RSS seeks US support on cooperation agreement JUBA, 7 July 2013 (NASS) – South Sudan Government has called upon President Obama’s adminstration to assist in ensuring the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the Republics of South Sudan and Sudan that has gone through a series of violations since it was signed.
Speaking at the independence anniversary of the United States on Thursday, the official government spokesperson, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said South Sudan is in need of US contribution to see that the cooperation agreement is respected by Sudan. He said although South Sudan is committed to the cooperation agreement and good neighborhood with Sudan, the latter is dragging its feet in the implementation of the agreement. Dr. Benjamin also called on the US investors to invest on oil and the other resources in South Sudan. Dr. Marial [Photo: Associated Press] US ambassador to South Sudan, Suzan Page reiterated the commitment of the Obama administration to the country saying US stands with South Sudan in good and bad times. In a related development, the minister Dr. Benjamin also attended the nineteenth anniversary of the Rwandan freedom organized by Rwandan peacekeepers in Juba. In his key address at the occasion, the minister pledged the government’s commitment to work together and enhance bilateral relations between Rwanda and Africa’s newest country South Sudan. Hilde Johnson, the UN envoy to South Sudan underscored Rwanda’s contribution in peace building efforts in the Republic of South Sudan. She said Rwanda efforts dates back to the pre and post-independent South Sudan. After the independence, Rwanda alone deployed to UNMISS 845 troops, 48 police and one hundred eleven aviation officers, she noted. Rwanda's contingent commander, Col. David Ngarambe pledged to do much to see a peaceful South Sudan. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) “Role of media, key in combating diseases”, information minister WAU, 7 June 2013 (NASS) - The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin has underscored the role of media in combating preventable diseases in the country and reiterated his ministry’s commitment in ensuring better health outcomes in South Sudan. Dr. Benjamin said a lot of resources that should have gone to much needed developmental programmes are being channeled by the government and other agencies to fight diseases. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the government, he said has been channeling good sums of money to fight preventable diseases like AIDS, Malaria and typhoid. "There is need for awareness so that we are able to use these resources for building new facilities for health services and develop other sectors such as agriculture", he said. Dr. Benjamin [Photo: Ajang Monychol] Dr. Benjamin said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will closely work with the state's ministries of health to help prevent diseases among the population. He said the ministry in partnership with the states ministries of health will engage in conducting campaigns against preventable disease so as to inform and educate the public on good hygiene and ways to avoid these diseases. Dr. Benjamin made this promises recently while touring Wau Teaching Hospital, where he had begun his medical career as a young doctor in 1970s. The minister who was also on Presidential mission to Western Bahr el Ghazal, called on the authorities in the state to discard tribalism and embrace good governance in order to achieve a united and prosperious South Sudan. Isaac Cleto the State minister of health, said over 90% of the cases reported to the medical facilities are preventable diseases. He underscored the role of media in combating preventable diseases saying “without media campaigns on radio and television, it will be very difficult for the government to combat preventable diseases”. Mr Cleto appealed to the government to strengthen the media in order to reach the greatest number of the citizens whom, he said, are in the Payams and Bomas. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) “Second independence anniversary, a very special one” Secretary General JUBA, 5 July 2013 – South Sudan fought for twenty three years to achieve independence and so will remain to be, the Secretary General (SG) of the government Abdon Agaw, Jok Nhail, has said. Approximately three days to the country’s second independence anniversary celebrations, the SG said this year’s independence celebrations will remain to be very special in the lives and history of the people of South Sudan. The anniversary, he said is coming at a time when the country has had a year and half of hardship, a year in which he said the people of South Sudan have shown resilience that its worst enemies never expected to see. “The second independence anniversary is a very special one, it’s a year to remind ourselves how much we had to pay for our freedom; our people tightened their belts and resisted all types of temptations to cause insecurity in their government and their country” S/G Agaw remarked. The Secretary General, who is also the chair of the organizing committee for the independence celebrations said the people of South Sudan have shown to its enamies that whatever what, it will remain sold and united. “When we fought for independence, we meant to remain independent”, he said. The SG said the meaning of being independent means to stay together and achieve stability and development. Streets of Juba and other state capitals have been decorated with independence posters [Photo: Matata Safi] Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Agaw said all is set for the celebrations adding a number of heads of states invited to grace the occasion have already confirmed attendance. Presidents Yoweri Kagutta Museveni of Uganda, Uhuru Kenyhatta of Kenya, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana, Hassan Sheik Mohamud of Somalia and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia will attend the second independence celebrations to take place at the freedom square in Juba. He called upon all South Sudanese to turn up in large numbers to celebrate the important occasion. The chairperson for the independence celebrations further called upon all security forces and citizens to ensure that the period to and after the independence remain a period of peace and tranquility. He said, a number of activities ranging from a marathon race on the eve of the Independence Day, Parades by the army and other organized forces, cultural dances, sports tournament among other activities have arrange to grace the day. The year’s theme is “Towards effective nation build and prosperity for all”. Reported by Matata Safi Companies given three months to file annual returns. JUBA, 02 July 2013 – All Companies incorporated into the laws of the Republic of South Sudan have been given up to October this year to file their annual returns or face being stuck off the register, the Justice ministry has announced. An annual return is an updated record indicating all details of a company such as its directors, new and current shareholders, paid up capital, financial information, debts and place of business among others. “The information that businesses are to provide is very important as it makes it easier for companies to enter in to transactions with other businesses, to get credit from a bank or even get government contracts’ the minister of Justice John Luk Jok said yesterday while launching the campaign for the annual returns. He said a penalty of five hundred South Sudanese Pounds (SSP 500) would also be levied on companies that will submit returns after the expiry of the dateline. Companies that remain dormant after they have been registered have detrimental effects on the economy, Justice Luk noted. He termed some companies as “one-target” companies which he said after attaining their target; they shelve their certificates and appear again when a second chance presents itself. As the private sector continues to expand, Justice Jok said the government is making concerted efforts to ensure all mechanisms are place for companies to fulfill their legal obligations. Section 177-181 of the companies Act 2012, Justice Jok said requires all companies to file their annual returns in six months from date of first registration, followed by once after every year. The declaration is not meant to be punitive but to facilitate better business practices and greater economic growth, the Justice Minister remarked. The business registry in Juba have since then registered a total of 19, 000 companies both local and foreign owned. The ministry with support from International Financial Cooperation (IFC) has opened two new business registries in Upper Nile state’s capital of Malakal and Western Bahr el Ghazal’s capital Wau. Reported by Matata Safi Chinese doctor’s period at Juba Hospital extended JUBA, 2 June 2013 – Chinese doctors working at Juba teaching hospital have got their stay extended by one more year, South Sudan’s health minister Dr. Micheal Milly Hussein has said. Dr. Milly made the announcement yesterday after a meeting with a delegation from the Chinese Exim bank headed by Mr. Zhang Yi, the Chinese economic and commercial councilor in the office of the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan. The visit by the Exim Chinese bank delegation Dr. Milly said was to assess the progress made by government on the proposed building of a hundred health facilities in all the ten states of South Sudan. The Chinese bank, he said agreed to provide funds through a loan application by the national ministry of finance for the constructions of the health facilities. Dr. Milly who described the discussions fruitful, thanked the Chinese government for the extension of the period of the Chinese doctors. He said this would impact postively on government efforts to provide better health services to the people. Meanwhile Mr. Zhang Yi assured of his government commitment in supporting better health for the people of South Sudan. He said his government will remain committed in improving lives of the people of South Sudan. Reported by William Jufur South Sudan's Vice President Machar meets President Bashir JUBA, 01 July 2013 – A high level delegation comprising of ministers and top government officials from South Sudan arrived in Khartoum yesterday for talks aimed at defusing the recent tensions between the two countries. Headed by South Sudan’s Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the delegation is expected to hold meetings with the Sudanese officals on the recent decision taken by the latter’s President Omar El Bashir to halt the flow of South Sudan’s oil. The Sudanese President accussed South Sudan of supporting rebels fighting its government in states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, a charge denied by South Sudan. He also threatened to nulify all the other eight agreements. HE Vice President Riek Machar. [Photo: RSS website file] The accompanying delegation included ministers of Petroleum and Mining, Stephen Dhieu; Humanitarian Affairs, Joseph Lual Achuil; Water Resources, Paul Mayom; deputy minister of Interior, Salva Mathok and the acting minister of Cabinet Affairs, Wek Mamer. Dr. Machar who was warmly received upon arrival at Khartoum International Airport by Sudan’s first Vice President Ali Osman Taha later held meetings with Sudanese President Omar el Bashir, according to James Gatdet the Press Secretary to the Vice President. The two sides are expected to engage in talks to renew relations and develop a spirit to implement the cooperation agreements signed in Addis Ababa last year. Reported by Matata Safi China to train South Sudanese diplomats JUBA, 28 June 2013 - About twenty five South Sudanese diplomats are set to benefit from a 21-day diplomacy training workshop in China, the undersecretary in the ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Ambassador Charles Manyang De Awol has said. Ambassador Wol made this announcement yesterday at the ministry's headquarters after he on behalf of the ministry, inked a relief memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Li Zhihuo. Without giving a date, he said the training is an initiative from the government of the People's Republic of China. As per the MOU document signed, Ambassador Wol, said the Chinese government promised to provide humanitarian relief items such as mosquito nets, Blankets, solar equipment among others to support the most vulnerable people of in the country. Ambassadors Wol and Zhihuo shakes hands after the MOU signing ceremony [Photo: Lindri Godfrey Alex] Ambassador Awol extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people and government of China for their constant support to the people of south Sudan. Ambassador Li Zhihuo said the humanitarian aid from his government is to help improve the social and economic development of the new nation. He reiterated his government's readiness to closely work with the government in bring about development in the new country. Furthermore, he called on both Sudan and South Sudan to “seriously and smoothly” implement the nine Septembers agreements reached in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. He said this would help to overcome many difficulties that hamper development in two countries and the region. Reported by Lindri Godfrey Alex. "Embrace agriculture" Uror MP urges youth UROR, 26 June 2013 (NASS) –The member of parliament representing Uror south county of Jonglei state in the national legislative assembly Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin has urged the youth of Jonglei to embrace agriculture in order to fight food insecurity in the state and the country as whole. The government has prioritized agriculture as one of the key sectors that needs urgent intervention as it diversifies the economy away from the dependence on oil revenues, he said. Dr. Benjamin who is also South Sudan’s Information minister made the remarks on Monday while commissioning the launch of Zain network, one of South Sudan’s leading communication networks in Uror County. Dr. Benjamin (c) chats with Zain's Andre Classen [Photo: Ajang Monchol] Dr Benjamin underscored the importance of communication in development saying with the two network towers installed in the Payams of Pieri and Yuai, communication between the county and the state capital will now be by “a click on the button”. He urged the local community to utilize the opportunity provided by the network to instigate development in the area. Zain South Sudan’s Andre Classen said Zain’s presence in Uror would encourage development as well as extend relevant service to the population. The launch was welcomed with chanting and dancing from the local community who turned up in big numbers expressing their joy of being connected to the rest of the world. Dr. Benjamin (right) and deputy governor Mar (centre) touring the newly built school [Photo: Anjang Monchol] The minister accompanied by the deputy governor of Jonglei state Hussein Mar Nyuot alongside other state dignitaries also visited the newly built school in the county with funds from the Constitutional Development Fund (CDF) from the national government. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) “Murle community working to persuade Yau yau”, Deputy Governor BOR, 26 June 2013(NASS) -The Murle community in Pibor is working to persuade David Yau yau and his group to heed to the amnesty granted by the President of the Republic H.E Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit. The acting governor of Jonglei state, Hussein Mar Nyuot has said. Mar said he was optimistic that YauYau’s group would soon denounce rebellion in the state and join efforts to rebuild the country that has been devastated by over two decades of civil war. The acting governor who made the sentiments in an exclusive interview to our reporter in Bor, capital of Jonglei State on Monday, warned of “an awaiting hunger” in Pibor should there be no external assistance to the state authorities. Jongolei's deputy governor Mar “Pibor is the only county among the counties in Jonglei state where people did not cultivate due to the instability caused by YauYau’s group”, he explained. David Yau yau took up arms against the government after he lost elections in April 2010 in which he stood as an independent candidate to represent the Gumuruk–Boma constituency in Pibor County at the Jonglei State Assembly. The deputy governor said besides disrupting agriculture, the activites of Yau,Yau's group has caused displacement among the population, disrupted education as well as delivery of services in the state. Earlier this month, the political wing under the reformed Johnson Ulounj promised to join efforts to convince YauYau to denounce rebellion and accept the amnesty. The government has fomed a national healing and reconcialiation campaign aimed at reconciling differences of the past and to forge a way forward for nation building process. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) Seven payam police posts handed to Lake State Government JUBA, 26 June 2013 - Seven payam police posts and one police station built with funds from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have been handed over to the Lake state government over last week. Strategically built at Cuiebet, Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Rumbek North, Yirol West, Yirol East, Wulu, and Awerial counties, the police posts and the station are expected to improve community security in the state. While representing the caretaker governor of Lake State Matur Chut Duol in the handover ceremony, Honourable Abraham Makoi Bol, the minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies said “In the whole of South Sudan, security has become a dominant issue, without security, there will be no development.” according to a press release from UNDP. Hon. Bol shakes hands with Mr. Sharma after signing the handover documents [Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP] Hon. Bol who underscored the importance of community security to the development of South Sudan, called on UN development agent UNDP to continue with its community security and arms control (CSAC) project in the country. Mr. Surendra Sharma, UNDP Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, who represented UNDP Country Director Mr.Balázs Horváth, said the projects that were being handed over, together with the additional $17million in infrastructure programmes being implemented through UNDP’s South Sudan Recovery Fund- Stabilisation Programme in Lakes state, are delivering “a critical mass of conflict-sensitive infrastructure that will leave a lasting impact on security in Lakes state.” Abina Ajok police post in Rumbek [Photo: Charles Okwir/UNDP] Mr. Sharma however urged the government of Lakes state to ensure that the facilities are regularly maintained, and police officers are well trained and deployed in order to achieve the desired impact on community peace and security. Each of the police posts have solar power, separate custody cells for both women and men, and are equipped with modern communication equipment that enables the South Sudan National Police Service to be more responsive to emergencies. Reported by Matata Safi -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/SouthSudanKob/CAJb14opXr_CoLJx6vTgn_5iXFxA2K94wJ%2B35L8rKNGuyDGb06Q%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
