National News Archives - Page 5 of 313

Church in solidarity with suffering S. Sudanese, says Cardinal Ameyu

Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin has said the church stands in solidarity with the suffering South Sudanese amid the economic melt-down, and urged the leaders to prioritize the well-being of the citizens despite their political differences.

This year’s Easter is faced with unprecedented depreciation of the pound against the US dollar, which has led to a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities across the country.

Civil servants have gone for nearly seven months without salaries, finding it difficult to cope with the situation.

“The economic meltdown has disrupted the lives of a countless individuals denying them opportunities for livelihood, education and access to essential services,’ said the cleric in his Easter message on Friday.

The Cardinal urged South Sudanese not to lose hope adding, the church stands in solidarity with them.

“I want you to know that you are not alone in facing these trials our hearts ache for the pain and the suffering that this crisis has inflicted on our fellow South Sudanese.

“We stand in solidarity with you, offering our compassion, prayers and whatever assistance we can provide. During such trying times, it is crucial that we not lose hope.”

Cleric Mulla who is also the Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba called for unity, healing and renewal of commitment to address challenges facing the country.

The catholic religious leader also called on every citizen to embrace the spirit of reconciliation, and create an atmosphere where people can celebrate Easter in joy and safety.

“Let this Easter serve as a catalyst for unity, healing and renewal of commitment to find a lasting solution to the challenges our nation faces by setting aside partisan interests and embracing a spirit of reconciliation.’

Meanwhile, he appealed to the government to prioritize the well-being of its people.

“We appeal to you as government and opposition to prioritize the well-being of our people over political differences. I urge you to engage in peaceful dialogue, seeking common ground and placing the interests of our people to the Forefront.”

Civil servants to get salaries after Easter holidays

The Bank of South Sudan governor says the institution is coordinating with the Finance and Planning Ministry on the payment of salaries, starting this week.

In a press release issued Friday, 29.03/2024, Dr Alic Garang said the Central Banks is also taking proactive measures to clear outstanding auction claims.

This is while it monitors and mobilizes sufficient foreign exchange resources to intervene in the market with immediate effect.

“The Bank has taken proactive measures and mobilized sufficient foriegn exchange resources to intervene in the market with immediate effect, including by clearing outstanding auction claims, while coordinating with the Ministry of Finance to pay salaries for one month,” he said.

The monetary authority head said, “in addition to supporting government efforts to enhance non-oil revenue collection, the bank has also adopted several measures to stabilize the foreign exchange market.”

These include a weekly auctioning of foreign exchange at a revise Bank’s reference rate, promoting transparency, and enhancing liquidity as well as maintaining a fair and orderly market environment.

As the central bank aims enhance regulatory oversight, Dr Garang urges the public to adopt electronic payment systems to lessen large amount of cash outside the banking system.

The government is trying to salvage the economic challenges at all cost.

The outcomes remain to be seen as the country’s main source of revenue, oil, is critically affected due to the Sudan’s conflict.

Kiir wishes Christians warmest Easter, pledges to address inflation

President Salva kiir has reiterated the government’s commitment to look for better ways to improve the lives of the citizens while wishing Christians warmest Easter.

In his Easter message yesterday, Kiir expressed his warmest Easter wishes to all Christians in and outside the country.

But, he said, this year’s Easter “is particularly significant because of the enormity of the socio-economic, security and development challenges the country is facing.

The Head of State said, many citizens have lost hope because of these challenges

However, he reiterated his government’s commitment to look for better ways to improve the lives of South Sudanese, young and old.

Kiir said he directed the economic cluster to adapt appropriate remedies to address the inflation.

In the meantime, he urged every citizen to inspire one another to live in peace and harmony, and help the refugees as well as South Sudan Families who are struggling to make a living in the very difficult time.

Ruto appoints Sumbeiywo chief mediator for South Sudan Peace Process

Kenyan President William Ruto, has appointed former Chief Mediator of the then Sudan-Southern Sudan 2005 Comprehensive peace negotiations, Lazarus Sumbeiywo to head South Sudan peace mediation process.

Kenya media reported Thursday that President Ruto has also appointed Ambassador Mohammed Ali Guyo as the Assistant Mediator.

In appointing the two Kenyans, President Ruto said “elections in South Sudan are scheduled by December this year and his South Sudanese counterpart had, therefore, requested him to facilitate talks in Nairobi with opposition groups and other sections of society in that country.”

These include “holdout opposition groups organized under the rubric of South Sudan Opposition Alliance, religious groups and civil society.

President Ruto was cited as saying said he had picked Mr Sumbeiywo as Chief Mediator due to his experience in the South Sudan peace process nearly 20 years ago.

“Based on your wealth of experience and invaluable contribution in negotiating and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, I appoint you as the Chief Mediator from April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025,” Ruto said.

The talks are meant to achieve “consensus and peace towards the conduct of the election”.

South Sudan is expected to hold its first general election in December 2024, eleven years since it gained independence in 2011.

South Sudan to conduct voluntary national review on SDG agenda

The National Ministry of Finance and Planning said it will conduct the first Voluntary National Review on progress made in attaining the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Continue reading South Sudan to conduct voluntary national review on SDG agenda

New Central Bank branch in Nimule a game changer -Dr Alic

The Bank of South Sudan governor has described the inauguration of a Bank branch in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State as a game changer in improving revenue collection and opening job opportunities to the locals. Continue reading New Central Bank branch in Nimule a game changer -Dr Alic

President Kiir jets to DR. Congo

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Sunday afternoon left Juba for the Democratic Republic of Congo for talks with his counterpart Felix Tshisekedi on the DRC-Rwanda tensions, his office has reported.

Presidential Press Secretary Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel was cited as saying “the visit is a continuation of President Kiir’s regional peace tour, aimed at addressing tensions between Rwanda and DR Congo.”

“As the Chairperson of the East African Community, President Kiir continues to engage these countries diplomatically to calm tensions along their respective borders,” Lily stated.

The Head of State is expected to stress the importance of Luanda and Nairobi’s processes to address the conflict in the region.

President Kiir’s visit is a follow up to his February trip to Rwanda and Burundi, where he had discussed regional peace and security with the leaders.

The Nairobi Process dealt with the internal DRC conflict; while the Luanda Process dealt with the tension with Rwanda.

The President is also anticipated to visit Angola to meet with President Joao Lourenco for an update on the Luanda process, the reported added.

Ex-Kopoeta North commissioner declines parliamentary seat offer

The former Commissioner of Kapoeta North County in Eastern Equatorial has turned down his appointment to the state legislature, citing his predecessor is better in that position.

The former Kapoeta North Commissioner Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, was sacked from his position on Fridaya fter four years of service, and was appointed as a lawmaker at the state legislature.

In a statement on Saturday, the ex-Kapoeta North County official declined President Kiir’s appointment to a parliamentary role in Eastern Equatoria State.

Emmanuel Lolimo said he is not against the decision, but he preferred his previous position to new role while urging President Kiir to reinstate, Simon Lodowuon Macharinyang to his parliamentary seat.

” I have no problem with the decision made by my president. I thank him and I will continue supporting him and for the changes he has made.There was already somebody in that position whom I feel is capable to help this country through the legislation.

“It doesn’t mean I rejected the position but because I don’t want to go to the parliament because I feel that same person who was in that position could be left there,” he said.

The former county official who is an SPLM member said he still remains committed to serving the party.

“I’m ready to serve the party at any position at any time. That’s why I turn down that offer.”

When he was asked by Eye Radio for his future plans, Mr. Lolimo said he will advocate for peace for the country and his community.

“I think my plan is to remain as a citizen of this country, and continue advocate for peace for this country and also my community,” he declares.

Minister Bakosoro instills discipline among presidency support staff

The Presidential Affairs Minister has held a meeting with the support staff of the presidency to improve their work relations.

Joseph Bangasi Bakasoro said he wanted the employees to see themselves equally important and work as a team regardless of their roles.

He called on the support staff to cooperate, respect the senior staff, and verse versa.

Minister Bakasoro was addressing the Presidential workers during an induction and orientation workshop on Saturday in Juba.

“Do not say I am just a mere person.This dose not work with me. There is no person who is more important than the other. Every one of you is important.

“What I only want is cooperation, respect these people (senior staff), and they should also respect you, and you work as one body and one spirit.

Explaining the objectives, the Chief Administrator in the Office of the President says, the workshop will enable the support staff do their work in the right way.

“The induction workshop is to introduce you to your work, and help you with your ethics. It teaches you about organization, and how to organize yourself.

“It teaches you how to respect others and how to respect yourself. It introduces you to the powers and limits of your work and you cannot go beyond it because the work is divided,” he said.

Senior staff in the Office of the President are expected to undergo similar program in some time to come.

S. Sudan to host regional trade exhibition in October

About 5,000 delegates from across Africa are expected to come to Juba for a regional trade fair exhibition due October, 26, 2024, according to the Trade and Industry Minister.

Minister William Anyuon Kuol says South Sudan gained the trust to host the 24th edition of the East African Community Exhibition during the closure of the 23^rd edition in Bujumbura on December,15^th,2023,

“South Sudan going to host this event and it is going to be a very big event that will take 10 days and this event,” he confirmed to reporters on Wednesday.

The exhibition to be held for ten days, will draw traders and officials including ministers from across Africa, an opportunity for entrepreneurial people in South Sudan show case and promote their products.

“It will bring more opportunities because when they are here, they will see most of the products that we have and that is where we will promote the products that we produce here in South Sudan,” he said.

The trade minister said the government will coordinate with state authorities to facilitate the transportation of traders from the states to the national capital Juba, adding that the institution is now talking to the state governments through the governors about the plans

He urged South Sudanese especially the entrepreneur not to miss the event for their own benefits.

The trade show, describes as an exciting line-up of both local and international companies, is an ideal platform for product launches, finding new buyers & distributors, promoting brand names & image, updating existing customers and updating oneself with the latest trends in the industry.

Often annually held, it attracts exhibitors from more than 30 countries, bringing exhibitors from all over East & Central Africa, thus giving exhibitors an excellent opportunity to explore several countries at one time.