Yei River State Governor, David Lokonga Moses says a disarmament exercise to take guns from the civilian population has begun in Yei town. Continue reading “Disarmament exercise begins in Yei town -Governor”
Day: April 26, 2017
Jubek gov’t to evict squatters at Gudele’s new cemetery
The Jubek Minister of Physical Infrastructure says the state will evict residents who are settling in the new proposed grave yard in Gudele West in Juba. Continue reading “Jubek gov’t to evict squatters at Gudele’s new cemetery”
FAO distribute seeds and other kits to people in safe areas
The Food and Agriculture Organization says it has started distributing vegetable seeds to vulnerable communities across the country for this planting season. Continue reading “FAO distribute seeds and other kits to people in safe areas”
Kiir appoint Rebecca Nyandeng, FDs into Nat’l Dialogue Committee
President Salva Kiir has appointed Rebecca Nyandeng Garang, members of the Former Detainees and representatives from the region into a new steering committee for the national dialogue. Continue reading “Kiir appoint Rebecca Nyandeng, FDs into Nat’l Dialogue Committee”
FIFA proposes date for SSFA General Assembly meeting
FIFA has proposed 15 June 2017 as the day for the General Assembly of South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) to be held. Continue reading “FIFA proposes date for SSFA General Assembly meeting”
Kiir forms committee to hear judges’ grievances
The presidential Press Secretary says a committee has been formed to investigate the grievances of justices and judges. Continue reading “Kiir forms committee to hear judges’ grievances”
SPLA says security forces not leaving Juba streets
The security forces deployed in Juba will remain on some streets in Juba as long as what he calls ‘national security’ threat in form of social media propaganda continues to exist, the deputy SPLA spokesperson has said.
Colonel Santo Domic says the forces were deployed in response to negative propaganda on the social media considered as a national security threat.
On Tuesday, more than ten South Sudanese Civil Society Organizations called on the government to remove all forces deployed on the streets to reduce public fears.
The group said this would encourage the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the national dialogue.
However, Colonel Domic said the messages on social media are a national security threat that overrides all rights.
He regards the statement by the civil society organizations as an opinion which they can express freely.
“It is an opinion and we believe in freedom of expression of anybody in the Republic of South Sudan, but otherwise national security overrides all rights.” He said.
The SPLA deputy spokesperson, Colonel Santo Domic, said that the SPLA forces will remain on street as long as the threat continues.
“If we feel that there is an insecurity, we can deploy forces anywhere and we will just do it as long as threats prevail and as long as we will be able to gauge the volume of threats, and those who are creating negative agitation in the social media stops.” said Domic.
Domic called on the civil society organizations to campaign against incitement and hate speeches on the social media.
Mogae says crisis of hunger is undermining peace
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has warned that South Sudan now faces a crisis of hunger that is undermining all efforts to make peace, the chairman has said.
At the opening of a JMEC Plenary meeting in Juba this morning, Festus Mogae said food shortages and increasing hunger are now the immediate problems that undermine peace.
“A hunger man is an angry man, who does not make peace.” Mogae said.
Mr. Mogae said that the hunger is a separate crisis within the crisis of the conflict.
“Security is the foundation stone upon which we build economic and social confidence. This foundation stone no longer exists, confidence has evaporated, commerce is seizing up, prices are escalating and as a result, we now face a crisis of hunger that is undermining all our efforts to make peace.”
He said mothers struggle with inflation and never know whether the money they have will be enough to feed their families.
“The mothers of South Sudan face a daily struggle with inflation, never knowing if the money in their pocket will be sufficient to feed their family. Insecurity creates food shortages, which in turn drives inflation, that in turn results in hunger.”
Armed groups
On the issue of security, Mogae said the violence currently is not only orchestrated at the top but also directed by the people at the local level.
“I fear it is now time to acknowledge that, across the board, among all armed forces and armed groups, central structures of command and control appear to have broken down. Violence around the country is increasingly based on local decisions taken at local level. Armed groups may declare an allegiance to one leader or another, but they seem no longer to take their instructions from them.” said Mogae.
Humanitarian Situation
Mr. Mogae also commented on the humanitarian situation, calling on the government to protect aid workers.
“Twelve aid workers have been killed in South Sudan so far this year. It is simply deplorable that in 2017 we must still plead with a government for the safety of those who deliver humanitarian relief.” He said.
He said the population is suffering due to lack of political will from country’s leadership.
“This humanitarian situation is predominantly man-made and the result of violence, conflict and the deliberate denial of access. Men, women, and children are suffering and dying of starvation because the leadership at various levels is failing to prevent it.” said Mogae.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the transitional government, which includes the government, the SPLM in Opposition, former political detainees, other political parties, and stakeholders.
