Tuesday, March 06, 2012. Your Opinions and Comments Always Count and Impact Everywhere
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When demolitions are declared, it is not the Bari who decide but the Juba Town Council Demolitions Committee. Yesterday they killed more than 30 people (Bari) as per UNIMISS report but the number is more than that. The Nuers were in uniforms and armed with guns. The security watched as this happened. These armed Nuers are government soldiers. I know after the killing of these innocent civilians the matter will just die naturally. They were only looking for Bari. They killed a woman with a two-month old baby with other four kids. The whole family ceased to exist within one minute. The situation was very bad. I witnessed for myself all these. One thing that beat my understanding was that, how can police be sent to face (SPLA) Army men? I only saw two land cruisers with less than 20 police. These police did not follow the armed men but only remained far away from the scene. What a nasty security in this capital. When gun shots were being heard, the army in Bilfam remained silent ... meaning the action was allowed and well calculated. Thanks, but the lives of those young innocent children killed will not go in vain. God knows better. Wani George lo Igale, RSS No constitutional amendment for Arabic When English was legislated as the official language in our nascent republic, the objective was to transition from an Arabic-based mode of instruction to an English one. Since we just severed ties with an Arab country, no one had any illusion that this transition process was going to be some picnic. The legislators were mindful that feelings were going to be hurt, and lots of chaps were going to be inconvenienced. However, if we’re serious about phasing out Arabic in our higher institutions of learning, we ought not to fancy ourselves by constitutionally forcing it down folks’ throats as you seem to demand. Constitutions are amended to put in place long term policies, but not for short term fixes. The problem we are currently facing in the Republic of South Sudan with the Arabic pattern students doesn’t warrant constitutional amendment. The institutions in which they have enrolled ought to put in place measures that will help their students to succeed as they transition from Arabic to English. For example, they can offer English classes that will help those students whose English proficiency isn’t up to the University level. Those students also ought to stop whining and seek outside help through private English tutoring if they’re willing to succeed. It’s no one’s false that they ended up in the north where Arabic was the predominant language. Destroying school properties or taking it out on other students isn’t the right way to go. Bior Kwer Bior, Jr. The seven-months teething problems in the RSS: 1. Cattle rustling or theft and child abductions 2. Land grabs 3. Corruption 4. Lurking Kokora 5. Recurring rebellions 6. Too much policy of appeasement 7. One-party dominance 8. Lack of rule of law 9. Austerity measures 10. Aerial bombardments 11. Border disputes 12. Oil disputes, etc.... Can South Sudan (RSS) survive in the face of these challenges? Malith Alier, RSS Oyee party members not accountable Yes, the Government of South Sudan and all its resources are for the SPLM's members, Mr Aama Wori, didn't you realize that? If not so, the 13 top corrupt officials would have been revealed and taken to court, on the top is Mr. 50 percent, but because they are Oyee's members they won't be accounted. Look, now Mr. 50 percent has ridiculously opened a court case against The Citizen newspaper of Mr. Nhial Bol Aken, simply because the newspaper had published the documents-facts released by former finance minister, Mr. Athur Kuein Chol, at press conference. Many questions are being asked now by ordinary people of South Sudan as to why and how the SG has sued Nhial B Aken instead of Arthur Akuein who disclosed every thing at Home and Away Hotel? What does the press conference mean to Mr. 50 percent? If something is said in a press conference can we consider it as a secret or open news? What is the work of newspapers then worldwide? Bol Thon, Juba Don't conceal the assets It is one step forward in the right direction to declare assets by the senior staff in the government of South Sudan. The vice President, Machar and others in the fold have done a great thing that should be followed by all in the position of power including the military. The Anti-Corruption Commission should on its side not conceal the assets declared as this would mean another form of corruption. We know that before 2005 many or none of the top officials had assets in the thousands or millions of dollars. The Swiss Bank and other international banks are ready to cooperate to reveal the hidden treasures. This should be done with crystal clear transparency. The ball is now in its court, just do the job regardless of who the person is. All the BIG FISH AND SMALL FISH live in the same water and nobody is above the law, it's the law that governs us all. Justin Chicago Opiny, Canada The issue is the challenges we face Mr. Aama Wori, your complaint is in place by saying that our government is not working for the welfare of the people, thus, automatically the government is bad, no question about it. But the issue is not a matter of the ruling party. The issue is the challenges which are facing in our government. I'm not defending the people who are in the power but the facts must be told, they are doing their best protect the nation. Morthon Akol, RSS For how long before we build hydroelectric power? For how long are we going to pay the engineers for maintenance of the generators as usual and for how long are we going to bring these engineers from China or elsewhere? Am becoming sick because of the poor planning my government is seeking the needs and priorities .I suggest that our govt. has to think with me in erecting hydroelectric power to meet the high demand and rapid development, as electricity is one of the resources that could contribute in the economic development. I suggest that instead of accumulating loans in poor projects we better invest those loans in power stations even if it may take half of our oil revenues. Checky Lukesa, RSS "Newsudan Vision and Dr. Riak Machar are same side of a coin". The reality about the independence of South Sudan could not be fully narrated historically without grouping Dr Riak with the New Sudan vision. This is because the New Sudan vision was a whole assembly of both the independence from marginalization within the very equation that aspired for democratic change. Of course, the only differences between Machar and the Newsudan vision were the modalities and techniques used to attain the very independence he yearned for. In this case he had to use short-cuts which is why he formed South Sudan liberation movement instead of embarking on the long but comprehensive walk to freedom in form of the New Sudan vision. The fact is that as John Garang use to say, that localizing the liberation into only South Sudan liberation would deny us allies and earn us enemies who are not part of the South geographically. To achieve a success, you must be prepared to broaden your scope to settle for the lows when highs could not be achievable. The fact that Machar and Garang share the term liberation of the alienated is enough to prove that both did agree at some point that there was something amiss in the whole Sudan democracy. During the formation of the very SPLM/A liberation Machar was there participating in the formation of New Sudan vision. What Machar disappointedly missed and would take it to his grave is why he allowed the movement struggle to just solely adopt New Sudan vision without challenging it before hand instead of waiting to correct it through bloodshed? Madit Magot, Australia What's hurting our nation Dear Mr. President, I think that you'd put all your focus on this. I believe the problem starts with higher people in the government, if they've respected the law and the country, these soldiers will have very good example by how to carry their duty to protect the country and its citizens. Just because someone is in uniform does not give them the power to abuse the law and his uniform. In addition, people in the uniform play favoritism. If you're my relative or friend and you're doing something illegal or against the law, I'll not report because I want to keep our relationship, that is the only thing that's hurting our nation and country. We're ready to hurt the citizen and the country for the sake of money, but that is a shame on us as south Sudan government and it's higher power. Joyce Ajok Majak Apollo, RSS Help Arabic pattern students in universities The national ministry of higher education and scientific research should consider the status of Arabic pattern students especially the 4th and 5th years students. In fact it is true that the Transitional Constitution of the Republic has made it very clear that the medium of instruction in public Universities should be English Language but in reality it may be difficult if not impossible for these 4th,5th and 6th years students to make their researches in English language. Bol T. Khan, Juba Benefitting the thieves? DEAR ISAIAH, on what ground are you supporting the BIG men, have they given you some part of that money that's why your reckless posting every day and night on this site? Stop fooling yourself, they will all be tried in the court of Law. Let them defend themselves from the Law, every article you post is of benefit to your thieves. Steven, Juba Matters of life and death Dear Editor, allow me a space to express my thanks to Mr. Jacob K Lupai for the article he wrote about the lack of services and health which need our government intervention. Hence, I'm hereby inviting Mr Lupai and other writers like Isaiah Abraham and Dr Okuk to University of Juba and to write about fragile situations which I call as a matter of life and death. Garang Atem, student at Juba University, Atlabara campus. Pres. Kiir should do much for citizens' welfare It has appeared that President Kiir has given the President of Petrodar or Chino-Malaysian oil company 72 hours to leave Juba last week, he'd be aware of where the lack of discipline came from. Was this caused by President Liu Yingcai or the whole company administration? It may happen that the China government appointed a new President and come to Juba, would the President think that the new President of Petrodar will be brilliant and stop the stealing of our crude oil by using Khartoum pipeline? If so, I don't think the petrodar company would have to turned good face to Republic of South Sudan. Kiir would have done it better if he expelled the whole company out of South Sudan and seek for another new oil company not from Malaysian-China company. China is one of the country which contributed to South Sudan bloodshed, supporting SAF till this day, I don't agree that friendship with China. This oil was discovered by America in 1970s in the absence of Chinese, why don't we call USA to do for us in the good face? During the time of the process of stopping production, it discovered that the company of petrodar was producing extra 40,000 barrels of our oil per day which is more than what is known by the Ministry of petroleum that produces only 230,000 barrels per a day. Instead of taking this company to book, we are still talking on their reform. The legitimacy and authority are of key importance in a democratic political system as South Sudan is trying to forge democracy. President should have to collected the views from the ordinary citizen. The term democracy implies the consent of the people governed, so the citizen must consider the government legitimate. Either expulsion or book. Dui Tut, RSS The government of South Sudan by coincidence has got another excuse of oil shut down. Like the referendum and independence, this is another opportunity that will be used again to scapegoat the daylight failure of this government to provide essential services to the citizens of the South Sudan who badly need them. Just when they, the Southern leaders, were cornered after the independence, the jalaba government in Khartoum has unintentionally give them the helping hand by cheating in the oil transaction. What a coincidence! Mathon Raan, USA Accountability for oil crisis Dear Abraham, your article is very fantastic indeed because its touches the most identified part of the problem and others think about shut down of oil production. It is really a national decision and it does need to be changed by those who wants to gain; secondly, stealing of oil did not start this year but has been on going issue but the former minister, Mr. Garang Diing, must be responsible and apologize to the public and resign from present post because of his failure to identify stealing oil by Bashir and his alliance China, and finally Garang Diing must be part of a deal that needs to be investigated. Thanks, Nhomachot Deng, RSS New Sudan Vision gave us independence Cdr Kim Deng, Most of us are aware about the history you narrate. The problem is not the new Sudan vision that is hindering the unification of south Sudanese people but it is sticking of one self to his point of view as the only way of solving that problem. I have been a supporter of people of South Sudan struggle up to the moment and beyond it. What I understand is that you are proving that the separatists vision is right because the reality we got the independence. The point I want to make is that the new Sudan vision point of view is the one that gave us this independence. Ador M Deng, Calgary, Alberta- Canada SPLM Voodoo religion Dear Dr. Okuk, There are people in SPLM who think SPLM is Voodoo Religion which they worship and Pagan Amum is their Pope and next leader of South Sudan in their Voodoo Religion. Yorwin Otor, Rome, Italy Inauguration with blood. Governor Kuol Manyang of Jonglei State has just been inaugurated the other day to the surprise of us all. What have they achieved is a testimony of that unfortunate state. All the efforts there are shrouded failures of the state government's making. The state government should resign instead of head hiding in the sand. Malith Alier, RSS Dealing with northerners in South To writer, Malith Alier, for this article, I'm very much inspired by your words about the way SPLM leaders are taking us in the south, especially by not doing the same to some northerners. This is in particular the Arabs as direct response to how our brothers and sisters are being treated. Given the history as you have written, about the cunning behavior of the Arabs. When they realize they are in weak position; they tend to welcome agreements but just to buy time for a maximum invasion of the enemy if you will like me to call. Well, I just wanted to react to this article that we need a change in our southern government about dual citizenship for northerners when our people are being asked to leave the north. Thanks for the inspirational article, Malith. Charles Nyicks, Canada PAGAN ACHIEVED: Dear, allow me tell my brother, Thon Bol, that Pagan, when he was a minister for the CPA and peace Implementation had made a lot in his ministry especially when the SAF soldiers were disturbing our people in Abyei, he bravely warned the SAF. If at all, I'm campaigning for Oyee party, it is true because I'm a member but what I would want you to learn is how to say thanks for the little good thing a person has done like what Oyee has done, therefore it deserves to have thanks. You need to sell the vision, the mission and the objectives of your party like what Oyee party is doing. Hon. Lopwa Paul Amaliya, RSS We are free at last, anyway Thanks, Kim Deng, for posting some brief background of our movement. Self determination is not bad, but what we regretted is the loss of life and destruction that came with it. But we are free at last. Nhial Yiech, Uganda Pagan never achieves anything If South Sudanese are in position of telling the truth this country of ours (SS) would have not be in such a mess as it is now, especially those who have personal interest in an individual or group apart from the national interest. To the best of my knowledge Dr J Okuk was right because the current negotiations between the RoS and RoSS are executives one and should be negotiated by the persons in the cabinet or presidency respectively not Pagan Amum who is a SG of the Oyee Party. Leave alone that, Pagan failed to achieve everything when he was mandated as a minister of peace and CPA implementation to do the same job, even now he will achieve nothing due to his poor diplomacy. Therefore, Mr. Lopwa Paul should tell the truth. And I would like to know exactly if there is any legitimate reasons that can let Pagan to represent the GoSS and what he had achieve from Hon. Lopwa otherwise I can termed the Hon. as person who is lobbying for the Oyee party's SG but on personal affairs. Bol Thon, RSS No criticism of government? Dear editor, I just wanted to react on the series of the letters on your website written by Dr. James Okuk . first of all who is he? We are bound for criticism but with limit since there is no Supreme human being exception of God the almighty but the case of Dr. James Okuk exceeds. If he were our president what will he do? If he is an opposition member let him oppose in a rightful way rather than attacking our leaders on internet, writing bad articles concerning the Country which can tarnish the Country's image. If he knows where the failure is, why can he personally advise the Government. Emmanuel Siddiq, RSS Editor: What's the difference between you and the National Security who illegally tortured Dr. Okuk last year? Your history is questionable Kim Deng, your article (The “New Sudan” vision and its effects on Southern Sudanese unification) tries to lecture us on the past we are loath to remember. I understand the point you are trying to make. If giving us unadulterated history is your purpose, then I am sorry your opinion spoils it. Why giving your people animal names like Lion Matip, Rhino Nyuon, Tiger Bol Koang, when these people are never known by those names in the history of our struggle? Are you telling us they are brutes? You are an officer in the SPLA but why referring to it as SSAF? Why calling those who killed your colleagues (SPLA) in Duk Padiet 'Mighty Nuer' Warriors? You did not furnish us with explanation as to why the Nasir faction stopped at Gemeiza (which is the borderline between Bor and Equatoria) and told themselves that their mission was accomplished. Does your history tell us how Akuot Atem died? Does your history mention a name of a town captured from Arabs by Nasir faction? Did the leader of Nasir faction, who returned to the SPLA-Torit faction in 2002, take part in the negotiations of the CPA, which were already underway when he returned? Whether your history is to be believed depends on your answers to the questions above. Also the purpose of your article can be judged using those questions. Chol K. Thon, RSS SG has right brains for job SPLM SG BE REMOVED FROM GOSS AFFAIRS: Dear editor, allow me to react to the letter which suggested the SPLM SG to be removed from GOSS affairs written by Dr. James Okuk that Pagan Amum, the SPLM SG has the no capacity to negotiate on the interest of the people of South Sudan. Dr. Okuk should know that Pagan, when he was the minister of peace and CPA Implementation, did a lot and he left but of his work that he was supposed to finish, which is what is taking place now in Addis Ababa. He is to some of us the right person because he has the brains, what for your time. Hon. Lopwa Paul Amalliya, RSS Military solution unacceptable Yes, our nascent country needs all our contributions as South Sudanese, so the rebel (SSLM/A) should come to Juba in order to participate in a positive action which can lead to rapid changes instead of threatening the Govt of SS and asking at the same time the civilians and UN/NGOs to evacuate, for what reason? Therefore the military solution which you are planning to choose as rebels is not acceptable at all, for it can retard our development. However, the GoSS must come up with a spirit of promoting the national objectives that show consensus among the S. Sudanese people, because asking the opposition parties or rebels to agree on (Oyee behavior or New Sudan vision) on negative basis rather than on the issues concerning the SS in particular. This will not take our country, the South Sudan, ahead, believe me. Tiakel Bol Khan, JUBA Remove SPLM SG from GoSS' Affairs and Shut Down Diaspora's Chapters: If the SPLM separates itself from the government of the Republic of South Sudan where will it get money to feed the big bellies of some of its (SPLM) members? It is known like a bright moonlight that the budget on which the SPLM operates comes from South Sudan Government's coffers. That is why the SPLM finds it difficult to wean itself from the guerilla mentality where it used to be a proto-government in liberated areas and not a political party as it should be now. For instance, the SPLM still holds diaspora chapters as if they were the same when it (SPLM) was a liberation movement's proto-government while actually it has transformed itself into a political party governed by law like any other political party in the country. Look at those who pretend and fake themselves to be SPLM party's representatives outside the country when nothing of such kind shouldn't have existed after the SPLM became a legitimate political party. Even the SPLM-DC has caught the cold of SPLM in this diaspora mismatch with the current political realities of what should be party's politics inside South Sudan without extension abroad. What a confused country called South Sudan! Change should be made if it does not come. SPLM's SG Pagan Amum should be weaned from South Sudan Government's affairs so that he could have enough time to take care of the real affairs of his political party. He and other cronies need to understand or made to sense it that a ruling party is not directly and automatically a ruling government. Let Mr. Pagan be appointed in the GoSS as a minister or any other title if he loves and enjoy leading government negotiations legitimately. Otherwise, let him pack his suitcase in Addis Ababa and leave GoSS' affairs as soon as possible. SPLM diaspora chapters should also get shut down like our oil so that we revisit our sovereignty in reality without succumbing to failures from fakeness and appearances of partisanism in state's affairs. Dr. James Okuk, Juba. COMMENTS ON AGRICULTURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE: FOLLOWING OIL SHUTDOWN. Thanks pal! for your well articulated opinion/ suggestions on what next for our beloved nation following the proclamation of our second independence (economic independence). I was however, shocked noting the budget allocations for agriculture. What our leaders got to know is that we are solely with them on the oil shutdown decision. However, they should get to know that what and whenever new discoveries will bring be it gold, iron, or whatever our basis is agriculture and we shouldn't insult it with the type of budget allocation articulated here. Mind you, agriculture is the only industry that will remain and strive long after our oil-wells have gone naturally dry. So let's put our fingers and lure investors in agriculture, this is our life&identity. Finally I'd like to say a word on your webpage it's just doing a great job and is precise & comprehensive. Phillip Wani, RSS The Law enforcement system in the Republic of South Sudan. The Police are the line of defense against crime despite the fact that lots of criticisms are directed against the Police because of the methods they use. The effectiveness of criminal justice system will greatly depend on the quality of initial work done by the police going beyond their legal limitations in the carrying out their duties. So to my brothers in Police force, you are the ones who're taking care of the lives of the people in Republic of South Sudan, otherwise people should not talk about the security in the country. Morthon Akol, RSS Corruption everywhere in Juba. I was coming from Uganda sometime back in 2008 with a guy holding an American passport. This guy assured me that his part of corruption is not to give his document for stamping. He passed . Nowadays, the immigration officers with some stars on their shoulders charge different nationalities at different amounts. Those who come from Kenya and Uganda pay USD 50 but those who come from America or Europe pay USD 100. Is this not corruption or get-rich-quick schemes? Malith Alier, RSS Truth to heal the South Joana Adams, In the name of truth you aired out in public, you have squeezed in what is left so far to be seen in million years as light shines on. You are truly frustrated with our government the way things are going especially at this infancy-growing-age, and so do we. The NGOs on the ground are as blind as their directors and they are good helpers of chaos than to ask and push south for a better solution. They should supposedly work with states and government officials alike than being the "do-it-all persons" in the name of experiencing hell. They are the ones aggrandizing problems from bad to worse all over the South. Personal feelings driven by the agenda of interest from Juba is unworkable and that is what UN preferred most with no good signs of near missed solution to be seen. Changing any figure from his/her position due tribal influence will always leave us with nothing but a mere false sense of tribal misconceptions we live by. We witnessed these tribal misconceptions time and again while still hunting for the truth to heal South; let government do its work first in order to be accountable for the blame. And therefore, UN is not a solution than being humanitarian, period. Political greed in Juba where Politicians defame others for the sake of ruling is a short lived one with its glory road to nowhere. Your critical judgment on subject matter of power struggle is correct. Power struggle mania among ranking class members in South Sudan is one of the root causes I can add on to your view. Our politicians in Juba and states leaders are wrestling for power and tribal egocentricity day-by-day. This issue of baseless struggling has no solution other than to make people suffer and die for their own cause, the must rule "principle ideal" they believe in. It is wrong and it is a gross human right violation to be condemned at any stage. Two years ago during regional elections, you learned so much you yourself about useless insurgency in Jongkulei, Upper Nile, Unity state and Lakes state. And what was the root cause of the same series and the same repeated crisis? Well, the guess is yours but no one among us would be speculating on this to give anyone the right answer than when Mr. Cause is convinced himself to bring answers for us. But I assume that we have answers if we revolt and raise above our final test. Some are gone and some are in the prisons, because the South stood up boldly for those tests. Now, those politicians do know what is left in store for them, but time will tell us when to do so. Abraham Gai, USA Tribalism in ministry of petroleum Hi ! Morthon Akol, you are denying the truth, what Lako Tombe Lado said are facts, better to oppose wrong deeds rather than to see things happening. We need change, what kind of change? First Tribalism. Avoid talking dialects in offices, it is seen that your tribes want to colonize all the public and private sectors. You find people talking to non-Dinka in Dinka DIALECT, is it fair? Go to Petrodar operating Company in SHAMROCK HOTEL, Beijing Hotel, the employed staff are only Dinkas. Which UNIVERSITY was specialized for Dinka to study petroleum or Geology? I advice President Kiir Maryadit to interfere to stop what is happening in Petrodar Operating Company and to remove Minister Stephen Dieu Dau from this Ministry, allegedly one of the most tribalistic person of Melut County. Let God Save South Sudan MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM FROM TRIBALISM - AMEN George Lot Awongiro, RSS No change while in Diaspora Dear brother Lako Modi Tombe, I do understand your feelings but if you really feel like the government of ruling party SPLM should really need a change, you can not change while you are in Canada. I do encourage you to come back to S. Sudan, after you see everything by yourself then you say what you want to say. Morthon Akol, Fundamental change forces needed Dear Simon Peter, I like your article (SPLM has failed us, let's speak out) because it is very straight forward to the point that the problem we are facing in South Sudan is clear to all that need action of one day for us to change it for better once and for all. We need to organize and prepare these forces of the fundamental change as soon as possible. Otherwise, the so-called rulers of of south Sudan, who're hyper with the power and the opium of power need to be reduced to nothing as they have been nothing to our society before it is too late. Lako Modi Tombe, Canada -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
