Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

14 former senior NAS fighters lay down arms, join peace process

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Fourteen senior officers of a NAS breakaway group have reportedly laid down firearms and joined the government following three months of sustained grass roots dialogue with Yei River authorities, according to an official statement.

The South Sudan National Resistance Army leader Brg. Gen. Ronald Bakata Lasu signed the deal with Major Gen. John Lual Tong Awan, who is said to have led the negotiations on the government military side.

The dialogue initiated by Commissioner of Yei River County Emmanuel Seme Taban was mediated and moderated by area security coordinator, Juma David Augustino.

Among the top SSNRA commanders who joined the governments are Brg. Gen. Anthony Salah Andrew, Brg.Gen. Peter Bilali Dukuya, Colonel Imbiga Habib, and Maj. Martin Lay Juma, among others.

Several soldiers are said to have expressed their readiness to report to designated contentment site soon.

Commissioner David has reportedly expressed his appreciation for the team’s decision to respond to the call for peace.

It is believed that the move by the former anti-government fighters will bring about lasting peace, steering socioeconomic and economic prosperity.

The peace deal is also viewed as gesture for the overall pending peace process in the region.

NAS under Thomas Cirilo is yet to comment on the group.

Lasu peace conference calls for army evacuation from civilian premises

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The community of Lasu Payam of Yei River County in Central Equaroria state have called on the army to vacate civilian premises to allow the return of the displaced households.

This followed a five-day community led dialogue in Lasu town where the locals called for peace and reconciliation among the local population.

The conference which saw football tournaments and storytelling brought together the local authorities, traditional chiefs, women, youths and the army.

The peace dialogue is a traditional practice by the community since 1998 through holding cultural festivities to strengthen peaceful coexistence of the natives.

John Malish who is one of the organizers said the event focused on dialogues among the community and reconciliation between civilians.

“This conference is a community led initiative which was there since 1999 or 1998 where all members of Lasu Payam from different location come together and eat the festive season together, have some dialogue if there is conflict between clans and families and resolve these issues.

He said one of the resolutions called for the evacuation of individuals occupying government properties such as the Payam headquarters and playgrounds.

“One of the resolutions was for the army to vacate the civilian’s premises especially the Payam headquarters. The soldiers settled there since 2019 up to date. People should not think that peace can be brought from outside.”

Other resolutions are the enforcement of laws to probe illegal logging in the area among others.

According to Malish, it is important for the local population to initiative peace dialogues at the grassroots level citing that peace starts from within the country.

For his part, Sabastian Hakim who is a chief in Lasu Payam emphasized on the important role chiefs can play in initiating dialogue among the community, adding that the locals are yearning for peace for the area to experience development.

“We did this conference because we want peace as the people of Lasu Payam because since 2016, we have been suffering and our people were displaced to neighboring Congo and they are living in suffering.”

Lasu Payam witnessed some of the rights violations by armed forces including murder, rape and looting of civilian property with most the crimes remain unpunished.

From last year, the area has been witnessing gradual return of refugees due to improved security situation.

Normalcy returns to Wonduruba months after tragic killings

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

A religious leader in Wonduruba Administrative Payam under the office of Central Equatoria governor has reported a significant restoration of calm in the area following a period of unrest.

Locals in Wonduruba are recovering from the aftermath of series of killing between October and November last year.

The victims were mainly youth, women and the elderly.

“Ten people, including, Chief and his wife plus his younger daughter was killed. The incident had for sure inflicted pains in people.

“As you might know since 2015, Wonduruba did not realize genuine peace and freedom and these history is still repeating itself”, Bishop Taban told Eye Radio on Friday.

However, retired Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Wonduruba Diocese, Martin Taban Peter, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the church in fostering peace in the area.

“It is hard to believe that this was the Wonduruba who had terrible incident. People are many in the church and shops are operating, and people are celebrating. The atmosphere is nice.”

Bishop Taban urged the locals to contribute positively to this sustained tranquility and work together towards building a prosperous community.

“Within Wonduruba center many people who had left came back to the center there. The center is filled with people”, he added.

On December 1st, an investigation committee formed by Central Equatoria State governor launched an investigation into the incident.

The committee was tasked to complete the probe within two weeks.

This means the investigation period elapsed in mid-December and the findings yet to be made public.

Jonglei governor discloses monthly PIT, expenses after corruption allegations

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Jonglei state Governor has revealed that his state is receiving a monthly personal income tax allocation of 190,000 US dollars while refuting allegations that the state was collecting 400,000 US dollars monthly.

Mahjoub Biel Turuk announced this in a press conference in Juba at the State Coordination office on Thursday.

He highlighted the importance of transparency, outlining the state’s financial allocations and the ongoing steps to establish a good governance system.

Governor Biel didn’t mention who accused his leadership of PIT misappropriation but revealed that the state is currently running on collections from Personal Income Taxes of US$190,000.

“Anyone who told you that Jonglei State is receiving $400,000 per month from the personal income taxes, this is not true and this person is a liar and did not tell the truth.

“They even said that the governor bought a big building in Juba, and I have been in this position for more than 8 months, and where did I get this money for the big building”, he said.

He said his office receives US$10,000 monthly for the operations of his family house, US$9,000 for hiring a V8 vehicle every month, US$6,000 for house rent in Juba, and US$6,000 for renting a hardtop land cruiser as a support car for security escort.

“The governor’s office plus operations, and my family $10,000, and the governor does not have a car and the car is rented for $300 per day and $9,000 is paid per month for the car rent, $6,000 for renting a house in Juba for my family plus food and school fees, and $6,000 for renting a support car of Land Cruiser hardtop”, said Turuk

Biel added governor’s office monthly expenditure is totaling US$31,000.

He said his deputy’s office is also being allocated a total of US$22,000, while the state advisors receive US$3,600 among other costs every month.

“We want to be clear because these allegations of South Sudanese are become too much now on me”, he added.

In a related development, Governor Mahjoub Biel constituted an audit exercise in collaboration with the national audit chamber and relevant stakeholders.

The audit of the state institutions will cover from 2022 to 2024.

According to the notice from Jonglei state governor’s office issued yesterday, the audit will target government account and other sources of financial transaction and the government will start the exercise in February 2025.

CES leadership prohibits officials from ‘secrete’ traveling

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Central Equatoria’s cabinet has directed all ministers to seek permission from the cabinet affairs minister before traveling, according to a state officials.

In the first council of ministers meeting for the year 2025, chaired by Governor, Augustino Jadalla Wani, the cabinet resolved that any traveling minister must first seek permission from cabinet affairs minister.

Gerard Francis, thee State Acting Information minister said the decision came after the state leadership observed that some state ministers and other constitutional post holders traveled without the governor’s notice.“

“It has also come to the notice of the leadership that sometimes officials are moving without permission from the leadership. This makes it difficult sometimes when they are needed to come and perform an urgent matter as was possible to get them”, he said.

The practice is believed to have created coordination gaps and lack of communication among the civil servants in the state.

“So, as of today (Thursday), any movement will be regulated through the office of the cabinet affairs who will be in communication with the governor in case of anything like that happens”, Official Gerald cited the directive.

Mao’s hat-trick helps Al Salaam Aweil thrash Bentiu City FC

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Deng Mao made history in the South Sudan Premier League by scoring the first hat-trick of the season, leading his team, Al Salaam Aweil, to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bentiu City FC at Juba National Stadium yesterday.

The match was an intense contest, with Bentiu City dominating possession early on. Their tactical preparation was evident as they launched a series of organized attacks, culminating in an opening goal by Tet James in the 5th minute.

Salaam Aweil, initially cautious, regrouped and began to exploit the speed of their attackers. In the 9th minute, Deng Mao equalized, capitalizing on swift ball transitions.

Both teams continued to push for control, with Bentiu maintaining possession and Salaam Aweil focusing on quick recoveries and counterattacks.

The second half was just as intense. Bentiu City regained the lead in the 70th minute through Tet James, but their advantage was short-lived. Deng Mao responded almost immediately, equalizing in the 71st minute after exploiting a defensive error.

Just seven minutes later, Mao struck again, completing his hat-trick and sealing the victory for Salaam Aweil.

During the third goal scored by Deng Mao, the Bentiu City defender collided with his goalkeeper in a desperate attempt to block the shot. The collision resulted in a chest injury for the goalkeeper leaving him struggling to breathe on the field.

Medical personnel responded swiftly, and the injured goalkeeper was transported to the hospital for further examinations. Fortunately, reports later confirmed that his condition had stabilized and improved following treatment.

In post-match reactions Bentiu City Coach Ndongo Bartut Ben said “We were the better team and prepared well, but luck was not on our side. Missed opportunities cost us the game.”

Meanwhile, while Deng Mao, Player of the Match expressed gratitude for winning the game

“I am extremely happy to score the hat-trick and help my team secure this victory. This was a team effort, and I owe my success to my teammates. We aspire to achieve even greater victories in the league.”

Dr Luka Biong named candidate for UN leadership positions

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

South Sudanese scholar Dr. Luka Biong, has been named to the pool of potential ccandidates for leadership positions in the United Nations System 2025.

The Pool of Potential Candidates for Leadership Positions in the United Nations System 2025, includes possible candidates for the secretary representative of Secretary General and deputy representative special envoy positions.

The positions underscore the expertise and the international community’s confidence in individuals’ ability to contribute to global governance.

Dr Biong held significant positions, including serving as South Sudan’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs and as a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

He has also been associated with various academic institutions, focusing on governance, peace, and development in the region.

Dr Biong’s inclusion is an indication of South Sudanese professionals getting recognition on the international stage, and the country’s potential to contribute to global affairs through experienced and knowledgeable individuals.

“After a thorough and competitive review of a large volume of submissions, I received the great news today from the UN leadership that my profile has been placed in the pool of potential candidates for the Secretary Representative of Secretary General/Deputy Secretary Representative of Secretary General and Special Envoy positions in the field”, he confirmed.

Biong applauded the UN leadership for recognizing and appreciating his experience, competencies, and potential in advancing the UN’s agenda through its future leadership positions.

CES records 2,932 confirmed cholera cases, 32 deaths

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

Health officials in Central Equatoria State have so far registered a total of 2,932 confirmed cholera cases, 32 deaths and, 932 individuals have recovered from the illness.

“Up to today the number of accumulative cases is 2,932 with 32 death case in the state yesterday the state registered zero death case and we registered about 932 recovering cases while the fatality rate is 1 percent”, the State Minister of Health, Najwa Juma Mursal has confirmed.

On Wednesday, the Central Equatoria State High-Level Cholera Outbreak Response Oversight Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu, convened to review the outbreak’s status and determine strategies for effective containment.

The state constituted team to coordinate and monitor response efforts with partners, reviewed key actions to combat the outbreak.

The state officials agreed on plans to establish new oral re-hydration points at Gumbo Cholera Treatment Unit in Mangala.

Mrs. Mursal said the ministry has received 300,000 doses of cholera vaccines from the National Ministry of Health.

She added the vaccines are expected to help mitigate the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.

The cholera outbreak first declared in October 2024 has rapidly spread across South Sudan with more than 17,000 cases and 200 plus deaths countrywide.

According to the World Health Organization, Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

It is a global public health threat and indicates inequity and lack of social and economic development.

WHO adds access to safe water, basic sanitation and hygiene is essential to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.

SSOMA renames group as United Peoples’ Alliance

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The opposition alliance groups to the Kenyan-lead peace mediation for South Sudan has renamed group as the United People’s Alliance.

The group initially known as the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) re-branded the party on 9^th January, coinciding with the commemoration of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace agreement.

The United People’s Alliance is comprising four groups namely; the Real – Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM), South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A); South Sudan United People Liberation Front (UNPLF); and National Salvation Front – Revolutionary Command Council (NAS-RCC) have decided to consolidate our unity.

According to the group, its goal is a united, peaceful, just, and prosperous new South Sudan for all its citizens irrespective of clan, tribe, region, religion, or gender.

UPA said it “aspires to build a homeland in which all South Sudanese shall live in peace and harmony”, adding that the country is afflicted with multiple crises, where our people are dying of hunger and diseases.

The move by the opposition groups comes amidst delay in the resumption of the Kenyan-led peace mediation for South Sudan.

The talks were initially adjourned to mid-January, but these were later brought forward to January 6^th.

However, the government delegation, according to the opposition group failed to show up in what it described as lack of seriousness.

The government has not commented over the delays in sending its delegation this week.

US sanctions RSF leader Hemiti over his role in Sudan’s atrocities

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Memoscar Lasuba

The US has imposed sanctions on the leader of Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for his role in atrocities in parts of Sudan.

In a statement dated 7, Jannuary, 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he determined that members of the RSF and allied Arab militias had committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

He said the RSF and allied militias were responsible for the murder of “men and boys – even infants”, as well as brutal sexual violence against women on ethnic grounds.”

” The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys—even infants—on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.”

The militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies.

In response, the RSF accused the US of double standards and failing to effectively address the ongoing crisis.

“The decision… expresses the failure of the [US President Joe] Biden administration to deal with the Sudanese crisis and the double standards it followed [with regards to the crisis],” Hemedti’s adviser, El-Basha Tbaeq, said in a post on his X account, according to the BBC.

The US has accused both SAD and RSF accused of committing atrocities-with estimates suggesting up to 150,000 people had been killed in the conflict.

The sanctions bar Hemedti and his immediate family members from visiting the US, and any personal assets there are blocked.

Seven RSF-owned companies based in the United Arab Emirates and one other individual are also being sanctioned for helping the paramilitary group procure weapons, the BBC has reported. The UAE has denied numerous accusations that it is funding and arming the RSF.

Almost all the sanctioned companies are connected to the gold trade. One of them, AZ Gold, imports gold from Sudan and then sells it.

The US Treasury said in a statement that one of Hemedti’s brothers, Algoney, maintained access to AZ Gold’s bank account in the UAE, which held millions of dollars.

Hemedti and the RSF have controlled some of the country’s most lucrative gold mines, in Jebel Amer in North Darfur, and is now said to control others in Songo near the border with Central African Republic, as well as more over the border.

The sanctioning of Hemedti, means all three Dagalo brothers, including his deputy Abdel Rahim and his younger brother and procurement chief Algoney, are now under US sanctions.