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Unknown gunmen kill police officer on Ngauro -Kapoeta Highway.

Police in Kapoeta South county said one of their officer was shot and killed by unknown gunmen in Ngauro – Kapoeta road on Tuesday morning.
The officer was being carried on a motorbike escorting  the public transport vehicle that was behind them.  The late identified by his first name as William was at his 30.
The acting commissioner of police in Kapoeta South, Brigadier Garang Deng Jurkuch, said the incident happened in an area where people were doing gold mining activities.
“At 7.30 pm on Tuesday, I was called by somebody who was on duty that an officer was shot dead on Ngauro – Kapoeta road”, said Jurkuch.
He stated that the other person  who was the motorbike rider was unharmed after he ran to the bush and the suspects fled scene  before the vehicle arrived.
He said  the police are searching for the suspects, but no one has been identified in connection to the killing.
The chairperson of Ngauro youth association David Lino condemned the incident in his Facebook post. He calls on the authorities to find the culprits and bring them to book.
Lino said  several incidences had happened along Kapoeta Ngauro road, and the government is not taking any action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.
He urged the government to intervene and save lives and enhance development in the area.
Singaita FM efforts to reach Budi County authority were unsuccessful due to a lack of network coverage in Ngauro Payam.
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Five disabled pupils receives wheelchairs

Five disabled’s primary school pupils received wheelchairs from Help Education South Sudan on Wednesday in Mingkaman, Awerial County.

The pupils are among the first group of sixty-six children with different disabilities that need support to access learning institutions in the state. 

Mr. Moses Makuac Ajot is the Education Coordinator and works for Help Education South Sudan in Awerial County. 

He said the wheelchairs would aid their effort to promote inclusive education for all pupils in Awerial. 

He said the five pupils include three boys and two girls to have primary education like any other healthy child.

One of the pupils who received wheelchairs, Mr. Ding Deng, spokes to Mingkaman 100 FM.  He said the donation would ease his movement from home to school on time. 

He said that one of the challenges he faces is mobility from home to school during the rainy season. “I am thankful for the donation; the wheelchair will change my life in terms of mobility,” said Deng.

He stated that he used to be absent from school due to mud or water on the road and could not make it to school.

Last week over fifty teachers received training on inclusive education to treat disabled and girls equally without segregation in the classrooms. 

 

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Yirol East returns 24 herds to rightful owners in Jonglei state

Yirol East authorities in Lakes state say they recovered 24 herds and returned them to rightful owners in Jonglei state. The handing over happens on Wednesday in Nyang Yirol East.

The cows were part of 40 herds of cattle that were raided at Pacuethok cattle camp in June last year by some youth from Yirol East.

James Dhuor Apiu is the County Executive Director in Yirol East. He said that the process has been peaceful and involves much coordination with local leaders and youth in the cattle camps.

Dhuor said that his government is ready to provide security escorts to the owners to move with their cattle to Jonglei state.

“Youth from Jonglei whose cattle were raided in parts of Awerial county have taken 24 cows this morning in my office. I have written a traveling document to take their cows back home,” said Dhuor.

He stated that  the process of tracing the raided cattle is still ongoing and urges cattle keepers in Lakes State who have cattle that do not belong to them to return to the rightful owners.

Deng Alier Deng is one of the rightful owners who received his cows. He said he is so happy to be moving freely in Lakes state, searching for his cows without fear of being killed.

He appealed to the authorities in Lakes to find the missing 16 cattle that had not been recovered.

Deng also thanks the governor of Lakes state, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, for restoring stability for people to get some of their cattle back.

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Protect the revitalized peace agreement or no elections in 2023, Machar urged governors

The governors’ forum, which started on Monday in Juba, discusses the states’ role in implementing the revitalized peace agreement.

The five-day, 5th governor’s forum brought together states delegates and three areas chief administrators to discuss.

The first vice president of the republic, Dr. Riek Machar, called on the governors and three areas chief administrators to work with recently reconstituted states assemblies to incorporate the agreement into their respective state constitutions.

“I am hoping that you, the state government, should begin to think in trying to review your constitution for it to conform with the transitional constitution amended,” said Dr. Machar.

He told the governors to protect the peace agreement and ensure not dragged back to conflict. He said that despite the peace agreement, inter-communal violence and child abduction is destabilizing some areas.

He says the forum will help governors address challenges facing the states and encourage them to implement the reform stated in the peace agreement.

The governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Luise Lobong, says the forum is a good opportunity for the governors to discuss the challenges facing people at the grassroots.

He said the forum shouldn’t be for states leaders alone but a collective responsibility of all government levels to participate and implement the outcome.

“I wish the leadership of this country attend this kind of briefing so that they make policies resolution on it.”

Lobong said there are very few resources that go to the state’s government. “We don’t know even what percent of the total revenue goes to the states,” said Lobong.

He said that if such a forum is used to decide and allocate a percentage of the total budget that can go to the state help elevate the lives of people in the rural areas.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Residence Coordinator Dr. Samuel Gbaydee Doe said the forum would strengthen inclusive governance as the country accelerates the revitalized agreement implementation.

“The forum provides a platform for the ten governors and three chief administrators to interact H.E the President and the national government to reflect on the progress of peace implementation.

The forum was organized by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and the UN development program.

The Governor’s Forum was initiated in 2006 before South Sudan gained independence in 2011.

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IGAD welcomes Sudan Agreement to Restore Civilian Rule

The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed Sudan’s return to civilian rule after Prime Minister Dr. Abdalla Hamdok reinstate on Sunday.

The military reached a deal with civilians to restore civilian rule and release political leaders detained in October.

The Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu, commends all those who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the Agreement in line with the 2019 constitutional declaration and encourages Sudan’s political leaders and civil society to build on the momentum to unite the country.

In s statement, IGAD said the Agreement should lead to the formation of an inclusive government and expressed the readiness to work with the new government to implement this Agreement. It stated the effort is to serve the people and build a new democratic Sudan that responds to the legitimate aspirations of all sectors of its society.

South Sudan congratulates its neighboring Sudan for its leadership courage to forge a way out of its current political situation.

It described the Agreement that parties signed as a “significance landmark achievement” that displays Sudan’s will and determination to return the path of peace.

As part of that Agreement, Gen Burhan had been due to step down as head of state, handing over to a civilian this month.

The reinstated prime minister Dr. Hamdok will lead a cabinet of technocrats until elections are held, the Agreement stated.

Media, at least 40 people had died in mass protests the coup since 25 October, when the military declared a state of emergency and dissolved the civilian leadership.

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Stop cattle rustling & keep livestock for commercial values, Onyoti says

The national Livestock and Fisheries is calling on livestock owners to improve livestock management and move towards improved production of the industry. He says cattle keepers should focus on positive values and adopt to new technologies to make their animal healthier.

South Sudan Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Onyoti Adigo Nyikwak addressed hundreds of farmers in Warrap state on Thursday during the Kuajok Livestock Show and Agriculture Exhibition.

The event was organized by the government along with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the goal of promoting commercialization of the livestock and farming sector. Farmers displayed their agricultural products and tools while demonstrating technologies, including irrigation systems and seed treatment.

Adigo says the purpose of the show is to create awareness on the economic impact of livestock in an intensive production system and improve ways of keeping animals. “Let’s make our livestock commercially oriented and not to keep them on traditional and cultural values,” he told crowd gathered for the event.

The Minister further called the pastoralists to stop cattle raiding and help the government in promoting peace to ensure their livestock are safe and used only for economic purposes to support their livelihood.

“Why are we killing ourselves because of cattle? Why are we rustling or stealing cattle? You need to work hard to get cattle, go to farming and crops will give you money instead of taking other people’s cattle,” he stressed.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director in South Sudan, Haven Cruz-Hubbard commended the work of the framers and cattle keepers in the state.

He says South Sudan is one of the countries with higher number of livestock per capita in Africa, about 39 million livestock.

He stated that USAID and FAO introduced livestock shows in 2019 to promote commercialization and peaceful interaction between the communities.

“Livestock can be an essential source of nutrition and revenue so that South Sudanese families can remain resilient in the face of conflict, flooding and food insecurity,” Cruz-Hubbard said.

The Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Hua Ning pledged to support farmers with agricultural tools in Warrap state. He said the aim is to boost food production in rural areas, to avoid dependency on imported items and food aid.

A high-level delegation, including top government officials, diplomats and journalists were in Kaujok on Thursday to witnesses the show.

Similar events were also held in 2019 and early 2020 in Wau, Rumbek and Torit.

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State wide livestock show and agriculture exhibition kickoff in Kuajok

One thousand farmers and cattle owners turn up ahead of livestock and agriculture trade fair in Warrap state on Thursday.

Today’s event in Kuajok gives herders and farmers groups opportunities to advertise livestock and local produce in the seeds fair exhibition in Kuajok Theatre.

The purpose is to encourage the commercialization of the livestock and farming sector. Farmers display their agricultural products, tools and demonstrate technologies, including irrigation systems and seed treatment.

Paul Thon Akech is the Head of Field Office in Kuajok, Warrap State. He said the winners would walk away with some cash amount twenty-nine thousand SSP equivalent of 70 US dollars.

According to FAO, over seven hundred cows, 400 sheep and goats were registered.

He said the groundnut, sorghum, maize, pumpkin, okra, and sesame would dominate most local products in the ongoing trade fair exhibition, which started on Wednesday.

Thon said the event is attended by top government officials, diplomats, and donors expected to arrive on Thursday in Kuajok, the last day of the exhibition. “We shall award winners who will be nominated by judges brought from Torit and Northern Bhar El Ghazal States,” Thon said.

In the exhibition, local farmers showcase the fresh produce of groundnut, sorghum, maize, pumpkin, okra, and sesame products of the 2021 harvest.

Some of the farmers who spoke to Mayardit FM said the program would renew the importance of animals in their lives, impact its economy, and restore hope for rearing animals.

A similar event is scheduled in Northern Bhar El Ghazal State in Aweil town this month.

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Women call for an inclusion in permanent constitution making process

An annual event attended by more than hundreds women in Juba call for an inclusion of women in South Sudan permanent constitution making process. They said making their voice heard in the process is key in achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan.

The peace event was organized by the center for inclusive governance, peace, and justice (CIGPJ) in Juba on Monday.

Some of the issues discussed include the needs for effective participation of women in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

They stressed the importance of full implementation of the revitalized peace deal. They said there are key provisions still outstanding such as the formation of hybrid court as stipulated in chapter five of the deal to bring justice, accountability, reconciliation, and healing.

Ms. Jackline Nasiwa is the Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justices. She said that women’s participation in the governance and security sector reform is key to ensure the process of inclusivity.

” There is a very crucial milestone in the peace agreement that requires women to participate. One of them is security sector reform and the constitutional making process” said Nasiwa.

She urged women to be bold enough and push for justice in South Sudan, so that the culprits face justice.

“Those committees should go to the grassroots and hear views of the people on what type of Trust and healing Commission should South Sudan adopt,” Naiswa stated

The Director of women International peace center, Helen Kezie Nwoha stressed the need for gender equality. Saying that women were affected mainly by the conflict. They want peace and shouldn’t be left behind in the permanent constitution-making process.

Kezie stated that South Sudan can not attain peace without equal opportunities for boys and girls.

She said that they should be in the center of these processes and will not be silent. “We can’t leave our voices out in the constitution-making process, let’s plan from now to make ensure we get what we want,” she said.

The Adviser on Human Rights Affairs in Central Equatoria State government, Jenifer Yugu, said there is need to discouraged male dominance in public offices. She said equal rights must prevail to ensure more women take part in decision-making and leadership.

” There are issues they don’t want us to raise in the parliament like when a man marries more than ten wives but if woman divorce it becomes a problem.”

The revitalized peace agreement parties signed in 2018 approved 35% affirmative women representation in all government sectors.

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Kiir reshuffled Finance and Interior ministers.

President Kiir fired the minister of finance and economic planning, Athian Ding Athian, and Interior Minister, Paul Mayom Akec.

The two ministers were relieved through presidential decrees readout on the state-run SSBC on Friday evening.

In a separate decree, Kiir also discharged the undersecretary in the ministry of trade and industry, Agak Achuil, and appointed him as the new minister of finance in a separate decree.

 Kiir appointed Mahmud Solomon, a former governor in the defunct western Lakes state, as the new interior minister, replacing Gen. Paul Mayom Akech.

There were no reasons cited for the dismissal of the two cabinet ministers.

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Two drivers narrowly escaped death on Kapoeta-Ngauro road

Two drivers, driving public transport vehicles say they survived road ambush as their vehicle came under attack by unknown gunmen on Kapoeta-Ngauro road.

One of the drivers who spokes to Singaita FM narrated how he managed to maneuver dodging the bullets as his car came under fire at Lorobola Kraals in Kapoeta South.

He said the passengers that were in his vehicle are safe and no one was hurt in two separate attacks on Wednesday morning.

Michael Belbel explain that the attackers were wearing civilian clothes, but he could not identify them as his focus was to get out of bullets range.

“They did not injure anyone it is like they intend to scare us and loot our personal belong” said Belbel.

He said the place has become hotspot where criminal ambushed people between Kraals and Lorobola area.

He appealed to the government to deploy some soldiers along Ngauro- Kapoeta road for safer road movement of citizens.

Brigadier Garang Deng Jurkuch is the acting police commissioner in Kapoeta county. He said they are aware of multiples road ambushes but urged the community help identify criminals and reported them to the police.

Brigadier Jurkuch assures the public that his office is working hard to arrest those involved in criminal activities and make sure the road is safe for the travelers.

In August this year, three public vehicles were attacked along Kapoeta-Ngauro road of which six people lost their lives.