Category: States

States

Bor FMs ordered to seek talk-shows approval, UJOSS denounces move

The Union of Journalists in Jonglei state has expressed concerns about the order by the state Ministry of Information banning public announcements and radio talks without its approval.

In a Ministerial order issued on 4th Nov 2023, the Director General of the Ministry urged all local radio stations and microphone announcers to seek approval before announcing any information or program for public consumption.

The ministry says it issued the directive after receiving complaints from listeners that public announcements and radio talk shows usually used one language.

The Ministry stated that the use of one language in broadcasting is against the rights of the people to have equal access to information.

“Based on the above-cited complaints, we in the Ministry, the Media Regulator in the state would like to categorically make it clear that such actions are against the rights of our people to have equal access to information,” the statement partially read.

It further said, “The unity of our people starts from equal treatment hence, I urge your esteemed institutions to work for the interest of our people by evenly feeding them with reliable information that can contribute to reducing the level of illiteracy and enhance a peaceful and prosperous coexistence among our communities.”

The State Ministry of Information didn’t indicate which language was being used for the public announcements and radio talk shows.

Responding to the directives, the state Union of Journalists says the order is unlawful and creates a chilling effect on freedom of speech, undermining the crucial role that independent media plays in holding power holders to account.

It says the decision confers control over radio stations and will impede their ability to operate independently and objectively.

UJOSS calls on the Jonglei State Ministry of Information to immediately rescind the order and uphold the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.

They urge the government to engage in a constructive dialogue with media organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders to develop regulations that enable a free and responsible media environment.

 

 

CES lawmakers to receive medical allowances

The Speaker of  Central Equatoria State Parliament has told the August House he received some money in medical allowances for the lawmakers, that is in addition to SSP 1 million each is to receive for recess.

Peter Wani revealed this during a session in Juba on Monday.

The fund is availed following concerns raised by the Members of Parliament regarding the delays in receiving their medical allowances and salary arrears.

According to reports, the 100-member parliament is expected to receive $30,000 as medical allowances with each expected to receive 300 dollars.

Speaking during Monday’s extraordinary sitting, Wani said the funds will be distributed once the Assembly Business Committee decides on Tuesday.

“I received this money last Friday, and I have decided that I will sit with members of ABC to see what we can do about this.

‘Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will have an extraordinary sitting of the ABC and this will be one of the agendas to be discussed with the ABC,  then officially we will come to you the honorable members, and tell you what we want to do as the leadership of this parliament,” he announced.

According to him, the money has come at a time when lawmakers have suffered from health problems during the recent period.

 

4 killed, 300 houses destroyed as torrential rains pound Yei River County

At least four people have died in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State after three days of heavy down pours accompanied by devastating storms caused flooding and landslide that left hundreds of homes destroyed, the commissioner said.

Agrey Cyrus Kanyikwa lamented that the torrential rains battered the area in early November this year.

“Yesterday (Saturday), 4th November 2023, Yei River County (was) assaulted with yet another massive devastation of people, properties and bridges being washed away,” Cyrus said.

He reported that over 300 houses and road infrastructures including bridges have been washed away or collapsed.

He further said several animals were killed while the bodies of two of the four people washed away have not been recovered.

A house covered in mud after heavy rain pounded Yei River County in Central Equatoria State. (-)

“I want to thank the people who risked their lives to salvage many children whose houses were swallowed and were to be drowned and those who were drowned while attempting to cross rivers that bursted with overflows of water,” said the commissioner.

On Saturday, a heavy downpour hit several parts of Central Equatoria State including the capital Juba, leaving several residential areas including Mangateen and Hai Referendum flooded.

People sit at the bank of a stream where a bridge was broken by running water. (-)

Yei Commissioner Agrey Cyrus further pleaded for help from well-wishers, the government and humanitarian agencies.

“I am calling on all children of Yei River County within Yei or South Sudan and those that are in diaspora, Humanitarian Agencies, the State and National Governments to contribute and support those families that are displaced by the rains.”

“They lost all house belongings, foods and shelters and bridges linking the people to essential services like healthcare, market access for food and school going children who are cut off from their classes, with any kind of humanitarian assistance in cash or materials.”

 

 

Continue reading 4 killed, 300 houses destroyed as torrential rains pound Yei River County

Renk vegetable farmers set for booming business after great yield

Renk County vegetable farmers in Upper Nile State are anticipating high profit as they prepare to dominate the market with fresh supply after embarking on large-scale vegetable farming, backed by a local NGO, Christian Mission for Development. Continue reading Renk vegetable farmers set for booming business after great yield

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