Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

Impeached S Korea president arrested after investigators scale walls

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Yoon Suk Yeol has become South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested after investigators scaled barricades and cut through barbed wire to take him into custody.

Yoon, 64, is being investigated on charges of insurrection for a failed martial law order on 3 December that plunged the country into turmoil.

He has also been impeached by parliament and suspended – but will only be removed from office if the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment.

However, Yoon’s dramatic arrest on Wednesday brings to an end a weeks-long standoff between investigators and his presidential security team.

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) failed to arrest him on 3 January after being locked in a six-hour stand-off with his security detail.

But just before dawn on Wednesday, a much larger team of investigators and police arrived at his residence in central Seoul, armed with ladders to climb over buses blocking its entrance and bolt cutters to remove barbed wire.

Other officers in the arrest team, which numbered around 1,000, scaled walls and hiked up nearby trails to reach the presidential residence.

After several hours, authorities announced that Yoon had been arrested.

In a three-minute video released just before his arrest, the 64-year-old leader said he would co-operate with the investigators, while repeating previous claims that the warrant was not legally valid.

“I decided to appear before the CIO, even though it is an illegal investigation, in order to prevent any unsavoury bloodshed,” he said, adding that he witnessed officials “invade” his home’s security perimeter with fire equipment.

On Wednesday afternoon, investigators said Yoon had remained silent throughout questioning.

A graphic detailing how Yoon's arrest unfolded

Yoon’s lawyers have said his arrest was “illegal” because the CIO, as an anti-corruption agency, has no power to investigate the insurrection allegations against Yoon. They also claim the warrant was issued by the wrong jurisdiction.

The same court later dismissed an injunction filed by President Yoon to invalidate the arrest warrant, which the authorities maintain is lawful.

The opposition Democratic Party’s floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said Wednesday’s arrest showed that “justice in South Korea is alive”.

This arrest “is the first step toward restoring constitutional order, democracy and the rule of law”, he said during a party meeting.

The country is currently being led by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as acting president. He was thrust into power after the first acting president, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament, where the opposition has a sizeable majority.

3 Ibba policemen arrested for beating woman to death

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Three policemen have been arrested for allegedly beating a woman to death and injuring another in Ibba County of Western Equatoria State in the area on Tuesday, according to the area commissioner.

Wilson Tatela said the incident occurred in connection with a lost child.

According to him, the policemen were investigating the two sisters over a child who went missing for almost two weeks.

The suspects were believed to be sisters who upon agreement took one of their children from their brother to Madebe Payam where the child went missing.

“They were staying in Madebe, 9 miles from Ibba. They came and took a child from their brother to go and stay with them in Madebe.

“The following day, one sister went to the garden with a child to collect ground-nuts, and when she was coming back, she left the child to their cousin with the hope that the brother would bring the child back home.

“Then from there, the child (3 years-old) decided to go home alone with some g-nuts. This is all the disappearance of the child,” the official narrated.

The policemen however, went to arrest the two women whom they later arbitrarily beat in attempt to investigate the matter when they were all unconscious.

Wilson said victims were rushed to hospital where one identified as 37-year-old Loise died and the other in her 50s remained unconscious.

The County official said medical results indicated that the deceased woman succumbed to beating injuries.

“We were called and informed that the two women who were brought from Madebe were beaten by CID and one of them is dead. We had to call the National Security at the hospital and it was confirmed.

“The other woman was lying down at the station and we sent an ambulance to go pick her for treatment”, he added.

Commissioner Wilson said the unconscious woman has recovered and investigations will take place only when the missing child is found.

Kiir to political parties on elections; Come out openly

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir has called on political parties to come out openly and start preparing for next year’s first general elections.

Kiir – who is also the chairman of SPLM party – says that the SPLM is ready for the elections

However, the head of state said some political parties have not yet registered with the Political Parties’ Council.

“2026 is coming and that is when you will be informed that go to cast your vote in the elections.

“We are ever ready to cast our votes. We want to see our colleagues in other parties to come out openly because some of them have not registered their parties up to now”, said Kiir on Tuesday.

In April last year, 14 political parties threatened to sue the Political Parties’ Council (PPC) at the East African Court of Justice over what they described as unreasonable and illegal registration fees imposed on them.

The parties said the PPC allegedly slept over their March 25 petition to reconsider the decision imposing an “exorbitant fee increment from previous 20,000 pounds to USD 50,000 dollars with no legal basis.

In their previous letters, the parties termed the move as a direct contradiction to the principles of democracy and fair political participation.

Following their complaints, the Minister of Justice declared the 75,000 US dollar-registration fee null and void.

So far, the stalemate has not been resolved.

NEC’s conditions for Free, Fair, Credible and Peaceful Elections

In early December 2024, the National Elections Commission Board Members outlined several resolutions seeking political decision to enable the electoral institution organize a timely and credible elections in December 2026.

The 14-point resolution focused on challenges and possible solutions related to the electoral legal framework, electoral timelines and preparations for elections, to enable decision-making that will lead South Sudan to credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections.

In attendance were Professor Abednego Akok Kacuol Tong, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, his deputy Gabriel Gabriel Deng and Mac Maika Deng, the body’s Chief Electoral Officer.

Others include William Kolnyin Deng Deng, Amos Juma Ochieng Odek, Manuel Makum Matuop Thian Commissioner, George Lemi Stans Yata, Thabo Abosuh Ajang Alijok and Sarah Daniel Gatluak Lui.

In a communique dated 5th of December, 2024, the border members said the electoral body was developing a realistic electoral operational timeline to reach elections by December, 2026.

This electoral timeline, according to the institution, “would outline the political decisions, legal, technical and financial needs of the NEC in order to get to December 2026 elections.”

The 9-board members emphasized on the need for urgent reform on the electoral legal framework that will allow the NEC to implement credible elections by December, 26.

This, the board members said, would require amendments and clarity to address gaps, operational challenges and inconsistencies in the electoral processes.

The resolution also recommended for voter registration preparations and implementation of in-person nationwide voter registration exercise during the next dry season but this, according to the board members requires political, financial and operational decisions in the beginning of 2025.

One boundary delimitation, the board members also required that “a political decision on which population data be taken by the Parties to the R-ARCSS before the NEC can begin the boundary delimitation process.”

To ensure smooth start in the new year, the board members said “adequate funding is needed to enable the NEC to be a fully functional institution across South Sudan – this includes the necessity of functional office space at the headquarters and across the nation, in addition to being fully staffed in order to plan and administer the electoral processes, including voter registration.”

The board members also adopted regulations related to conduct of NEC officers and employee.

“Regulation 1/2024 on the Use and Purpose of a Code of Conduct, with the National Elections Commission Code of Conduct (for NEC commissioners and employees) and the respective Code of Conduct by the Commission.”

Another code of conduct targets observers, media, agents and special guest.

“Regulation No. 2/2024 on Observers, Media Representatives, Agents and Special Guests with four Codes of Conducts (for observers, media representatives, agents and special guests)”, read the statement.

The third one regulated for Political Parties and Candidates during election campaigns.

The election organizers further encouraged the Government of South Sudan to agree to realistic implementation plans.

Govt’s Tumaini team to leave for Nairobi on Saturday -Kuol

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The team leader of the government delegation to the Tumaini Initiative has told the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan that the delegation will leave for Nairobi, Kenya this weekend to resume the talks next week.

Kuol Manyang Juuk disclosed this after a meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan in Juba on Wednesday.

“He inquired about the progress of the Tumaini peace agreement, we are going to Nairobi on the 18^th of this month to continue with the peace talks, and we hope that we will reach an agreement”, said Juuk while speaking to the state-owned TV, SSBC.

General Juuk hopes that the parties will reach a consensus that will bring all South Sudanese together for nation building.

“What we need is our brothers and sisters who are there, they join, they come to the country so that we come and build the country together. There are many rooms in South Sudan where anybody can fit in and contribute in national building.”

General Juuk who got appointed to the National Transitional Committee as the chairperson also hinted plans for 2026 elections preparedness and expressed the government’s readiness to allow the international community to observe the polling processes for a peaceful democratic exercise.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian ambassador to South Sudan said his country strongly supports the Nairobi-peace process.

Roar Haugsdal – who met with Kuol Manyang Juuk yesterday – also said he highlighted the necessity for early preparations for elections.

He emphasized the importance of 2018 revitalized peace agreement implementation in the country.

“I met with Hon. Presidential advisor Kuol Manyang, we discussed the Tumaini peace talks in Nairobi which Norway strongly supports, and also the necessity to implement the R-ARCSS. We highlighted the importance of holding elections and making necessary preparations.”

In June last year, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs urged both the transitional government and holdout groups not to use the Nairobi peace process to sideline the implementation of the 2018 agreement.

Espen Barth Eide made the remarks in a visit to the Tumaini Initiative in Kenya, where he met the South Sudanese peace parties.

He applauded the decision to bring hold out groups on board, but added that he hopes it is not a process to make another agreement.

Barth emphasized that the 2018 peace accord is the most important agreement, of which if implemented, can lead the country to stability and prosperity.

WBGs: Thousands of Raja returnees face dire humanitarian situation -Official

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Over 24,000 returnees from Sudan are facing dire need of humanitarian assistance in different camps in the County, according to authorities in Raja in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

Gismallah Hassan Dahia, the press secretary of the County Commissioner said the returnees from conflict-torn Sudan are mainly children, women, and elderly.

He added the returnees are arriving from Sudan on daily to the areas of Siri-Malaga, Boro el Madina, Tamsah and Raja.

The returnees fled from the Zamzum refugee camp in El Dein town of Eastern Darfur via Kafia Kengi.

Dahia said the returnees have been lacking food and medicines for months now.

“The returnees are in big number and have been lacking food. The International Comitte of the Red Cross had given them food assistance since last year. Even (those) in Boro – al Madina now, don’t have food.

“The new arrivals of more than 950 people came here without anything, they facing issue of shelters, food and something to sleep on “, he said.

According to him, the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by returnees and displaced populations in South Sudan have been worsened by limited resources and support infrastructure.

Since the fighting erupted in Khartoum, Sudan, the UN has registered more than 1 million people who have crossed into South Sudan, with 90% of them South Sudanese.

16 killed,10 injured in Warrap sectional clashes

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Police authorities have confirmed the deaths of 16 people in two separate sectional clashes that occurred in Tonj North and Tonj South counties in Warrap State early this week.

According to Colonel John Kassar, the police spokesperson, the first incident took place on January 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM in Alabek village, Tonj North County.

Fighting broke out between Kuei clan and Pan-Arek clan, resulting in 10 fatalities and 12 injuries.

A criminal case has been opened, and investigations are ongoing in the Tonj North County Police Division.

The second incident occurred on January 13, 2025, at around 3:00 PM in Mayen village, Tonj South County.

Clashes erupted between Muok clan and Thony clan, leading to the deaths of 6 people from both sides.

The Tonj South County Police Division has also initiated a criminal case and launched investigations into the conflict.

Col. Kasara said the police will continue to work on identifying the causes of the violence and bring those responsible to justice as inter communal conflicts remain a persistent issue in the region.

4000 people allotted plots west of capital Juba demand for showing

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

A local land committee west of the national capital, Juba is appealing to Central Equtoria State authorities to rescue them from powerful individuals who have setup another team, depriving 4000 people from accessing from their rightful plots.

According to the land body, the new committee has prevented individuals with legal land tittles from constructing houses in the area.

At the center of the controversy is Mrs. Diana Tabu who says, the influential land grabbers has made her living conditions very expensive as a tenant.

“It’s affecting me because the situation we are in now is very difficult. Here you want to rent a house, struggle to raise money for feeding, but if you’re in your plot, meaning, you’ll need to raise money for feeding only.

“But if you’re in your own plot, all these expenses will reduce a bit. Because are suffering especially us women.”

Khamis Emmanuel Gismala, the Secretary of Korok-West Land Committee, has accused some powerful individuals including government officials of using their wealth and influence to exploit the vulnerable

“We started our work in the first day (in December, 2024) but on the second day, one general from police stopped us from continuing, citing a house-to-house search at the time.

According to the legitimate committee, it raised the concern to Governor Augustino Jadalla last year but has yet to hear a feedback on the matter.

“Since then, we raised our concern to the governor, and the governor summoned the person who stopped us but unfortunately we did not get any feedback from the governor again.”

The Chairperson of the Korok-West Land Committee, Samuel Sebit Christopher who has been at the forefront of the campaign is demanding the government act promptly and restore their allotted lands.

“Our appeal as a committee is, we would like the citizens to get their rights because you can’t have legal document in your hands, your house is demolished and at the end, you’re not given your place.

“We appeal to the government to give these plots to their rightful owners cecause these people are suffering, staying in rentals, they’re chased, and are living in corridors, this is incorrect.

“Some are of them are old and physically weak and were here to represent them. They are really struggling.

In response to the controversy, Central Equatoria State Minister of Land, Housing, and Public Utility, Fred Laku urge individuals to patience adding that the showing plots to the rightful owners will resume soon.

“What I know so far, we had some communities that we have reached a certain agreement with them and we were about to start the work.

“Actually the issue of Korok-West stopped because of the disarmament last time. So now they have to be patience for us to organize the showing again.”

Korok West was allotted to over 4000 households who were demolished from different parts of the city in 2012.

15 years on, Juba’s Lokiliri area still lacks govt-built secondary schools

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Community leaders in Nger-jebe and Kubi Bomas of Juba County’s Loki-liri Payam in Central Equatoria State say the areas lack secondary schools, depriving many pupils from completing their education.

Biastori Modi says the community raised funds and managed to build 3 primary schools in the area, and is facilitating the payment of teachers, volunteers and other staffs of the schools.

He said since 2010, the locals have been paying teachers working in the community-built learning institutions.

Modi adds that the community annually contributes money for the operation of the schools.

“Since 2010 we have been the one paying the teachers, there were no government teachers broughtJuba to us. We bring the youths and volunteers from Juba plus those here in the area to teach.”

He is however calling on both the Central Equatoria and national governments to construct a secondary school in Loki-liri Payam to improve education in the area.

“The community-built schools are three and there is one government school in Lokiliri, but the three schools were built by the community.”

Chief Modi went on to say after pupils in the area complete primary education, some of them are sent to Juba for secondary education, citing many families could not afford.

“We want the government to build for us even if one secondary school in Lokiliri. In my Boma currently, I am paying 7 teachers, cooks and the gate man, they are about 10 people.”

For his part, a Community leader in Kubi Boma of Loki-liri Payam, James Okollo lamented the same challenge of lack of secondary schools in the area.

“We started the community schools in 2010 and until today there are no schools built by the government. The community are the ones paying the teachers, and sometimes when there is no money, teaching stops.

According to him, it is challenging to send children to study outside the Payam.

“Sometimes we send a child to school in Juba but there is no money and schools in Juba are expensive – plus the food and other needs.”

Similar situation was reported in Garbo Boma of Juba County where the community mobilized resources to build a community school to improve access to education in the area.

In in February 2017, when Augustine Jadalla Wani was the Governor of defunct Jubek State, he had directed community leaders in Lokiliri County to identify potential youth in the area to be trained as school teachers.

Mr. Wani said it was cheaper to have teachers from within the area because their demands would be less expensive.

At the time, the Governor was addressing the inhabitants of Lokiliri during the laying down of a foundation stone at the County’s Headquarters.

Six suspected gangs terrorizing Juba’s PoC3 arrested

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Six suspected criminals have been arrested in connection with the recent robbery within the Protection of Civilians’ Site 3 in Juba, according to the camp chairma.

This comes after the police launched a series of patrol following last week’s complains by the IDPs about recurrent armed robbery at PoC3.

At the weekend, an eyewitness who identified himself as only Ujum reported masked armed men shot a man in the back while at a charging station. The unnamed victim survived after he was rushed to the hospital.

Ujum had appealed to police to deploy forces to curb the looting and violence in their area.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Tuesday morning, PoC3 Chairman, Elijah Hon said six suspected criminals have been arrested following a police crack down in the past four days.

“Four days ago we patrol POC-3 together with the police and we arrested some of the perpetrators. The police saw them and they were caught with their guns, they were 6.

“The police who are staying at the checkpoint are the ones who came to patrol with us . The (police) section 5 in Amadi joined us in patrolling and these are the people arrested these criminals”, he said.

Hon said following the arrest of the suspect culprits, the PoC 3 has been peaceful and free of crimes. “We have 4 days now without crimes, we have peace now”, he added.

4 women killed after gunmen attacked 30 Akobo fisherwomen

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

At least four women were killed, one injured, and 25 others were rescued on Sunday following an attack in Akobo County of Jonglei State by suspected armed men from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, according to Akobo authorities. Pibor authorities deny knowledge about the incident.

Stephen Lual, the Press Secretary in the office Akobo County Commissioner told Eye Radio on Tuesday morning that the attack occurred Pulbuoy area in Buong Payam.

“The incident resulted in the abduction of 30 women from the area of Buong Payam, Akobo County.”

According to him, the women came were attacked while returning from fishing in a nearby pool.

Lual reported that armed youth from Akobo immediately responded to the attack, rescuing 25 women.

“As per now there’s no women with the abductors. So, 25 of them were returned and one was wounded, and four were confirmed dead”, he said.

In response, Jacob Werchum Jouk, the Information Minister of the Pibor Administrative Area, said his office was unaware of the attack and urged Akobo authorities to investigate the matter within their territory.

“On the incident that happened on that side, we are not aware of it, let the authorities there investigate because when you talk of criminals, criminals move from one place to another.”

The motive behind the alleged attack is still unclear. However, cattle-raiding and abduction have been the major causes of insecurity between the two regions.