gony Buliu of
the national army SPLA who received the group according to a press
release from the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
David Yau Yau in Jongolei’s Pibor country and Gordon Kong who is
fighting in Unity State and Upper Nile state remain the only two
militia groups that are yet to take advantage of the amnesty issued by
H.E President Kiir on the July 9 2011.
Please click here to read the press release.
Reported by Matata Safi
Reformed rebels to convince Yau Yau
JUBA, 14 June 2013 (NASS) - The political wing of the rebel groups
which have taken up the amnesty given by the President have promised
to help the government win back the renegade David Yau Yau, the only
remaining rebel who has not respond to the pardon.
The efforts were revealed yesterday during a meeting with the minister
for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin. Tut
Gatluak who heads the political wing says communication is going very
well and that there is a possibility that Yau Yau will be in Juba in
the next few days. He also disclosed that Johnson Olony was on his way
to Juba while their general commander Gordon Kong was also preparing
to come.
Tut further appealed to the government of South Sudan to help Khartoum
reach a consensus with the rebels in Sudan to allow the two nations to
enjoy peace and stability. Dr. Benjamin welcomed the initiative saying
it will help in nation building.
In a separate development, the Chinese telecommunication company ZTE
yesterday donated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting a
number of television facilities to enhance the quality broadcasts.
ZTE is the company chosen by the government of South Sudan to work in
the transformation of country’s information and communications systems
from analogue to digital. It is one of the leading Chinese
telecommunication companies competing internationally in manufacturing
digital facilities with Samsung, Apple and Nokia.
Earlier, South Sudanese Olympic marathoner Guor Marial has also called
on the youth to stand with the government in building the nation. Guor
who is now an American citizen said there are many athletes and
business people working with the government to build the country.
Reported by Francis Oliver Kenyi and Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency
of South Sudan (NASS)
Mr. Amum 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.
Mr. Amum and Lamamra during the meeting.
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 returnee 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
JUBA, 28 June 2013 - About twenty five South Sudanese diplomats are
set to benefit from a 21-day diplomacy training workshop in China, the
undersecretary in the ministry of Foreign Affairs & International
Cooperation Ambassador Charles Manyang De Awol has said.
Ambassador Wol made this announcement yesterday at the ministry's
headquarters after he on behalf of the ministry, inked a relief
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese Ambassador to South
Sudan Li Zhihuo. Without giving a date, he said the training is an
initiative from the government of the People's Republic of China.
As per the MOU document signed, Ambassador Wol, said the Chinese
government promised to provide humanitarian relief items such as
mosquito nets, Blankets, solar equipment among others to support the
most vulnerable people of in the country.
Ambassadors Wol and Zhihuo shakes hands after the MOU signing ceremony
[Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex]
Ambassador Awol extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the
people and government of China for their constant support to the
people of south Sudan.
Ambassador Li Zhihuo said the humanitarian aid from his government is
to help improve the social and economic development of the new nation.
He reiterated his government's readiness to closely work with the
government in bring about development in the new country.
Furthermore, he called on both Sudan and South Sudan to “seriously and
smoothly” implement the nine Septembers agreements reached in the
Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. He said this would help to overcome
many difficulties that hamper development in two countries and the
region.
Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex.
"Embrace agriculture" Uror MP urges youth
UROR, 26 June 2013 (NASS) –The member of parliament representing Uror
south county of Jonglei state in the national legislative assembly Dr.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin has urged the youth of Jonglei to embrace
agriculture in order to fight food insecurity in the state and the
country as whole.
The government has prioritized agriculture as one of the key sectors
that needs urgent intervention as it diversifies the economy away
from the dependence on oil revenues, he said.
Dr. Benjamin who is also South Sudan’s Information minister made the
remarks on Monday while commissioning the launch of Zain network, one
of South Sudan’s leading communication networks in Uror County.
Dr. Benjamin (c) chats with Zain's Andre Classen
[Photo: Ajang Monchol]
Dr Benjamin underscored the importance of communication in development
saying with the two network towers installed in the Payams of Pieri
and Yuai, communication between the county and the state capital will
now be by “a click on the button”. He urged the local community to
utilize the opportunity provided by the network to instigate
development in the area.
Zain South Sudan’s Andre Classen said Zain’s presence in Uror would
encourage development as well as extend relevant service to the
population. The launch was welcomed with chanting and dancing from the
local community who turned up in big numbers expressing their joy of
being connected to the rest of the world.
Dr. Benjamin (right) and deputy governor Mar (centre) touring the
newly built school
[Photo: Anjang Monchol]
The minister accompanied by the deputy governor of Jonglei state
Hussein Mar Nyuot alongside other state dignitaries also visited the
newly built school in the county with funds from the Constitutional
Development Fund (CDF) from the national government.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
“Murle community working to persuade Yau yau”, Deputy Governor
BOR, 26 June 2013(NASS) -The Murle community in Pibor is working to
persuade David Yau yau and his group to heed to the amnesty granted by
the President of the Republic H.E Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit. The acting
governor of Jonglei state, Hussein Mar Nyuot has said.
Mar said he was optimistic that YauYau’s group would soon denounce
rebellion in the state and join efforts to rebuild the country that
has been devastated by over two decades of civil war.
The acting governor who made the sentiments in an exclusive interview
to our reporter in Bor, capital of Jonglei State on Monday, warned of
“an awaiting hunger” in Pibor should there be no external assistance
to the state authorities.
Jongolei's deputy governor Mar
“Pibor is the only county among the counties in Jonglei state where
people did not cultivate due to the instability caused by YauYau’s
group”, he explained.
David Yau yau took up arms against the government after he lost
elections in April 2010 in which he stood as an independent candidate
to represent the Gumuruk–Boma constituency in Pibor County at the
Jonglei State Assembly.
The deputy governor said besides disrupting agriculture, the activites
of Yau,Yau's group has caused displacement among the population,
disrupted education as well as delivery of services in the state.
Earlier this month, the political wing under the reformed Johnson
Ulounj promised to join efforts to convince YauYau to denounce
rebellion and accept the amnesty.
The government has fomed a national healing and reconcialiation
campaign aimed at reconciling differences of the past and to forge a
way forward for nation building process.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
Seven payam police posts handed to Lake State Government
JUBA, 26 June 2013 - Seven payam police posts and one police station
built with funds from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
have been handed over to the Lake state government over last week.
Strategically built at Cuiebet, Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Rumbek
North, Yirol West, Yirol East, Wulu, and Awerial counties, the police
posts and the station are expected to improve community security in
the state.
While representing the caretaker governor of Lake State Matur Chut
Duol in the handover ceremony, Honourable Abraham Makoi Bol, the
minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies said “In
the whole of South Sudan, security has become a dominant issue,
without security, there will be no development.” according to a press
release from UNDP.
Hon. Bol shakes hands with Mr. Sharma after signing the handover documents
[Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP]
Hon. Bol who underscored the importance of community security to the
development of South Sudan, called on UN development agent UNDP to
continue with its community security and arms control (CSAC) project
in the country.
Mr. Surendra Sharma, UNDP Technical Advisor to the Ministry of
Interior, who represented UNDP Country Director Mr.Balázs Horváth,
said the projects that were being handed over, together with the
additional $17million in infrastructure programmes being implemented
through UNDP’s South Sudan Recovery Fund- Stabilisation Programme in
Lakes state, are delivering “a critical mass of conflict-sensitive
infrastructure that will leave a lasting impact on security in Lakes
state.”
Abina Ajok police post in Rumbek
[Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP]
Mr. Sharma however urged the government of Lakes state to ensure that
the facilities are regularly maintained, and police officers are well
trained and deployed in order to achieve the desired impact on
community peace and security.
Each of the police posts have solar power, separate custody cells for
both women and men, and are equipped with modern communication
equipment that enables the South Sudan National Police Service to be
more responsive to emergencies.
Reported by Matata Safi
H.E President Kiir arrives in Botswana
GABORONE, 25 June 2013 - The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva
Kiir Mayardit arrived in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana yesterday
for a three-day official state Visit to the Southern African country.
Upon arrival at Sir Seretse International airport, H.E Kiir was
received by the President of Botswana H.E Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian
Khama and a number of Botswana ministers and senior officials.
While in Gaborone, President Kiir is expected to discuss with his
counter-part areas of cooperation especially in natural resources
management, education, health and animal husbandry among others.
H.E Preisdent Kiir been recieved by President Ian Khama at Sir
serentse Int. airport
[Photo: Thomas Keneth]
Furthermore, he will visit various projects that the government of
Botswana has successfully implemented during their 47 years of
independence which has given the country the status of being one of
the most successful African states.
H.E President Kiir and KHama stand still as the two national athems
are been sang
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]
The South Sudan delegation comprising of ministers for Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, Office of the President, National
Security, Health, Commerce, Investment and Industry, Animal Resources
and General Education is scheduled to interact with the private sector
from various Southern African companies and bussinessmen in order to
encourage them to invest in South Sudan.
Reported by Thomas Keneth in Goborone
“Consultative body for reconciliation process formed” Rev Archbishop Bul
JUBA, 25 June 2013 - As South Sudan prepares for national
reconciliation process, Rev Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, the
chairperson of the committee for healing, peace and reconciliation has
announced the formation of a consultative body.
Comprising of “well known and respected elders and statesmen” the role
of the consultative body is to help the committee to reach every
County, Payam and boma.
Various working sub-committees have also been set up, including a
research sub-committee made up of respected academics. Arch bishop
said in a press statement a copy of which was availed to goss.org.
Rev. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul
“The initial task of the Committee is not to prescribe a process for
reconciliation; rather we see our role as creating a space for
listening and consultation, whereby the views of the citizens of South
Sudan can be ascertained. This involves every level of society, from
the grassroots to the Presidency, and includes government,
politicians, intellectuals, academics, military, police, business
leaders, civil society, elders, traditional leaders, women, youth,
disabled, tribes, faith communities, insurgents and everybody” said
Reverend Arch bishop Bul.
He said while the committee appreciates the degree of urgency for the
reconciliation process, he however called on all citizens to exercise
patience and perseverance as “there are no quick fixes in the
reconciliation process”. He said the process could take longer to show
results than what some citizens are expecting.
The committee has called for national prayers on the eve of the
country second anniversary due on 9 July.
“Our Muslim brothers and sisters will begin the prayer in their
mosques on Friday 5th July. It will be taken up in our Christian
churches on Sunday 7th July. On Monday 8th July there will then be a
national prayer event in Juba and prayers in each of the State
capitals” reads the press release in part.
Please click here to read more.
Reported by Matata Safi
Eritrean Foreign minister visits RSS
JUBA, 25 June 2013 – A delegation from the Eritrean government led by
the country’s Foreign Affairs minister Hon. Osman Saleh, arrived in
Juba, capital of the Republic of South Sudan last Saturday for
bilateral talks.
The delegation, according to South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs spokesman
Ambassador Mawien Makol Arik, met with the President of the Republic
H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit and delivered a message from the Eritrean
President Isaias Afwerki.
Ambassador Arik who made the remarks to the press on Monday said the
delegation expressed concern over the recent rift in relations between
Sudan and South Sudan. Hon. Saleh, he said urged both Sudan and South
Sudan to work towards the implementation of the cooperation agreement
which he said is the only way to establish two viable states.
Ambassador Arik
[Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex]
As a member of the regional body, Inter-Governmental Authority for
Development (IGAD) that made it possible for Sudan and South Sudan to
have a peaceful settlement through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,
Eritrea, he said called on Sudan to reverse its decision to halt the
follow of South Sudan oil.
He emphasized the need for the two parties to stick to the mechanisms
established within the nine agreements to resolve disagreements
arising during the implementation of the September agreement.
Hon. Saleh further said following the matrix agreed upon the Republic
of Sudan and South Sudan in March this year is the only way to resolve
the remaining outstanding issues.
Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex
Movable property may become collateral in South Sudan soon
JUBA, 24 June 2013 - It may soon be possible for business people in
South Sudan to borrow using movable property such as cars and
equipment as collateral. This was revealed last Friday during a
workshop held to deliberate the Draft Movable Property Security Bill,
2013. The workshop held at Home and Away Business Centre, Juba, was
officiated by the Undersecretary of Ministry of Justice, Hon. Jeremiah
Swaka to discuss a framework that can facilitate the private sector to
access credit using movable property as collateral.
In his opening address, Hon. Swaka said that Friday marked another day
of working towards a better regulated environment. He explained that
secured transactions were important because most people were unable to
work within the regulated environment adding that financial
institutions of the day leave most people outside the circle due to
the lack of capacity to borrow or secure transactions.
He said that secured transactions bill would add an important step in
helping business people in to secure funds adding that this touched on
90% of the population. He acknowledged the assistance of the IFC and
World Bank who he said had been working both with the Government and
private sector in this effort.
In his remarks, the SSBF representative Mr. Vincent Onwak said that
the Financial Services Working Group of the Forum had found that in
the absence of immovable property, financial institutions were
reluctant to give loans and that an additional impediment was the lack
of commercial courts. He said that this bill provided a platform to
overcome these hurdles by providing the necessary legal channels.
During the presentation, IFC’s Senior Transactions Specialist, Mr.
Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa emphasised the necessary preconditions
for secured implementation of secured transactions as: an appropriate
legal framework, a collateral registry, skills acquisition and the
interest of banks and other financial institutions. He cited a number
of African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone
and Rwanda that had already implemented secured transactions lending.
The vibrant discussion session dwelt on concerns of hosting secured
transactions registry, use of intangible assets as collateral,
enforcement issues and the attendant potential for conflict during
enforcement as well as partial credit repayments. Also raised was the
question of determining the value of collateral given depreciation
factors and other risks.
The consensus among participants in the workshop was that the Ministry
of Justice should host the Registry and details of the exact
directorate involved would be worked out.
The workshop was attended by a cross section of participants drawn
from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and
Investment, the Central Bank, commercial banks and representatives of
the South Sudan Business Forum and IFC and World Bank staffers.
Nigerian oil company to invest in South Sudan
JUBA, 21 June 2013 (NASS) - A leading Nigerian petroleum company, Dee
Jones has expressed interest to invest in South Sudan’s oil and gas
industry.
A delegation from the company arrived in the capital Juba early this
week and held meetings with various key government officials and
partners.
Sir, Richard Eze, Dee Jones’ Director revealed their intensions in a
meeting with South Sudan's minister of Information and Broadcasting
Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin last Wednesday. The company as well
expressed concern over supporting education in the country as well as
the agricultural sector saying this would help to improve the existing
economy.
Dr. Benjamin (r) shake hand with the Dee Jones delegation
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Dr. Benjamin who is also the government's spokesperson welcomed the
initiative and called for more companies to invest in the country. Dr.
Benjamin citing unemployment besides the country’s rich but still
undeveloped resources, said presence of investors in the country would
provide employment opportunity to the unemployed youth in the country.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
ILO to support youth entrepreneurship training
JUBA, June 20, 2013 - The International Labour Organization (ILO) will
support training of South Sudanese youth in entrepreneurship and
enterprise development, the acting national Minister for Labour,
Public Service and Human Resource Development, Mr Kwong Danhier
Gatluak, has said.
Kwong said the ILO recognises South Sudan as a young nation which
requires lots of support in developing its nascent labour sector. The
Minister was speaking to the media at Juba International Airport on
his return from the 122nd International Labour Conference which took
place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Kwong said the South Sudanese delegation to the conference met the ILO
Director General, Mr Guy Ryder, who gave the assurance that the UN
specialised agency would support capacity building in labour matters.
He said the ILO would also continue assisting the country by providing
technical support for the Decent Work Country Programme which seeks to
among other things promote dialogue between the government, employers
and workers on labour issues.
Hon. Kwong upon arrival at Juba international airport
[Photo: Alnour Ango]
The Minister said the National Assembly was in the process of
ratifying the ILO Convention No.87 which provides for freedom of
speech, assembly and association for workers, adding that this
particular convention had not been ratified by the Republic of South
Sudan from which South Sudan seceded in July 2011.
He said South Sudan had already ratified seven other ILO conventions
which it adopted from Sudan. The acting Labour minister was recieved
at the airport by his adviser, Mr John Itorong, and other senior
Ministry officials.
By Alnour Ango/Simon Owaka
South Sudan bans illegal mining activities
JUBA, 20 June 2013 - The minister for Petroleum and Mining Stephen
Dhieu Dau has issued a ministerial Order No. RSS/MPM/08/2013 for the
cessation and curbing of all illegal mining activities in the Republic
of South Sudan.
This two-page order which took immediate effect as of 19 June among
other things called for any person in possession of gold or any other
mineral product mined under an illegal license or for which loyalty
due to the government is not paid to immediate hand over the mineral
product to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining within five days.
Please click here to read the order.
Reported by Matata Safi
Latest Republican Orders
JUBA, 19 June 2013 – Please click the links hereunder to download the
respective Republican Orders:
Republican Order No.12/2013 – Lifting of the immunity of two
national ministers
Republican Order No.13/2013 – Formation of the Investigation
Committee to investigate into the alleged unprocedural transfer of
7,959,400 USD to Daffy Investment Group Ltd
International community urged to intervene RSS and Sudan relations
JUBA, 19 June 2013 (NASS) - The minister in the Office of the
President Hon. Emmanuel LoWilla has called on the international
community to intervene in the country’s current relations with Sudan
saying the latter’s continued “lies” are harming the good relations
established by the signing of the cooperative agreement.
Hon. LoWilla made this appeal yesterday when he briefed the
diplomatic missions in the country on the position of the government
on the decision by the Government of Sudan to stop the export of South
Sudan’s oil to the export terminal in Port Sudan through their
territory and “continuous rebel support allegations".
Hon. LoWilla during the briefing.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
The minister said “South Sudan is neither supporting the Sudanese
rebels nor working for a regime change in the Repblic of Sudan”. Hon.
LoWilla said the international community needs to engage Sudan to
fully comply with the implementation of the cooperation agreement as
well as accepting the African Union Peace and Security Council
proposal for Abyei.
In a related development, the minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin announced that the Vice
President Dr. Riek Machar is scheduled to lead a high level delegation
to Sudan to engage the Sudanese government on the recent turn of
events. The Vice President will be accompanied by a number of
ministers and senior technocrats.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)
Reconciliation committee to mobilize for Abyei referendum
JUBA, 19 June 2013 (NASS) - The committee tasked with the
reconciliation process in the country has announced plans to form a
committee to mobilize for the success of the upcoming Abyei
referendum.
Bishop Daniel Deng Bul who chairs the committee revealed this recently
after a consultative meeting with the minister of Information and
Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
According to the Bishop, the exercise will start immediately after the
planned July 8, national prayers day is over. Bishop Bul said, the
Ngok Dinka community in the diaspora will not be left out in the
campaign exercise. He explained that they intend to cover Europe and
the United States of America among other countries believed to be home
to many citizens of Abyei area.
Dr. Benjamin and Bishop Bul shake hands.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]
Abyei that missed out in the 9 January 2011 referendum exercise,
according to an AU proposal to Sudan and South Sudan is to hold a
referendum exercise by October this year.
Dr. Benjamin welcomed the initiative and urged the committee to work
hard in promoting and preaching peace in the ten states of the country
as well as the entire world. He further re-affirmed the commitment of
Government in ensuring the successful conduct of the reconciliation
exercise as well as the Abyei plebiscite.
Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS).
South Sudanese supermodel appointed UNHCR goodwill Ambassador
JUBA, 18 June 2013 – South Sudanese Supermodel and former refugee Alek
Wek has been appointed as the UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) newest
National Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR reports.
Wek was formally welcomed into the UN family on Sunday in Libreville,
Gabon, where she was participating in the New York Forum Africa
gathering of Heads of States, entrepreneurs and experts who came
together to create a road map of action for development on the
continent.
“I am humbled and honored to be presented with the role of UNHCR
Goodwill Ambassador. It is thrilling to receive this at a conference
full of business people and political leaders who are working to
increase development, education and healthcare in Africa,” said Wek.
Shelly Pitterman, UNHCR’s Regional Representative to the US and the
Caribbean, said in his video message that the former refugee had
demonstrated a “genuine commitment to humanitarian issues." Wek has
been an out-spoken advocate for access to education for refugee and
displaced youth for over a decade.
“I am confident that by undertaking this important role, with your
passion and concern, you will help UNHCR mobilize life-saving support
and resources to address the situation of refugees and displaced
persons around the world, specifically in Africa and South Sudan,”
said Pitterman.
The announcement of her official role comes just days before World
Refugee Day. This year's theme is '1 family torn apart by war is 1 too
many.' In 1991, Wek and her family were forced to leave their hometown
Wau and flee to Khartoum in the north of Sudan. "My father was unable
to get access to the medical care he needed and we lost him after we
fled our home," said Wek. Wek knows intimately the impact of violent
displacement on families.
Wek sought refuge in London where she was joined by her mother two
years later. During her first year in college she was approached by a
modeling scout. Wek went on to become one of the most influential
African models in the world breaking the mold for beauty in the
fashion industry.
In 2012, in celebration of the one-year anniversary of independence,
Wek traveled to South Sudan with UNHCR. In a small village built by
UNHCR Wek said she heard numerous women express concern over their
children's future, specifically their daughters. At the forum Wek
spoke passionately about the need to educate girls. "Today, it is
three-times more likely that a girl in South Sudan will die in
childbirth than make it to the eighth grade," said Wek.
UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassadors are, along with High Commissioner António
Guterres, the most recognizable public faces of the UN refugee agency.
They help bring UNHCR to every corner of the world through their
celebrity, popularity, influence, dedication and hard work.
Source: UNHCR Website.
US$2.24 million boost for capacity building in South Sudan
JUBA, 18 June 2013 - Five public institutions in South Sudan are set
to benefit from a $2.24 million (SSP8.96 million) grant for capacity
building from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF).
The Bank of South Sudan, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, the National
Audit Chamber and the University of Juba will have their staff trained
under the 3-year South Sudan Capacity Building Project which will run
until May 2015.
The South Sudan Capacity Building Project Coordinator, Mr Peter Juma,
said the project would provide training in public financial
management, fiduciary management, corporate governance, auditing,
accounts and executive leadership training.
Mr Juma said that the University of Juba would be a beneficiary
institution in addition to being a provider of training services for
the project while the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human
Resource Development will oversee the implementation.
Mr Juma was speaking on the sidelines of a five-day capacity building
workshop on executive leadership for staff drawn from the five
beneficiary institutions, government ministries, commissions and the
states at a Juba hotel.
He disclosed that the purpose of the workshop was to improve
communication from the top management to the junior staff in addition
to imparting leadership skills to the participants with a view to
improving service delivery in the beneficiary institutions.
He said that the project would undertake a comprehensive training
needs assessment in all the 10 states, adding that the project has a
graduate programme which would enable senior civil servants to pursue
masters’ degrees.
Mr Juma said the project was working with the University of Juba to
update its fiduciary management curriculum besides sponsoring three
members of staff annually for masters’ degrees.
The ACBF, which was established in 1991 and has its headquarters in
Harare, Zimbabwe works to provide a holistic approach towards capacity
building in Africa.
Earlier, while opening the workshop, Hon Deng Chol, the advisor to the
national Minister of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource
Development, said the ACBF/SSCAP project was designed to strengthen
skills and competencies of public sector managers in macro-economic
and public financial management.
Chol said the specific objectives of the project are twofold: to
improve skills and competencies to support public financial management
and fiduciary institutions, and; to strengthen systems in public
institutions involved in core fiduciary management.
Reported by Alnour Ango/Simon Owaka
Commerce Ministry unleashes a private sector development strategy plan
JUBA, 15 June 2013 – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment
has unleashed a four-pillar strategy document, Private Sector
Development Strategy (PSDS) aimed at developing the private sector in
South Sudan.
Presiding over a Consultation Workshop held at Quality Hotel in Juba
on 14 June to make final and critical recommendations to the document,
the Acting Undersecretary John Pan Paguir said the document aims at
helping the government in creating appropriate environment for private
sector development while indentifying constraints that inhibit the
development of the private sector.
“A strong and vibrant private sector is what South Sudan needs. A
strong private sector will act as a tool to provide the much needed
employment opportunity to our people” Mr. Paguir said.
Mr. Panguir speaking to the press.
[Photo: Matata safi]
Much hope, he said has been placed in the strategy which indentified
four pillars on which private sector development will rest. He named
the pillars as the South Sudan Investment Climate Reform Programme,
the South Sudan Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development
Programme, the South Sudan Access to Finance Programme and Physical
Markets and Institution Building Programme.
Mr. Paguir who made the remarks on half of the minister of Commerce
Hon. Garang Diing Akoung, said his Ministry will put emphasis in
developing the administrative and regulatory environment in
spearheading the private sector development in the country.
This he said would include taking business registration hubs to the
states and developing the capacity of the customs officers in order to
improve the flow of International trade.
Participants at the workshop
[Photo: Matata Safi]
Mr. Paguir also underscored the need to very fast diversify the
economy saying the economy of the country can not only relay on oil to
fuel its economy. He said South Sudan could become the “Dubai” of
Africa if attention is given to explore its rich resources.
“Rwanda has a vibrant economy without oil; Botswana also has a booming
economy when they do not have oil” said Mr. Pauir.
The strategy was supported by the International Financial Cooperation
(IFC) and took eighteen months to be prepared after wide consultations
with the public private sectors, donor members and the diplomatic
communities among others.
The workshop attacked representatives from the government, Private
sector, civil society and donor community.
Reported by Matata Safi
Committee on OP thefts releases findings
JUBA, 14 June 2013 - The committee formed by the President of the
Republic Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit to investigate the thefts that
occurred in March in the Western Wing of the administrative block
under the Office of the President has released its findings.
The committee chaired by Justice John Gatwech Lul has found
incompetence, gross negligence and lack of inter-departmental
communications as some of the factors that may have led to the March
15 and 23 thefts.
Justice Lul addressing the press today.
[Photo: Matata Safi]
The committee also put the total amount of the money stolen at 208,
543 South Sudanese Pounds and USD 14, 000 as opposed to the "millions"
earlier reported in the media. Justice Lul, who is also the
chairperson of the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission, said the
committee has already handed over the findings to the President.
H.E President Kiir in the wake of the incidents issued a Republican
Order No. 01/2013 forming the committee to investigate the
circumstances leading to the theft.
Click here to read the full report.
Reported by Matata Safi
Farmers urged to form associations
JUBA, 14 June 2013 - The national minister of Agriculture, Forestry,
Cooperatives and Rural development Hon. Betty Achan Ogwaro has urged
farmers to form associations if they are to fight food insecurity in
the country.
Addressing farmers from Eastern Equatoria's Magwi County on Tuesday,
Hon. Achan urged the farmers to work hard in order to promote cereal
productivition in the area. Hon. Achan who was hosted by the State’s
minister of Agriculture Mark Akiu, visited five progressive famer’s
groups at selected locations in the county supported by the FARM
Project Organization.
Agriculture minister Hon. Achan being shown a high quality banana
produced from one of the farms.
[Photo: Gabriel Lawrence]
The visit, Hon. Achan said was to assess how the farmers are
progressing in terms of agricultural production this rain season and
to understand their challenges. Hon. Achan who underscored the
government's committment in supporting farms groups urged the farmers
not to wait for government support to start production.
“Do not wait for the government support to begin cultivating. Start
and the government support will come when you have already began”,
Hon. Achan said. Maize is one of the major crops grown in the area
besides cassava, sweet potatoes, ground nuts and bananas among others
Mr.Oyet Moses, a member of Ayfat farmers group called on the
government to provide their groups with quality seeds and pesticides.
He said most of the seeds being used by the farmers are of low quality
and not resistant to drought and pests.
Reported by Gabriel Lawrence
“It’s time to work for a peaceful South Sudan”, former militia
JUBA, 14 June 2013 – Former militia leader Gen. Johnson Olony who
denounced rebellion against the people and government of South Sudan
recently has called on other militia groups still at large to lay down
the weapons and heed the amnesty declared by the President of the
Republic of South Sudan H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Formerly based in South Sudan’s Unity State, Gen. Olony came back with
over two thousand fighters and weapons. He reported to the Government
in Unity State last week and decleared it is time for all South
Sudanese to work for a peaceful country.
“It’s now time to work together to fulfill the dream of the South
Sudanese President Salva Kiir”, Gen. Olony stated.
This brings to three the number of militia groups which have joined
South Sudan government since independence nearly two years ago. Major
General James Guit accepted the government amnesty last year. Babiny
Monytuil, leader of another militia group also joined the national
government early this year.
“This is where you were born and grew up, you are South Sudanese and
this country belongs to all of us,” said General Johnson Gony Buliu of
the national army SPLA who received the group according to a press
release from the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
David Yau Yau in Jongolei’s Pibor country and Gordon Kong who is
fighting in Unity State and Upper Nile state remain the only two
militia groups that are yet to take advantage of the amnesty issued by
H.E President Kiir on the July 9 2011.
Please click here to read the press release.
Reported by Matata Safi
Reformed rebels to convince Yau Yau
JUBA, 14 June 2013 (NASS) - The political wing of the rebel groups
which have taken up the amnesty given by the President have promised
to help the government win back the renegade David Yau Yau, the only
remaining rebel who has not respond to the pardon.
The efforts were revealed yesterday during a meeting with the minister
for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin. Tut
Gatluak who heads the political wing says communication is going very
well and that there is a possibility that Yau Yau will be in Juba in
the next few days. He also disclosed that Johnson Olony was on his way
to Juba while their general commander Gordon Kong was also preparing
to come.
Tut further appealed to the government of South Sudan to help Khartoum
reach a consensus with the rebels in Sudan to allow the two nations to
enjoy peace and stability. Dr. Benjamin welcomed the initiative saying
it will help in nation building.
In a separate development, the Chinese telecommunication company ZTE
yesterday donated the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting a
number of television facilities to enhance the quality broadcasts.
ZTE is the company chosen by the government of South Sudan to work in
the transformation of country’s information and communications systems
from analogue to digital. It is one of the leading Chinese
telecommunication companies competing internationally in manufacturing
digital facilities with Samsung, Apple and Nokia.
Earlier, South Sudanese Olympic marathoner Guor Marial has also called
on the youth to stand with the government in building the nation. Guor
who is now an American citizen said there are many athletes and
business people working with the government to build the country.
Reported by Francis Oliver Kenyi and Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency
of South Sudan (NASS)
Mr. Amum 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.
Mr. Amum and Lamamra during the meeting.
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 returnee 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
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