JUBA, 5 February 2012 - The national minister for Health Hon Dr Michael Milli Hussein last week at the Ministry headquarters met a delegation of Lainya led by the paramount chief Enosa Lucky Yona. The delegation was also accompanied by Hon Dousman, a member of National Legislative Assembly.

Shortly after the visit Dr Hussein told the media that the delegation came to appreciate the ministry. He also reported that it presented a request for the construction a memorial hospital at the grave of late Samson Kwaje. He said he will raise the issue with the President and work out a way forward on the matter.

Dr Hussein poses with the Lainya delegation.
[Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex]

The delegation also raised issues of lack beds at the Lainya Hospital saying patients sleep on the floor. He pledged to address the problem saying that people should not sleep on the floor at this time of peace as they did during the war. He said he will visit Lainya, Kajo Keji, Yei, Morobo and Terekeka to inspect health facilities.

Meanwhile, the Lainya paramount chief Enosa Lucky Yona said the government is still young but asked the minister and other government officers to do their best to deliver services to the people.

Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex

JUBA, 3 February 2012 (NASS) – The ambassador of the United Kingdom to South Sudan, Dr Alastair McPhail said the government of South Sudan handled the oil crisis in safe and responsible manner.

Dr McPhail made these remarks yesterday evening after a consultative meeting with the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Dr Marial welcomes Dr MacPhail.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Dr Marial informed him on the matters of the oil problem between Sudan and South Sudan, stressing it is crucial for governments like the UK to know the status of South Sudan especially when there are crises.

Responding on what was printed by Khartoum on their passport which says “for all countries except Israel and south Sudan”, Dr Marial stated that Sudan and South Sudan are not enemies. He added, however, that it is their decision. He also cautioned that Khartoum government should also know that Misseriya and Rezigat are grazing in South Sudan territory.

Dr Marial (right) meeting the USAID team.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Meanwhile, Dr MacPhail said the UK is looking forward to see an agreement between Sudan and South Sudan so that the future of both countries is safe and secured.

In a separate event, the mission director for the USAID, Kevin J. Mullally revealed that the agency is keen to collaborate with the government of South Sudan to improve their official website, www.GOSS.org. He said once they get green light from the government, they will increase links so that other web sites will link up easily to browse government information.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 2 February 2012 (NASS) -The government of the Republic of Japan has established a permanent office and engineering defense forces in Juba.

This was revealed by the Japanese special representative to South Sudan, Masami Tamura yesterday shortly after meeting the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Dr Marial welcomed the steps taken by the government of Japan to establish a permanent office and engineering defense force in the Republic of South Sudan. He noted that out of the “A” groups of countries, Japan is the only country that contributes to the peace keeping forces in the state.

Dr Marial is introduced to the members of the Japanese delegation.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

He further explained that Japanese Toyota Company is involved in the feasibility studies of the new pipelines going to Lamu, the Republic of Kenya.

Mr. Tamura said the engineering defense force will be working on the infrastructural development projects, particularly roads. He as well affirmed that the government of Japan has also taken note of the areas of media service, more especially South Sudan Television and Radio.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 1 February 2012 (NASS) – The national minister for Cabinet Affairs, Hon Deng Alor Kuol vowed that the government will work hard to deliver professional service to the citizens of South Sudan.

He made the announcement today while opening a workshop on strengthening undersecretaries’ effort to effectively execute the newly introduced policies by the council of ministers.

Mr Agawo (left) addressing the participants.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Reading Alor’s speech at the workshop organized by Adams Smith International, the Secretary General of the government of South Sudan, Abdun Agawo said the people of South Sudan look to all government officers for leadership especially at this strained time adding that the government will not fail them.

Whereas, the deputy minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Atem Yaak Atem adviced all the government institutions to unify their voices when speaking to the public, stating that what happened in the other ministry reflects the face of the government.

Participants at the workshop.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

He further appealed to all the undersecretaries of the various ministries to cooperate with the information officers deployed by the Ministry of Information in order to strengthen government communications system.

Meanwhile, the deputy minister for Labor and Public Service, Hon. Kwong Danhier Gatluak urged the undersecretaries to effectively execute government policies and plans in order to ease development, stressing that citizens demand a lot from civil servants.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 1 February 2012 – The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has given top priority to give pensioners’ their right. This was disclosed yesterday by the Undersecretary of Labour Public Service and Human Resource Development Madam Angeth Acol De Dut.

The leadership in the Ministry of Labour Public Service briefed the pensioners on the progress and challenges of paying their right. Angeth Acol told pensioners that they are not forgotten but soon their money will be paid off and there will be no irregularity in the monthly payment to the respective bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

“We are now working hard to absorb technical people in the area of pension to review the remaining pending files including the downsize one,” Acol stated. She added that the technical manpower will also help strengthening the new pension policy design in the Republic of South Sudan which was passed by the council of ministers recently. However, she called on the beneficiaries to remain calm as the government is facing many challenges.

The Acting Director of Pension in the Ministry of Labour Public Service and Human Resource Development Thomas Tut assured the pensioners that the government has the responsibility to pay 302 already processed files. He explained that out of these about 65 pensioners did not turn up to identify their bank accounts. He urged other pensioners to inform the rest the process and progress. He asserted that the remaining files will be worked on but emphasized that the government needs the patience from the beneficiaries.

“Currently we are paying 196 pensioners their monthly benefits from January to December 2011; 171 already finished and 25 to be submitted to Finance for payment,” he said. He further added that out of the pensioners only 41 qualified for gratuities and they were paid.

Mr Tut assured the pensioners that all pending issues with the North, including pension’s liabilities, were taken to the new files under the chairpersonship of the SPLM Secretary General Pagun Amum, to negotiate with Khartoum.

He also reported that two laws of Pensions Fund and Civil Service Pensions Scheme have been drafted and they are in the Ministry of Justice.

Reported by Justin Jada and Alnour Ango

ADDIS ABABA, 1 February 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E General Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday on 31/1/2012 in his residence at the Presidential Villa in Addis Ababa met the Chairperson of AU/HIP Mr. Thabo Mbeki. After the meeting Mr. Mbeki announced in a press statement that the AU/HIP has proposed to the two heads of state H.E Kiir and Omer El-Bashir that negotiation should resume on February 10th, 2012 in Addis Ababa.

Mr. Mbeki confirmed that the two parties agreed to resume the negotiations to discuss a number of questions, among them being the oil crisis between Juab and Khartoum, joint political and security mechanisms to discuss issues related to security of the both countries. Mr. Mbeki further said the upcoming negotiations will center also on issues of the steps to be taken for demarcating the border between the two countries. Besides that the coming talks will discuss issues of the citizenship after the ending of transitional period in the coming march.

Mr. Mbeki urged the two parties to come back to the negotiation with some understanding to resolve the issues.

Meanwhile, the SPLM Secretary General who is also the chairperson of South Sudan negotiating team to Addis Ababa Mr. Pagan Amum Okec assured that AU/HIP has proposed February 10th 2012 for the resumption of the talks on the burning issues between Juba and Khartoum. But during the meeting, Mr. Amum said he presented a copy of a letter from the oil companies saying that President Al-Bashir has directed oil companies to load 600,000 barrels from South Sudan oil, which he said is another action of stealing South Sudan oil. He said President Kiir discussed the issues with Mr. Mbeki.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth from Addis Ababa

JUBA, 1 February 2012 – The South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA) yesterday passed the Imports and Exports Bill, 2012 and the Red Cross Society Bill, 2011.

In its Sitting No. 49/2012 held at Main Hall the SSNLA received a presentation of the Committee of Gender, Child, Social Welfare, Youth, Sports & Religious Affairs and Legislation and Justice on the Red Cross Society Bill, 2011 in its Second Reading by Hon. Bataria Mayror. The Bill was presented in accordance with Regulations 102 (1) and 135 (4) and( 12) and in its sitting No. 40/2011 dated 19/12/2011 in which the Right Hon. Speaker referred the Bill to the joint standing specialized committees to scrutinize and report back to the August House. After the report was presented to the SSNLA the members deliberated and discussed it and agreed and passed it to third and final stage with amendments and comments and observations.

During the same sitting, the house received the report of the Committee of Energy & Mining, Commerce and Industry on Imports and Exports Bill, 2011 in its third reading and final reading by Hon. Henry Dilah Odwer, the chairperson of the Committee. The committees made a number of recommendations.

After long deliberation and discussions the Bill was passed to fourth and final reading with amendments, comments and observations. Therefore the Right Hon. Speaker of SSNLA requested the Clerk of the SSNLA to read the title of the Bill implying it is passed.

The sitting was chaired by Right Hon. Speaker of SSNLA Gen. James Wani Igga and was attended by over 200 members.

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

ADDIS ABABA, 31 January 2012 - Please, click here to download the speech delivered by President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the 18th AU Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

JUBA, 31 January 2012 – The South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA) yesterday in its Sitting No.48/2012 held at 10:00 received a continuation of the discussion of the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Audit Reports of the Fiscal Year 2005/2006 presented by Hon. Kom Kom Geng, the chairperson of the committee.

The report was presented early this month but it was adjourned because the Auditor General and the minister for Finance and Economic Planning were not in attendance. After long deliberations and discussions the report was passed by the SSNLA.

During the same sitting the August House continued to deliberate and discuss the report of the Committee of Energy and Mining, Commerce and Industry on import and export Bill, 2011 in its second reading by Hon. Henry Dilah Odwer, the chairperson of the committee. The Bill was a result of sitting No. 13/2011 of the first session dated 21st September, 2011 which was tabled by the minister for Justice after the Bill was presented to the August House. The Bill was referred to the specialized committee in accordance with 99 (1) of the adopted Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly Regulations (2010) for scrutiny of the Imports and Exports Bill, 2011.

After long deliberations and debate the August House decided to pass the Bill to third reading with observations and amendments and present next day for third and fourth reading due to urgency.

The sitting was chaired by Right Hon. Speaker Gen. James Wani Igga and attended by 212 members. It was also attended by ministers, Auditor General and chairpersons/deputy chairpersons.

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 30 January 2012 (NASS) – The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has affirmed its readiness to support South Sudan.

This was announced today by the Nigerian consul general to South Sudan, Mr. G.K. Dangiwa after a courtesy call on the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Dr Marial (right) meeting Mr Dangiwa (left).
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Dr. Marial appreciated the efforts made by the government of Nigeria in assisting South Sudan right from the days of the peace talks till this moment of nation building.
He as well expressed condolences to the country for the massive killings happening in Nigeria, wishing them success in resolving the differences.

Mr. Dangiwa said if there is anything South Sudan wants the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is willing to assist especially in the areas of manpower development.

Dr Duany (left) presenting a pack from Bloom to Dr Marial (centre). Far right is Mr Gwado Ador, the Training and Research Director in  the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

In a separate event, the chairperson of the recruitment board in the Ministry of Labor, Public Service and Human Resource Development Dr Julia Aker Duany announced that Bloom magazine of Bloomington Indiana, United States of America has expressed their interest to support the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in capacity building so as to assist the civil society organizations in the field of Journalism.

She also disclosed that the magazine is impressed with South Sudan and wants to be in the country as partners so that they can build the capacity of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

President Kiir joins the other African heads of state and governments as they pose for a photo in front of the new AU headquarters.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

ADDIS ABABA, 29 January 2012 - President of the Republic H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit today in his villa at the Sheraton Hotel met the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon on the margins of the AU Summit. Mr. Ban was accompanied in the meeting by some of his assistants among who were Hilde Johnson the UN special representative to South Sudan and Hile Makarious the UN representative to the Republic of Sudan.

According to the minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial the meeting mainly cantered on two main issues. The first was the situation in Jonglei state and the efforts being exerted by the UNMISS in supporting the government of South Sudan to contain the situation. The second issue was the oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum. On the first issue, Hon Nhial explained that President of the Republic briefed Mr. Ban on the steps taken by the government to normalize the situation in the state.

President Kiir meeting Mr Ban.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Hon Nhial also reported that the UN Secretary General Mr. Moon expressed gratitude to the government of South Sudan for taking serious steps to buttress peace and stability in the area. Mr. Ban said the UN will continue to help the RSS and if more assistance is needed by the government the UN will be ready to provide it.

On the question of oil, Hon Nhial said President Kiir briefed Mr. Ban on the current oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum. Mr. Ban called on the two parties to continue to engage in dialogue under the auspices of AU/HIP so that the crisis is normalized.

President Kiir meeting the Chinese delegation.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

President Kiir also held closed door talks with the foreign minister of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Yang Jiechi and his delegation. H.E Kiir briefed him on oil crisis. Mr. Jiechi appreciated President Kiir for all the efforts he has made to find a solution of the crisis and urged him to continue the dialogue with the Khartoum Government.

Meanwhile, the 18th session of the Assembly of the African Union commenced yesterday. More than forty heads of state attended the session. The AUc was given to the President of Benin H.E Yayi Boni, and his deputies are President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Museveni, and President of South Africa H.E Jacob Zuma.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

ADDIS ABABA, 29 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the accompanying delegation yesterday evening in Addis Ababa attended the inauguration ceremony of the new African Union Headquarters donated and constructed by the Chinese Government. The ceremony was attended by more than forty heads of state under the chairmanship of the President of Equatorial Guinea, who is also the chair of the AU, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

President Kiir chats with South African President Jacob Zuma during the inauguration of the AU headquarters.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

In his inaugural remarks, H.E. Mbasogo expressed on behalf of all the African Union states appreciation to the government of the People’s Republic of China for showing a real friendship with Africa, and for its continuous support to the AU organizations.

Meanwhile, the PM of Federal Republic of Ethiopia H.E Meles Zenawi said the Chinese support to the African Union has paved the way for Africa to rise and shine and building of the centre is a result of a true friendship between China and Ethiopia and the other African countries.

The new AUheadquarters.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin, and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed the inauguration ceremony of the new AU Headquarters and said the building in Addis Ababa shows China's support for African countries to gain strength through unity and integration process.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

ADDIS ABABA, 28 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived in Addis Ababa the capital of Ethiopia on Friday January 27th, 2012 to participate in two important meetings one of which was the 20th Extra-ordinary summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, and the other being the African Union Summit.

Before the IGAD summit H.E Kiir held closed door talks with President of Sudan El-Bashir at Sheraton Hotel in the presence of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and the Ethiopian Prime minister Meles Zenawi. The meeting mainly focused on the current oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum but the parties came out with no any tangible agreement.

H.E Kiir in the 20th IGAD Summit.
[Photo:Thomas Kenneth]

After the meeting the four presidents in the evening of 27th January, 2012 joined the closed talks of the 20th Extra-ordinary summit of the IGAD to discuss three main agendas as disclosed by the IGAD Meles Zenawi. The first agenda was acceleration of the integration of IGAD infrastructure; the second was Somalia issues; while the third agenda was on the oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum.

Shortly after the summit, Hon Zenawi announced in a press conference that IGAD Extra-ordinary summit has made some progress in the first two agendas without giving details but concerning the oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum the summit came out without reaching a final agreement. He explained that the summit advised the two parties to continue with negotiations under the AU/HIP umbrella.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth from Addis Ababa

ADDIS ABABA, 28 January 2012 – The Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), who is also the chairperson of the South Sudan negotiating team on the oil crisis in Addis Ababa Mr. Pagan Amum Okec announced in a press conference yesterday evening at the Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa that the IGAD facilitating talks to help the AU/HIP on the oil crisis arising from the fact that the Government of Sudan took unilateral action of stealing the oil belonging to the Republic of South Sudan have reached a deadlock.

Mr. Amum explained that the talks have failed because the Sudan Government insists to continue stealing the oil of South Sudan and has refused the proposals made by the Government of South Sudan as a way forward to return the talks and the situations to normal. He said that the proposals:

1. The Government of Sudan is requested to immediately release the detained ships loaded with sold oil of RSS, and are now in Port Sudan;
2. The Sudan Government must compensate the value of the stolen oil of RSS, which was sold by the Sudan Government (was sold to the United Arab Emirates and Singapore);
3. Sudan Government must pay all the damages caused by their actions, particularly the ships detained in Port Sudan; and
4. The Government of Sudan must commit itself not to divert and steal again any oil of RSS going through the territories of Sudan on transit.

SG. Amum talking to the press at Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa.
[Photo:Thomas Kenneth]

Mr. Amum reassured the press that the oil production will not resume unless the above proposals are put into action by the Sudan government. He asserted that the shutdown operation will soon be completed.

Meanwhile the RSS is negotiating with Kenya and Ethiopia to build alternative pipelines, which he described as a tough decision but, he said it is in the interest of the people of South Sudan and is to prevent RSS resources from being stolen and robbed by the Khartoum Government on their way to the international markets. Mr. Amum concluded that with all these situations the RSS is committed to continue with talks with Government of Sudan to resolve the outstanding issues.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth from Addis Ababa-Ethiopia

JUBA, 27 January 2012 - A two-day workshop organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, that was aimed at underscoring the importance of Private Public Partnership (PPP) in attaining sustainable development closed yesterday in Juba with the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan Hon Dr Riek Machar Teny asserting the government’s readiness to partner with the private investors.

Dr Machar who was speaking at the closure of the workshop said without the private sector, the government cannot do much. “Today in South Sudan the government is the sole employer. It is the opposite in most countries around the globe where the majority of the population is employed by the private sector”, he observed.

Dr Machar addressing the participants at the workshop.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

He said that the private sector in South Sudan is so small and employs very few people. Furthermore, he said the government is also encouraging the local investors to partner with the government the same way other foreign investors do. “PPP cannot only be done with the foreign private investors but could as well be done with the South Sudanese private partners”, he said.

The Vice President reaffirmed the commitment of the government to make the investment environment in South Sudan attractive for investors. “Today it takes an investor 26 days to start a business in South Sudan but we want to change this such that our procedures can be as simple as possible to catch up with the rest of the world”, said Dr Machar. He also explained that if an investor comes to South Sudan and spends seven days without doing business, the seven days would have been seven days of lost opportunity”, he said.

Some of the participants at the workshop.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

The Vice President observed that during the last 55 years of the then Sudan, the culture of doing business was very little with South Sudanese. He said most of the businesses were run by the northern Arab Sudanese. He however noted that today South Sudanese are beginning to realise that venturing into business is the way forward.

He observed that South Sudan is a land with so many investment opportunities that he said if well tapped can benefit both the investor and the people of South Sudan. “It is not only in Juba that you can get opportunities, we have Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal that in some point in the year registers the greatest number of flies. Why? Because of mangoes”, he joked. He explained these states do produce a lot of mangoes that go unprocessed. He called on the potential investors to take advantage of such opportunities that are not yet exploited.

Mr Nyirinkindi addressing the press.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

Mr Emmanuel D.B Nyirinkindi, the IFC’s Advisory Services Manager for Africa region said the objective of the workshop was to give the government an insight as to how PPPs are structured, how PPP has worked in other African countries, its challenges and how best this concept can applied in the context of South Sudan addressing the challenges of providing increased access to infrastructure. He observed that the government of South Sudan has not implemented the PPP. He added that once that is done, it will be easier to address the financial aspects after the government has identified a private sector partner. He stressed the commitment of the IFC and World Bank to PPP in South Sudan.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector arm of the World Bank that works to build economies through the private sector.

The workshop that was widely attended by top government officials from both the state and national levels, representatives from the donor communities, representatives from African countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria that have seen PPP benefits over the years, and private sector representatives.

Reported by Matata Safi.

JUBA, 27 January 2012 - The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of Office Furniture. Please, visit the "Tenders" page for the details.

JUBA, 26 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit today on Thursday January 26, 2012 held an important meeting with the leadership of the two houses - National Legislative Assembly and the Council of the States - in his office. The two house leadership led by Rt Honorable speakers James Wani Igga and the speaker of the Council of the States Hon. Jospeh Bol Chan.

H.E Kiir meets the two houses' leadership.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Shortly after the meeting, Hon Igga told the press that the two houses’ leadership came to brief the President of the Republic on the three days deliberations and resolutions of the two houses on the historic speech of the President about the shutdown of oil production.

H.E Kiir receives the resolutions of the two houses.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Hon Igga said the two houses unanimously passed the speech and strongly supports the decision of the executive to immediately shut down oil production.

Hon Igga talking to the press.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

He further reported the leadership of the two houses handed over the resolutions which comprise of more than 33 points to the President of the Republic. Besides that, the two houses’ leadership handed over to the President a report on four days Tombura Reconciliation Conference which discussed border issues between the two ethnic groups of Balanda and Azande adding that the two ethnic groups agreed to resolve the border issues between them.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 26 January 2012 – The South Sudan National Legislature yesterday passed the speech delivered by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the oil crisis. The speech was passed during the Sitting No.3/2012 held at the SSNLA Main Hall on Wednesday January 25, 2012 at 3:00 pm.

Yesterday’s deliberations followed the referral of the President’s statement to the joint sitting of the South Sudan National Legislative Assembly and the South Sudan Council of States on 24 January 2012 to the specialized committees.

The two houses appreciated the resolution of the Council of Ministers dated 20 January, 2012 on closing down of oil production. The committee stated it was deeply concerned about the blocking ships docking at the terminals in Port Sudan by the Khartoum government. The two houses condemned the action in the strongest terms. It also:

1. Condemned the Republic of Sudan for stopping the shipments of Republic of South Sudan oil at Port Sudan terminals;
2. Instructed the Khartoum government to stop the confiscation of South Sudan crude oil; and
3. Stressed that Khartoum government is working to destabilize the people of South Sudan and its government.

The two houses came up with general resolutions as follows:

1. The two houses unanimously support the decision of the Council of Ministers to shut down oil operation in South Sudan;
2. The two houses request the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining to avail to the two houses comprehensive data covering oil agreements, production, and sales before and after CPA;
3. Request the government of the Republic of South Sudan to sue the government of Sudan at the international court in order to recover the stolen South Sudan oil;
4. Instructed the government of the Republic of South Sudan to complain to the UN Security Council, AU and regional institutions;
5. Continue dialogue with the NCP on outstanding issues of the CPA;
6. Protect and secure all oil fields in South Sudan;
7. Seek bilateral agreements with the regional and international entities in order to protect the territory of South Sudan; and
8. Request the UNMISS to protect the civilians in the oil fields in case they are attacked by Khartoum.

After long deliberations and debate the Hon. Atem Garang, the government Chief Whip raised a motion to terminate the debate and pass the statement with recommendations and amendments. The sitting was chaired by the speakers of the National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States.

In a separate sitting the South Sudan National Legislative Assembly in its Sitting No. 47/2012 chaired by its speaker received a presentation of the joint report of the Committee of Infrastructure on the Civil Aviation Authority Bill, 2012 in its second reading. The presentation was made by Hon. Philip Thon Leek.

The Bill was tabled for its first reading in Sitting No. 40 of the first session 16/12/2011 by the minister for Justice before the House in accordance with regulation 102 (1) of South Sudan National Legislative Assembly Conduct of Business Regulations referred it to the Committee of Services and Physical Infrastructure, and the Committee on Legislation and Justice to work on the bill and retable it to the SSNLA. After long deliberations and discussions, the August House passed the Bill to third reading and to the fourth and final reading in which the Right Hon Speaker instructed the Clerk of the SSNLA to read the title of the bill to mark that the bill is passed and adopted by the August House. The bill is needed to enable the Ministry of Transport and Aviation to carry its duties. The sitting was attended by 212 honorable members.

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 26 January 2012 - The Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build oil pipeline from South Sudan to the Kenyan Port of Lamu. The agreement comes four days after South Sudan passed a resolution in cabinet to shut down the oil operations through the pipeline which passes through Sudan to its sea port of Port Sudan.

South Sudan accused Sudan of stealing its oil while Khartoum claimed it was confiscating the oil for unpaid fees; a claim Juba said was unfounded.

The cabinet also passed another resolution seeking for an alternative oil pipeline to another neighboring country.

A high level delegation from the Republic of Kenya, led by the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga arrived Juba on Tuesday to negotiate the MoU with their South Sudanese counterparts which resulted to the signing ceremony at J-One Palace.

The Kenyan delegation also included its minister for Foreign Affairs, Moses Wetangula; minister for Public Service, Dalmas Otieno; and minister for Energy, Kiraitu Murungi, among others.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, witnessed the signing ceremony. The minister for Foreign Affairs, Nhial Deng and several other ministers and ambassadors were also present at the occasion.

The minister for Petroleum and Mining in South Sudan, Stephen Dhieu Dau and Kenya’s minister for Energy, Kiraitu Murungi, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments.

The MoU also provided for installation of fibre optic connections between the two neighboring countries.

In a press statement after the signing ceremony, the two ministers explained that the MoU laid a foundation for economic cooperation between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Kenya.

“The purpose of this MoU is to develop and expand a framework of cooperation and partnership between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Government of the Republic of Kenya on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, mutual understanding, respect and trust,” partly reads the MoU’s text.

The two ministries will work out the details of the agreement on the pipeline and fibre optic and begin the implementation of the two projects.

The MoU pointed out that the two countries will negotiate and agree on transit fees for the oil pipeline which will be based on international practice.

Currently countries, particularly in the region pay less than a dollar per barrel as transit fees.

Reported by the Vice President’s Press Secretary, James Gatdet Dak

JUBA, 25 January 2012 (NASS) – The minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin today morning received a report from the committee tasked to propose reform in the ministry.

Briefing the minister, the head of the committee, Mr Mustafa Biong Majak, who is also the Director General of Information, said the report tackled the issues of regional balance as well gender. He also said the report touched on the case of South Sudanese officials who returned from Khartoum and the Diaspora.

Responding to the presentation, Dr Marial said that the report has come at the right time when South Sudan is embarking on a restructuring program for the government after attaining independence. He assured that the ministry will implement the recommendations.

Dr Marial (left) receiving Mr Majak (right).
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

On a related development, the deputy minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Atem Yaak Atem announced that after an emergency meeting with the Directorate of Radio and Television the ministry has taken note of the performance of directorate. He reported that solutions are underway to deliver educative, entertaining and informative programs.

Hon Atem said the reason why the performance of the SSTV is not convincing is because it inherited a lot from the Khartoum government which back then did not have the intention of good mass communication and education for the South Sudanese public.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 25 January 2012 – A group of South Sudanese women from the constitutional review taskforce, individual activists and advocates has called on the youth from Jonglei state to desist from acts of violence and rather embrace peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at a press briefing in Juba today, Aguil Dechut Deng, the chairperson of South Sudan women constitutional review taskforce said with South Sudan’s history of 21 years of war and destruction that claimed 2.5 million lives and displaced more than 5 million people, there is no need for more lives to be lost particularly after attaining independence.

“We as the women of South Sudan condemn the cycle of violence in Jonglei in the strongest terms possible and we call upon the youth of Jonglei to restrain from this act of violence”, she said.

Ms Dechut.
[Photo: Matata Safi]
 

The group also called upon all members of parliament from Jonglei to call for a live discussion to be broadcast on TV and local radio stations that should call on all the communities in Jonglei to desist from attacking one another and call for calm in the state. She said the women of South Sudan would want to see an end to the conflict saying they will not fold their hands on their chests and watch youths that she said are the future of the country killing one another.

The group further called on the government to speed up the deployment of more troops that are necessary for the restoration of law and order in the state. Ms Dechut underscored the importance of the disarmament programme to be carried out in Jonglei. However, she said this should be carried out with the collective involvement of the traditional leaders, community leaders, women and youth groups, intellectuals and religious leaders to score success.

Reported Matata Safi

JUBA, 25 January 2012 – The forty five members of the National Constitutional Review Commission appointed recently by a Presidential Decree, under the chairmanship of Prof. Akolda Ma’an Tier took oath of office yesterday on Tuesday January 24th, 2012, before the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, in a special swearing in ceremony conducted by the Chief Justice Chan Reec at the State House conference hall in Juba.

Addressing the occasion of the first convening and swearing in of the National Constitutional Review Commission at the State House, President of the Republic said the constitution is a document for all the people of South Sudan and every person regardless of ethnicity, gender, education, status or wealth, has the right to voice opinions on the text. President Kiir directed the commission to review the transitional constitution of the new state, travel around the country to provide information on the constitution and collect views on its revisions.

“I vow to give the commission absolute freedom in producing its draft. There will be no political interference on the content of the draft, which should reflect the considered views of the commission, obtained after its process of wide consultation”, President Kiir asserted.

He said the civil society has a special role to play in the drafting and deliberation of the constitution and urged the civil society to give proposals that fit in the context of the South Sudanese society. President Kiir called on the members of the civil society to support the constitution making process by providing a channel for the views of the people and by educating the public on constitutional issues and be continually engaged with the commission.

On his part the chairperson of the commission Prof. Akolda Ma’an Tier expressed, on behalf of the commission members, a sincere gratitude to the President for having confidence in the members of the commission to review the two hundred and three articles of the transitional constitution of RSS. As a technical body he said they will accomplish the task given to them in a very short period of time.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 25 January 2012 – The speech the President delivered to the Sudan National Legislature on the current oil crisis was yesterday tabled in parliament for deliberation.

H.E the President had stated that the crisis has reached a stage that is unacceptable. He explained that on the 6th of December, 2011 his office was informed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning that the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining had informed it that all shipments which are leaving through Port Sudan should pay 32.2 dollars per barrel before they leave the port.

He also said that his office was informed that four ships carrying 3.5 Barrels of Dar blend were detained by Khartoum. He further explained that Khartoum has also detained four ships from docking at Port Sudan. He said that they were purchased with 2.8 million dollars but they were unable to collect them. He also said that eight vessels remain under the control of the Government of Sudan with oil worth 630 million dollars. He also stated that they have also taken 185 million dollars from South Sudan oil. He said they are diverting 120,000 barrels per day for their refineries in Khartoum which is 75 percent. The President said that the diversion of South Sudan crude oil is vital to the security and welfare of the people of South Sudan.

The speaker of the SSNLA (center) chairing the sitting.
[Photo: Marchelo Leopoldo]

The decision to shut down oil operation in South Sudan was unanimously decided by the Council of Ministers on January 20, 2012 with immediate effect on crude oil belong to South Sudan. H.E the President instructed the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to initiate contingency plans for revenue collection and allocation and accelerate the increase of non-oil revenues. He also said that safely, security and health of the citizens of South Sudan remain top priorities. He also said that they are working with the African Union and other allies to reach an agreement with the Sudan Government if it is for the benefit of people of South Sudan.

The parliament deliberated the statement and finally referred it four specialized committees to be headed by the chairperson of Energy, Mining, Commerce, and Industry Hon. Henry D. Odwar; Committee of Health and HIV/AIDS; Committee of Development, Economy and Finance; and the Committee of Land, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment to enrich the statement and incorporate the observations and recommendations before presenting it back to the August House for endorsement.

The sitting was attended by the 188 members from the SSNLA and 26 members from the South Sudan Council of States. It was briefed by the minister for Energy who said that the shut down ongoing and indicated that about 90% of pipelines are successfully shut down. He also reported that the ministry is considering alternative pipelines Kenya, Ethiopia, Congo and Central African Republic. The minister for Finance also said that life will go on. He explained that there is no alarm of inadequate funds adding that the Government will manage the little resources it has.

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 21 January 2012(NASS) – The Republic of South Sudan has instructed all foreign companies operating in its oil fields to prepare a shut down plan for halting the operation of its oil.

The order was announced by the minister for Information and Broadcasting and the Official Spokesperson of the government of South Sudan, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin to reporters yesterday in a press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting headquarters.

He said the Republic of South Sudan’s crude oil is now not safe in the Republic of Sudan saying that it is being stolen and prevented from reaching the international market by the government in Khartoum.

“In the last few days Khartoum has stolen approximately over $ 350million worth of oil from South Sudan using force while preventing over $ 400 million from being purchased and this is through restricting vessels from entering or leaving the port by using their security”, Dr Marial explained.

Hon Marial (right) and Hon Dhieu (left) addressing the media yesterday.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

He explained that the decision comes after series of violations from Khartoum. These include:

1. On the 24th Dec. 2011, government of Sudan (GOS) prevented loading of 600,000 bbls of South Sudan-Nile blend;
2. On the 30th, Dec. 2011, GOS detained 1000,000 bbls Dar blend sold to Vitol;
3. On the 31st, Dec. 2011, GOS prevented ships from loading 600,000 bbls of RSS Nile blend;
4. On the 3rd, Jan. 2012, GOS detained vessels loaded with 600,000 bbls of Dar blend of RSS which belongs to Petronile;
5. On the 8th, Jan. 2012, GOS detained Sinopec vessels loaded with 900,000bbls Dar blend of RSS;
6. On the 13th, Jan. 2012, GOS lifted 605,784 bbls Dar blend crude oil of RSS;
7. On the 16th, Jan. 2012, GOS lifted by force 618712 bbls Dar blend crude oil of RSS;
8. Also on the same date, GOS instructed PDOC to transfer 120,000 bbls of Dar blend crude oil of RSS to be delivered to Khartoum refinery directly from the illegal pipeline tie into KRC which was partly constructed and operated by GOS;
9. On the 19th, Jan. 2012, GOS lifted by force 600,000 bbls of RSS’ Nile blend crude oil.

“Indeed, the option of shutting down the oil companies is not the best but the Republic of South Sudan is a sovereign nation and must protect its resources”, said the minister for Petroleum and Mining Hon Stephen Dhieu Dau.

He stated that the oil operations will remain shut until a fair deal is reached with Khartoum or else it will remain so till South Sudan develops its own oil infrastructure that will ensure the people reap the true benefits of their oil.

He also promised to return the oil stolen by Khartoum right from the 24th Dec. 2011 till the last day of the theft. He stressed that he will never give up until the stolen oil is brought back to its rightful owners, the people of the Republic of South Sudan.

He further warned the oil companies involved in buying the stolen that the government of South Sudan has already taken legal procedures to trace them and will take drastic legal action against them.

“I know challenges are there after shutting the oil fields but the government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has taken measures to address them; we will soon be building our own pipeline to transport oil through the Republic of Kenya”, he said.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 20 January 2012 – The national council of ministers in its regular meeting held today under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit directed the minister for Petroleum and Mining to shut down oil production in the Republic of South Sudan.

This directive was in response to the continuous stealing of South Sudan’s oil by the Khartoum government as well as the blockage of South Sudan’s oil from going to the international markets. Reports indicate that Sudan has stolen Republic of South Sudan’s oil worth 350 million US dollars.

According to the minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin who is also the official government spokesperson, the cabinet directive followed a report tabled by the minister in the Office of the President Hon Emmanuel LoWilla and the minister for Petroleum and Mining Hon Stephen Dhieu who had been sent by the President to the neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia to consult over the oil crisis between Juba and Khartoum.

Dr Marial announced that through the report the council made the following resolutions:

1. The minister for Petroleum and Mining is directed to take appropriate steps to shut down oil production and avoid any environmental impacts in the area;
2. The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining is directed to proceed immediately with the construction of an alternative pipeline and refineries so that the Republic of South Sudan can mitigate these problems initiated by the Khartoum government;
3. The African Union High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) will continue to be the forum for dialogue on all the outstanding issues between Juba and Khartoum;
4. The minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is directed to brief all the friends of the Republic of South Sudan about the situation.

Dr Marial also reported that the council passed a report presented by the Vice President Hon Dr Riek Machar Teny about a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) he recently signed on behalf of the Republic of South Sudan with Abu Dhabi Investment Company.

The council meeting in Juba today.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Dr Marial also announced that the council deliberated on a memo from the minister for Finance and Economic Planning Hon Kosti Manibe on the adoption of the recommendations of the inter-governmental fiscal relations taskforce especially on the issues of taxes. He said that the council specifically approved that:

1. Customs are under the national government;
2. Business profit tax is under the national government;
3. Personal income tax is under the national and the state governments;
4. General sales tax is under the national and the state governments;
5. Excise duty is under the national and the state governments;
6. Stamp duty is under the state government;
7. Real property tax is under the state government;
8. Land registration tax is under the state government;
9. Motor vehicle tax is under the state government;
10. National resources taxes are under the national and the state governments; and
11. User charges are under the national and the state governments.

Dr Marial also said that Khartoum backed the militias which kidnapped two priests from South Sudan in Rabak town. He identified the priests as Fr. Jospeh Malau and Fr. Silvester Moga. He said those militia groups have sentenced the two priests to death if a ransom of 500,000 is not paid to them. He added that the issue is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and that the deputy minister for the ministry has travelled to Khartoum to discuss the issue with the government there.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 20 January 2012 – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Special Representative of the Secretary General Ms Hilde Johnson has called on all the concerned parties to the ongoing security crisis in Jonglei state to redouble their efforts to put an immediate end to the cycle of violence which she said is putting thousands of lives at risk and threatening the stability of the whole area.

Ms Johnson while addressing the press at the UNMISS headquarters in Juba yesterday said UNMISS condemns the use of violence by communities and urged their political, traditional and youth leaders to do their utmost best to end the killings and confrontations in the area that has suffered far too many causalities.

She also said UNMISS was deeply concerned about the statements made by some individuals and groups that carry messages of hatred.

Ms Johnson said threats were made to wipe out an entire ethical group from the face of the earth. She said United Nations condemnsd these statements in the strongest terms. “We have been informed that repetitive hate language continues to be used, calling for ethnic violence and inciting communities to take aggressive action. This is a grave concern and we strongly condemn these hate messages”, said Ms Johnson.

She said any statement that could incite ethnic-based violence is totally in violation of both the international law and South Sudan’s domestic laws. She said this is totally unacceptable.

Ms Johnson called on the leaders of all communities at all levels in Jonglei state to stop inciting communities through use of violence. She also called on the government of South Sudan to bring the full force of the law to bear against those responsible for inciting violence.

Ms Johnson addressing the press yesterday.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

She stressed that in accordance withf the Security Council Resolution of 1996 and within the UNMISS capacity that underscores protection of civilians, UNMISS took decisive measures that show it commit around half of its combat-ready personnel to the heavily populated areas of Jonglei like Pibor and Likuonole. She explained that these forces were moved to places where civilians were under greatest threat. She said these actions combined with the government troops helped save many lives. She said they as UNMISS regret every single life lost in areas where they were able to reach. He observed that the recent attackers moved in small groups, sometimes attacking at night making containing the violence a challenge logistically.

She said since the attacks, there have been several numbers of causalities circulated. She said preliminary findings have confirmed evidence of a number of civilians killed or injured. She said this is unacceptable. She however said the findings so far do not provide the basis for the scale of causalities claimed by some media houses. She said that UNMISS highly commends the government’s decision to conduct an investigation into the events and the numbers of causalities of the violence in Jonglei. She called on the government to hold the perpetrators of these terrible attacks and counter-attacks to account.

Ms Johnson has commended the government of the Republic of South Sudan for the progress made as the country prepares to celebrate its first year of independence. She said the government and the people of South Sudan will have to take decisions that will not only impact on their lives but those of the future generations of the country. She said South Sudan is moving progressively and with determination towards consolidating its independence on the national and international scene. She said this is exemplified by the new country’s joining of the AU, UN, IGAD, Great Lakes Conference, COMESA, Nile Basin Initiative and the G7+.

She further stressed the importance of the South Sudan’s relation to its northern neighbour of Sudan saying it is critical to the stability of not only the two countries but of the region at large. She called on the parties to the outstanding issues relating to border demarcation, oil, and citizenship among others, to resolve them with lasting solutions.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 19 January 2012 (NASS) – The Addis Ababa talks hosted by African Union High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) have failed because Khartoum government spoiled the environment for discussions, the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin revealed in an exclusive interview yesterday.

Dr Marial said up to the very day of the talks on 17 January 2012, Khartoum was forcing the oil companies to load South Sudan’s oil into its vessels without the permission of the government of South Sudan.

“How can we be discussing with Khartoum on the issues of oil especially the transit fees while they are now confiscating our oil by force”, wondered Dr Marial.

Earlier this month, the minister for Petroleum and Mining, Hon Stephen Dhieu Dau said the government of Khartoum stole South Sudan oil and blocked ships loaded with the young nation’s oil from reaching the international market despite the offer of assistance worth billions of dollars from government of South Sudan.

“We even left to them some of our money from oil going from Abyei but the government in Khartoum still doesn’t have the feelings of humanity despite their membership in United Nations Human Rights”, said Dr Marial.

Khartoum recently admitted that they confiscated South Sudan’s oil but justified it by saying that they are taking it because of the unpaid transit fees. Dr Marial condemned the statement saying it is a lie Khartoum is trying to fabricate to win public opinion.

He explained that the government of South Sudan has been paying the fees and that it is only that the two parties did not agree on the transit fees. Khartoum in the past, and up to now, insists to obtain from South Sudan 36 dollars per barrel as transit fees but the government in Juba has not accepted the charges. He said the fees demanded by Khartoum are exorbitant and beyond the international standards.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 19 January 2012 – The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today announced the appointment of Mr. Raisedon Zenenga, a Zimbabwean, as the Deputy Special Representative (political) in the United Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Ms Johnson (right) introduces Mr Zenenga (left).
[Photo: Matata Safi]

This was revealed to the media today by Ms Hilde Johnson at the UNMISS headquarters in Juba. Ms Johnson said Mr. Zenenga has experience of over 28 years in the United Nations, government and diplomatic positions and will be in charge of the political pillar of the mission. She also said his experience in managing peacekeeping operations in conflict and post-conflict areas constitutes a timely reinforcement and a significant asset to the mission’s leadership capacity.

Click here to see the press release for more details.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 19 January 2012 (NASS) – The government of the United Kingdom is committed to support the declared humanitarian disaster area of South Sudan, the ambassador of the United Kingdom to South Sudan, Dr Alastair Mcphail said yesterday after meeting the minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Dr Mcphail disclosed that Her Majesty’s government will continue to take a keen interest in what is happening in Jonglei and find a solution to it. He explained that they were in Jonglei last November and will be leaving soon to get facts on the ground so that whatever interventions they make can be of support to the affected communities there.

Dr Marial meeting Dr Mcphail.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

During the meeting, Dr Marial appealed to both UK and the regional government of Ethiopia to help assist the government of South Sudan to monitor those from Jonglei who are arming themselves in Ethiopia.

He also informed the UK ambassador that the government of Sudan in Khartoum is still confiscating the oil of South Sudan by force.

Mr Parvin and delegation meets Dr Marial.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

In a separate development, the general distributor of Mercedes Benz, Chrysler and Jeep in Zimbabwe, Chris Parvin is seeking to help South Sudan to become a better nation.

Chris Parvin whom Dr Marial described as a strong supporter of the SPLM/A during the struggle, said after the meeting the minister that his company has some projects and ideas to help South Sudan progress.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 19 January 2012 – South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA), yesterday in its sitting 46/2012 held at main hall received the report of its delegation to the session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations (ACP) which was presented by Hon. Atem Garang D Dekuek.

The SSNLA delegation attended the 26th Session of the African Caribbean and Pacific group of nations. The session was joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) between the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations and European Union (ACP- EU) which took place from 17th to 23rd November, 2011 supported by AWEPA South Sudan. The aim of the visit was to familiarize and find out the processes and procedures on how to acquire the membership and signing the Cotonou Agreement. The European Development Fund (EDF) is the key player whcih provided assistance to ACP.

The Cotonou agreement comprises:

1. Development of Cooperation;
2. Economic and Trade cooperation; and
3. The Political dimension.

The objectives of the Cotonou agreement are to promote and expedite the economic, cultural and social development of the ACP members; equality of the partnership and ownership of the development; pivotal role of dialogue and the fulfillment, differentiation and regionalization; cooperation arrangements and priorities.

Hon. Atem explained the role of JPA is to promote democratic process through dialogue and consultation, facilitate greater understanding between the people of the European Union EU and ACP member states and raise awareness of development issues; discuss issues pertaining to development and EU and ACP partnership and adopt resolutions, and making recommendations.

After long deliberations and discussions, the report was passed and adopted. The sitting was chaired by the Acting Speaker Hon. Kom Kom Geng and was attended by 162 members.

The delegation comprised of:

1. Hon. Atem Garang D Dekuek - head of delegation
2. Hon. Stephen Ajango Akol - member
3. Hon. Anne Lino Abyei - member
4. Hon. Caesar Bayeh Loyalala - member
5. Mr. Emidio Marcello Dere - supporting staff
6. Mr. Andrew Vuga Jackson - supporting staff

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 18 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E General Salva Kiir Mayardit today received a full report on the alleged human rights abuse which took place at the Dr. John Garang Unified Police Training Center in Rajaf West, Central Equastoria state.

H.E Kiir receives report on Rajaf human rights abuse.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

The report was presented to the President today by the investigation committee on human rights abuse at the Rajaf Police Training Center, headed by Justice Stephen Simon Beningwa.

Shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee Justice Stephen Simon Beningwa said in a press statement that the committee was formed last year by the Presidential Decree Number 14/2011 to investigate the alleged human rights abuse at the Dr. John Garang Unified Police Training Center.

The committee presents the report to the President.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

He explained that after swearing in before the President, the committee visited the center and took statements from seven victims, thirteen witnesses, three doctors of the clinic in the center, and some representatives of the UN agencies working at the center.

Justice Beningwa asserted that the investigation committee completed its task last December and submitted its final report which contains findings and recommendations to the President of the Report H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the report.

Justice Stephen Simon giving a statement to the press.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 18 January 2012 – A delegation from the national Ministry of Health yesterday concluded a one-day visit to Jonglei State to assess the health situation in the state following the recent cattle rustling clashes between the Murle and the Lou-Nuer tribes.

Reports on the ground indicate that malaria infections and anaemia are high, among other infections, of which women and children are the most affected.

The minister for Health in the government of the Republic of South Sudan Hon. Dr. Michael Milly Hussein has promised to rescue the situation and also called on the County Commissioner of Pibor Joshua Kony to demarcate the area for Nyachigak Nyachiluk Memorial Hospital whose foundation stone was laid by H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit the President of the Republic of South Sudan in 2010.

Dr. Hussein called on the two communities of Murle and Lou-Nuer to desist from hostility and exercise peace among them. He added that development cannot take place in the absence of peace. He reiterated the commitment of the government of the Republic of South Sudan in finding a lasting solution to the tribal conflict in Jonglei and maintaining peace in the rest of the country.

Meanwhile Mr. Kony applauded World Food Programme (WFP) for the food supplies it has been giving to the displaced people of Pibor and called on the other humanitarians organizations to extend similar assistance.

The delegation visited among others, the proposed site for Nyachigak Nyachiluk Memorial Hospital and the Pibor healthcare unit. The delegation was headed by Dr. Hussein and comprised of officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the ministry.

Reported by Francis Oliver and Matata Safi

JUBA, 18 January 2012 – Please, click here to download the press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on allegations made by Sudan that South Sudan promised to expel Darfur rebel group (JEM) from its territory.

JUBA, 18 January 2012 – Roads and Bridges minister, Hon Gier Chuang Aluong has promised the people of South Sudan to have a full and high quality road network throughout the country within ten years.

Hon Aluong made this promise yesterday when he addressed journalists at the weekly media forum hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The minister said that it is evident that South Sudan’s infrastructure was devastated by the many years of liberation struggle and will need a lot of resources and work to develop. However, he asserted that the government is prepared to build high quality and sustainable roads across the country.

Hon Aluong underscored the importance of a good road network by comparing it to the body veins through which supply blood to all the body. He emphasized that the government will develop a similar network reaching every state, county and payam. Though he emphasized that no part of the country will be ignored, he pointed out that the projects will be implemented in a phased manner.

Hon Aluong stressing a point using the South Sudan map.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

The minister underscored the importance of roads. “Roads facilitate unity, security, education, health and agriculture”, he stressed. He said the security problems that have been witnessed recently in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity sate can be attributed to several factors but he emphasized that the absence of roads network is a factor above others. He assured that his ministry will be constructing security roads in Jonglei and other states to help the security forces to respond quickly enough in times of emergency.

He also said the country is also engaged in linking the new country to East Africa, the Horn of Africa and beyond by building roads to facilitate trade. He said currently it is through Kenya and Uganda that most of the services in terms of commodities gets to South Sudan. He explained that if the road from South Sudan to Kenya through Lokichoggio is built it would cut about 400kms of the route goods and services to South Sudan take through Kenya-Uganda-South Sudan road. He added that this would as well reduce the cost of transportation that reflects on the prices charged in South Sudan markets.

Hon Aluong however said road construction is a huge investment with a lot of challenges. He said the people of South Sudan need to be informed of what the government is doing and the challenges it is facing. “Our people have high expectations; in fact our people wanted roads yesterday not even tomorrow”, he said.

Hon Aluong was hosted by the minister for Information and Broadcasting who is also the official government spokesperson, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 17 January 2012 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of two seed processing plants/units and three mobile seed cleaning units. Please, visit the “Tenders” page for further details on this and other IFBs.

JUBA, 16 January 2012 (NASS) – The government of the Republic of South Sudan is very confident of bringing peace between communities in Jonglei State, the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin said today during an exclusive interview with Global Post, Bloomberg news.

He stated that the problem between Lou-Nuer and Murle communities in Jonglei State can be managed adequately because it is on cattle rustling and cannot be compared to what happened in Rwanda some years back.

He also accused Khartoum of engineering the conflict that has resulted in killing of innocent people in both communities of Jonglei State.

“The guns in the hands of Lou-Nuer and Murle which is up to now causing problems in Jonglei state were supplied by Khartoum to Lou-Nuer through the late Athor in order to destabilize situations in South Sudan”, he said. He also revealed that government has already taken steps to peace in the region.

“Among the most important things the government is doing to stabilize the situation include deployment of police forces, formation of investigative committee to trace the root cause of the problem, disarmament of the communities, engagement of both Murle and Lou Nuer youth in conferences, creation of buffer zones for police to monitor the violent movements of the communities and providing local chiefs with police to help them solve disputes”, Dr Marial said.

He further explained that the government is fully engaged in service delivery and is building roads so that mobility of government forces in the territory is easier. He added that once the resources in Jonglei are developed it can be part of solution to the problems noting that Jonglei is rich in oil, wildlife, agricultural land and hydro power of 5000 MW.

Dr. Marial as well said the problem will effectively be solved if oil companies came in to invest in Jonglei state. He disclosed that the government is planning to build oil refineries in the three states of Upper Nile, Unity and Central Equatoria to facilitate refinery processes while waiting for Toyota and Shell Oil Company to construct pipeline to make the transportations of oil companies to the international markets possible.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 16 January 2012 – The Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Hon. Pagan Amum has announced that after the historic signing of contracts between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the foreign companies operating on the oil fields in the Republic of South Sudan on Friday last week, the government of Sudan has no more legal, economic or commercial basis to charge the Republic of South Sudan for transportation and processing fee except for transit fee.

The government of the Republic of South Sudan on Friday signed a number of contracts with the various companies that are engaged on the exploration of oil in the production of blocks of 1, 2 and 4; block 5, 8; and block 3, 7. Among the documents signed included Transition Agreement; Agreement on training between China National Petroleum Corporation and South Sudan’s national Ministry of Petroleum and Mining; Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Republic of South Sudan and the government of the People’s Republic of China concerning a medical team to work in South Sudan; and Memorandum of Understanding for economic and financial cooperation among others.

Hon. Amum while addressing the press yesterday at the SPLM Secretariat headquarters said the contracts meant that the control of government of Sudan on the oil industry in South Sudan has legally come to an end.

He said the companies now have legal obligations and responsibilities to the government of South Sudan that is representing the interest of the people of South Sudan. He added that the government of the Republic of South Sudan is the sole authority that grants permission to oil companies to operate in South Sudan.

Hon Amum addressing the press yesterday.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

“Now we have a bigger ground to tell Khartoum and the mediators that our oil is separate and we have nothing between the two of us on oil”, said Hon. Amum. He also said that an investigation on the alleged stealing of South Sudan oil is already in place by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, adding that the outcome of the investigation would be one of the issued of discussion in the next round of talks in Addis Ababa.

Hon. Amum while reacting to Khartoum’s recent allegations that the landlocked Republic of South Sudan that depends on its oil infrastructures was not paying its dues leading to Khartoum detaining loaded ships with South Sudan oil from leaving, and also blocking ships from loading. He said the oil companies have cleared South Sudan from the allegations levelled by Khartoum against the country. He said the companies have made it clear that South Sudan has been paying processing fee, transportation fee and that the government of Sudan has no rights to charge the government of South Sudan for processing and transportation fee. He further explained that all these charges are clearly stipulated on the contracts of crude oil transportation agreement and processing agreements respectively.

Hon. Amum echoed the significance of the contracts signed saying they are part of the greatest strategy of the government of the Republic of South Sudan that is aimed at developing natural resources in the country within a framework of transparency and to ensure that the development of the natural resources are aimed at maximising the benefits to the citizens of the Republic of South Sudan.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 16 January 2012 - The Republic of South Sudan which attained independence from the Republic of Sudan in July last year consequently unveiling its own currency, may yet register another international recognition after its SSP 100 banknote was nominated for the prestigious award of International Bank Note Society (IBNS).

On the official website of the organisation www.theibns.org, the IBNS looks at banknotes quality in terms of design features that take advantage of the modern security features, good use of colour, contrast and general balance, artistic merit. And also considering a banknote that has been issued to the public for the first time in the year of nomination has seen South Sudan’s 100 Pound note competing along side Costa Rica’s 1000 Colones note, Peru’s 200 Sole note, Bhutan’s Ngutrum, Seychelles’ 500 Rupee note’ Kazahstan’s 10,000 Tenge note, Canada’s 100 Dollar note and the Bank of England’s 50 Pound note.

Nominations for the 2011 award closed on the 31th January this year and the announcement of the winning bank note after evaluation of each of the nominated notes by the IBNS members is due in April this year.

Available information on the IBNS website indicates that 2010’s award was taken by Uganda’s 50,000 shillings note, Bermuda’s 2 Dollar note for 2009 and Samoa’s 20 Tala note, among others.

The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) whicht started as a small group of enthusiastic banknote collectors that recognized the need to separate collecting banknotes from other numismatic interests and to forge an understanding of a largely unrecognized or overlooked collectables has grown over the years to a more than 2000 collectors, researchers in various countries over the globe.

Read more on this article by logging onto the website www.theibns.org.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 13 January 2012 – A high level Chinese delegation comprising of top officials from the Communist Party of China (CPC), Chinese government and Chinese businessmen led by H.E Li Yuanchoa, a senior member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China arrived in Juba today in the morning.

The visit that is aimed at boosting bilateral ties between the two countries is expected to see H.E Li holding meetings with the President of the Republic of South Sudan H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit and later lead the delegation for bilateral discussions with a team of senior officials of the SPLM and national government headed by the Secretary General of the SPLM Cde. Pagan Amum.

H.E Li being received at the Juba International Airport by top SPLM and government officers.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

In a press release issued by the SPLM, a number of documents on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation will be signed. Among these are Transition Agreement; Agreement on training between China National Petroleum Corporation and South Sudan’s national Ministry of Petroleum and Mining; Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Republic of South Sudan and the government of the People’s Republic of China concerning a medical team to work in South Sudan; Memorandum of Understanding for economic and financial cooperation between the government of the Republic of South Sudan represented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and the Export-Bank of China; Handover of Certificate of the Borehole Drilling Project aided by the Chinese government to South Sudan; and exchange of letters between the Chinese vice minister for Commerce Mr. Chen Jian and his counterpart, the deputy minister for International Cooperation.

H.E Li who from the airport headed to Dr. John Garang Mausoleum to pay tribute was expected later in the day to also visit a Chinese government donated school called Friendship Secondary School in Juba located on Gudele Road after HASS Petrol Station.

H.E Li lays a wreath on the grave of Dr. Garang.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

China is among the first countries in the world to recognize South Sudan’s independence. Several Chinese firms are already investing in the Republic of South Sudan especially in the oil industry and construction sector. H.E Li is one of the most senior Chinese officials to visit South Sudan since the region gained its independence on 9th July 2011.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 13 January 2012 – The national deputy minister for Health Dr Yatta Lori Lugor has commended the efforts of the healthcare providers and professionals in Warrap state to uplift the health standards in the state.

The deputy minister made this commendation during a visit to the Warrap State Hospital in Kuajok early this week where he held meetings with the state’s senior ministry staff, hospital authorities and general staff in the hospital premises.

He said that in his judgment, the facility has attained high standards and should be a full hospital. However, he acknowledged that it still faces several challenges such as lack of sufficient and qualified staff as well as drugs. He expressed confidence that these challenges will be addressed in due course to enable the hospital to function optimally and benefit the people.

The hospital under construction in Kuajok.

Dr Lugor also thanked the communities in Warrap for donating the land for the construction of a referral hospital in the state. He said this spirit has demonstrated that the people of Warrap support the efforts of the government to improve the health of the people of the state and the country at large. He urged all other communities to emulate this progressive gesture. He announced that the health facility will have 200 beds on the completion of the first phase and said that it will be expanded gradually.

The deputy minister was accompanied by the acting state minister for Health, Hon Deng Maring Deng and the DG of the state Ministry of Health Dr Aguek Deng Aler who led him in inspecting the hospital wards and facilities such as the theatre and laboratories, among others. On his part, Dr Aler appealed for more support to the hospital to enable it to bridge the gaps so as to provide quality services to the people.

Earlier in the week, Dr Lugor visited and inspected the Wau Teaching Hospital in Western Bahr el Ghazal state. He was hosted by the state minister for Health Hon Dr Isaac Cleto Hussein and the hospital’s DG Dr James Okello Morgan. He commended the staff for doing their best in spite of the challenges and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

Dr Lugor at the Wau Teaching Hospital.

Dr Lugor also urged the state authorities to step up environmental management efforts and establish waste management systems in an effort to prevent infectious diseases such as cholera and meningitis. He also emphasized that time has now come for all the people to engage in national development and urged the people to stop harmful practices such as cattle rustling. He cited the case of Jonglei state where many families have been affected by conflicts and urged the people to advocate and keep peace.

Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex

ABU DHABI – UAE, 12 January 2012 – As part of the ongoing efforts to mobilize foreign investment to the country, the newly founded and underdeveloped Republic of South Sudan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the leading Abu Dhabi Investment Company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in order to invest in various sectors in South Sudan.

The Company has expressed its willingness and readiness to invest in South Sudan and also help to mobilize other partners from Europe, America and Asia to invest in the country. The Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, Hon. Dr. Riek Machar, signed the MoU with the Company’s CEO, Nazem Fawwaz Al Kudsi yesterday in Abu Dhabi city.

Areas of cooperation and investment by the company include railways, roads and bridges, housing estate, aviation, shipping, energy and utilities, oil and gas services, financing and securitization, telecommunications, ICT services, minerals and mining, banking, sports facilities, among others.

South Sudan VP, Dr. Riek Machar (left), signs MoU with CEO of Invest AD, Nazem Fawwaz (center) in Abu Dhabi, January 11, 2012.

Relevant respective ministries in South Sudan will work out the details of the priority areas or projects with the company. The governor of Unity state, Taban Deng Gai, also signed a MoU with the same company, at the same occasion, on infrastructures projects in his state.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Company, also known as ‘Investment AD’, was founded in 1977 by decree of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates. It was originally to invest on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government. In 2007 the company was given a new mandate, to attract and manage third-party funds, in addition to the investment of government assets.

Owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Invest AD is closely aligned with the long-term diversification and growth objectives of the Abu Dhabi authorities as expressed in the government’s long-term strategy, the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, with special focus on Africa and the Middle East.

Dr. Machar also met with a number of other potential investors who similarly expressed their interest to invest in the region. He told the investors that his country is managing high expectations of the people after the region gained independence from the Sudan in July 2011, adding that South Sudan seeks to mobilize up to 500 billion worth of investment in the next five years.

Reported by James Gatdet Dak, the Vice President’s Press Secretary

JUBA, 12 January 2012 – The South Sudan Legislative Assembly in its Sitting No. 45/2012 held at the SSNLA Main Hall yesterday Wednesday 11th January 2012 received a presentation of the Public Accounts Committee Report on the Audit Reports of the Fiscal Years 2005/2006 by Hon. Kom Kom Geng, the chairperson of the committee.

The report is the result of two reports of financial reports of 2005/2006 in accordance with regulation 133 (7) of the adopted Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly Conduct of Business Regulations, 2011. The two reports on public expenditure and revenue collection by the former Government of South Sudan (GOSS) cover oil revenue, non oil revenue, pay roll expenditure, operation expenditure, capital expenditure, and bank and cash accounts. The reports cover operations of the three arms of the Government of Southern Sudan which are the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

The report blamed the Government of National Unity (GoNU) for lack of information on oil revenue. The report indicated that US $ 80,600,000 and 78,800,000 were accounted for by GoNU. Non oil revenues were remittances to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP).

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 12 January 2012 (NASS) – The national Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Republic of South Sudan has reviewed its policy for better performance in the year 2012.

In its first meeting of the year 2012 held yesterday at the headquarters, the ministry promises to change the previous policies guiding its units.

The meeting resolved to change recruiting policies of the various units of the ministry, more especially on television that requires high level of professionalism. It further decided to enhance the training system and extend to the states so that reporting from there is more effective.

In his comments during the meeting, the Director of South Sudan Television, Mr. Francis Duku said the work of television will never be effective if the budget for TV is not increased because most things particularly programs need huge sums of money.

Hon Marial (centre) chairs the meeting.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

But, the minister for Information and Broadcasting Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin disclosed that Japan assistance on the media is on the way.

“At some point in my trip to Japan for the peace building and reconstruction symposium, the Director of Television in the Republic of Japan had promised to equip South Sudan television studios and the news agency of South Sudan”, said Hon. Marial.

He pointed out that the government of Japan has already carried out assessment on the situation of the SSTV and Radio and said that what remains is only the support which is highly expected.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 11 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has today on Wednesday January 11th, 2012 in his office at the State House received a sample of the official printed forms for declaration of assets.

According to the minister in the Office of the President, Hon Emmanuel LoWilla, the form for the declaration of income, assets and liability is in compliance with the Presidential Order No 30/2011 for the declaration of assets. He explained that the forms will be sent to all the ministers, governors, National Legislative Assembly, the Council of the States, The Judiciary, state ministers, undersecretaries, directors general.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 11 January 2012 – The Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Sudan, Justice Ruben Madol Arol who was appointed recently through a Presidential Decree and approved by the National Legislative Assembly was sworn in today on Wednesday January 11th, 2012, before the President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, in a special swearing in ceremony conducted at the State House conference hall by the Chief Justice Chan Rec.

After the swearing in ceremony President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit congratulated Justice Arol for the new assignment given to him and urged him to fully cooperate with the Chief Justice and double efforts in improving the Judiciary of the new nation and make it efficient in delivering quality services to the people of South Sudan. President Kiir also congratulated Justice Arol for winning the confidence of the National Legislative Assembly.

On his part the newly appointed Deputy Chief Justice said that as he had taken the oath before the President, he will join hands with the Chief Justice and make sure that there is no ill will in the Judiciary of the Republic of South Sudan.

In another news development, the Republic of South Sudan Auditor General Ambassador Stephen Kiliona Wondu, who was appointed through a Presidential Decree and approved by the National Legislative Assembly also took oath of office today before the President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

President Kiir encouraged Ambassador Wondu to be strong in the new task given to him, which he described as a tough assignment, and directed him to fear no one’s threat, expose any corruption case and work for the interest of the accountable, transparent and credible nation. President Kiir also emphasized that more auditors will be recruited to Audit Chamber so that all the states and all levels of the government are audited properly. The President also assured that all the assistance and protection for the chamber will be provided by his office.

The Deputy Chairperson for Employee Justice Mrs. Sylvia Michael Lugor, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Local Government Board Mr. Anthony Ariki Lowly were also sworn in today before the President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Similalrly, the Head of Legal Administration in the Office of the President Molana Majok Mading Majok, and his deputy Mrs. Ajonye Perpetua Paya and the Legal Registrar Mr. Athian Akec Ong’a also took the oath of office before the President of the Republic. The Legal Administration is established under the Office of the Legal Advisor to the President.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 11 January 2012 – The South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA) in its sitting No. 44/2012 held at the SSNLA Main Hall today in Juba presented the nomination of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons for the approval of the August House. The nominations are as below:

Right Hon Igga (centre) chairing the sitting today.
[Photo: Marchelo Leopoldo Oder]

Right Hon. Gen. James Wani Igga, the speaker of the SSNLA chaired the sitting.  Hon. Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, the minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Justice attended it.

The presentation of the Public Accounts Committee report on the Audit Financial Year 2005/2006 by Hon. Kom Kom Geng, the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee was adjourned to allow the minister for Finance and Economic Planning and the Auditor General to attend the sitting.

Today’s quorum was 191. Before the sitting, the Right Hon. Speaker Gen James Wani Igga signed the new Conduct of Business Regulations, 2012 which was operationalized from yesterday.

Reported by Clement Aturjong Kuot

JUBA, 10 January 2012 – The minister for Petroleum and Mining in the government of the Republic of South Sudan Hon. Stephen Dhieu Dau has accused the Khartoum government of taking the country’s crude oil despite their refusal to take an assistance of about 2.6 million United States Dollars to help them recover from their economic shock that came about when the Republic of South Sudan’s broke away in July last year.

The minister, while speaking to the press today at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting headquarters in Juba, accused Khartoum of ordering all the foreign companies working on the oil to divert all South Sudan crude oil of December 2011 from Nile Blend to the Khartoum and El Obeid refineries.

Hon. Dau also said Khartoum also ordered 550,000 barrels of crude oil from South Sudan’s Dar Blend oil entitlements for December to be delivered to a Sudanese buyer. He further said Khartoum started the construction of a new pipeline between Petrodar pipeline and the Khartoum refinery to permanently divert 13 percent of Dar Blend to their refineries.

The petroleum minister in his statement also said Khartoum is preventing the shipment of South Sudan’s oil by detaining loaded ships that are ready to leave and also stopping ships due for loading South Sudan’s oil. He reported that two ships that were loaded with 1.6 million barrel of Dar Blend oil from South Sudan were prevented from leaving to the international waters by the authorities in Khartoum and other 0.6 million barrels of oil also prevented from leaving.

The minister also rubbished claims by Khartoum that South Sudan has not been paying money for transit fee. A letter by the foreign companies that was presented to the journalists by the minister of which a copy was said to have been sent to the Sudan Ministry of Petroleum and Mining indicates that the Republic of South Sudan has been paying its dues.

Hon Dhieu (left) addressing the press in the company of Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin (right) the minister for Information and Broadcasting.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

The minister also warned any foreign company that is illegally buying oil from South Sudan that the government of the Republic of South Sudan would consider taking legal action against perpetrator of this act. He explained that such a person or company stands lose.

Meanwhile the Undersecretary from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining Mr. Macar Aciek Ader said the decision taken by Khartoum to block the shipment of South Sudan’s crude oil will have grave economic implications on South Sudan. “Price is a function of time. If we were to load our 1.6 million barrels of Nile Blend in December, which would have brought us the price of about 118 US dollars per barrel and multiply that with the 1.6 barrels, that will give you what we have lost due to the blockade”, he explained. He added the blockage also affected buyers of South Sudan oil as they have commitments to their refineries overseas.

The minister for Information and Broadcasting who is also the official spokesperson of the government of the Republic of South Sudan, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, condemned the acts of Khartoum of taking and blocking oil from the Republic of South Sudan to the international markets. He said what Khartoum has done is a total violation of sovereignty of the Republic of South Sudan. We are two different and sovereign states; each state has sovereignty over its resources”, stressed Dr Marial. He further stressed that it has never happened in the world where another country can go and interfere with the resources of another country.

For more information on this story, click here for the press statement.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 9 January 2012 – South Sudanese across the Republic of South Sudan today are marking the seventh anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), an agreement signed in 2005 that ended Africa’s longest civil war between the former rebel group of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SLPM/A) and the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) of Khartoum in the Kenyan town of Naivasha. It’s estimated that about 2.5 million people died during the civil war with thousands forced to refugee camps across the globe.

The struggle that was headed by the founding leader late Dr. John Garang de Mabior who died in a plane crash on his way back to South Sudan from an official visit to Uganda barely five months after the signing of the CPA is one that is cherished by all South Sudanese from all walks of life as it bought to them peace that they had been fighting for even before the independence of the Sudan in 1956.

President Kiir votes in the landmark referendum last year.
[FILE]

South Sudan seceded from the rest of the Sudan in July last year after voting overwhelmingly for separation in a referendum exercise which was promised in the 2005 peace agreement. The people of Southern Sudan were given two options either to vote for unity of the Sudan or to have Africa’s largest country split into two.

The seven month old country that was completely devastated by the long civil war has seen tremendous change in development from the time the SPLM/A inherited it from the National Congress Party (NCP) with the guided leadership of H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit the President of the Republic of South Sudan. Roads, hospitals, schools, security and basic service delivery rate high on the score sheet of achievements of the new government.

South Sudanese celebrating independence.
[FILE]

The day that has only been declared a public holiday with very little activities across the country is perhaps seen as a day for families to rejoice together in their homes and to reflect what the achievement means for the future of the country.

From the streets of Juba goss.org spoke to many South Sudanese and what most of them said was not far from what one by the names Akoon Malual said: “We have been celebrating the 9th of January every year until the end of the interim period, much as the day will always remind us of the end of the struggle and the beginning of peace, what is even most important for us now is the 9th of July which was the declaration of independence to the Republic of South Sudan.”

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 8 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit commended Western Equatoria state government for maintaining peace and stability among its communities and urged the state authorities to continue with this spirit and not to allow anyone to insert seeds of hatred and division among the people of the state.

H.E Kiir meets Hon Bakasoro.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

This was disclosed to the press by the Governor of WES Hon. Joseph Bangazi Bakasoro after his meeting on Friday with the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit. Hon Governor of WES added that President Kiir urged WES authorities to spread the message of peace and stability to other states facing tribal conflicts.

Hon. Bakasoro giving statement to press.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Hon. Bakasoro also told the press that during the meeting he briefed H.E Kiir on the achievements and challenges of the state in the last year of 2011. He went on saying that education, health and agriculture are the top priorities of WES government for economic and human resources development in the year 2012. He also said he briefed H.E Kiir on the upcoming Tombura conference scheduled for January 18th, 2012 to discuss greater Tombura community issues concluding that his government and the WES people are committed to implement all the policies and directives of President Kiir’s leadership.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 8 January 2012 – The national council of ministers in its regular meeting held on Friday January 6th, 2012, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit passed the National Election Bill for the year 2012 with some amendments, and that was after being presented by the minister for Justice Hon John Luk Jok.

According to the minister for Information and Broadcasting, who is also the official spokesman of the government Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Bill is now ready to be sent to the National Legislative Assembly for the final approval.

The council of ministers meeting.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Dr. Marial said the council also discussed a memo presented by the minister for Petroleum and Mining Hon Stephen Dhieu on the issues of transporting South Sudan crude oil. He said the Government of Sudan has stopped two ships loaded with the South Sudan crude oil from going out to the marketing places, adding that the Government of Sudan also in a very hostile manner prevented two ships from coming to Port Sudan to load the South Sudan crude oil for the international markets. The council discussed the issues and explored many options that will be disclosed soon. Dr. Marial described the action as a plan of the Khartoum government to continue stealing the oil of South Sudan.

Dr. Marial talking to the press.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Dr. Marial announced that the Government of South Sudan has been paying both the transportation and the processing fees to the Republic of Sudan since the 9th July 2011 and all the oil companies in South Sudan are witnesses for that and the companies have presented detailed documents on that to the Government of South Sudan and the Government of Sudan in Khartoum. And the documents prove all the fees paid by the Government of South Sudan.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 6 January 2012 – The dream of the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning to construct low cost housing units for civil servants of the government of the Republic of South Sudan has come true as work on a pilot project is already going on at the site.

The site that is about nine kilometres on Juba-Yei road with the view of Mt. Jebel Kujur on the East is expected to have fifty (50) housing units each on a separate plot. A Chinese construction company called Zhonghoa Overseas Construction and Engineering is the one contracted to build the estate.

An artist's impression of the estate.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

In an exclusive interview with goss.org in his office today, the Director of Housing in the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning Mr. Abuni Ereyi Bassa said thirty of the fifty units will be villas of four bedroom each while the remaining twenty will be constructed as bungalows consisting of three and two bedrooms each.

Mr. Bassa explained that the idea of building low cost housing for civil servants came up in 2007 but regretted that due to cost involved in undertaking such a big project, the idea kept dragging on until last late year when the minister for Housing and Physical Planning Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba took up the initiative to start the project even with only fifty units.

Mr Bassa during the interview.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

The Housing Director said initially the plan was to build up to about 2,000 housing units with Ethiopia showing interest in the construction work.

Mr. Bassa observed that with the work already started and hopefully finishing the pilot project successfully, many people will be more than ready to be accommodated in these low cost government buildings. “We really want to make these units affordable to everybody. You can see here we are putting units of different standards; it is either a bungalow or a villa of two rooms, three rooms, mention it”, he explained.

The work is expected to be finished by September this year. Mr Bassa called for support from all stakeholders and particularly the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to support the efforts of the Ministry of Housing so as to reach its target of 2,000 housing units.

Ongoing work at the construction site.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

He reported that the ministry plans to roll the project to all the ten states of the Republic of South Sudan. He said the ministry in the states intends to build state administration offices and accommodation for state government employees.

As to how much it will cost a government employee to have the comfort of the estate, Mr. Bassa explained that the price will be determined by the cost of construction of the different types of the units and upon acceptance of one’s application but he maintained that they (units) will be affordable.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 5 January 2012 – The national council of ministers held an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday 4th Jan. 2012 under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit to discuss two serious agendas: the insecurity situation in Jonglei state and issues of exporting Oil of South Sudan.

According to the minister for Information and Broadcasting who is the official spokesman of the government Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the council resolved to declare Jonglei state as a disaster area in terms of humanitarian affairs. He further said the council asked all the international relief agencies including the UN agencies to take an urgent humanitarian assistance to the Lou Nuer, the Murle and other affected areas in the state.

The Council of Ministers meeting yesterday.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

Dr. Marial also said the council resolved to deploy more forces in the state to guarantee full security in the area and a concurrent disarmament to be carried out in all parts of the state. He further reported that the council resolved to establish a high level committee to bring reconciliation among the two ethnic communities of Lou Nuer and Murle. The council also considered issues of infrastructure in the state.

Dr. Marial also said the council of ministers directed the two ethnic groups to return all the abducted women and children of the both sides and reunite them with their communities. The council has confirmed that the national forces are now in a full control of Pibor.

The spokesman also said the council of ministers discussed some issues facing the oil export from South Sudan and resolved that South Sudan government should build its alternative pipeline and refinery to supply the national needs of the new nation as well as the need of the neighboring countries.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 5 January 2012 (NASS) – The minister for Information and Broadcasting who is also the official spokesman of the government of the Republic of South Sudan has warned the youth of Lou-Nuer to vacate the territories of the Murle today after a meeting with a delegation from the Murle.

He said the Lou-Nuer should vacate the Murle territory so that the government can be able to deliver relief services to the affected Murle people.

He also appealed to the commissioners of both Uror and Pibor counties to cooperate with the government to see that the abducted children as well as the property of both Lou-Nuer and Murle communities are returned.

Dr Marial (centre) posing for a photo with the delegation.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Preliminary reports show that Lou-Nuer had started vacating the Murle territory but Jonglei advisor on security affairs Hon. Jodi confirmed that the Lou-Nuer were still in the Murle territory and there is possibility of attack because the forces sent by the government did not reach.

He also condemned the reports published on the recent incident between Lou-Nuer and Murle saying they are unfair and must be balanced so as not appear as tribal.

In a related development, the new Commissioner of Uror County, Simon Hoth Duol urged the national government to speed up road construction in Jonglei state to enhance security situation in the area.

He further assured that his term in office will put an end to the political support to the conflict in Jonglei state and create peace among the Lou-Nuer and Murle emphasizing that the Lou-Nuer and Murle are brothers and sisters.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 4 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit today in his office met a delegation of pupils from Usratuna Basic School led by Hon. Elizabeth Enoka the chairperson of Parents/Teachers Council-Usratuna Basic School.

H.E Kiir in a general photo with Usratuna pupils.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

During the meeting, the delegation of Usratuna Basic School pupils acknowledged the leadership of H.E Kiir for leading the people of South Sudan to real freedom, and presented him with a gift of good wishes. The delegation briefed the President about the challenges and problems facing one thousand and eighty seven pupils and thirty teachers of Usratuna Basic School, and urged H.E Kiir to intervene and rescue the situation in Usratuna Basic School.

Usratuna pupil presents a gift to H.E Kiir.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

President of the Republic commended the efforts of the South Sudanese teachers in preparing the pupils for a bright future of the new nation. H.E Kiir called on the parents and the guardians to join hands with the teachers and take responsible steps of establishing a suitable atmosphere for the future of South Sudan pupils. President of the Republic donated fifty thousand SSP to Usratuna Basic School and promised to pay a familiarization visit to the school soon.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 4 January 2012 – The President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday officially launched the National Registration Center for the nationality certificate, identity cards and passports of the Republic of South Sudan. H.E Kiir also at the same time launched the issuing of the three national documents in a special ceremony organized by the Ministry of Interior at the main office of nationality, immigration and ID cards in Juba, under the theme: “The New National Identity for the New Nation”.

President Kiir launches the national registration center.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

During the launching ceremony, President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit received a new passport of the new nation as the first South Sudanese citizen to receive the new passport.

In his launching remarks, President of the Republic extended his sincere gratitude to the minister for Interior Hon. Alison Manani Magaya and his team in the ministry for a quality work done in issuing the national documents. He also appreciated the two ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance for joining hands with Ministry of Interior to set up mechanisms for issuing the national documents.

President Kiir addressing the participants at the launching ceremony.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

President of the Republic strongly directed the two ministries of Interior and National Security to identify all the foreigners in the country and investigate those who entered in the country without work and residence permits and take any necessary measures against them. President Kiir warned authorities in the ministry not to issue diplomatic and special passports to the citizens who do not deserve them. H.E Kiir also warned government officials intimidating police officers issuing the passports and giving them bribes for diplomatic and official passports. He ordered the officers to report such cases to the authorities.

President of the Republic appealed to the politicians having hands in the crisis between Lou Nuer and Murle in Jonglei state to stop instigating tribal crisis between the two ethnic groups and work for peace and stability in the area. He reaffirmed that the government will not allow the two ethnic groups to continue killing themselves.

Hon Magaya stresses a point during the ceremony.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

On his part the minister for Interior Hon. Alison Manani Magaya announced to the public that the nationality certificate is the key document to the other official documents through which ID cards and passports can be issued. Hon. Magaya declared that the new national documents of the new nation will be very restricted to make sure that they do not reach non-South Sudanese. He called on the citizens to cooperate with the authorities in the process of issuing the documents adding that the first generation passport of RSS will be slowly withdrawn while the second generation is being issued. Hon. Magaya emphasized that the Ministry of Interior has set up mechanisms for recognizing the presence of foreign nationals in the country and make sure that they have work and residence permits.

The two ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs Hon. Kosti Manibe and Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial who is responsible for diplomatic and special passports expressed readiness for facilitating the issuing of national documents to a deserve citizens.

Mr Koler speaks during the ceremony.
[Photo: Thomas Kenneth]

The Vice President of Muehlbauer a Germany based company which manufactured the new RSS passport Mr. Mattauis Koler said when addressing the ceremony that the Republic of South Sudan passport is a first class electronic passport. He appreciated the Government of South Sudan for supporting the company in preparing the new passport.

Reported by Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 4 January 2012 – The spokesperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) Col. Phillip Aguer yesterday in his address to the media said the general security situation in the country is normal and calm.

Col. Aguer while briefing the media forum at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting headquarters hosted by the government of the Republic of South Sudan spokesperson Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said there are no major events except for the reported movement of Sudan Armed Forces along the border with the Republic of South Sudan.

He said that the SPLA is closely monitoring their movements and maintained that so long as they don’t enter into the territories of the Republic of South Sudan, they will only be monitoring their activities. “We are strictly implementing the policy of the government of the Republic of South Sudan and that is to be on the defensive position”, asserted Col. Aguer.

Col Aguer addressing the media forum.
[Photo: Matata Safi]

He said Jua payam, in Unity state, is now under the control of the SPLA after being invaded by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). He said that in Unity State and Southern Korodofan SAF is still maintaining their presence as opposed to their supposed withdrawal from these locations explaining that SAF are about 6km from SPLA positions in Jua.

Col. Aguer also said Maban, parts of Blue Nile and the borders of Unity state are relatively quiet from the remnants of the late rebel leader George Athor.

On Jonglei communal clashes Col. Aguer said the SPLA is sending more troops alongside police officers. He said these forces were already on the way to Janglei. He said the by yesterday the reports emerging from the affected area of Pibor was that the Lou Nuer youths were already vacating Pibor towards their territories. He said this is a good gesture that the President of the Republic of South Sudan H.E Salva Kiir’s massage to the two communities is being implemented. President Kiir in his New Year message had asked the Lou Nuer to leave Pibor Murle area. The President had also assured that their cattle, children and wives allegedly taken by the Murle would be returned. He also asked the Murle to return the alleged cattle they had taken.

Col. Aguer decried the state of roads that he said have been a major setback for the SPLA in averting such clashes. He called on the government to prioritize the construction of roads so as to provide easy access to save lives in the future. He lauded the support of the UNMISS saying that they are helping with air patrols to see the movement of the communities hence helping SPLA to plan better in stopping the clashes.

Reported by Matata Safi

JUBA, 3 January 2012 (NASS) – The authorities in Juba have dispelled the accusations made by Khartoum that the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) vehicles have entered the Republic of South Sudan.

According to the available reports, Khartoum officials had announced on Radio Omdurman that Juba has been supporting JEM which is the strongest rebel group in Darfur that lost its leader Khalil Ibrahim late December 2011.

The minister for Information and Broadcasting who is also the official spokesperson of the government of the Republic of South Sudan, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin condemned the allegations today during the weekly media forum hosted by the ministry.

Dr Marial refuted the claims made over Radio Omdurman that JEM’s vehicles had entered the Republic of South Sudan and described it as a complete lie. He explained that the government of the young nation doesn’t have any hand on the move by JEM.

“It is very irresponsible for Sudan to be accusing a country like South Sudan which is only six months old over the issue like supporting the JEM”, Dr Marial said. He asserted that there is no presence of JEM forces in the Republic of South Sudan. He explained that in the converse the government is working hard to strengthen its relations with Khartoum.

He stated that the government of South Sudan is committed to the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and that President Salva Kiir Mayardit made this very clear during his first foreign trip to Khartoum after the independence on July the 9th last year.

“We are expecting the President of Sudan to make an official visit to South Sudan after President Kiir’s visit to Khartoum, so how can we also act like enemies”, he wondered.

In a related development, the SPLA spokesman Col. Phillip Aguer accused Khartoum of supporting the conflict between Lou Nuer and Murle group in Jonglei. Col Aguer made this accusation while answering questions from the journalists during the forum.

“The heavy guns at the hands of both Murle and Lou Nuer have been supplied by the government in Khartoum through the late renegade George Athor to destabilize security in South Sudan”, he said.

At the same time Hon Marial appealed to the government in Khartoum to stop sending heavy guns and ammunitions to South Sudan instead of creating good relations. He stated that Khartoum is bound to lose because the weapons they will be sending will be confiscated by the SPLA.

Hon Marial also called on the remnants of Athor loyalists especially his deputy Pastor Paul Awan to come back home and continue with spiritual activities rather finding ways to killing innocent civilians in South Sudan. He pointed out that pastors are well known of giving Holy Communion to congregations in the churches but not taking guns to kill.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)

JUBA, 2 January 2012 – The President of the Republic, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit said the Republic of Sudan has been violating the airspace of the country and carried out military incursions in to the sovereign territories of the Republic of South Sudan at the borders.

In a New Year Message to the people of South Sudan, President Kiir pointed out that the Republic of Sudan is taking the oil of South Sudan without any permission from the authorities, an act he believes amounts to looting in a broad day light.

According to President Kiir, at the negotiations table between the Government of South Sudan and the Sudan, the government of the Republic of South Sudan had made substantial offers that would improve the economic and financial gaps of the Republic of Sudan in the spirit of Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to ensure mutual viability of the two states as a good gesture.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit

He was blunt that the hostile attitude from Khartoum towards the Republic of South Sudan should stop and added that the national government will continue with its diplomatic avenues to address a range of issues between South Sudan and the Sudan.

President Kiir urged the Khartoum government to recognize the futility of its current aggressions and stop the spirit of war. He also appealed to the Republic of the Sudan that South Sudan is not its enemy and that the people are still have much to share in common. President Kiir said the people of the Sudan are always free to come to South Sudan and will always be welcomed by the people and government of the Republic of South Sudan.

Reported by Yousif Michael/SSR and Thomas Kenneth

JUBA, 31 December 2011 – The Vice President of South Sudan, Hon Dr Riek Machar, has called on the defying Lou-Nuer youth to implement the verbal agreement he reached with them on Wednesday last week to withdraw back to the Nuer territory, warning them not to advance towards Pibor county headquarters of Murle community.

Early last week, several thousands of armed Lou-Nuer youth marched to Murle land and captured a strategic payam called Likwangole, which is about 25 kilometers from the county headquarters and announced that they would continue to capture Pibor headquarters and other payams and villages until the Murle community was completely “liberated and disarmed.”

The group claimed that they were carrying out a revenge attack for the killing in August of more than 700 of their members, mostly women and children, by armed youth from the Murle community in a village called Pieri in what officials say was the first major surprise attack one month after the region gained independence on 9th July 2011.

Dr Machar speaking to the youth at Likwangole.

Last Wednesday Dr Machar flew to the isolated affected payam of Likwangole to try to convince the Lou-Nuer youth who captured the town to withdraw and move back to their territory. The youth, who first refused to meet with the Vice President, finally reluctantly agreed to withdraw and gave condition that their wounded be evacuated first before they could withdraw back to Lou-Nuer areas.

However, after their wounded were evacuated on Thursday, on Friday they told the Vice President, who was spending the night with them in the area, that they were withdrawing back but instead diverted the route towards the Pibor county headquarters.

The governor of Jonglei state, Kuol Manyang Juuk, told the BBC on Friday that the youth have come up with a new demand that their abducted women and children be handed over to them by the Murle community before they could stop the attacks.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said they have intercepted about six thousand armed Lou-Nuer youth moving toward Pibor county headquarters on Friday burning villages and taking cattle on the way. Also tens of thousands of civilians have already fled from Pibor town on Friday to the bushes in fear of imminent attack, according to the UN report. UNMISS has already deployed a battalion of its troops in Pibor town to protect the civilians in addition to the SPLA forces on the ground.

Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang, however warned that the deployed UN forces were insufficient and will not be able to contain the situation or stop the matching Lou-Nuer youth from attacking the town.

On Friday, the Vice President, Machar, who is still in the affected Murle area of Likwangole has been trying to stop the youth from further movement into the interior Murle land. On Friday he spoke on Thuraya phone with the leader of the youth, Bor Doang, who assured the Vice President that he would order his group to stop moving toward Pibor town and return back to Lou-Nuer.

It is not yet clear whether or not the youth leader would hold to his words despite the fact that the attack on Pibor town did not occur as feared on Friday.

Reported by the Vice President’s Press Secretary, James Gatdet Dak

JUBA, 2 January 2012 (NASS) – The South Sudanese Diaspora from the United States of America has vowed to put an end to the vicious Jonglei’s conflict. This announced today by a group of South Sudanese Diaspora called ‘ambassadors group for peace’ after a meeting with the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

According to Mr Dhieu Deng Leek who is the leader of the group, the group comprises members from all the tribes in Jonglei state, with the vision of creating peace among the tribes in the state and their neighbors across the country.

Hon Marial (second right) posing with the group after the meeting.
[Photo: Ajang Monychol]

Shortly after the meeting, Mr Dhieu stated that the people in the Diaspora know that the government is working hard to fix the problems shaking Jonglei state but added that the government alone cannot do all these because it is still young and has many challenges to overcome.

Mr Dhieu who recently came from Jonglei state pledged to contribute much in ending the conflict in the state and urged the people in the Diaspora to join hands with the government to realize lasting peace in Jonglei.

Hon. Marial commended the group for the initiative and assured them that they have the full support of the government. He also urged them to extend the same initiative across the Republic of South Sudan.

Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS)