Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

SSPL: El-Merreikh Bentiu FC secure 2-0 victory over Holy Family FC Rumbek

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

El-Merreikh Bentiu FC continued its impressive form in the South Sudan Premier League by securing a 2-0 victory over Holy Family FC Rumbek in a closely contested match on Sunday.

The match highlighted the tactical prowess and experience of Al-Merreikh’ international players, with the team maintaining composure and capitalizing on opportunities.

Al-Merreikh started cautiously, relying on a measured pace to exploit Holy Family’s defensive disarray. The breakthrough came early in the 5th minute when midfielder Tethloach Thor scored, giving Al-Merreikh an early advantage.

Holy Family responded by organizing its defense and attempting to regain control of the game. However, the half was marked by hurried plays and misplaced passes from both teams.

Despite nearly adding to their lead through a well-executed free kick, Al-Merreikh was thwarted by Holy Family’s goalkeeper, who managed a decisive save to push the ball out for a corner. The first half ended with the Bentiu side in the lead.

The second half saw Holy Family striving to equalize, but a lack of precision in the final third hindered their efforts. Al-Merreikh shifted to a defensive approach, focusing on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces left by Holy Family’s aggressive attacking setup.

This strategy paid off in stoppage time when central defender Ater Thomas initiated a counterattack. The ball passed through the midfield and reached winger Tot Doh, who calmly netted the decisive second goal, sealing the win for Al-Merreikh.

Al-Merreikh Bentiu looks to continue its strong form, while Holy Family FC aims to regroup and address its attacking weaknesses ahead of the next fixtures.

Holy Family coach Deng Abu Kalam, who recently assumed leadership of the team, attributed the defeat to limited preparation time. While he acknowledged improvements in the midfield and defense,

he emphasized the need to enhance the team’s attack and hinted at plans to sign a new striker during the transfer window.

Al-Merreikh assistant coach Ahmed Biar praised his team for their discipline and composure, emphasizing their focus on securing the three points. He credited the win to the team’s ability to exploit Holy Family’s urgency and maintain control under pressure.

With three weeks completed, the South Sudan Premier League has seen an exciting start. Over 35 goals have been scored, with no red cards issued so far.

Two matches Al-Hilal Wau vs. Nile City and Holy Family against Olympic Renk from the first round remain postponed and are expected to be rescheduled during the upcoming week’s break.

December access-related incidents hampered aid services, cholera response -OCHA

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says 28 access-related incidents were reported in four states and two administrative areas including violence and threats to both personnel and assets in December 2024.

According to OCHA’s Humanitarian Access report of December 2024, the incidents include threats, robbery, burglary, banditry, and extortion targeting humanitarian staff in Central Equatoria, GPAA, Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Abyei along critical supply routes.

It added that in Juba, two humanitarian workers were violently robbed at gunpoint.

While in Greater Pibor Administrative Area, armed criminals attacked two International None-Governmental Organization’s vehicles, stealing cash, phones, and other personal belongings.

In Unity State, criminals looted an INGO storage facility in Rotriak, stealing plastic sheets while a borehole drilling team was also attacked, leaving one injured with fuel and car batteries stolen.

OCHA furthers stresses that Bureaucratic impediments persisted, including the demand for additional registration of humanitarian service providers in Upper Nile, illegal checkpoints along Warrap-Bentiu supply routes and interference in staff recruitment in Unity State.

“ These barriers disrupted logistics, delayed response and hampered efforts to combat an escalating cholera outbreak in Bentiu.

“These obstacles impact service delivery to hundreds of thousands of people and underscore the importance of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to effectively protect and assist vulnerable populations”, partially reads the statement.

Some states have reportedly dismantled illegal roadblocks but others are yet to implement the directive of the Commander-in-Chief.

CDF’s decision was followed a week-long protest in December, 2024 by the long distance truck drivers over illegal checkpoints along Juba-Nimule highway where soldiers providing security along the lifeline extorted money from them.

Jezeera residents in Juba undertake mini-bridge construction

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Residents of Luri Payam’s Hai Jazeera area in Juba have initiated a community-driven construction of a 40 million South Sudanese pound-mini bridge to ease access in the area.

The project, which began as a fundraising effort in 2018, has raised about 19 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) out of the total estimated cost of 40 million SSP.

During the launch event, Juba County Executive Director Hillary Lukudu emphasized the importance of community participation and an inclusive development approach, inviting local residents to engage with authorities on any concerns.

Payam Director Hillary Juma also highlighted the bridge’s critical role in addressing the area’s long-standing challenges due to the absence of proper crossing points.

The Women’s Association chairperson in Hai Jezeerpa spoke about the positive impact the bridge will have on access to essential services, such as healthcare, which has been limited by the existing stream.

The construction of the bridge is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for the local population by enhancing mobility and access to key services.

President Kiir dissolves and reconstitutes Nilepet Board of Directors

Posted on January 11, 2025January 14, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir has dissolved and reconstituted the Board of Directors of the Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet).

This was through a Republican decree read on the state-run SSBC last evening.

The dissolved board members included the Minister of Presidential Affairs as the board Chairperson, the Minister of Petroleum as Deputy Chairperson, Nilepet Managing Director, Nilepet Secretary, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of Finance and Planning Undersecretary, Ministry of Petroleum and the Governor of Bank of South Sudan.

Other dissolved members are the Head of Legal Administration in Office of the President, the Director General of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service.

However, President Kiir restructured anew board and retained several key positions specially those who are currently holding certain ministerial or constitutional posts.

These include the Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang as the Deputy Chairperson, The Head of Legal Administration in the Office of the President, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Josephine Napuon as a member, incumbent Nilepet managing director and the secretary as well among others.

While those replaced include former Minister of Presidential Affairs, former Governor of the Bank of South Sudan and former spy chief among others.

Businessman Ladu Lukak was among those relieved but was reinstated as a member from the private sector.

Lul alleges SPLA-IO forces attack soldiers dismantling WES roadblocks

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

South Sudan army spokesperson says SPLM-IO forces have attacked an SSPDF infantry brigade tasked with the responsibility of dismantling illegal checkpoints between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal on Saturday morning, SPLA-IO says yet to respond.

Major General Lul alleged that attack by SPLM-IO forces on the SSPDF soldier occurred at around 7:30AM.

He said this came three days after the illegal check point at Kubri Bou in Nagero County of Western Equatoria State was removed following a consensus between SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces General Dr. Paul Nang and his deputy, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who is the Chief of General Staff of SPLM-IO.

“Three days ago, they were told about the need for the illegal checkpoint to be removed. It was resisted.

“Because we did not want any bloodshed, our Chief of Defense Forces General Dr. Paul Nang contacted his deputy, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who doubles as the Chief of General Staff of SPLM-IO on the need to talk to his forces so that they comply.

“With the order, we talked with them and the checkpoint was dismantled. But surprisingly, this morning (7:30), our forces were attacked at Kubribou. We returned fire and the attackers were repulsed.

Major General Lul Ruai Koang accused SPLM-IO of slaying one motorbike traveler along the highway.

“We learned that before they attacked our position, they apprehended a civilian a border rider and the civilian was beheaded.”

Ruai said no casualties were reported in the 7;30AM exchange of gunfire between SSPDF and the opposition forces.

The SSPDF spokesperson added that the fighting has caused panic among the civilians, forcing them to evacuate the area.

Several calls to SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel went unanswered.

When contacted on Saturday afternoon, Puok Both Balang who is the press secretary in the office of the First Vice President said the military wing was preparing a statement on the matter.

Kator FC extends their unbeaten run following 3-0 win over Al Hilal Wau

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Kator FC clinched to a convincing 3-0 win over Al Hilal Wau, extending their unbeaten run to tie with Koryom FC at the top of the South Sudan Premier League.

Despite an even first half, in which Kator FC took the lead by David Sebit scoring at 30 minutes, Al Hilal struggled to capitalize on their chances.

While they tried to equalize, their players’ haste in attack resulted in missed opportunities. Kator FC held on through strong counterattacks, with their midfield positioning successfully spoiling many of Al Hilal’s attacks.

In the second half, Al Hilal’s coach made tactical changes, which created more chances, but their push forward left gaps at the back. Kator FC capitalized on this, scoring twice in the 83rd and 90th minutes.

Elijah scored the first, followed by David Sebit, securing the three points for Kator.

The match ended with five minutes of stoppage time, and Kator FC held firm to seal the win. The match also witnessed more than five yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the game.

Kator FC’s coach, Nicolas Sebit, credited the win to his team’s focus on exploiting the weaknesses of Al Hilal, rather than matching them in style. He expressed satisfaction with securing the points.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s assistant coach, Mario Mose, acknowledged that despite preparing his team well, the dynamics on the field changed, leading to the team’s second loss in the league. He vowed to work on improving the team’s performance, especially after the appointment of new coach John Aleer.

Kator FC secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Al Hilal Wau, drawing level with Koryom FC at the top of the South Sudan Premier League standings with nine points.

Pope Francis commits to ensuring justice, peace in South Sudan-Envoy

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Pope Francis is deeply committed to ensuring that both justice and peace flourish in South Sudan, the Juba-based Vatican Ambassador has said.

Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, reflecting the Holy Father’s hopes for the country’s progress and unity, emphasized the significance of the Jubilee Year.

He paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice, Chan Reec Madut, to deliver a message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

The clergy quoted Pope Francis who stated, “Peace is a work of justice”, to stress the desire of the holy father for peace and justice to prevail in South Sudan.

“The Pope’s message for the 1st of January which is International Peace Day. The Pope always publishes a message and this year, the Pope took that message.

“He stated that message from the fact that we have entered a Jubilee year as well, and he recalled that the purpose of the Jubilee year is to try to restore God’s justice in all areas of life .

“So on the basis of that insight into the purpose of the Jubilee year, the Pope said that peace of course is a work of justice and of course the Pope is very anxious to see that both justice and peace flourish in this new country” he spoke on state-run TV, SSBC during a meeting with Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s message, noting its significance for the judiciary.

“I’m going to share this message with all my colleagues in the judiciary, across and beyond Juba.

‘It’s wonderful. It’s a very powerful message and I think it is a blessing of the new year. The relationship is already between us.

“Whatever issues we think are important to be discussed will always come together”, he said.

In early February, 2023, Pope Francis arrived in South Sudan on his first trip to South Sudan where he was joined by the head of the Church of England and the Church of Scotland Moderator on a pilgrimage of peace.

The Pope had arrived just a day after when 27 people were killed in communal violence in Kajo-Kekji County of Central Equatoria State.

Egyptian vying for AUC deputy chairmanship rallies for Juba support

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Egyptian Envoy Dr Hanan Morsy who is vying among several African personalities for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) has met President Salva Kiir Mayardit to seek South Sudan’s vote.

Dr. Hanan Morsy is contesting against her compatriot Mohamed Ahmed Fathi, two Algerian candidates who are Salah Francis and Selma Malika, Libya’s Najat M. Elhajjaji and Latifa Akharbach of Morocco.

Morsy was accompany by her country’s Ambassador to South Sudan Mohamed Elmoatez, who conveyed a goodwill message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Speaking after the meeting, the ambassador expressed gratitude to President Kiir for granting the opportunity to present Dr. Morsy’s candidature ahead of the February 2025 elections.

While outlining her vision for the position, aspirant Dr. Morsy, emphasized her dedication to fostering stronger engagement between the African Union Commission, its member states, and the global community.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to highlight the skills and expertise I can bring to the position of the deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, including extensive experience at Pan-African level, but also globally.

“I was working at many international and financial institutions, but also bringing a solid track record in terms of driving reforms and ability to build and foster consensus, which is critical”, she said.

President Kiir reportedly welcomed Dr. Morsy’s candidacy and expressed his willingness to consider to proposal.

According to a post on the President’s official Facebook page, the meeting also underscored the strong cooperation between South Sudan and Egypt.

Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to the ideals and goals of the African Union in promoting continental development.

The upcoming February 2025 election cycle will be held for the positions of AUC Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and six thematic Commissioners, including the portfolio of Peace and Security.

This election is crucial for shaping the leadership and strategic direction of the African Union.

SSRA Board appoints 5 commissioners, 10 deputies

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Board of Directors of the South Sudan Revenue Authority has appointed five commissioners and 10 deputies to different roles for the next five years in aid to strengthen the taxation institution.

The taxation institution said the appointees were recommended by a recruitment firm, Stirling Consultants after successfully undergoing interviews.

In a statement dated 10^th of January, 2025, seen by Eye Radio, Mr Kiir Yor Lual is appointed as the Commissioner for Corporate Services, Chol Paul Kur Commissioner for Domestic Tax Division, Joyce Wiliam Wani as Commissioner for Internal Integrity Affairs Aketch Tong Malek Commissioner for Customs division, Dut Kuol De Dut as the commissioner for Internal Audit.

Meanwhile, the SSRA Board of Directors appointed Garang Maker Thiong as the Deputy Commissioner for ICT, Mr. Hakim Makuach Dukuei as the Deputy Commissioner for Internal Headquarter operations in Domestic Tax Revenue, Mr. Ngunjock Chuol Dojiok for State Operations, Mr. Wanga Bilal as the Deputy Commissioner for Customs Headquarters Operation Customs Division and Mr. Manol Athian Manol for Non-Tax Revenue

The SSRA also appointed Lejukole Noel Marle as the Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs, Morris Madut Kon, Deputy Commissioner for Research and Policy, Mr. Wani Joseph Deputy Commissioner for Compliance and Enforcement Customs Division Deputy.

Others are Zizi Maksudi Lila Masoud for Trade facilitation, Customs Division and Mrs. Jackline Adut Deng for Taxpayer Services and Education.

The Board of Directors also acknowledges the Cabinet Resolution in 2022 and the subsequent Presidential Republican Order in 2022), which mandate the integration of the Customs Revenue Division into the SSRA in line with Section 3 (3) of South Sudan Revenue Authority Act, 2016 as amended 2023.

According to the recruitment aims “to enhance the management structure of the Authority as provided for under Section 8(1), South Sudan Revenue Authority Act, 2016 as amended 2023.”

These appointments it added, ” is to strengthening the leadership within the South Sudan Revenue Authority and ensure effective revenue collection and administration in South Sudan.”

Kiir appoints Kuol Manyang as new NTC chairperson

Posted on January 11, 2025January 11, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir has appointed his senior advisor as the chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), replacing Tut Gatluak after dissolving the body and reconstituting a new 11-member committee tasked with overseeing the peace process.

The announcement came through a Republican order read on state TV SSBC yesterday.

The dissolved NTC was originally established to supervise the implementation of the peace agreement saw the removal of its Chairperson, Tut Gatluak Manime, and other key members.

The other members such as Stephen Par Kuol, the Deputy Chairperson and Minister of Peacebuilding, and Angelina Teny, the Minister of Interior.

The newly reconstituted NTC includes prominent appointments to lead the completion of the remaining phases of the peace agreement.

Key figures include Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, Presidential Advisor, as Chairperson, Ambassador Chol Mawut Ajongo as Deputy Chairperson Peacebuilding Miniters Stephen Par Kuol, as Secretary and Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as Member

Other members comprise ministers of key portfolios, including Finance and Planning, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Interior, Agriculture and Food Security, and Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, as well as the Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau.

The reconstituted committee has been tasked with finalizing security arrangements, completing phase two of the peace agreement’s security arrangements before the extended transitional period ends.

The committee will prepare and execute a budget for the remaining activities of the security arrangements.

The additional duties for the committee will undertake tasks directed by the Presidency and co-opting additional members when necessary.

The committee will provide monthly updates to the Presidency on progress.