Memoscar Lasuba, Author at Eye Radio

Chollo King bans henna party, bull slaughter during traditional weddings

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

In an attempt to preserve culture and reduce economic burden, the King of the Shilluk Kingdom, His Majesty Reth Kwongo Dak Padiet, has issued orders prohibiting certain borrowed wedding practices that are contrary to the Chollo marriage tradition.

The royal orders last week, include a ban on “henna parties,” which are per-wedding celebrations where brides and their relatives apply henna as part of the festivities.

The decision cam in response to the growing popularity of these parties and the significant financial burden they impose on families within the community.

In addition to henna parties, the King also outlawed the practices of ” slaughtering of bull,” during the celebration of the tradition weddings.

“His Majesty the King has issued decree that the wedding must be conducted according to the tribe’s rituals and traditions, and issued the following orders;

“One, the henna party is strictly prohibited during the traditional wedding.

“Two, the slaughtering of bull is strictly prohibited during the traditional wedding rituals, and everyone must adhere to this, as the slaughtering of bull is considered a violation of the rituals and traditions of marriage ceremonies among the Shilluk.

“Thirdly, anyone who violates these rituals will face a curse as per the royal decree”, said Barnabas Isaac Awow is Chollo Paramount Chief in Juba.

The royal decrees reflect the King’s concerns about preserving the cultural heritage of the Shilluk people while promoting financial responsibility and reducing economic pressures on the community.

Local community leaders and cultural elders have been urged to ensure the implementation of these new measures and encourage alternative ways of celebrating weddings that align with the spirit of tradition.

The royal announcement has sparked discussions among Shilluk community members, with some supporting the move as a necessary step toward addressing financial challenges, while others expressed concerns about the implications for cultural practices.

The Shilluk Kingdom, also known as the Chollo Kingdom, is one of the oldest traditional monarchies in South Sudan.

His Majesty Reth Kwongo Dak Padiet has been a vocal advocate for preserving the values and customs of the Shilluk people while adapting to the socio-economic realities of modern lif

Forests on Deathbed: How Urbanization and Conflicts are Destroying South Sudan’s Teak Plantations

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

Urban expansion and human encroachment have destroyed an estimated 44,743 hectares of teak plantation, with much of the damage recorded during decades of civil war in South Sudan.

The teak plantation initially covered more than 273,856 hectares, divided into 51 forest reserves and were first gazetted by the former colonial government between 1930s to 1940s.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry said efforts are underway to restore the destroyed plantation reserves in Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal regions.

The Minister of Environment and Forestry Josephine Napwon has been visiting different states to assess the extent of destruction of the National Reserve Teak Plantation and devise practical restoration means.

In one of the visits to Western Bahr el Ghazal in May, 2023, the minister noted that the damage to teak plantations was enormous and alarming.

South Sudan, the East African country with a population of about 12 million, has experienced years of civil war, including a 21-year struggle for independence which ended in 2005 with signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The landlocked country in 2013 and 2016, plunged into internal conflict, which, according to officials from the Ministry of Environment also made it difficult to protect the teak reserves from encroachment and illegal harvesting.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry walking through one of the destroyed teak plantations in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, May 2023. Photo Credit: Mustaf Osman.

“The plantations are about 52 and we have lost about four or six of them due to urbanization,” said Timothy Thwol Onak, a forestry expert at the Ministry of Environment.

One of the common teak species grown in South Sudan is Tectona, found in the ironstone plateau of Bahr el Ghazal and the green belt of the Equatoria region.

It was first introduced to the country in 1948 by a German forester to provide South Sudan with future wood resources. Its wood is highly valued for furniture and and construction due to its resistance to water and pests.

Thwol explained that the continuous conflict in the country is one of the obstacles hindering the Ministry’s efforts to fully conserve and restore forests.

He believed there was need for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to demarcate the gazetted areas to prevent future encroachment.

Charles Uguak, the Director of Forestry in Western Bahr el Ghazal said most of the people involved in teak harvesting are doing it illegally without authorization from the ministry.

Impact of Concessions on Teak Forest Reserves.

Coppice growth at Yatta Teak plantation in Yambio after concession harvesting April 2024. Credit: Ziaziako Emmanuel.

As a result, the Western Bahr el Ghazal Minister Environment and Forestry said South Sudan has lost most of its oldest teak plantations to the private sector.

In 2012, government extended the right to harvest teak to Central Equatoria Teak company for an area of 22,713 hectares in Loka. This accelerated the destruction of the forest.

Illegal harvesting and encroachment has left many teak plantations such as Mumory, Kajiko in Central Equatoria state, Nyin-Akok, Pakany in Bahr el Ghazal in poor condition.

Mr Thwol added that the licensed private companies diverted from the terms of the agreement they signed with government, and recommended that all poor teak harvesting agreements be cancelled.

The Public Outcry

Joakino Samuel, a youth leader based in Wau said the available teak resources have not benefited to the local population.

He for example pointed to the fact that despite private companies harvesting teak in the area, most schools operated without furniture.

“Currently in Wau county and Jur River County where those Teak plantations are located, there are schools without benches, no desks and doors or furniture. The local population has not benefited at all,” Joakino explains.

Joakino, government must now intervene through mechanisms like enforcing agreement terms and supervising the concession process to minimize destruction of teak forests by private companies.

Meanwhile, a regional coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in Greater Bahr el Ghazal suggested that the government’s effort to concede the rights to harvest teak to private companies should be reviewed.

Stephen Robo Musa wonders how the country will restore the destroyed teak forests. “Now that the private companies are harvesting teak without even planting new trees, there is no guarantee that we shall have the next generation trees for the future,” Robo observes.

This story was produced in collaboration with InfoNile.

US Embassy urges govt to start transparent use of public revenue

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

The US Embassy in Juba has reiterated its call on the transitional government to start using public revenue transparently to address the public needs.

Ambassador Michael J Adler emphasize the need for South Sudan’s leaders to start demonstrating political will to put the interest of their people first.

According to the diplomat, the American people have long understood and supported the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for peace, freedom, and development to achieve their country’s great potential.

Citing, the nation’s $700 million in financial assistance for the South Sudanese over the course of the fiscal year 2023/2024, and the more than $640 million in humanitarian assistance alone, the diplomat said “South Sudanese people have the right to expect their government to take the steps necessary to reverse the longstanding trend of increased humanitarian need and to end aid dependency.”

He stated that the American people want to see the transitional government start taking the steps necessary to create an environment that is conducive to both effective development assistance and responsible private investment.

These steps he said, include upholding human rights and holding those who violate these rights accountable.

Additionally, “meeting peace commitments and creating conditions necessary to make the current extension of the transitional period the last one, ending with credible and peaceful elections without further delay.”

He went on to state that “these steps must include the transparent use of public revenue to appropriately pay for salaries, public services, humanitarian response, and other basic needs.”

He further said that the US government’s conviction is that the South Sudanese people should have a government that is accountable to them through elections and that uses public revenue appropriately and transparently.

In his Tuesday’s concluding remark, the diplomat said that the time is long overdue for the South Sudanese people to enjoy the universal rights.

Over a million cholera vaccine doses due to arrive South Sudan -UNICEF

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

Over a million more cholera vaccine doses are on the way to reach people across South Sudan, including in the capital, Juba amid surge in the disease outbreak, according to the UN children agency, UNICEF.

According to UNICEF, since 28 October 2024, a total of 2,184 cases and 31 deaths have been reported, about 37% of them children.

The first of the cholera cases were reportedly imported from neighboring Sudan, where an outbreak has affected over 40,000 people.

Since April 2023, more than 880,000 people have fled Sudan and sought refuge in South Sudan with many arriving through the border crossing in Renk County.

On Tuesday, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Pasquale stated in an interview with Eye Radio that the fatality rate of the waterborne disease is slightly higher at 1.4 percent. This means around 200 cases and 7 deaths are recorded every 24 hours.

The public health official said the cholera outbreak has been reported in 18 counties in six states across the country.

In response to the outbreak, UNICEF said vaccinations are being carried out in Renk County of Upper Nile state in response to a cholera outbreak in South Sudan.

The life-saving vaccination campaign which began on Tuesday is targeting some 150,000 people in Renk County.

UNICEF also reveals that over a million more vaccine doses are on the way to reach people across the country, including in the capital, Juba.

It said, this effort is part of a wider campaign involving the government, UN agencies, NGOs, and partners, focused on delivering healthcare, clean water provision, and hygiene promotion.

UNICEF cited Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng as saying; “These vaccinations are vital to protect the population and she called upon the public, health professionals and community leaders to make the campaigns a success while taking every possible measure to prevent the spread of the disease.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan said: “The UN is committed to working closely with the Government of South Sudan to ensure inclusive coordination, clear public communication, and transparent data sharing, essential for effective preparedness, readiness, and response.

Cholera is a deadly disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, leaving patients with severe acute watery diarrhea and it can kill within hours if left untreated, according to WHO.

Dr. Alic relieved after one year as Bank of South Sudan governor

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

President Salva Kiir has removed Dr. James Alic Garang as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) eight months after he granted the independence of the financial institution to execute its statutory and supervisory functions.

Dr. Alic was appointed in October 2023 to replace Johnny Ohisa Damian – who had just been reappointed as his successor.

In March 2024, President Kiir invoked the constitutional provision that provides for the independence of the Bank of South Sudan to execute its statutory and supervisory functions.

This means the bank is mandated to independently exercise its powers and functions without any interference from other government institutions and individuals.

It ensures that the banks independently implement monetary policies that promote domestic price stability, currency issuance, regulation of the financial sector, holding and managing the official exchange reserves of the country as well as implementation of it independent recruitment policy.

The invocation was cited to be in line with implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

According to the Bank of South Sudan Act, 2011, amended 2023, the Governor and Deputy Governors shall be appointed by the President and approved by two thirds of members of the National Legislative Assembly.

The terms of Governor and Deputy Governor is five years for the governor, four and three years for the deputy governors respectively, according to section 15(A) sub section 3.

Over the years, the financial institution has changed hands in short-lived appointments, despite the constitutional provision and Bank of South Sudan Act.

Continue reading “Dr. Alic relieved after one year as Bank of South Sudan governor”

UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan pays visit to Kenya

Posted on December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

A delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has begun a five-day visit to Kenya.

The delegation, led by Chair Yasmin Sooka and member Barney Afako, will engage with senior Kenyan government officials, representatives from international organizations, and civil society groups.

The discussions will aim to advance human rights, promote accountability for violations in South Sudan, and support the country’s transition.

“Discussions will center on the importance of upholding human rights and preventing deterioration of the situation in South Sudan, as well as consolidating the role of justice and accountability in the peace process,” said the rights commission.

During the visit, the delegation is expected to advocate for strong support for South Sudan’s efforts to establish a reliable and independent judicial system.

This, according to the commission, includes implementing recommendations from the Judicial Review Commission to create effective and impartial institutions capable of upholding the rule of law and human rights across the country.

The Commission will highlight the importance of regional support for South Sudan’s transition, particularly from Kenya, which plays a key role as a guarantor of the peace and transition process.”

“The Commission will advocate for strong support of South Sudan’s efforts to establish a reliable and independent judicial system, in accordance with the recommendations of the Judicial Review Commission, including the establishment of effective and impartial institutions capable of upholding the rule of law and human rights across the country.

The delegation will also meet with stakeholders involved in the Tumaini Initiative, a peace dialogue between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out groups to the 2018 peace agreement.

“The delegation intends to meet various stakeholders involved in the resumed mediation dialogue in Nairobi, known as the Tumaini Initiative, between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out groups to the Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), 2018,” the statement added.

It is also expected to push for inclusion of transitional justice measures in the talks for long-lasting peace in South Sudan.

Visually impaired footballers told to approach 2028 Paralympics with winning mindset

Posted on December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

The Minister of Youth and Sport has encouraged visually impaired football players to adopt a winning mindset as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States of America.

Dr. Joseph Geng Akech said that the focus is on shifting perceptions from viewing challenges as obstacles to recognizing them as opportunities for personal growth and success in the sport.

“So in the region, we want to be lead in the blind football. So when you play, don’t play as an underdog. People have always said we have challenges. We don’t talk about challenges, we talk about opportunities, as mentioned earlier”, said Dr Geng at the launch of South Sudan Blind Football Road to Paralympics 2028, and the final of 2024 South Sudan blind football championship in Juba on Saturday.

Geng says the ambition to win not only serves as motivation for athletes but also a broader vision of representation at international events, such as the Olympic Games in 2028.

“When you go and play, live with the mindset that you’re going to win, because that win will bring back the cup that represents South Sudan in the Olympic games 202.”

According to him, the commitment from the ministry to inclusive sports that promotes greater participation and recognition for all athletes, particularly those with disabilities.

He said that this holistic approach can help foster a more supportive environment for youth to excel in their sporting endeavors.

“The ministry will do all that is possible to support all the federation on the sport 2028, especially the blind football and all the games that involve inclusivity to all our youth”, he added.

The Minister pledged to resolve registration challenges faced by athletes, and urged for immediate action from the directorate of sport.

Ultimately, he said, the focus on improving registration processes is part of a broader goal to strengthen sports infrastructure for all athletes.

“So on Monday, I will go to the directorate of sport and present these challenges to make sure that they are addressed immediately because as the government we need to facilities… so that you can compete with the international teams and you will not have an excuse to participate, but to only play and bring back medals.”

Meanwhile, the Country Director of Light for World, Sophia Mohammed describe blind football as an important initiative in inclusive sports., receiving backing from the UEFA Foundation for Children and Adidas.

According to her, the organization’s aim is to work closely with the National Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Paralympics to support young athletes in achieving their goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“When it comes to inclusive sports, blind football is one of our key and also very unique projects that we are having, supported by UEFA Foundation for Children and now Adidas as well.

“So in the near future, we would like to work very closely with the National Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Paralympics to make sure that these young people who have very big dreams to reach to where they want to reach.

“Their dream is to go to Los Angeles in 2028, and Light for the World will support them fully to make sure that we fulfill their dreams.

On his part, Hakim the Secretary General of Olympic Committee underscores the significant potential of individuals with disabilities and pointed out the productive opportunities within the Paralympic Games.

“Today, people talk of inclusions, but there’s discrimination. This is one of the worst virus we have in this country. Somebody goes to the office, he’s taught to be a beggar. He’s not a beggar. He’s a competent athlete, a person with disability.

“People think that, oh, my, I should go. This is what we have been seeing here, and I’ve talked about it many years. This pains me.

“I was in South Korea before I started the National Paralympic. I had time to be with people with disabilities. They gave me the spirit to start writing something down to form what is called the National Paralympic Committee in this country.”

He asserted that these athletes can make a valuable impact.

“Do you know that the person with disability has a lot of money in the Paralympic Games? You have the biggest money. The people that are going to you are most expensive,’ he added.

NEC’s Entebbe retreat outlines 7 steps to smooth 2026 elections

Posted on December 7, 2024December 8, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

The National Elections Commission Board Members have outlined several resolutions seeking political decision to enable the electoral institution organize a timely and credible elections in December 2026. Continue reading “NEC’s Entebbe retreat outlines 7 steps to smooth 2026 elections”

Taxation rate to fluctuate with official exchange rate – Akuei

Posted on December 7, 2024December 10, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

The 2024-2025 Finance Act has replaced the previous fixed exchange rate of SSP300 per US dollar with a rate depending on the day-to-day official rate of the Bank of South Sudan, according to the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority.

As of Friday, 06/12/2024, the official rate of a dollar stood at SSP. 3,400.

Simon Akuei Deng was clarifying amendments in the new Financial Act for 2024-2025, enabling the revenue authority to adjust tax collection based on the official Bank of South Sudan exchange rate.

Mr Akuei acknowledged that while the alignment with the Bank’s rate reflects economic realities, it has introduced challenges in the market.

“Let me begin with the 2021-2022. The rate of the dollar in the Financial Act was only 90 SSP. Then in the Financial Act 2022-2023, the rate of the dollar was equated to 300 SSP, but in the Financial Act 2024-2025, the rate of the dollar has been plotted to the rate of the Bank of South, which is today is about 3400. So, this has caused some issues”, he said on Friday while addressing 300 businessmen and women in Juba.

According to him, with the Financial Act, prices in the market have risen due to the adjusted exchange rate.

“Although the act itself is fair like food commodities are zero rated, but when the food goes up in the market, this is because the rate is equated according to the act, and the rate of the Bank of South Sudan, which is SSP3400.

“So, when you look at SSP3400, it is a bit of a jump, otherwise the Financial Act is fair, except only for the issue of rate which has jumped from 300 to 3400.

To enhance efficiency, Deng announced plans to implement automated tax collection systems aimed at reducing reliance on cash transactions and improving transparency in revenue management.

“The tax collection, we will put automation systems and also provide people touching money.”

The Commissioner General also highlighted his engagement with over 300 businesses to address their concerns in Juba on Friday.

He reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency in taxation policies. Continue reading “Taxation rate to fluctuate with official exchange rate – Akuei”

2 killed, five injured in alleged attack on Uror village

Posted on December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 by Memoscar Lasuba

At least two people were killed, five others injured and hundreds of cattle raided by suspected criminals from Greater Pibor Administrative area on Thursday, Pibor authorities denied knowledge about the incident.

Jonglei State Information Minister, Nyamar Lony Thichot told Eye Radio that the attack happened in Pamai Village of Weykol Payam in Uror county on Thursday.

Ms Lony said two of the wounded were in critical condition.

They were allegedly shot while trying fend off the attackers said to be armed youth from Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

“This happened on 5th. There were criminals from greater Pibor Administrative Area who attacked a village called Pamai village, in weykol Payam, which is in Uror county.

“In the cattle raid that took place, more than 500 herds of cattle were raided and the youth tried to retrieve the cows back but five were injured with 2 in a critical situation, and 2 lives were lost”

According to Ms Lony, more than two hundred cattle were recovered from the attackers after a coordination between authorities in Jonglei and their Pibor counterparts.

“Some of the cows were retrieved yesterday (Friday), around 200 were retrieved back to Uror County, but the rest have not been retrieved up to now”, she said.

When contacted, Hon. Jacob Werchum who is Minister of Information for Greater Pibor Administration Area denied the claim, adding that there is no prove an attack took place, and that raided cattle have been recovered.

“There’s no verification on how, on when they have recovered the cattle because, it was them who said that they recovered cattle which were stolen by Murle. On the other hand, there’s no clear evidence to show that the cattle were returned.

“So that one, I regarded as a baseless accusation because they did not provide me with the evidence in order for us to do an investigation. I told them that I cannot regard it as inaccurate information until we do an investigation to verify that they (attackers) were from Murle.”