“Desist from tribal politics” youth minister urges JUBA, 16 July 2013 (NASS) - The national minister of culture, youth and sports has urged politicians to desist from tribal politics and think positively towards nation building.
Minister Cirino Hiteng Ofuho warned the country will not go ahead if leaders continue with tribal politics and games that threaten cultural diversity of the country. In a meeting with the British ambassador Dr. Alastair McPhail, today, without mentioning names, the minister said the killings happening in Jonglei state are to a larger extend as a result of such bad games that “only serve personal interest”. Youth minister Cirino Hiteng [photo: Akim | the Niles] Hiteng also urges authorities at the ministry of general education and other government institutions to devote special attention to Jonglei in order to create awareness among the communities especially the warring youth from Lou Nuer and Murle communities which he said is threating peace and security in Jongolei state and South Sudan in general. “You can not reconciled people who don't understand one another unless through education”, the minister told the British ambassador. South Sudan has over 60 languages and tribes with Juba Arabic as the linkage between them. Hiteng further pledges to setup culture centers in the ten states to bridge the cultural differences of languages. Reported by Martin Jada Gabriel, News Agency of South Sudan (NASS) University of Juba receives equipment donation JUBA, July 16, 2013 - The University of Juba, has received assorted equipment worth US$40,000 (168,000SSP) from the South Sudan Capacity Building Project (SSCAP). The equipment which includes laptops, printers, photocopiers, electronic accessories and furniture was presented to the University’s Principal, Professor Wani Sule, by the acting National Minister for Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Mr Kwong Danhier Gatluak. Speaking after receiving the donation at the university’s administration block, Prof Sule said the equipment would be put to good use in the School of Management Sciences, School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, and the College of Social and Economic Studies. Prof Sule said it was encouraging that the SSCAP would also facilitate the training of the university’s teaching staff to Master’s degree level at universities in the East African region. Addressing the function, acting Labour and Public Service Minister Kwong Danhier said the government was keen to transform the university into a centre of excellence that would produce high quality manpower for South Sudan’s development needs. “It will be a national pride if the University of Juba produces high quality, disciplined and competent graduates capable of bridging the national capacity gap both in the public and private sectors in order to sustainably achieve our national development goals,” said Kwong. In his opening remarks, the SSCAP Project Coordinator, Mr Peter Juma, said the project was committed to supporting the University in various areas including reviewing the curriculum of the School of Management Sciences and training up to three teaching assistants in Master’s programmes. “The project also involves funding the University’s training-related activities including workshops and seminars, and funding short-term tailored courses in accounting, auditing, corporate governance and financial management,” said Juma. The University, which is South Sudan’s premier centre of higher learning, is both a beneficiary institution and a service provider for capacity building under the SSCAP which is funded by the African Capacity Building Foundation, based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Other beneficiary institutions of the project include the Bank of South Sudan, South Sudan National Audit Chamber, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Reported by Alnour Ango/Justin Jada/Simon Owaka Speaker's forum kicks off in Juba JUBA, 15 June 2013 - South Sudan speakers’ forum aimed at strengthening good governance today kicked off in Juba bringing together all the governors from the 10 states, speakers, Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs, the National Executive and the leadership of the Council of States. Opened by the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the three-day event according to Hon. Speaker James Wani Igga of the National Assembly who is also the Chairperson of the forum will act as a robust coordinating point between the national legislature and the states’ parliaments. The forum also aims at improving parliamentary procedures, engagement with the governors, executives and other civil servants to iron out some of the issues on the ground. Moreso, it aims at reviewing and evaluating the resolutions of the previous forum. The speaker also said the forum is expected to focus on the security in the country, debate youth unemployment, and establish a coordinating secretariat and to draw out how the legislature can help the executive on improving provision of basic services to the citizens among others. President Salva Kiir called the participants to put unity ahead of them in chatting out the possible solutions to the challenges the country is facing. “This platform is a critical opportunity to learn from another,” Kiir said. “As we collectively assess the State of democracy in South Sudan we must look on what is the basis of our unity and contribute to our strength,” he added. He said, as leaders “our ultimate goal must focus on service delivery…through working in a decentralized system which is only effective when there is effective coordination.” He also called for the participants to intensify the understanding of the roles of the various government organs and structures and defining their responsibilities. Botswana's former President Festo Mogae is among the politicians to share experience with South Sudanese politicians. The participants are expected to share experience from some Ex-Kenyan politicians, Botswana and South Africa. Though it’s the sixth forum following numerous others held before the South Sudan independence, this forum is the first of its kind following South Sudan gain of independence in 2011. Source: Gurtong trust About 1,000 returnees arrive in Juba JUBA, 15 July 2013 - Approximately 1,000 South Sudanese returnees who had previously been stranded in the border town of Renk arrived in the capital Juba today on an International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized barge convoy. According to the refugee organization report, four barges carrying returnees and their luggage, departed from Renk in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State on 30 June. Over the course of the two-week journey, the convoy stopped at several locations, including Melut, Malakal, Shambe and Bor, where small numbers of passengers departed depending on their intended final destinations. Family members, friends and representatives from IOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and humanitarian partners received the returnees at Juba port. Upon arrival, the returnees were registered and escorted to the Juba way station from where, they will be transported by road to their final destinations of choice. Most of the returnees are from Greater Bahr el Ghazal. A barge carrying South Sudanese returnees [Photo: IOM] Speaking at Juba port, the Hon. Joseph Lual Acuil, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, expressed the government’s appreciation for the movement, and asked for continued support to stranded returnees. “It is our hope that all South Sudanese people who are stranded and wish to move to other locations can be assisted,” Minister Acuil said. “We cannot do this without our humanitarian partners, and without the support of the donors.” He said. While over 50,000 South Sudanese have returned this year, an estimated 43,500 South Sudanese are still in Khartoum and Kosti in Sudan, unable to reach the border and living in precarious conditions with limited food, water, healthcare and sanitation. the humaitarian organizations said. Reported by Matata Safi Parliament endorses two media bills JUBA, 11 July 2013 – The national parliament of the Republic of South Sudan on Monday endorsed two major bills, the Media Authority Bill and Access to Information bill to become law. The bills if signed into law will serve to provide among other provisions, freedom of press, access to information and protection of the rights of journalists in the Republic of South Sudan. “The committee scrutinized the bill to ensure conformity with the transitional constitution. The drafting style, language and format are clear and ensures that the provisions are legally constrictive and meaningful” South Sudan’s independent daily, the citizen qoated Joy Kwaje Eluzai, the chairperson for the committee of information, telecommunication and culture in the parliament as saying. South Sudan National Assembly [Photo: Matata Safi |file] Kwaje, who underscored the role of the media, urged media practitioners to make right use of the laws in order to contribute positively into the nation building process of the two-year old South Sudan. If signed into law by President of the Republic H.E Salva Kirr Mayardit, South Sudan will become one of the few African countries with a fuctioning media law. Earlier, the parliament had also endorsed one of the three media bills, the broadcasting bill that is awaiting the presidents signature to become law. Reported by Matata safi Thousands of South Sudanese in Kenya celebrate second independence anniversary NAIROBI, 9 July 2013 - Thousands of South Sudanese braced the sun in Nairobi and celebrated the second independence anniversary of their country in a colorful ceremony held at the Railways Club in Kenya’s capital city. According to Amb. Majok Guandong, the Republic of South Sudan Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, “it is worth mentioning that millions of our people driven by the zeal and spirit of freedom sacrificed their lives to make this day worth celebrating”. He added that South Sudan’s greatest homage and praise goes to her gallant heroines and heroes among them the late great leader Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who paid the ultimate price for freedom. He appreciated the new nation under the leadership of H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit saying it is working to provide a constitution that will guarantee all basic rights in the United Nations Charter. He also added that the country is embarking on nation building to create an inclusive, just and prosperous nation living in peace and harmony with itself and with its neighboring states. Amb. Guandong and the other dignitaries at the celebrations. [Photo: Lawrence Mwangi] He appreciated the cordial relationship enjoyed by the citizens of the two sisterly countries of Kenya and South Sudan and added that this relationship with Kenya is anchored on the historic mutual coexistence between the people. He appreciated the government of Kenya under the former presidents for helping South Sudan to achieve her independence. He also appreciated the continuous support Kenya’s accords South Sudan to facilitate national building especially in capacity building. He commended this long relationship and expressed the hope that the same will continue under the new President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta. He also appreciated the dynamic entrepreneur skills of Kenyan companies currently operating in South Sudan such as the banking sector, energy and construction companies among others. The ambassador also commended the Lamu Port-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSET) linking three countries of South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia. He said it will bring more sustainable economic development to the member countries as well as infrastructural development and regional integration. Amb. Ngessu, the director of political affairs and secretary to the Minister of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Kenya who was the guest of honor in the occasion, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Kenya, congratulated the people of the Republic of South Sudan for their independence. He said Kenya will continue t o stand with the Republic of South Sudan and ensure that the remaining issues such as the border demarcation, Abyei and oil are settled with the Republic of the Sudan in a peaceful manner. One of the groups entertaining the guests at the celebrations. [Photo: Lawrence Mwangi] The occasion was punctuated by cultural dance from Bari representing Greater Equatoria, Dinka of Lakes State representing Greater Bahr el Ghazal and the Colo Community dance representing Greater Upper Nile. The occasion was attended by ambassadors from Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as the members of the diplomatic corps. Reported by Joseph Garang Deng Regional leaders commend RSS on second anniversary, pledge support JUBA, 9 July 2013 – Regional leaders attending South Sudan’s second independence anniversary have congratulated the world’s newest country for the process it has made since attaining independence two years ago. Pledges of cooperation and committment poured from speaker after speaker reiterating their readiness to work with South South in order to attain lasting peace and development in the Republic of South Sudan and the region at large. Despite the effects of the oil shutdown, the major revenue earner for the young country, the leaders underscored the tremendous progress South Sudan has made in its bid to develop the country devastated by the two decades long civil war. Regional leaders lay wreaths on the tomb of the Late Dr. John Garang de Mabior [Photo: Matata Safi] “When I was coming, flying over Juba, I looked down through the window of the plane, seeing the expansion of the town, I thought we were lost. Juba has grown in such a very short time”, said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda. He wondered how much more would have been achieved had precious time not been lost in the many years of civil war. Citing a famous proverb in his language, President Museveni said Africans have continued to pay the price of foreign supremacy for what he said is “weakness” among Africans. president Museveni said many foreigners came to Africa and took over the resources and began using them to oppress African. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni making remarks [Photo: Matata Safi] He urged Africans to fight weakness among themselves which he says breeds tribalism, religious conflicts and lack of organization among others. He further called for an end to internal weakness that he said is tearing the continent apart. He said the same internal weaknesses are the major causes of division among most African societies. He called for unity, saying “the teeth which do not have a gap among them can chew meat properly than those with gaps”. Sheikh Hassan Mohamud, President of Somalia, underscored the need for Africans and their leaders to embrace dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He observed that though a number of issues still remain to be resolved between the Republics of Sudan and South Sudan, he said the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended one of Africa’s longest wars is an example for many African countries to follow. “It is time for all of us to start thinking of developing Africa,” he said. “We must learn from each other and share experiences of each our recent past and work together to form a future that will be beneficial to all of us,” said said Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Calling for regional integration, President Kagame said South Sudan is bound to contribute to peace, security and development in the region and Africa as a whole. He said there is need to strengthen intra-African infrastructure and create economic growth in the region. Reaffirming the commitment of his government to work with South Sudan and the region, the Rwandan President called for unity in the region to avoid what he said is “divide in action”. An un-identified woman carrys the potrait of Rebecca Kadi, a 115-year old wowan who voted in the January 2011 referendum exercise resulting in the independence of South Sudan [Photo: Matata Safi] Botswana's President Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former South African President Thabo Mbek and UN Special Representative of the Secretary General Hilde Johnson, were many among regional and international dignitaries that graced the second independence anniversary attended by hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in Juba. Reported by Matata Safi President Kiir’s Independence Day speech JUBA, 9 July 2013 – Please click here to read the speech delivered by H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of South Sudan. Humanitarian chief congratulates RSS on second anniversary, pledges more support JUBA, 8 July 2013 – The humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan Mr. Toby Lanzer on behalf of the humanitarian community has congratulated the people and government of South Sudan on the occasion of the second independence anniversary. He reaffirmed the commitment of the humanitarian agencies in working together with the government in providing assistance to the needy in the young country. “On behalf of the humanitarian community, I congratulate the people of South Sudan on the second anniversary of their independence. Their resilience and determination are an inspiration to aid organizations and their staff” Mr. Lanzer said. Mr. Lanzer however said while the overwhelming majority of South Sudan’s citizens enjoy peace and stability, violence he said [referring to the activities of David Yau Yau’s militia group] continues to affect the lives of some citizens. He said the humanitarian agencies estimate about 100,000 people in both Pibor and Pochalla counties in Jonglei are in urgent need of assistance, stressing that their situation may worsen as the rainy season intensifies. “The goal of humanitarian agencies is to reach people in need, wherever they may be, and for civilians to be able to access aid safely. I am therefore encouraged that the South Sudanese Government and armed forces have confirmed that humanitarian personnel can operate freely throughout the country. This commitment will help us, in close coordination with the authorities, ease the suffering of tens of thousands of people in the coming weeks and months” read the message in part. Meeting the needs of the people affected by violence in Jonglei, the UN humanitarian cordinator said will contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous South Sudan, where the benefits of independence are enjoyed by all. Reported by Matata safi 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 -- 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/CAJb14orJj4Jw1mUN%3DdQAF-%3DH2s-5e%2BEcuxPiy9oXeW-Tc-yNsA%40mail.gmail.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
