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September, 2014 Issue 2, Volume 2 www.thechristiantimes.net

Atrocities can only be accounted for through independent body – AU official

ALSO ‘Think outside the Churches come INSIDE box’, IGAD tells South together for the sake of peace THIS ISSUE Sudanese leaders THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 1 TCT Read The Christian Times Newspaper

And online: www.thechristiantimes.net 2 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Contents September 2014 Issue 2 Volume 2

www.thechristiantimes.net

MANAGING EDITOR Rev. John C. Daau

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Moses Wasamu

WRITERS Ebenezer Gore James Chillim Joseph Oduha Moses Bul CONTRIBUTORS Cover Story: Page 6: Atrocities can only be Mercy Gakii Faith Mc Donnell accounted for through independent body – AU official Martin Olando David Pollit

DESIGN & LAYOUT Martin Kariuki

SALES & MARKETING Benjamin Lem Majak Daniel Abraham Khot

PRINTED BY The Star Newspapers 8

Offices at: 12.Ministry of Finance to release funds for National Elections Multi-Service Training Center, Conference Room 2, Commission Behind Juba Stadium, Juba, South Sudan. 14.China to send combat troops to South Sudan for peace-keeping Tel: Office +211 (0) 921 226 802, +211 (0) 955 486 861 17.Biblical reflections on issues of governance in South Sudan Sales & Marketing : +211 (0) 956 703 452, 38.South Sudan needs a revolution of young people, says Bishop 095622003, 0955017617 E-mail: [email protected] www.thechristiantimes.net 16/17 LEADERSHIP 18/19 COMMENTARIES 24/25 FEATURES Visit us on Facebook and 26/27 HEALTH 32 BOOK REVIEW 34-36 PEACE BUILDING Twitter 37 GENDER & DEVELOPMENT 38/39 YOUTH JUNCTION/ENTERTAINMENT 40/41 SPORT TCT Editorial Leaders should do more to secure peace e are in the last quarter of the year yet there is still no hope for the people of South Sudan to achieve peace. The peace talks that began soon after violence broke last December have dragged on for far too long. Our position is that the talks have taken far too long because the crisis has disrupted the lives of so many people in the country. WAnd it is not only that. Should there be a disruption of life in the country, this has a spill- over effect on people in the surrounding nations. So the crisis is not just a South Sudanese affair, but is an affair that concerns the whole of the region and that is why regional leaders have been compelled to intervene, through the Intergovernmental Authority and Development (IGAD). It is sad that up to now, there seems to be no end in sight on the political shenanigans that we have seen since the violence broke out and the peace talks commenced. Continued posturing by both sides has not and will never bring any tangible results. There have been reports by various interested parties that the two sides to the conflict are only buying time in the peace talks, with the aim of continuing with the fighting with the hope of gaining victory through fighting. As one of the peace mediators said earlier on, this is foolhardy thinking as victory through bloodshed is neither desirable and it is not going to bring the long-lasting peace that the people of South Sudan crave. Long lasting peace can only come through a negotiated agreement which takes into account the interest of all the citizens of the country. We believe that the peace talks whould not just be left to the political players, but it should encompass all the interested parties in the country. Contrary to what some commentators have said, we are firmly behind the idea of including the civil society in the talks, including the religious leaders. Whereas some commentators have said that the involvement of the civil society is an impediment to the quick solution of the crisis, we are of the opinion that this ‘Third Force’ should be allowed on the negotiating table to speak on behalf of those who cannot come to the negotiating table. Politicians have a propensity to offer short-term solutions to problems that are complex and which require long-term thinking and strategising. We believe that it is only the players who have no political affiliation who can bring the important ingredient of non-political partisanship in the peace talks. Yes, we are aware that the non-political players have had their own challenges in as far as participation in the Addis Ababa talks is concerned. But this does not negate that we need independent thinkers who will help to remind the politicians of the needs of including every citizen’s aspirations in the final peace agreement document. Left alone, the politicians will only negotiate for positions and forget about the other important aspects of South Sudanese life. The main pre-occupation of many ought to be, what will become of the country even after the two main protagonists, President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar, are out of the picture? The leaders in the region too ought to do more than they are doing. They should apply more pressure on the main players to comply with the terms of the cessation of hostilities agreements, which the two sides have been violating. What legacy does the current crop of leaders want to leave behind after they are long gone? They should think about the interests of the future generations and not just focus on what they, as political leaders, will gain out of the peace process. Short-term political thinking will take the country back to the path of despondency and anarchy. DISCLAIMER: The Christian Times Newspaper and Online Magazine welcomes opinions, comments and letters. Comments, opinions and letters are sole responsibility of the author and does not in any case represent the position of the newspaper. The Christian Times Newspaper and Online Magazine reserves the right for admission and to edit articles for purpose of space, time and clarity.

To our partners, we thank you for your continued support and Prayers. This edition was made possible with generous support of South Sudan Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR), USA- based Board of Directors of Good Shepherd College & Seminary (GSCS) South Sudan and the Board of Directors of The Christian Times Ltd (TCT). May the Lord advance your desire for peace and bless you abundantly.

4 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 From The Editor TCT Communities need to take responsibility for their own peace ven as the whole country

was fixing its eyes on

Addis Ababa, waiting to REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS hear good news of signing of a peace deal between Ethe warring parties in the country, other more ugly and unnecessary killings were taking place in the country. In early September, we reported that 40 people were killed in inter- communal clashes in Tonj East County of Warrap State. The inter-communal fighting left many more people MOSES WASAMU wounded. With The inter-communal clashes in the states of Warrap and Lakes have posed a big challenge to the government of attention to the skirmishes taking place prosecutors, judges and executioners! South Sudan. Most of the conflicts in between community members. This should not be allowed to these states are about cattle raiding, Yet, just like the major conflict in continue. The government and religious revenge killings and other social issues the country, these skirmishes are just as leaders are playing their role in trying like girl elopement and cases of early disruptive. People cannot concentrate to deal with the menace. But their ef- pregnancies. on development activities because they forts have so far not borne much fruit. Most of this year, the media has have to protect themselves from those However, this task should not be been rife with reports of inter-commu- who may harm them. Daily activities left to the government alone. In a large nal fights in various parts in the two like learning, farming and businesses country like South Sudan, the govern- states. While many in and out of the are affected negatively. ment cannot be everywhere at every country have been quick to condemn In this age and time, there is no time. This then calls for the people the violence perpetrated by government way that a whole community can be themselves to take responsibility for forces and opposition forces, very few punished just because of the crimes of their harmonious co-existence. have bothered to condemn the inter- one or two of its members. In any case, In other words, every citizen communal fights, which mostly take the form of revenge killings. The violence has resulted in the killing of innocent people who were simply killed because they belonged to a clan whose member is suspected of having committed a crime. These incidents have seen the deaths of local administrators, showing that no one is safe as far as the perpetrators of the violence are concerned. The height of these was when a church leader was forced to flee because he was preaching reconcilia- tion, which is contrary to the revenge that many in these communities would like to hear. When we live in a society where people are ready to harm even religious leaders, then we know that we are sliding on a dangerous slope! Without mincing words, these acts Children in Danger: Despite despite temporary improvements in food are barbaric, callous and primitive to security, the situation of thousands of children was still at risk of the extreme. Those who are guilty of malnutrition-related deaths such activities need to know that what- even if someone is suspected of having needs to know that having peace or ever they are doing is not acceptable in committed a crime, there is no way not depends on what they do to their this time and age. that he can be punished without being neighbours. They should see to it that The violence is uncalled for heard. they live harmoniously with their because it is diverting resources that The law of natural justice demands neighbours and if there is a disagree- could be used for development purpos- that we need to have a third party to ment between them, then they should es into resolving these inter-communal mediate in any conflict or misunder- invite other relevant parties to help conflicts. Right now, many people are standing. What we see happening in them solve the dispute. concentrating on the greater violence parts of the country currently is that Taking the law into their hands and by the two parties in the conflict in some people have decided to take the exacting revenge will only beget more the country. People are paying little law into their own hands, and become bloodshed and pain among the people. THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 5 TCT Cover Story Atrocities can only be accounted for through independent body – AU official

Women, children and other vulnerable people are the most affected when violence occurs. The AU says only an independent body can help account for the atrocities. BY JAMES CHILIM that is why we moved all over the states be followed by international community. n official with the of South Sudan, and the Commission is It is not a question whether South Sudan African Union now compiling its report which will be is a signatory to Rome Statute or not, it is Commission of Inquiry presented to the African Union (AU) the question of crimes against humanity on South Sudan said it leadership in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for committed, therefore whether ICC will is only an international further decisions,” he said. come in or not will be known later, but and independent body that can help He said that they had managed to all the perpetrations, whatever duration Aaccount for the atrocities committed gather information regarding atrocities justice may take, they will be accounted in South Sudan in the current crisis. committed but the information was not for,” he said. Speaking to South Sudanese enough to enable mounting prosecution. He stressed that the AU and the in Nairobi, the Executive Secretary He said that there must be more thorough international community will never of African Union Commission of investigations to prove that crimes against condone any crimes being perpetrated Inquiry on South Sudan crisis Mr. humanity were committed. against innocent people. He said that they Orabisi Dare said the commission He revealed that the dominant issue have been consulting with South Sudanese was formed to inquire and find the they found out is that the crimes that were in the Diaspora to forge the way forward, facts so that justice can be done and committed in 1991 are still fresh in people’s in order to achieve peace and unity among can be seen to be done. mind, and these are among the core South Sudanese. He said that the Commission had instigators of the current conflict. Many South Sudanese who were in talked to people in the affected states “There are still violations of human the briefing expressed their doubts on the of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity. rights in South Sudan and such acts will Commission’s work, wondering whether Mr. Dare assured those who were justice will take its course in the situation gathered that justice will prevail, but Sharing their of South Sudan. added that people must be patient experiences, the women Gabriel Dak Booth, South Sudanese with the process and investigations. Students Association leader said the AU He referred to the Kenyan and who didn’t want to be has been termed in most cases of African Rwandan cases, saying that for them identified said they are conflicts as an institution that is toothless. to reach where they are today, the “Will perpetrators face justice under commissions formed took time to facing serious challenges the AU, really? he asked. deliver on their mandate. The South Sudan Law society “We were just doing fact finding, of rape and harassment. Executive Director, Mr. David Deng,

6 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Cover Story TCT narrated how justice in the South Sudan conflict was connected with the current negotiations in Addis Ababa. Deng said that justice always comes after stability and peace has been restored in any society. In a related development, women living in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) camp in Malakal in Upper Nile state called for rape suspects to be apprehended, saying that there was increased harassment and raping of women. The IDPs made the call during a sensitization workshop organized by the Gender Unit and the Public Information Office of UNMISS. Sharing their experiences, the women who didn’t want to be identified said they are facing serious challenges of rape and harassment. “We always discuss in our weekly meetings that abortion cases are increasing as there are four cases reported every week and there are other cases unknown,” said one of them. Women and Children: UN Police Advisors visiting protection site at UN- They expressed regret that the crisis MISS base in Juba to discuss gender-based violence with women living in had put women and young girls in a vul- the camp. how to reduce abortion, which is happen- nerable situation. tion, due to lack of education,” she said. ing because of un-wanted pregnancy. And “Our children are lost. What we want Patricia Paul from the UNMISS gender to reduce un-wanted pregnancies, we need to say to our men and leaders, we want office pledged the mission’s support. She to raise awareness to women, men, girls peace. Because of this war our girls are said the UN mission is raising awareness and elders on how to use family planning getting impregnated through raping at an about gender-based violence and family methods,” she said. early age of 13 and 14 years old. Giving planning. By September, the UN protection of birth at that age is difficult so they go and “And now we have the phenomenon of civilian site in Malakal was accommodat- get an abortion, or some are making an abortion resulting from four rape cases re- ing more than 17,000 IDPs, mostly women agreement with those boys to get an abor- ported. That’s why we are focusing more on and children.

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 7 TCT National News Let us promote integrity and humility in leadership, graduates urged outh Sudanese gradu- ates from institutions of higher learning were urged to promote honesty and integrity in Stheir work as they strive to serve their nation. This was said during a gathering of alumni of Daystar University to celebrate the gradu- ation of four students from UK universities. Elizabeth Nyanlang, an alum- nus who presented gifts to the four graduates, all South Sudanese alumni of Daystar University in Kenya, praised them for their courage to study and to serve the nation. “Daystar taught us about serv- ant leadership. We were taught to keep the light shining wherever we go. Let’s keep the light of the Alumni of Daystar University in South Sudan. They were urged to serve their star shining by promoting integ- communities with humility and integrity.( rity, honesty and humility in our services to our beloved people of study to respond to the challenge of lack training, ministry of labour and public South Sudan,” she said. of capacity in South Sudan” he said. service and human resource develop- The event was attended by Amilia is one of few graduates from the ment, said he was inspired and encour- more than twelve alumni of Day- minority community in Pochalla. aged by the idea of intellectuals meeting star University in South Sudan. According to Aligo Manasseh who and sharing ideas. They gathered at Notos Hotel has just completed his MSc in Economic Mr. Kwong encouraged the group in Juba for a dinner party. The Development, the gathering was a means to continue with the spirit of unity and four, who graduated with Master of uniting the society. stressed that they should continue to of- Degrees from UK universities “We are from diverse communi- fer service with humility to the nation. included Aligo Manasseh Khamis, ties of South Sudan. We celebrate the Rev. James Baak, the country direc- David Deng Maker, Amilia Omot achievement of our representatives to tor of Alarm South Sudan and vice chair and Peter de Kwot. Aligo and promote peace and unity among our of the Alumni chapter revealed that plans David Maker won the prestigious communities,” he said. are underway to establish and invest in Chevening Scholarships in 2012 In attendance were Daystar Alumni a scholarship fund, peace building and and 2014 respectively, while the expanding networking among the group two others benefited from other members in South Sudan. scholarship programmes. Another alumnus, Abbass Matayo, The chairperson of the Daystar who is the head of a department at Alumni Association South Sudan Kenya Commercial Bank South Sudan, chapter, Rev. John Chol Daau con- urged the group to invest in enterprising gratulated the graduates for taking opportunities in the country, to create the challenge of pursuing higher jobs and to promote development activi- education in order to participate in ties. the development of the country. According to the chapter’s chairper- “We have gathered here to son in South Sudan, there are over 100 celebrate the success of our broth- alumni of Daystar University spread ers who have taken a challenge to all over the country, who are placed further their education and have strategically in high positions in NGOs, returned to take part in the process Aligo Manasseh: A Daystar Alumni: government, church, and para-church of nation building,” he said. “We According to him the gathering was a organizations. means of uniting the society. He has are proud that our brothers and The Daystar alumni in South Sudan sisters have taken courage and just completed his MSc in Economic Development had their first reunion meeting in August sacrificed to achieve more educa- 2013, where over 50 alumni came tion in their areas of expertise in holding high profile positions in the together for the first reunion, and cel- order to progress development in government, including Mr. Kwong ebrated the appointment of two of their South Sudan.” Danhier, the minister for roads, transport members as ministers in the government Amilia, who completed MA and bridges in the government of South of South Sudan. It was in that meeting Sudan. Friends and leaders from other studies in Development and Media that the chapter was officially launched. at Kings College, UK, said he institutions also attended. One of the goals of the chapter is to took the challenge to fill the hu- Rev. Ben Waigo, deputy director for support the initiative of Daystar Univer- man resource needs in the country. policy, planning and institutional devel- sity to extend its courses in collaboration “I took up the challenge to opment at the directorate of vocational with South Sudanese institutions. 8 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 National News TCT President signs three media bills into law By TCT correspondent “We are going to work in an envi- resident Salva Kiir signed into ronment of law, if a journalist has gone law three Media Bills after outside the law, and then the law can be amendments by the country’s applied to him or her. If the public went lawmakers. These are the Pub- outside the law then the law is to speak lic Broadcasting Act, Access to those individuals. If the government is Pto Information Act and Media Council also moving outside the law, then the law Act. also will bring the government back to the Whereas this is a good development, boat. Meaning all of us will be moving some media practitioners were apprehen- within the boat of the law,” he said. sive about the final version of the law, Media practitioners expressed res- considering that the bills were amended country. ervations about the fact that the head of several times by parliament. “You have the following bills which the media commission will be a govern- “This is a good development for the have been signed by the President and ment appointee. They have called for the country, but our legitimate fear is on have come into law. We have the Media independence of the commission. which versions of the bills have been Authority Bill 2013, the Right of Access Writing earlier on their website, the signed into law. There is a concern that to Information Bill 2013 and the Public International Press Institute (IPI), said the since the bills have exchanged too many Broadcasting Corporation Bill. All the proposed laws fell short of international hands before signature, especially within three bills have become an act of law standards in some cases, in particular the office of the president, where twice that are capable of being implemented in by introducing statutory regulation of other provisions that were not endorsed South Sudan by the relevant authorities,” journalism ethics, an area IPI believes by the national legislative assembly were he said. should be better left to self-regulatory smuggled into the final documents...,” The chairperson of the Union of mechanisms. said one Opoka p’Arop Otto. Journalists for South Sudan (UJOSS), It recommended that media organisa- Speaking to journalists after the Oliver Modi, welcomed the signing of the tions and government should put in place signing, Presidential Press Secretary bills, saying media operations will now an education campaign to help journalists Ateny Wek Ateny explained that the three be guided by the law and not assumption and the public understand their rights and new laws would guide journalism in the as it used to be. obligations under the new media laws. New UNMISS chief arrives in Juba he newly appointed United Nations Mission in South Sudan chief Ellen Mar- grethe Løj finally arrived in Juba to take up her new Trole. Ms. Ellen replaced Ms. Hilde Johnson who left the country at the end of July, after her tour of duty came to an end. Ms. Ellen was met at Juba Interna- tional Airport by UNMISS senior offi- cials, led by Deputy SRSG Toby Lanzer and the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Charles Manyang. Ms. Ellen came into the country at a time when the mandate of UNMISS was recently extended by six months by UN. Its mandate also shifted from promoting development and nation- building in the country, to protect- ing civilians and ending the ongoing LOEJ: Newly appointed UNMISS IN South Sudan, Margarethe Loej (left), being violence. welcomed by Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer. The Danish national previously bolstering the relationship between the This led to demonstrations, with held a number of senior positions in her mission, the government and the opposi- demonstrators demanding for the country’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, tion. stepping down of Ms. Johnson. The including as her country’s Permanent Relations between the mission and UN stood by her and the situation Representative to the UN. the government soured earlier this year, was only solved when the UN did an The UN Mission in South Sudan to a point of the government accusing the investigation and absolved her, and was established in 2011, following a mission of taking sides in the ongoing UNMISSS, of any wrong-doing. UN-supported referendum which led to She also came into the country the independence of South Sudan from conflict between government forces and opposition forces loyal to former vice soon after the death of three UNMISS Sudan. president Dr. Riek Machar. This was staff who were killed when a helicop- Ms. Ellen came into the country at made worse when a consignment of arms ter crashed in Bentiu. Investigations a time when there are numerous chal- was found in UN vehicles on the way were still going on to establish the lenges facing the country. One of her from Rumbek to Bentiu. cause of the crash. immediate tasks would be to work on

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 9 TCT National News ‘Think outside the box’, IGAD tells South Sudanese leaders BY TCT CORRESPONDENT he Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediators asked South Sudanese leaders to think outside the box in Torder to help reach an amicable solution to the ongoing conflict in the country. They said this during the ongoing peace talks taking place in the Ethiopian town of Bahir Dar. This happened as the meeting could not proceed to discuss other issues due to the unresolved issue of structure and leadership of the transitional government of national unity (TGoNU), which was proposed to the warring par- ties by the mediators. According to Bishop Enock Tombe of Rejaf diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, who is also leader of the faith-based organiza- IGAD envoys urged South Sudanese leaders to think outside the box in order to tions (FBO) delegation, the leaders of find a lasting solution to the crisis in the country. government of Republic of South Sudan, for reflection, before the meeting could prosperity in our land,” he said. the SPLM/A-in-Opposition and SPLM- resume. The negotiations were discussing the Former Detainees met the IGAD Envoys Meanwhile, the faith-based organiza- leadership of a transitional government. and briefed them about progress made in tions asked Christians and other people of The IGAD mediators allowed the two the negotiations. goodwill to fast and pray so that God can warring parties and other stakeholders “IGAD told them to think outside the guide South Sudanese leaders to take the to negotiate a power-sharing formula box (normal situation) so as to resolve right decision and agree on the structure between president and prime minister, difficult issues of conflict,” said bishop and leadership of TGoNU. which has been a contentious issue. Tombe in a communication to other “In this way, the war can be stopped According to the previous protocol Christian leaders. and peace will be restored to our beloved proposed by IGAD, President Salva He said the meeting got stuck country, South Sudan,” he said. The fast Kiir was to remain as head of state and because the negotiating leaders took hard and prayer was to be held for three days. government during a two and a half years positions on the structure and leadership “May Almighty God honour our transition period. This was rejected by all of TGoNU. The meeting was adjourned prayers and touch the hearts of our lead- the stakeholders with the exception of the after a proposal by the chairman of the ers so that they can together work for government delegation. day, Pagan Amum, so as to allow time the common good of peace, stability and President Kiir to attend 69th session of UN General Assembly tunity to brief UN member tors to bring peace because IGAD countries on the peace is being sponsored by so many process and to stress the countries, including the United government’s commitment Nations. to finding a peaceful solution “We expect the president to to the crisis. commit himself to work closely “This is an opportunity with the UN, especially the United for the president to explain Nations Mission in South Sudan to the United Nations that (UNMISS), in the context of the the government of South current crisis and especially with Sudan is ready for peace. The the review of the mandate of UN- willingness of government MISS, which is very restrictive,” and people of South Sudan said Lumoro. President Kiir attended the United Nations General to resolve this matter, to stop The heads of states and Assembly in New York. the killings, the displace- governments from 140 countries BY JAMES CHILIM ments and the humanitarian gathered in New York for the UN resident Salva Kiir Mayardit was in New York in crisis that is happening in the General Assembly. The South September to attend the 69th Session of United Na- country,” he said. Sudan conflict was expected to be tions General Assembly that ran up to 1st October. He said that he expected on top of the agenda that was to Speaking to journalists, Cabinet Affairs Minister the meeting to translate into dominate in the UN General As- PMartin Elia Lumoro said the president was to use the oppor- pressure on IGAD media- sembly session on African issues. 10 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 National News TCT Workers’ union welcomes government decision on jobs BY JAMES CHILIM week giving all non-governmental Sudanese in Diaspora and even back he South Sudan Workers’ organizations and private institutions home have acquired skills and capaci- Union welcomed an order one month to replace foreign nationals ties that qualify them to hold managerial from the national ministry of occupying key positions in South Sudan positions. Labour, barring the employ- with nationals. However, the government says that ment of foreign nationals in According to the order signed by the Min- consultancy and other skills will still be Tkey positions and filling up such positions ister Ngor Kolong Ngor, the organizations needed from foreigners as well as friends with locals. had till 15th of October to hire competent of South Sudan. Speaking to the media, the union’s Sec- South Sudanese nationals in positions of Meanwhile, the‬ ministry of Foreign retary General Vascola Michael said the executive director, personnel managers, Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol Ariik, order will reduce levels of unemployment human resource personnel, secretaries and said in an interview with Kenya’s Daily among nationals if it is implemented. public relations officers. Nation that no foreign worker will be Michael says the order came as a result of According to the government, the direc- forced out of the country. several meetings between the Union and tive was meant to protect the rights and the Ministry, to provide an opportunity interests of the people of South Sudan. “We are asking organisations to consider for South Sudanese inside and outside The directive was contained in the those positions where South Sudanese the country to participate in the nation- Council of Ministers resolution of 2006 qualify. Where they don’t qualify, let the building process. and Presidential decree of 2008, that the foreign workers do the job. We are not “We as the workers’ union of South ministry of Labour must localize jobs to telling them to eject foreign workers. Sudan, consider that order as an opportu- bring back South Sudanese in Diaspora There is no such policy within the gov- nity and a big advantage for us as patriot who have the required skills. ernment of South Sudan,” he said. workers. And this does not mean that The order was not received well by for- This contradicted an earlier notice by there is a side of racism or discrimination eigners working in South Sudan, as well the Labour ministry asking private firms for foreign labour. We will benefit from as some neighboring countries, which feel and NGOs to dismiss foreign workers their abilities and competencies in some that South Sudan is chasing them away. from executive directors to receptionists areas and sectors, but not in jobs that can For the last 50 years, South Sudan has and replace them with South Sudanese be done by local talented workers,” he been a war zone and many people could nationals. said. not go to school and acquire the neces- The ministry of Labour issued an order sary skills. But in recent years, South Ministry of Finance to release funds Press freedom for National Elections Commission violation has BY TCT REPORTER he South Sudan Council of reached alarming Ministers directed the minis- try of Finance to release funds proportions - Tto the National Elections UNESCO Commission. In an extraordinary meeting of the BY JOSEPH ODUHA cabinet, the Council ordered the minis- he United Nations ter to release money to be used to fund Education, Scientific and the elections, scheduled for 2015. for deliberation and endorsement. The Cultural Organization In a briefing after the Council matrix was signed by President Salva (UNESCO) has warned meeting, Information Minister Michael Kiir in Addis Ababa last month, while T that safety of journalists has became Makuei (Pictured) said the ministers the SPLM in the opposition delegation challenging in South Sudan due to resolved that the National Elections refused to sign the blueprint, raising increased incidents of violations Commission will use the constituencies concerns over some of the proposals of against press freedom. drawn up in the 2008 census for the an interim government included. The chief executive of UNESCO elections. In September, Vice President James Khalid Salah said the incidents Makuei said, in the same meet- Wani Igga mobilized citizens in Western were related to unlawful detention ing, the government delegation at the Bahr el-Ghazal state in support of the and surveillance, self-censorship peace talks briefed the ministers on the peace matrix. Speaking at a peace con- and force closure of media houses peace process. He said that the head of ference in Wau, the Vice President called and other kinds of threats related to delegation Nhial Deng Nhial presented on state officials to ensure the public is reporting of the current crisis in the the matrix for peace to the ministers sensitized about the peace roadmap and country. He made the remark in a and informed them that the talks must provisions for an interim government. media meeting convened by Union of be intensified to resolve the crisis. “Now IGAD has agreed and Presi- Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) Nhial Deng Nhial also presented the dent Salva Kiir has signed on the issue and UNESCO. peace matrix protocols to the National of Interim Government. So, it is the “South Sudan media can no Legislature for scrutiny. The document responsibility of the authorities in the longer play their early-warning, has been forwarded to the committees ten states to organize our people for a watchdog role,” he observed. Salah for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Peace peaceful demonstration in support of the urged the government not to make and Security, in both the Legislative peace matrix,” Igga said. the mistake of sacrificing respect for Assembly and the Council of States, for The peace matrix was signed by civil liberties to security. their input, said Makuei. IGAD member heads of states as a “Stop shutting down newspapers The committees were given five framework for durable peace in the or radio stations as well as harassing, days to study the document and present country. Dr. Riek Machar refused to sign and detaining journalists,” he said. their input to the rest of the House the matrix.

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 11 TCT National News BRIEFLY... BY JAMES CHILIM Children in South Sudan still paying high price for conflict he UN Special Envoy for “Children are the future of society. committed during the conflict completed Children and Armed Conflict, Longstanding peace will never be their mission in Bor, Jonglei State. The Leila Zerrougui said children achieved without giving children the team collected testimonies from survivors in South Sudan continue to means, skills, and education to re-build and eyewitnesses and also met with state pay a high price for conflict. a society and institutions torn by armed officials and humanitarian aid agencies. TSpeaking during a Security Council conflict,” she said. The state minister for Information in debate in New York, Zerrougui noted that Ms. Zerrougui was in the country earlier Jonglei, Judy Jonglei Boyoris, said the there is progress to better protect children in the year to assess the impact of the three-man team would disclose its findings globally, but says there are still lapses in conflict on children, follow up on the after meeting with the president. new crisis areas such as in South Sudan, implementation of the action plan signed She said a team from the African Union Nigeria, Iraq and Gaza. by the government to end the recruitment investigating human rights abuses was She stressed that the international and use of children in the armed forces, also in the state on a similar mission. community must make better use of the and to support the work of the United She said the African Union Commission tools they have to ensure that perpetrators Nations. of Enquiry was in Jonlgei state to carry face prosecution and save the children Meanwhile, a government team out investigations on who were involved from war affected areas. investigating human rights abuses in conflict, accountability and other issues. More traffic police to be deployed on Nimule-Juba road Scores dead after bus crash THE government of South and also we are going to make along Juba-Nimule road Sudan promised to increase signposts. We shall also consider traffic police officers on the the time factor when the bus sets SCORES of people died after a passenger bus crashed Nimule-Juba road, in the wake off from Juba to Nimule…This is along the Juba-Nimule road. The Bakulu coach was of one of the worst accidents what we are going to implement traveling from Juba to Kampala when its driver lost to hit the country in October, and also we are going to talk control and overturned at a bridge near Nesitu. where scores of lives were lost with foreign drivers who come An eyewitness Marko Manut told the media that after an accident that happened from East Africa. We shall have the accident happened as the driver of a truck tried to on the road. a meeting with them to let them overtake the bus and a trailer that was parked by the The government said the follow the traffic rules and regu- side of the road. He said most of the passengers in the ministry of Interior will step up lations in South Sudan,” he said. bus died. traffic rules enforcement in ‘hot The ineffectiveness of traffic He said that not more than 15 people came out of spots’ along the Juba-Nimule rules in the country has put lives the bus alive. He said that they counted more than 45 road. at risks, because reckless driving dead bodies. The response came due to in most towns in South Sudan, “We were following the first bus after the police rising fatalities on the road that and especially in Juba, has been station...So there was a trailer stuck along the way on killed over 50 people, after the the cause of deadly accidents. the first bridge after Nesitu, between the bridges, so bus they were travelling in col- Motorbikes operating as they didn’t put a sign where the trailer parked,” he lided with a truck and over- taxis, untrained drivers and lack said. turned. of foreign drivers’ orientation Road users say lack of speed governors in vehicles The deputy minister for with the traffic rules in the coun- is one of the causes of public service vehicles being Interior, Augustino Jadal Wani try, have been the main cause of driven recklessly, which has led to many accidents on said the rise in fatalities shows accidents in South Sudan. the Nimule-Juba road since it was tarmacked. the need for a stronger response Critics say the government from traffic enforcement. has been sleeping on the job by Floods displace over 1500 in Tonj South County “We are going to increase not enforcing traffic rules on the traffic police along the road roads. Episcopal Church opens cancer clinic in Rumbek THE Episcopal Church of Sudan and a German-based non- profit organization have partnered to start a cancer clinic in Rumbek hospital, Lakes state, which will attend to patients from across the country. Speaking to journalists in Rumbek, the head of the clinic, Dr. Rossi Shamir, says they have already received many pa- tients since opening the clinic. “We discovered many cancer cases as well as primary diseases for tropical countries. So far we have treated eight people. By grace, they are all alive and they are responding well. Some of them are cured, some still under treatment. The biggest number we have is child cancer, which is mainly leu- kemia,” Shamir said. The Rumbek Cancer Clinic is run as a partnership between HEAVY rains pounding different parts of the country affected the Bavaria Cancer Clinic, a German based non-profit organi- thousands of people, with floods disrupting road transport and zation, and the Episcopal Church of Sudan, diocese of Rum- sweeping away houses and crops. bek. Speaking to the media, Tonj South County Commissioner Lack of such facilities has made the lives of many South William Wol Mayom said people were forced to relocate to Sudanese to be at risk, because there is no early diagnosis higher grounds because of floods which swept away their and most patients reach health facilities when their conditions houses and property. have deteriorated. He said the floods affected about five payams in Tonj South Meanwhile, the ministries of health in the states of Upper County, displacing over 1500 people, and making life difficult Nile and Jonglei will receive new ambulances to assist in ma- for children and elderly people, who were out in the cold. ternal health care in their hospitals. 12 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 National News TCT Government allocates £126m for roads linking Juba and Eastern Equatoria/Lakes States BY JAMES CHILIM he national ministry of Roads, Bridges and Transport allocated 126 million pounds for construc- Ttion and repair work on two roads linking Juba to Eastern Equatoria and Lakes State. The deputy minister, Mr. Simon Mijok said repair work on the roads from Juba to Nadapal and Rumbek will start once the money is released from the ministry of finance. “We are confident that once we com- plete the necessary procedures, they will start payment...And we are aware of the other priorities, but I can assure you and as- sure our public that within short time…one month or less, the work will start and you will be there to see it for yourself,” he said. Many roads in South Sudan become impassable during the rainy season, making it The roads linking Juba and the states difficult to conduct vital activities. The government released 126 million pounds for are impassible due to poor construction and construction and repair work on two roads linking Juba to Eastern Equatoria and others have never been done since independ- Lakes State. ence of Sudan. Due to the bad roads, the cost of goods through Nadapal has deteriorated, forcing The road to Rumbek is extremely bad, frequently go up in Lakes state because vehicles going to Kenya to pass through forcing passengers to spend many days on business people add the cost of transporta- Kampala, Uganda, first. Citizens of both the road before reaching their destinations. tion to the price of their goods to be able to Eastern Equatoria and Lakes state applaud Hundreds of trucks ferrying goods for busi- make a profit. the decision by the government to construct ness get stuck on the road for days, while The condition of the Eastern Equato- the roads. some have overturned, blocking the road. ria road linking South Sudan and Kenya ing me something that is non-returnable, and Farmers expect good harvest in Wau be very much willing to continue shaping BY PETER AKOOK project distributed 563 rakes, axes and hoes and supporting the skills and efforts of mall scale farmers in Wau, Western to targeted individuals in Kangi Payam. someone to be able to produce for himself. Bahr el Ghazal, are expecting a good In an interview carried out in Kangi What a good, inspiring and a constructive harvest at the end of the season, after payam, most of the farmers expressed grati- help!” said an old man. Sgetting support from a Church-based tude to CARD and ICCO for the valuable “May God bless these people who organization. support of seeds and farming tools. They offer us seeds, tools and skills to implement The Episcopal Church of South Sudan said that most of them would never have the project so that they continue shaping and Sudan, diocese of Wau, under its been able to buy even a kilogram of seed or peoples’ skills and talents in the future,” he development wing, CARD, provided the a farming tool. added. farmers with seeds and tools earlier in the A woman representing a women’s group This is good news, coming at a time year, which they used to plough and plant expressed confidence in securing a good when aid agencies are predicting that four on their farms. The farming project is in Jur harvest in the coming months. million people are in desperate need of food. River County. “I believe beyond any doubt that there Almost two million people have fled their CARD, in partnership with Inter Church is going to be a good and successful harvest homes as a result of the current civil war, Cooperation Organisation (ICCO), provided this year because we were given more than and more than 10,000 people have died. the farmers with sorghum and groundnuts enough seeds on time, coupled with the good Humanitarian organizations are strug- in Kangi payam. The two organizations also rain fall that we are experiencing now. We gling to raise money and are battling to gave out 242 malodas (farming hand tools). couldn’t talk of harvest if enough seeds and reach some of the hardest-hit regions in the The project involved 563 farmers, who were tools were not given to us by ECS-CARD. I country because of heavy rains and fighting provided with 1,500 kilograms of sorghum appreciate ECS-CARD for the good timing.” between the rival forces. and 4,000 kilograms of groundnuts. The “It is my first time to see someone giv- NILE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY – JUBA, located at Thongpiny between UN OCHA and Abyei Tree Adjacent to Vamp Supermarket, with better facilities and affordable fees, is your school of choice for education of your child! With our experienced staff and teachers, we offer Nursery, Primary and Secondary education levels using Cambridge/British Curriculum alongside the South Sudan National Curriculum. “Transforming the present … shaping the future” For more information, contact us on 0955990022, 0955990011 or E-mail: [email protected] THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 13 TCT National News China to send 700 combat troops to South Sudan for UN peace mission

BY JAMES CHILIM tion of civilians, protection of important in December last year approved an extra he government of the infrastructure and enhancing the peace 5,500 peacekeepers to be deployed in People’s Republic of China process in as far as South Sudan is con- South Sudan following the outbreak of agreed to send about 700 cerned,” he said. violence. The resolution stated that the combat forces to South The two nations have already signed mission will remain with 12,500 troops Sudan as part of the United economic and technical agreements, but and 1,323 police forces as approved by TNations peace keeping mission. it was unclear when the combat forces the Security Council last year. Speaking to journalists in Juba, the would arrive in South Sudan. China, a In May, the Security Council also minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Barnabas major investor in South Sudan’s oil, is approved a resolution extending its Marial Benjamin said they will be happy keen to protect its interest in the country. South Sudan mission mandate until 30th to receive 700 combat troops from the Since December 2013, thousands of November, and authorized it to use “all People’s Republic of China as part of people have been killed and over a mil- necessary means” to protect civilians, UNMISS. lion displaced by the conflict that erupted monitor and investigate human rights “For the first time, they (China) are in the Sudan People’s Liberation Move- abuses, create the conditions for delivery going to send out 700 combat troops as ment between President Salva Kiir and of humanitarian assistance, and support part of UNMISS in order to engage in his former deputy, Dr. Riek Machar. the implementation of the ceasefire agree- enhancing peace in this country, protec- The UN Security Council (UNSC) ment. Dubai Care donates $ 2.5 million to promote girl child education BY TCT REPORTER READ he Dubai Care, a charity working to provide children in developing countries with access to quality primary education, donated T$ 2.5 million to promote girl child

education in Central Equatoria state. THE CHRISTIAN The funding will be channeled through PLAN International TIMES Organization to build schools, provide learning materials and train teachers in the state. Angelo Lu’bang, a programme and in their families. And it is basically to manager with Plan International said engage girls and to look more specifically the overall objective was to reduce on the issues to do with female teachers. school dropout rates. So this project is to train female teachers “That is why this project is who are to be in the schools and these coming, to view issues that are teachers have to support the girls,” he NEWSPAPER affecting girls…in the communities said. 14 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 National News TCT Western Equatoria holds demonstration to demand for peace BY JAMES CHILIM undreds of residents of West- ern Equatoria held a peaceful demonstration in the month Hin the state capital Yambio to demand for peace. They marched on the streets urging leaders to end the conflict that is ravaging parts of the country. “What we are saying is no to war, we need peace. We women in South Sudan, we have suffered enough, our children, husbands and brothers have been dying. We don’t want to go back again to war and more suffering,” said one demonstra- tor who spoke on behalf of women. “…Most things are now in poor shape. The road to Western Equatoria State is impassable and there are no vehi- cles from here going to Juba. The money which is supposed to be used to construct again, it must stop,” he said. nuel Parish in Juba, calling for a heart of roads is all going for war. Because of this, He said the people of Western peace, forgiveness and tolerance among we are saying no to war. We need peace. Equatoria state preferred federalism as leaders and communities of South Sudan. We came here to say that we don’t want the best system of governance. He added The bishop said the country needs war,” she continued. that they support the Protocol that had peace which can only come when the Addressing the crowd at Yambio been proposed by IGAD, which also has a Christians in the country pray for peace Freedom Square, the state governor Jo- proposal on federalism. with one heart. Leadership always ends seph Bangasi Bakosoro reiterated the call “You like it or you don’t like, it’s but the people will remain, said the for peace and stability in the country. already inside because it is the right of bishop. “We don’t want war. We need peace people and it is what people want,” he The people of South Sudan have been for everybody. Women stand strong, your said of the document. suffering for many years since independ- children are dying and women died in At the same time, Bishop Bernard ence of Sudan to date. The demand and big numbers. Children died in this war. Oringa, the Episcopal Church of South call for peace is the cry of many people in Our stand here is that we don’t want war Sudan Bishop of Torit spoke at St. Emma- the region and in South Sudan. PRESS RELEASE Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconcilition (South Sudan)

SOUTH SUDAN LOCAL PEACE PROCESS BRINGS TOGETHER GEOGRAPHICALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL STATES OF SOUTH SUDAN

YEI, SOUTH SUDAN four corners of South Sudan to the humble development of a people-driven Na- As the peace talks in Addis Ababa con- airstrip of Yei. They represent more than tional Reconciliation Agenda. tinue, South Sudan’s Committeefor half of the 60+ ethnicities in the Republic National Healing, Peace and Reconcili- of South Sudan. We have 24 women. This FOR MORE INFORMATION, ation is hosting an intensivefour-week is an inclusiveness I have never seen and PHOTOS, AND INTERVIEW EN- training from 1 – 28 October, which we are proud. It’s anastonishing commit- QUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: brings together statechairpersons and ment to peace, despite some participants representatives from all ten states, in- beingfearful of the reactions from peers in CNHPR cluding theAbyei Area. their home states. Indeed, we come Secretary General Rev. Bernard The training, titled ‘A Step Togeth- from different backgrounds but are Suwa +211 921 037 248 bosuwa@ er: Shared Journeys of Listeningand ready to learn together, and Isaw some of gmail.com Dialogue’ will equip the 76 participants us sob together after hearing horrendous with the knowledge andskills to train a testimonies aboutthe recent conflicts. IJR further 40 – 50 persons in their states so Even if the conflict were to end tomor- that nextyear, approximately 550 “peace row, truehealing and reconciliation cannot Friederike Bubenber (South Su- mobilisers” will travel to payamsacross come in a suitcase from Addis Ababa,it dan) +211 914 492 602 fbubenzer@ijr. South Sudan to document reconcilia- starts with all of us here in South Sudan.” org.za tion narratives and needs ofthe com- Over the next two years, the Commit- Media Outreach: Anne McMurrey munities. The training is facilitated by tee will continue to facilitate anation-wide +211 95 484 2557 anneallonby@gmail. the South AfricanInstitute for Justice consultation process at the grassroots com and Reconciliation (IJR), who bring level to ensurethat South Sudan’s future ZyaanDavids (South Africa) +27 ten years ofexperience of working on reconciliation journey is driven and shape- 21 202 4071 [email protected] reconciliation issues throughout the- dby its’ citizens rich experiences, knowl- continent. edge, and needs. ‘A StepTogether: Shared www.ReconciliationSouthSudan.org The Committee’s Secretary Gen- Journeys of Listening and Dialogue’ marks eral, Reverend Dr Bernard Suwa says the startof the CNHPR’s planned consul- www.twitter.com/cnhpr ofthe participants, “They flew from the tation process, which will eventuate inthe www.facebook.com/CNHPR THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 15 TCT Leadership Organizational encouragement good for work place hether you are an employee or man- ager, giving encour- agement can be one LEADERSHIP of the best habits to Wget into from either. Employees raise the standards of management perfor- mance by reminding managers of what is important. An employee might say, “I love your management style. You are so in touch with the positive. The way you encourage us without criticism WITH makes us all want to work harder.” What happened? A standard has been raised. DAVID POLLIT Every time a manager thinks about of?” (Better). This also can work in reverse too. being critical and losing that positive Recognized, Verbalize, and Mobi- An employee can mentor, as men- slant, they don’t. They are reminded. lize. Manager: “If you like this kind of tioned, the managers on the best ways So, you might think that your own work, why not let March in Graphics to build a good team or help them grow encouragements as positive remind- know, and while you’re there, find out as an employee. Many managers are ers that bear resemblance to higher when he’s offering his next graphics put into management positions way standards. course.” (Best). before they have the experience to Kaye and Jordan-Evans in their What makes these kinds of handle it. They need to learn from more book Love’ Em or Lose ‘Em discusses situations so impacting is the use of experienced employees how best to act some of these habits. They talk about unplanned or impromptu comments! many times. Managers should therefore these habits as being mentoring styles, These are when employees feel best evoke and encourage their employees but anyone can adopt them. For in- about receiving encouragement injec- to give them feedback. stance, they point out that you should tions. They always expect some of model, encourage, nurture, and teach. this in a one-to-one meeting followed The author, David Pollitt is a well- Employees can do that for managers by the criticism. It just isn’t the same. known author in leadership and edu- and vice versa. Those managers who seize every op- cational circles. His books and white Model: Be aware of your own role portunity to encourage their employees papers can be viewed on smashwords. modeling, and point out others who are will be the managers who will be able com. good role models for your people. to keep their employees. Encourage: Support your people in the risk-tak- ing that is essential for their growth. Nurture: Get to know your people’s unique skills and capabilities. Work with them to do the most with their talents. Teach: Tell it like it is. Help them to avoid those organizational minefields that are never written about in any policy manual. Also, it is very important to use what is referred to as just-in-time encourage- ment, not just when they were supposed, but when they didn’t have to. You never want to have an employee say that their manager never encouraged them. Clearly, attention and retention go hand in hand. It’s easier for those who have been encour- aged. According to Bob Nelson in his article A Dose of Positive Reinforcement Can Go a Long Way, he states, “In the workplace, praise is priceless, yet it costs nothing. In one recent poll, workers identified a personal praising from their managers for doing a good job as the number one most motivating incen- tive. However, almost 60 percent of employees say they seldom if ever receive such a praising from their managers. Although giving an effective praise may seem like common sense, many people have never learned how to do it”.

Tips on how to encourage There are three steps to encouragement: (a) Rec- ognize, notice something; (b) Verbalize, say some- thing; (c) Mobilize, do something”. Here are some examples of these: Recognize. Manager: “Hmmm, looks great. I didn’t know you like this kind of stuff.” (Good). Recognize and Verbalize. Manager: “This is really good. Is this something you’d like to do more

16 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Leadership TCT Biblical reflections on issues of governance in South Sudan to us in status? Remember that Moses Bishop Enock Tombe, a was appointed by God (Exodus 3:10) to faith-based organizations lead the children of Israel out of slavery and oppression in Egypt to the Promised Observer in the ongoing Land. By our standards, his father-in-law, Jethro, was a priest (Exodus 3:1) that South Sudan peace talks could easily be ignored by Moses who knew the statutes and laws given by God in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, as stated in Exodus 18:16. But Moses shared these ideas was a humble man. He took the advice of Jethro. Therefore, we should humble our- with participants in the selves and accept correction like Moses in order to succeed in our jobs. ongoing talks in Ethiopia. In relation to discussions on Structure My reflections are based of Executive Authority of South Sudan, several options have been proposed on the biblical text taken by stakeholders (GRSS, SPLM/A-IO; SPLM-FD, PPLF and CSOs). from Exodus 18: 13- Two positions only for President and 26 as presented in the Prime Minister in that order. Three positions only for President, Vice- following sections. President and Prime Minister – order not yet agreed upon. The question of who is greater still needs to be answered Jethro’s advice to Moses found in the democratic system of rule is enduring both during the transition period and in verses 17-23 of the reference text. compared to other systems as it is based post-conflict situation for the positions of Based on the above text, four manage- on the biblical principle of separation of Vice-President and Prime Minister. ment principles can be derived as follows: powers as lawyers call it. There is a comparative case in the Bible (i) Principle One: Division of Labour King Saul broke that principle (1 Samuel on a dispute among the twelve disciples (call it power sharing) so that workload is 15:21-23).He performed priestly func- of Jesus as to who would be greater in the dispersed and burden becomes easier to tions. The prophet Samuel who rebuked expected kingdom of God. The story is carry (verses 18 and 22). King Saul for breaking the rule for of- recorded in the Gospels (refer to Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:24- (ii) Principle Two: Criteria of Selection fering sacrifices to God and committing of People (call it recruitment) – (verse other mistakes. Therefore God removed 30). However, Jesus corrected their view 21). List of 5 criteria is given as follows: Saul from his position and appointed of leadership in worldly terms (lording Ability, fear of God, trust, honesty and David in his place. (1 Samuel Chapters over sub-ordinates) by re-defining it as non-discrimination/equality. 15 and 16 for the full story). We shall do servant-hood, if you want to be at the top (iii) Principle Three: Organization (call well if we keep to our mandates. Other- be a servant to others. Jesus thus defined it structure/chart/organogram) – verse 22. wise those who voted our political leaders seniority in terms of service to others and not status or position or title or authority. (iv) Principle Four: Job Description (call into public offices will not give them it mandate/job specification/protocol) – another chance in future. Instead of focusing on the kingdom of (verses 19-22). Application of those Principles in South God that Jesus was about to inaugurate - We can also derive the mandates of Mo- Sudan in the Context of Conflict through his crucifixion, death and resur ses and the Chiefs at different levels of Issues of tribalism, nepotism, corrup- rection, the twelve disciples were fighting governance as follows: tion and discrimination cannot arise in for positions. The sons of Zebedee, James Mandate of Moses – Representation of such a system of governance based on and John, even involved their mother to people before God; Bringing their cases four principles and five criteria of Jethro. lobby for the first two positions next to before God; Teaching/advising them Justice is also ensured by abiding by these Jesus as recorded in Matthew 20: 20-21. about statutes and laws; Selection and principles and criteria. If it happens that No wonder the other 10 disciples are Appointment of people into positions. any of the principles and criteria has been reported to have been indignant with the (verses 19, 20 and 21). violated, there is a system in place to deal two brothers (v.24) for their nepotistic Mandate of Chiefs – Judging the people with it by Moses and God who are the attempt to secure the top two positions at their level; Referring difficult cases ultimate authority. on the right and left hand-sides of Jesus. to Moses (say higher authority as per Therefore, a valid question to us is They conceived the kingdom of God in hierarchy in the structure- Sub-chief, whether we have a good system of gov- early terms just like their understanding Chief, Paramount Chief, Moses and God ernance (call it constitutional order, laws, of leadership that Jesus had to correct in that order corresponding to a number policies, regulations, rules, procedures, straightaway. of people under their control: tens, fifties, standards, ethics) when the vices of tribal- The mandates of the and Prime Minister hundreds and thousands. Note that the ism, nepotism, corruption, discrimina- – Head of State and Government - need special census conducted by Moses for tion and marginalization are common in to be shared between the two offices in those above 20 years old was 601,730 our nation? Our system of governance order to restore trust and build confidence people for military purpose as recorded in maybe good but those in authority may in case the incumbent leaders (GRSS and the Book of Numbers 26:51). not abide by the system. If those entrusted SPLM/A-IO) are retained as per IGAD It is worth-noting that the court system at with responsibilities do not abide by the Protocol. the time of Moses resembles our courts system what should be done by high My Advice (Thinking outside the box) today. Even the 3 arms of governance authorities? If high authorities fail to take based on Jethro’s principles are said to have been derived from the action to correct the mistakes what is the The Executive Structure for Government Bible by American settlers based on the 3 last resort? of National Unity can be designed as offices of priest (Laws), prophet (Judici- Can we not learn from Moses to accept follows: ary), and king (Executive). No wonder correction even by those who are junior To be ontinued in oue next edition THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 17 TCT Commentaries Peace and reconciliation starts with each of us BY FODA HILDA MICHAEL fear lurks in us, we still take the believe in South Sudan and broad step every day to lend a hand all that makes it so. Do you and where it is very hard to smile; know why? Let me explain we wave in peace and move on. it to you and maybe you will Going back to our normal busi- nod and say yes, she is right. nesses has been the biggest healing IWhen the mutiny started in Torit, so far. The fact that people can wake a culmination of previous activism up, go to their offices or businesses by university students and freedom and try to resume normalcy as best fighters, it took but minutes before as they can, given the situation is South Sudanese, in hundreds and indeed one way to heal. We all have thousands joined the fight. The soli- to eat, we all have to co-exist and we darity, the determination to be free all want to live. simply bound us together without Maybe someone is saying the a doubt and before we knew it, we picture I am painting here is too were at the freedom square, celebrat- pretty? Maybe someone is thinking, ing our independence. Wow! wake up woman, wake up and see What happened after independ- things the way they are! But I am ence? We hit the ground running. destruct. And oh yes, the truth is cruel awake. I see so much every single You remember how the buildings but it must be told. A friend told me that day. The difference is how I perceive simply kept shooting up and the a lesson had to be learnt and maybe this it all. I see pain and suffering, and empty lands began to fill with peo- was the best way to learn that lesson. I I ask myself how can this pain be ple, with life, with laughter, and with believe it was learnt. And now, we are reduced? What can I do? What can joy and hope. Investors found their at it again. We are picking up the pieces, we do? way into the country - hotel owners, wiping away the tears, ending the wounds Peace and reconciliation does the bankers, the market vendors, the and reaching out to each other. Even if not have to start with a signed boda boda boys, and I know you agreement. Neither do we, as South have waited for this, yes, rolex came Sudanese, have to wait for our gov- in. It is nice to step out of your home Am I blowing my ernment or the priests to say, let us and get that chapati and egg rolled trumpet too loud? No, start the healing process now. No. It up…yum! started last year in December when But we did not stop there - oh I also remember the a complete stranger came to your no, we did not. We started looking other side. I remember house, his having been destroyed internally for ways to improve our and asked for water. You kindly lives, our education, and our society. South Sudanese are only gave him water and asked him to sit We looked for ways to strengthen human. We did many and rest a while. our government both at national It started in January when you and state levels. We were thirsty for right things but we also started building your homes again knowledge, thirsty for experience, did our share of wrong and a friend here, a relative there, and thirsty to be among the other and a neighbour somewhere gave countries on the world map. Above things. The fighting among you an iron sheet or a few bags of all, we were thirsty to be known. We tribes, the corruption, cement. It started yesterday when were eager for the world to know you saw that beautiful girl and where South Sudan is on the world the insecurity brought decided you want to marry her even map. about by fire arms, and without knowing her name, tribe or Am I blowing my trumpet too nationality for that matter. It starts loud? No, I also remember the other the consequences of today, when you wake up with a side. I remember South Sudanese ignorance… yes, all these peaceful mind and want the best are only human. We did many right for your loved ones because we all things but we also did our share of things we had and still want this. That drives you to want wrong things. The fighting among have. All these things are as stable and peaceful a nation as tribes, the corruption, the insecurity possible. brought about by fire arms, and the working to pull us back, And it will continue tomorrow, consequences of ignorance… yes, to take us back to where when you meet a fellow South Su- all these things we had and still danese and yes, there are always so have. All these things are working we fought so hard to many reasons to disagree, so many to pull us back, to take us back to leave. And it happened… reasons to pick a fight, but tomor- where we fought so hard to leave. row my friend, you will think twice. And it happened…well we did not well we did not go so far We will all think twice because go so far back but we did take a back but we did take a history has taught us that there is so few steps back. Some say it is self- much more to life- that liberating destruction and others say it was few steps back. Some say our minds from all sorts of negativ- bound to happen. it is self-destruction and ity and boundaries is the first step I say it was a lesson well learnt. towards peace. And extending a I say we have seen and experienced others say it was bound to hand, a smile, and even a kind con- how easy it is for any nation to happen. sideration, is the first step towards crumble; and for any people to self- reconciliation.

18 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Commentaries TCT Reconciliation is no longer an option for South Sudanese, it is a necessity our societies have their source in the fundamental violation of our relation to God. However, by the very fact of Christ’s death and resurrection, God’s reconciliation reaches beyond our selfish human acts of aggression towards each other. It is this reconciliation that the Church celebrates ritually in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Our primary concern here, however, is the horizontal reconciliation, that is, repairing the damage that has been done between and among brothers and sisters from the different tribes and communities in South Sudan. What has been happening to us since 15 December 2013 has left us with almost unimaginable damage, and we are left perplexed – and asking: how does one even think about reconciliation after what was close to a genocide? Are there transgressions that run so deep that they cannot be dealt with? St. Paul is our starting point – and the Scriptural passage from which to begin is 2 Corinthians 5:17-20: “So if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become he 15th of December 2013 and horizontal reconciliation. Vertical new! All of this is from God, who is a date that we South reconciliation emphasizes God’s power has reconciled us to himself through Sudanese are not going to to forgive us when we sin against Christ, and has given us the ministry forget anytime soon – and Him. On the other hand, horizontal of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, so we shouldn’t! After reconciliation draws its strength from God was reconciling the world to Tthe violence that erupted that day, a vertical reconciliation. Why do we say himself, not counting their trespasses fundamental question followed almost that? It is because we are all God’s against them, and entrusting the immediately: How can we heal our children – and when we harm each message of reconciliation to us. So wounds and reconcile our people? It is other, when we betray each other, when we are ambassadors for Christ, since a tough question, and it’s one that does we wish ill against each other, we God is making his appeal through us; not lend itself to easy answers. And are actually harming, betraying, and we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be naturally, when we as human beings get wishing ill against our Almighty Father reconciled to God.” stuck, we turn to God for answers – so – the Lord our God. So what is God’s message for us let’s try. Horizontal reconciliation is as South Sudanese who have sinned From a biblical perspective, what therefore about healing in human against each other? The most significant makes any reconciliation possible is the relations. It can either be between point to note from 2 Corinthians fact that God is reconciling the world individuals or groups of individuals – 5:17-20 is that God entrusted to us to Himself – and Jesus Christ is the and that is exactly what the National the ministry of reconciliation. We act mediator. Therefore, if we are to take Platform for Peace and Reconciliation as ambassadors of Christ – carrying reconciliation as a goal, then every (NPPR) is facilitating the different forward this reconciliation ministry on transgression that needs to be reconciled tribes in South Sudan to do under the behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we must be taken back to the fundamental theme “Different Tribes, One Nation”. accept that, then we as God-fearing violation between human beings and But we must all recognize that South Sudanese must also accept that God. reconciliation is a gradual process – reconciliation is not only a possibility, What we are saying, therefore, is it’s not a goal in itself. Our vertical but a mandate for us. And by extension, that God’s action of sending us his only reconciliation with God was a process if we accept that reconciliation is a begotten son to die for us so that our that was mediated by the death of Jesus mandate given to us by God, therefore sins may be healed is precisely where Christ. It is his death that caused us to reconciliation is no longer an option for we must return. The suffering and death have relationship with God once more. us – it is a necessity. of Jesus Christ goes to the very heart of What this tells us is that reconciliation each transgression, and His resurrection requires us all to make sacrifices – Dr. Bernard Oliya Suwa, PhD, is transforms the wound and confirms painful sacrifices that must be informed a key leader in the NPPR structure, God’s reconciling work. It is here that by our collective desire to live together and he is also the Secretary General of reconciliation derives its potential to in peace as God’s children. the Committee for National Healing, achieve healing. All the transgressions and violations Peace, and Reconciliation. Email: In biblical theology, there is vertical we experience among ourselves and in [email protected] THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 19 TCT Regional News Ugandan residents protest arrest of leaders by South Sudan soldiers BY TCT CORRESPONDENT undreds of residents in Moyo District in Uganda took to the streets to protest against the arrests of Ugandan nationals by HSouth Sudanese soldiers. The arrests that occurred two weeks ago were sparked by a long running border dispute. According to media reports from Uganda, the angry residents were demonstrating over the recent detention of local leaders and census officials in South Sudan. The Daily Monitor says the officials were arrested from Wano village in Moyo Sub-county, an area claimed by both South Sudan and Uganda. The protesters burnt a church and 15 grass thatched huts belonging to South Sudanese nationals living in Uganda. The Obongi County MP Hassan Kaps Funga- roo and other district leaders have called on the government to resolve the dispute Residents of Moyo, on the South Sudan-Uganda border, protesting against what before it spirals out of control. they called harassment of Ugandans by South Sudanese security officers. More Heavily armed policemen moni- than 2000 South Sudanese were forced out of the area because of tension. tored the situation as angry residents ing in the area, saying that they are tired soldiers from the other side of the border. threatened to close the Afoji border post. of being harassed by South Sudanese The government spokesman, Mr. The residents went as far as locking the soldiers. One said that the burning and Ofwono Opondo, condemned the at- border with a chain and barricading it demonstration was their final warning to tack against South Sudan nationals. By with a log. the authorities to find a lasting solution the time of publishing this, we had not Leaders in the area warned of dire to the problem. He said that they had received any response from the South consequences for the South Sudanese liv- already tolerated a lot of harassment from Sudan embassy in Uganda. Cairo to deport South Sudanese criminals back home he government of Egypt carried out a number of raids on differ- stantly from the criminals’ assault was planning to deport ent people. on him,” the source revealed. all South Sudanese youth “Last month alone we had three stu- Dengdit Ayok, a South Suda- T who are found committing dents, South Sudanese nationals, who nese journalist was attacked and crimes in Cairo. were victims. Two students got their chopped by criminals with swords The spokesperson in the minis- hands cut by sword and one died in- in Cairo. Dengdit was taken to Ain try of Foreign Affairs and Interna- Al- Shams Hospital in Cairo for tional Cooperation, Ambassador treatment and surgical services. Mawien Makol Ariik confirmed that “We are organizing His companion who was with the Egyptian government was in the their programmes. him also sustained a knife stab and process of identifying criminals to was boxed on the mouth, breaking be deported to Juba. The national his teeth. “Our government is in agree- ministry of Gender Mr. Makol said those who at- ment with Egypt that these crimi- tacked Dengdit are being pursued nals who have turned to crime in a and the ministry and they will face the law. He said foreign country should be deported. that most of the South Sudanese But there are some legal procedures of Interior are youth who have become outlaws that the security personnel of Egypt doing a lot of were born in Egypt and some of should take so that we can know the them have no meaningful engage- crimes committed by those youths,” preparation so that ment in the country. Makol said. these youth are “We are organizing their pro- Mr. Makol said that the youth grammes. The national ministry of who returned were to be put in pris- changed into better Gender and the ministry of Interior ons in the country and that they will are doing a lot of preparation so be judged as per the crimes com- human beings. that these youth are changed into mitted. He added that the national Some orientation better human beings. Some orien- ministries of Gender and Interior tation trainings will be carried out will train them and give them better trainings will be so that they change their minds and livelihoods skills to depend on. carried out so attitudes,” Mr. Makol said. Sources in Egypt said there were “I want to inform our people groups of South Sudanese nation- that they change that they should not panic that als who had ganged up to commit those youth will come to affect crimes against innocent people in their minds and their peaceful living. They will be the city. The sources said they have attitudes.’’ engaged,” he added.

20 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Regional News TCT Thousands of South Sudanese refugees fled Uganda over border violence BY JAMES CHILIM 2,000 and they are still coming. They are communities. ore than 2000 South Suda- settled near a primary school in Jalle. You “Right now, authorities from Moyo are nese fled tensions in Moyo find these people are going back, collect- meeting with authorities from South Sudan district on the Ugandan side ing their luggage. It is really a misery to to iron out all these problems. Otherwise, Mof the South Sudan-Uganda see small children running,” he said. the police and army have tried to cool border. This was brought about by a border The violence erupted when it was down the situation. We are just waiting for conflict between two communities that live alleged that there was a Ugandan official what will be communicated from the meet- in Moyo area. who was harassed by South Sudanese, ing between the leaders of Moyo and the Speaking to journalists, the Kajo-Keji prompting protests from the Ugandan side leaders of Kajo-Keji,” Abingwa said. County Commissioner Henry Kala said of the border that ended up as violence There has been tension in the border more people crossed the border after fresh against South Sudanese. point despite the fact that it is people from violence broke out last night. The Moyo district resident commis- the same ethnic community who live in the “Seventeen houses and one church sioner John Abingwa said efforts had area. They are divided by the border and have been burnt and the number of people been made to cool down the situation and they always have conflict over land and coming from Jalle and Litoba has gone to restore harmony between the conflicting other local issues. Rwanda to accelerate digital payments by joining the ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’ he government of Rwanda digitizing financial transactions,” said government’s financial inclusion goals. moved to accelerate its plans to Claver Gatete, Rwanda Minister of Fi- “We welcome Rwanda as the newest transform Rwanda into a cashless nance and Economic Planning. member of the ‘Better Than Cash Alli- Teconomy and achieve 80 percent The shift to electronic payments has ance’ and commend the government’s financial inclusion by 2017. the potential to advance financial inclusion leadership and commitment to continue Rwanda’s commitment to using infor- and help people build savings while giving transitioning away from cash,” said Dr. mation and communications technology governments, development organizations, Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Managing Director (ICT) for financial services was made as and companies a more cost-effective, of the ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’. it officially joined the ‘Better Than Cash efficient, transparent, and safer means of These efforts aim to help people who Alliance’, an initiative that works with disbursing and collecting payments. do not have access to formal financial governments, the development community, Currently, all government employees services and frequently have no option but and the private sector to adopt the use of in Rwanda are paid electronically. The to subsist almost entirely in an informal, electronic payments. new announcement advances the commit- cash-only economy. Living in a cash econ- “We understand the crucial role ICT ment to transition all forms of govern- omy makes it extremely difficult to access plays in all sectors of the economy, includ- ment payments to electronic forms. The financial services like bank accounts, save ing finance. This is why we have endeav- further digitization of Rwanda’s economy for the future, build assets, or get credit. ored to promote a cashless economy by is expected to contribute to achieving the PRESS RELEASE Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconcilition (South Sudan)

The women of ‘A Step Together’

YEI, SOUTH SUDAN past through dialogue, and creating CNHPR was formed in April From the 1st to the 28th of October infrastructure for an inclusive envi- 2013, and is chaired by Archbishop 2014, South Sudan’s Committee ronment of gender equality. Includ- Daniel Deng Bul. The independent for National Healing, Peace, and ing women substantively in national national committee is conducting Reconciliation (CNHPR) is hosting reconciliation is a core value of the this three-year, people-to-people a four-week training in Yei, Central CNHPR, which recognizes the pivotal process to hear from communities Equatoria, entitled ‘A Step Togeth- role women should play in conflict how they envision the development er: Shared Journeys of Listening management, conflict resolution and of a sustainable and effective na- and Dialogue’. The training brings sustainable peace. “We must have as tional reconciliation plan. This will together state chairpersons and many women as possible within our eventuate in the development of a representatives from all ten states, process. They are in the frontline of people-driven National Reconcilia- and the Abyei Area, including 24 our suffering, and therefore should tion Agenda. powerful women. be at the frontline in reconciliation,” “We are 60% of this nation. We says Rev. Dr. Bernard Suwa, Secretary www. must have a strong voice in our General of CNHPR. ReconciliationSouthSudan.org future, and mobilise the women The 76 participants of this train- www.twitter.com/cnhpr www. in our communities so that we ing will be equipped with the skills facebook.com/CNHPR (men and women) are all working to train a further 50 persons in their towards true reconciliation.” states, so that next year, approximate- Special thanks to our partners: - Mary Nginzo, State Chairper- ly 550 ‘peace mobilisers’ will travel IJR, PACT, DANIDA, SIDA, son for Western Equatoria to payams across South Sudan to Norwegian Government, Catholic The training includes sessions document community narratives and Relief Services, Norwegian to address the core causes of the needs, as well as local reconciliation Church Aid, and Mission Aviation conflict by exploring issues of the initiatives. Fellowship

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 21 TCT Business News Kenyan banks face risk due to threat of sanctions on South Sudan enyan commercial banks operating in South Sudan may be affected by possible UN Ksanctions against anyone who undermines current peace talks in Africa’s newest nation, according to Kenya’s central bank. “Sanctions to South Sudan could expose Kenyan banks to risks,” the Nairobi-based Central Bank of Kenya said in a report on its website in September. Policy makers should pay attention to any additional “punitive litigations” against financial institutions, regulators, companies and countries for violating sanctions or breaches of contract, it said. The UN Security Council said in August it was considering targeted sanctions against warring parties in the conflict that erupted in December after KCB in Torit, South Sudan: Kenyan commercial banks operating in South Sudan President Salva Kiir accused his former are afraid they may be affected by possible UN sanctions against South Sudanese deputy, Riek Machar, of staging a failed leaders. This is according to reports from Kenya’s Central Bank. coup. Machar denies the charge. The conflict took on ethnic African bloc also known as IGAD, which Kenya Ltd., Equity Bank Ltd. and CFC dimensions between Kiir’s Dinka group is mediating peace talks in the Ethiopian Stanbic Holdings Ltd. and the Nuer tribe to which Machar capital, Addis Ababa, to end the violence. The Central Bank of Kenya report belongs, as it spread to oil-producing IGAD and the African Union have was jointly written by financial industry areas, leaving thousands of people dead also said they may place sanctions on regulators including the Capital Markets and displacing another 1.5 million, individuals who block the peace process. Authority, Insurance Regulatory according to the UN. Kenyan lenders operating in South Authority, Retirement Benefits Authority, Kenya borders South Sudan and Sudan include Kenya Commercial Bank and the Saccos Societies Regulatory is a member of the Intergovernmental Ltd., which is East Africa’s biggest Authority. Authority on Development, an East lender, as well as Co-operative Bank of (Bloomberg) Specialized in:

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22 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Business News TCT Central Bank allocates $140 million to stabilize prices in the market BY JAMES CHILIM people buy from the black market which he Central Bank of South is costly than government rates. Sudan allocated 140 million Many economic analysts, including US dollars to selected Mr. Phillip Marol Mading, the former institutions as part of a minister of finance in Lakes state, government effort to stabilize argued that the Central Bank of South Tprices in the market. Sudan could sign a memorandum of While announcing the release of the understanding with Central Banks of credit facility, the Governor of Central neighboring countries so that South Bank Mr. Kornelio Koriom Mayik Sudanese pounds can start circulating in said the money will be used for buying the banks. goods and fixing infrastructure that was With that measure in place, South destroyed in the current conflict. Sudanese business people will not He said that the money will be struggle to get dollars for them to buy distributed to the ministries of Finance, goods, they will simply take with them Petroleum, Housing and Health, with pounds and exchange into whatever allocations also being sent to Upper currency of that nation and buy goods Nile, Unity and Jonglei states where a The Governor of Central Bank Mr. Kor- using local currency. lot of infrastructure was destroyed. He nelio Koriom Mayik: He announced that In the meantime, the business of added that some of the money will also government would release funds to help US dollar in Juba town is lucrative. It is stabilize the money market. go to businesses and the South Sudan common to find young men from villages Beverages company. selling US dollar in the black market The buying and selling of US dollars forcing them to use dollars because South openly. This has really hit the economy of in the country affected prices in the Sudanese Pounds are not accepted in South Sudan, making prices in the market market. Most businesses in South Sudan those markets. And since getting dollars unstable and made life difficult for many buy goods from neighboring countries, is hard in South Sudan, many business people. Health services under pressure to meet needs wo humanitarian medical health programme coordinator in Fleeing danger, many people, organizations said the South Sudan. “In addition, several including women and children, health care system in South care facilities have been damaged travel long distances in search T Sudan was overstretched to or looted, and since it’s extremely of the closest safe haven. “The respond to the many needs as a result difficult to bring in medical supplies pressure that this influx of people of displacements triggered by the to the places that need them most, the has put on already weak health-care violence that erupted last December. basic health needs of many people infrastructure has been enormous,” The International Committee simply cannot be met.” said Ms Page. “In Upper Nile of the Red Cross and South Sudan ICRC says they have been forced state, the population in and around Red Cross said they had performed to work in difficult circumstances Kodok tripled in a matter of days. more than 2,600 operations since the because well-equipped medical Some 100,000 civilians have taken outbreak of violence in December. facilities are either unavailable or refuge there, and because the “Recent fighting in South Sudan damaged. situation remains unpredictable, has resulted in large numbers “It’s rather difficult, but there’s they are not likely to leave soon.” of people being wounded,” said no other way to provide care in most Since the outbreak of the Franz Rauchenstein, head of the instances. The surgical programme in armed conflict in December 2013, ICRC delegation in the country. South Sudan is one of the largest run the ICRC and the South Sudan “ICRC medical staff have been by the ICRC in the world, and it is Red Cross have been working in sent to several places and are now most likely the most difficult one in partnership. Their efforts have been working around the clock to treat the terms of work and living conditions. complemented by the activities of injured.” During the rainy season, the staff have the International Federation of Red Since last December, health an additional burden to contend with,” Cross and Red Crescent Societies services in the country have been said Ms Page. and a number of national Red Cross overstretched. “The lack of security The two organizations say the societies. has caused many health workers to health-care system is having to flee. There have also been reports cope not only with large numbers At the MSF clinic at protection of health workers being attacked or of casualties, but also with the site on the UNMISS base. Photo: killed,” said Kerry Page, an ICRC displacement of the local population. UNMISS / JC McIlwaine

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Circulation Across South Sudan. THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 23 TCT Features Church partners sow seeds of hope, peace for future South Sudan ichael Puot Ram- bang hopes soccer and volleyball games will help to promote peace and reconciliation Mamong a generation of future Sudanese leaders. “I was in Juba when the fighting broke out (on Dec. 15, 2013),” Rambang, 26, told the Episcopal News Service (ENS) recently from Nairobi, Kenya. “I was almost killed; they targeted 25 of my neighbours, who were killed.” He escaped to the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya, Michael Puot Rambang, (right, seated), founder of South Sudan Youth for Peace only to discover violence there and Reconciliation (SSYPR), together with other members who participated recently in a peace and reconciliation training in Nairobi, Kenya. also. “Everyone was angry. They ethnic groups. Many fled to the building activities. We will organ- want to push, and shove. It is not Kakuma Refugee Camp, which was ize a programme for them, and good for people to live like this. established in 1992 during decades a concert that will also bring the I had to come up with something of Sudanese civil war. An estimated youth together and also give them to bring the youth together. That 180,000 people from Sudan, South reconciliation messages from the was when I came up with South Sudan, and other African countries Bible,” said Wallam. He was part Sudan Youth for Peace and Rec- reside at the camp. of a negotiating team that has onciliation (SSYPR),” he said. Kur, a former “Lost Boy” now secured the endorsement of the The initiative aims to gather studying peace and conflict trans- UN and the Kenyan Police Camp varying communities of South formation at Nairobi’s Daystar manager to establish the Kakuma Sudanese youth in the camp for University, said camp conditions are Peace Initiative and Sports for a series of sports tournaments, challenging. Illness, illiteracy and Peace games. paired with peace and reconcili- hunger are pervasive, he said. (The A tentative date to host the ation trainings and other activi- Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan moved games awaits securing project ties. Sowing a spirit of coop- to the U.S. as part of a resettlement funding and sponsorships, accord- eration will also help improve programme in the early ‘00s.) ing to the Rev. Jerry Drino of Hope conditions generally in the camp, “We have a diverse community in with South Sudan, a San Jose- according to John Malek Kur, also South Sudan and in Kakuma Camp, based education and outreach involved in organizing SSYPR’s young people on both sides and the agency. efforts. only thing you can do is speak a “This whole effort is lifting “We will help to create a word of peace to them through soc- up from the ground,” said Drino. condition whereby we can see cer. They will play for fun and for a Faith communities are at the where we can reconcile, and goal,” Kur said. “When they will be forefront of the efforts, as are counsel them because of the working for that goal, they will start organizations like the American dramatic things they have seen, talking, realizing their worth, and Friends of the Episcopal Church since war broke out in Juba and making friendships among them- in Sudan (AFRECS), and Episcopal elsewhere,” Kur told ENS. selves.” Relief and Development, who are “We need to teach them so SSYPR advisor Bishop John Gattek working to alleviate hardships in we can send a team to go and Wallam of Bentiu area of the Diocese Sudan, he added. teach and talk peace among the of Malakal said the plan includes uni- Pockets of hope exist amid people, and we will extend it versity students serving as trainers the continuing crisis in Sudan, slowly to the areas affected by for the camp’s youth. The initiative Drino said. He urged Episcopalians the war,” Kur added. is working in tandem with other across the church to support the South Sudan emerged as the like-minded organizations under the organization of fledgling peace world’s newest nation in 2011, umbrella of the United Nations High efforts. with Juba as its capital city. Commissioner for Refugees seeking “The good news is that already Fighting erupted in December peace and reconciliation, he said. there are sporadic games with 2013 after a political struggle “The youth are the children of mixed tribal teams being played between the president, Salva the warring parties (and from differ- in Kakuma and that the Mothers Kiir, and his former deputy, Riek ent tribes). Both sides will be able Union and Presbyterian women are Machar, displacing as many as to come together and learn peace coming together to pray across one million people. Kiir is from and reconciliation,” Wallam told ENS tribal lines. The SSYPR will give the Dinka tribe and rebel leader from Kenya recently. them greater incentive to con- Machar is Nuer, representing The games “will be an outlet for tinue and expand this work,” he the two main South Sudanese the youth to participate in peace- says.

24 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Features TCT South Sudan bishop: ‘‘Did our martyrs die in vain?”

n Anglican bishop has challenged the “We have all seen people of South Sudan and its leaders too much hatred not to dishonour the and fear and as a memory of national martyrsA by fighting each other. country we need Bishop of Wau Diocese in South Sudan, the Rt. Revd Moses Deng Bol unity and love. stressed that for the young African nation to have a viable future there South Sudan has needed to be “love and unity” among its people. seen a lot of vio- Referring to the 22-year Sudanese lence and death Civil War that resulted in South Su- dan becoming an independent nation and many people in 2011 he said, “Did our martyrs die so that we would fight each other? have experienced Did they die for no good reason and do we keep disgracing them with our evil things that actions?” “We have all seen too much they will never hatred and fear and as a country we forget.” need unity and love,” he said. “South Sudan has seen a lot of violence and there will be no progress.” death and many people have experi- Refugees can’t build nation enced evil things that they will never Reports indicate that more than forget.” 1 million people have been displaced “(But) if our country is ever go- inside South Sudan and more than ing to develop and become a better 400,000 people have fled to neigh- place, we must find a way to forgive bouring countries of Kenya, Sudan, this pain. This may sound like too Ethiopia and Uganda, as a result of much to ask and even unreasonable, the conflict. Politically the country is divided “Imagine if along tribal lines, largely between the tribes of Dinka and Nuer. Bishop President Salva Deng said this is particularly dam- aging for a young nation like South Kiir and former Sudan. In terms of economic develop- Vice President ment, parts of the country have (now rebel leader) slipped back to the levels during the but we must challenge ourselves to Second Civil War (1983-2005). Many Riek Machier could forgive freely as a people,” he said. people are stuck in UN camps, others Unity means plenty for every- are in internally displaced peoples forgive each other one camps, and others in refugee camps Bishop Deng said that much good in neighbouring countries. now and form a comes from unity and that people The bishop said these displaced must see the need for unity for South South Sudanese are in no position to government of Sudan to be a strong and prosperous produce anything for themselves or national unity. country. for the country. “If we are united we can have “Life for everyone in South What a statement plenty and become a country we can Sudan should get better and people all be proud of,” he said. should be more educated,” he rea- of faith that “Imagine if President Salva Kiir soned. “We should be more united and former Vice President (now rebel as a country and work together to would be for the leader) Riek Machier could forgive promote peace and reconciliation each other now and form a govern- everywhere in the country. future of our ment of national unity. What a state- “Jesus did not teach hatred, he young country. ment of faith that would be for the taught forgiveness, and the life he future of our young country. It would lived serves as an example for eve- It would give give everyone hope,” he said. “As ryone. There was no one that Jesus long as we think only of tribes and would not help because his faith in everyone hope.” settle disagreements with violence God was so strong,” he said.

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 25 TCT Health Ebola could have been averted, says expert he Ebola crisis in future. West Africa could “A dedicated International Health have been averted if Systems Fund at WHO would rebuild governments and health broken trust, with the returns of longer, agencies had acted on healthier lives and economic development Tthe recommendations of a 2011 far exceeding the costs. This fund would World Health Organisation (WHO) encompass both emergency response Commission on global health capabilities and enduring health-system emergencies, according to a US development,” he said. based expert. Minister of Health Dr. Gai Riek Koi. The In September, the government The comment, published in health ministry announced measures it of South Sudan announced that it The Lancet by Professor Lawrence had put in place to help curb the spread was sending out teams to create Gostin, Faculty Director of the of Ebola. awareness and pass information among O’Neill Institute for National and According to Professor Gostin, to communities living along the borders as a Global Health Law at Georgetown prevent the next epidemic, he said the precautionary measure. University, USA, called for renewed solution is to fix inherent structural The director for health education and international commitment to a deficiencies like human resource promotion in the ministry of Health, Mary health systems contingency fund to shortages and fragile health systems. He Dennis, told media that the educators prevent another infectious disease recommends an international fund that will inform the public to look out for crisis, together with long-term will help to prepare for such epidemics in symptoms and report any suspected cases. funding for enduring health systems development. Although WHO has now implemented a plan for dealing with Ebola – months after the virus first began to spread internationally – implementation will be further delayed while US$490 million are raised to meet the cost of tackling the epidemic. In the meantime, Ebola continues to spread amongst health workers and the general population, in countries where health resources were already strained before the outbreak. The disease has hit West African countries of Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The WHO reported that by 31 August, there were 3685 cases (probable, confirmed and suspected) and 1841 deaths by Ebola, reported by the ministries of health of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In Nigeria, there were 21 cases and 7 deaths, while in Senegal, one case had been confirmed but there were no Ebola deaths or suspected cases that had been reported. The WHO reports that a separate outbreak of Ebola virus disease, which is not related to the outbreak in West Africa, was laboratory-confirmed on 26 August by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which borders South Sudan to the South West. The 2011 WHO Review Committee proposed a Global Health Emergency Workforce, backed by a US$100 million contingency fund, which would have enabled the rapid initial response needed to contain the Ebola outbreak, but the Commission was not acted upon by WHO, lacking sufficient financial commitment from governments in high-income countries.

26 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Health TCT Obasanjo, Machel, Akon call for action against Ebola ormer Nigerian president Ebola is having great economic and The petitioners called on the phar- Olusegun Obasanjo led social impact in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra maceutical industry, and the research a number of high profile Leone and Nigeria. The petitioners lament community to fund, facilitate and FAfrican leaders in calling for that the response has often been knee jerk make immediately available access to urgent action against the spread of and counter-productive, such as the clos- all known methods of prevention and Ebola. ing of borders and cancellation of flights, treatment of the Ebola disease. In a letter published in a number of something which both the Economic Com- The petition came out at a time newspapers, magazines and websites munity of West African States (ECOWAS) when a US based health expert has across Africa, leaders of civil society and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the Ebola crisis could have been and business called for more solidarity have denounced. averted if governments and health and a more coordinated approach to “We call on our respective heads of agencies had acted on the recom- deal with the recent Ebola outbreak. states and governments to avoid full em- mendations of a 2011 World Health They urged all concerned citizens bargo against Ebola-affected states. While Organisation (WHO) Commission on to play their role and demanded a we understand the legitimate concerns for global health emergencies. coordinated and rational response from the protection of their population, we re- It also came at a time when the African governments and international mind African leaders of their obligation to government announced that it was institutions. pan-African solidarity and the global com- sending out teams to create awareness Leaders who signed the petition munity of their humanitarian obligations in among communities living along the included former president of Tanzania emergencies,” the petition said. borders, as a precautionary measure. Benjamin and Obasanjo, as well as The petition called on African opinion The director for health educa- Graça Machel, civil society leader and leaders to actively take part in public tion and promotion in the ministry of wife of the late President Mandela, information campaigns on prevention and health, Mary Dennis, said the educa- singer and former minister Youssour transmission of Ebola. The petitioners tors the public will be asked to look N’Dour, musician Akon, and a number further called on global opinion leaders to out for symptoms of the disease and of prominent leaders and personalities add their talents and voices in support of report any suspected cases. from music, media and business world. the call.

Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, Graca Machel and Akon. They signed a petition urging world governments to take urgent action against the spread of Ebola.

Health center in Panyijiar county Children in dire situation despite runs out of essential drugs temporary improvements in food BY JAMES CHILIM since the crisis broke out… security A health facility in Panyijar we don’t have access of get- BY TCT CORRESPONDENT County Unity state has run out of ting drugs because our drugs A UN agency said tens of thousands of children under the drugs since the beginning of the used to come from Bentiu,” age of five were at risk of malnutrition-related death in South year, despite the huge number of he said. Sudan, despite temporary improvements in food security locals who depend on it for their Gai lamented that many situation by September. health needs. patients were being turned The United Nations Children Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Speaking to the media, the away due to the shortage of issued a statement after an earlier report that was released medical officer for Ganyliel drugs. He called on interna- by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) health center, Daniel Gai said the tional organizations and the group of experts. last drug stocks ran out in Janu- government to send medical “Thousands of malnourished children who have not ary this year and patients have supplies to the area. yet been reached remain in peril,” said Jonathan Veitch, been relying on the International This is one of the effects UNICEF Representative in South Sudan. “It is critical that Rescue Committee for drugs. of conflict in the country. At we are able to accelerate our response during this window of “Actually our big problem the same time, heavy floods opportunity.” is drugs, we don’t have and we affected people in different The UNICEF statement said that malnutrition, especially have many patients who are in parts of the country, but it was among young children, was not mirroring improvements in need of drugs…The drugs were difficult for the government to food security because of high rates of disease, lack of safe brought by the government, but reach people due to insecurity. water and lack of access to basic health care. THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 27 TCT Migration/Refugee News South Sudan launches biometric registration of IDPs in Nimule he government of South Sudan (PSNs),including and the United Nations High unaccompanied Commissioner for Refugees minors, separated T(UNHCR) conducted biomet- children, child-headed ric registration of internally displaced households and persons (IDPs) who fled armed conflict in single women with South Sudan. family support, so The state government of Eastern that authorities and Equatoria, UNHCR and other partners humanitarian person- joined local authorities in Nimule to nel can better provide launch the seven-day registration exercise appropriate services. which was conducted in two centres set In order to con- up at Melijo Primary school and at Bap- duct the registration tist Church in Nimule. The registration exercise accurately, was slated to take place from 20 to 23 the enumerators used September and 25 to 26 September 2014. identity documents, In a statement, UNHCR lauded the school certificates, provincial administration for its support birth certificates, to the project. ration cards as well “UNHCR and partners are thankful to as any other official the state government of Eastern Equa- documents that the toria, and local and national authorities, IDPs hold. especially within the Relief and Reha- The majority bilitation Commission (RRC), for their of IDPs were from promotion and support of this initiative,” Jonglei State, mainly said the UNHCR. children, women and The UNHCR also thanked the IDPs the elderly. Initially, and their leaders for supporting the initia- the refugees gathered tive. mainly in public spac- Previously, registrations have been es (churches, schools done on an ad hoc basis by individual and under trees), while agencies in Nimule area for the purposes Biometric registration in one of the refugee camps in South some were hosted by of distribution of humanitarian assistance. Sudan: The government and UNHCR introduced the technol- relatives who arrived However, total IDP populations identified ogy to registered IDPs in Nimule. in Nimule during in those efforts vary substantially, ranging updated number of IDPs, verify newly previous flows of displacement. from 3,000 to 30,000 individuals. arrived IDPs, eliminate double registra- Since the crisis began in mid-Decem- The UNHCR said the registration tions of individuals, as well as to better ber 2013, South Sudanese were displaced will be the first comprehensive biomet- understand continuing movements. from their areas of origin, mainly from ric registration exercise in Nimule, and Further, the exercise was meant to Juba, Jonglei state, Unity state and Upper was intended to provide an accurate and help identify Persons with Specific Needs Nile state.

28 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Religious News TCT Committee for NatioNal HealiNg, PeaCe aNd reCoNCiliatioN (CNHPr)

“...Our people have suffered enough... it is high time we give peace a chance for the sake of our children...”

“ ...We the Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR) proclaim that we are one nation, one people, one country, lets not give a chance to conflict...”.

“...Time is not Please engage with us or visit our offices on our side. Now Juba, South Sudan Telepho,l;ne: 0921037248 is the time for E-mail: [email protected] peace....” http://reconciliationsouthsudan.org

CNHPR is guided by the following core values: i) Pluralism, ii) Inclusivity, iii) Peacemaking, iv) Social Justice, v) Forgiveness, vi) Healing, vii) Atonement, and viii) Sovereignty.

THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 29 TCT Be Inspired/Sermon Only reconciliation of top SPLM leadership will end war (Continued from our previous issue). paigning. They will move about in the country Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he (she) is a new creation; the old has together mobilizing the people of South gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself Sudan for reconciliation, peace, and unity. In that way, they will effectively contribute in through Christ and gave us the Ministry of Reconciliation; that God was promoting the concept of “one nation, one reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins people”. against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. They must remember that in promoting Therefore we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through reconciliation, peace, and unity, they become us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf; be reconciled to God”. (2Cor 5:17 ambassadors of Christ for the people of South – 20 NIV). Sudan. This is in line with the Biblical state- uring the campaign, both then the President of the United States, defined ment which says, ”Therefore, if anyone is in visited people in their vil- democracy as ‹›the rule of the people, by the Christ he (she) is a new creation; the old has lages. Both men talked to people, for the people››. Using that definition gone, the new has come! All this is from God the people about what they of democracy everything is about the people! who reconciled us to himself through Christ… would do for the people if So, it is the people by their free and fair vot- and committed to us the message of reconcili- Dthey were elected. Kiir and Machar were ing, without rigging, who must then change ation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” happy when they were campaigning the government. (2Corth5:17-19 NIV). together. This is the position they need to Continued use of force to try to clear re- In their roles as ambassadors for Christ, return to when they are reconciled. bels from the bush of Greater Upper Nile will they will visit people in their own states and They should as St. Paul says, «be take years. It will prove very expensive. Yet counties, telling them to reconcile and live in likeminded, having the same love being it will not work. Although South Sudan has peace and be united. In this important work in one spirit and purpose (and) doing oil money, this oil money without peace will of national reconciliation, they should be nothing out of selfish ambition or vain be wasted on war. Why waste the people’s accompanied and supported by South Sudan conceit but in humility consider others resource on killing them? The effective and Council of Churches. This work of reconcili- better than yourselves. Each of you peaceful thing to do, without the use of guns, ation must become a consuming passion and should look not only to your own inter- is reconciliation between President Kiir and take up most of their time. In that way, they ests, but also to the interests of others» Dr. Machar. will become respected fathers of South Sudan (Phil 2:2-4 NIV). Preparation for this direct reconciliation rather than leaders of conflict. Now we turn to the feeling of Presi- must be carried out by South Sudan Council What about the work of the presidency? dent Salva Kiir about the suffering of the of Churches, IGAD, and friends of South South Sudan›s people can identify someone very people who elected him. He must to carry on the work of the nation. He/she will begin thinking about the way to bring be president and will lead the nation up to the peace and unity to South Sudan. time of the next elections. I think the interim I am sure he has sleepless nights, president should come from the tribes of thinking about the war and the suffering Equatoria region, rather than from Bhar-Al- of the people. If he has concern about the Ghazal or Upper Nile regions. Why do I say suffering of his people who made him the so? first president of South Sudan, he must Because the people of Equatoria generally gather strength to stop the war which is are peaceably inclined. This is the first point. destroying the country and bring peace Sudan. People are suffering and the rains are The second point is that the majority of and unity to the nation. here. So let the preparation for helping Kiir them are literate and understand democracy. We have concentrated on reconcili- and Machar to reconcile be done as quickly Thirdly, a significant number of them ation of the SPLM›s top leadership. But as possible. are Christians, especially those from Central who between the two is going to take the But what happens if they refuse to accept and Western Equatoria. Thus they understand first step for making reconciliation? Who reconciliation between themselves and their and practice Christian values such as equality, is going to be the initiator of recon- supporters? President Kiir and Dr. Machar justice, honesty, freedom and accountability. ciliation? It must be our democratically must recognize that they are not represent- These are Biblical values, translated into elected president. He needs to walk to ing their own interests, but they represent the democratic ideals. Dr. Machar›s camp, carrying in his hands interests of the people who elected them. If Fourthly, they are not involved in the the Bible and carrots, and not «carrots people know that Kiir and Riek are their rep- current SPLM war. So, they are neutral and and sticks» and to declare to him that we resentatives and that they refuse ro reconcile, the interim president must be a neutral person. must be reconciled. No more war and no then people will withdraw their support from This president will, of course, be elected. more killings and destruction! This is them. This interim president will face the in line with Biblical thinking about rec- At this point, after reconciliation of difficult task of unifying the nation after the onciliation. Remember, the first step for President Kiir and Dr. Machar, there must SPLM war comes to the end but he/she will reconciliation with humankind was taken be absolute cessation of hostilities in South be assisted by President Kiir and Dr. Machar’s by God - the most powerful one. Sudan. What then will be the role of President efforts in the cities, towns and villages. In the same way, President Salva Kiir and Dr. Machar in the peaceful republic In conclusion, President Kiir and Dr. Kiir Mayardit, as our elected President, of South Sudan? Machar have the ability and must stop the must take the lead in restoration of rela- The role of President Kiir killing, bring peace and development to the tionship between the SPLM groups. It is people of the Republic of South Sudan. But his responsibility to be concerned about and Dr. Machar in a peaceful their personal reconciliation is key to all these the suffering of his people. On the other South Sudan other things happening. Rev. Ezekiel Kutjok is a past General hand, Dr. Riek Machar, now the leader of Will they return to be President and Vice Secretary of Sudan Council of Churches and “SPLA\M -in-opposition” is in the bush President respectively? That question will past Moderator of Dolieb Hill Presbytery of and cannot return to the national capital be for the people of South Sudan to decide. the Presbyterian Church of Sudan. He is a dis- until there is reconciliation. Thus, the However, for me, as a citizen of South Sudan placed person from Malakal living in Uganda responsibility lies with President Kiir. they must spend their time doing work which as a refugee. In the year 1863, Abraham Lincoln, they have already done with success - cam-

30 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Peace Building TCT CNHPR Conducted a Comprehensive Consultative Mission in Rumbek, Lakes State s of the 16th of August, state and its becom- 2014 the Committee for ing a big problem. He National Healing Peace and appealed to the church Reconciliation (CNHPR) to step up outreach held a seven-day consulta- activities and prayers in Ation visit to Rumbek, Lakes State. The order to change people’s seven days mission was aimed at engaging mindset to that of peace government officials, church leaders and loving people. community members to explore ways of Meeting Church how CNHPR can support the community Leaders and peace actors to ensure that peace and On arrival at ECS calmness is restored in the State. The team church in Rumbek, the also convened a Peace and Prayer Rally Archbishop was wel- on Thursday 21st 2014 at Lakes state comed by a joyful crowd freedom square involving all members of of over two thousand the community. The team also met with Community members attending the peace and prayer rally people including bishops various government departments involved at Rumbek freedom square from Rumbek, Cubeit, in reaching out and advocating for peace results or effects of their actions. He also Yirol and Akot dioceses, mothers union, and reconciliation in Lakes State appealed to the relatives of the people pastors, youth and community leaders. The CNHPR team was led by the who killed the chief to hand over the cul- Bishop Alapayo Manyang who dou- Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of prit to the government so that justice can bles as the Lakes State chairperson for the Sudan and South Sudan, who is also the be served and pave way for dialogue and committee for National Healing Peace and chairperson of the Committee for National reconciliation. Reconciliation introduced the Archbishop Healing Peace and Reconciliation. On Referring to the book of 2nd chroni- to the people and welcomed him. In his arrival at Rumbek air strip, the team cles 5:18-21, in the Bible, the Archbishop introduction remarks, Archbishop Daniel was received by over a thousand people said that God calls people at different Deng gave a sermon based on the book including the governor of Lakes state H.E times and it’s at this time that God has of Nehemiah 1:5-10. He said that if the Matur Chut, church leaders comprising of called the governor to serve the nation. It people love their country, they would have Bishops and members of mothers union is through God’s wisdom that the gover- cried, fasted and prayed like Nehemiah and community leaders among others. nor will reconcile his people. who cried, fasted for his country and God The Archbishop asked the governor to heard his prayer and he was told to go PROCEEDINGS identify the areas where he can be of help back to Israel. Nehemiah prayed and in The team held a brief meeting with in the process of reconciliation, emphasiz- his prayer he asked God to forgive his the governor exploring ways of collabora- ing that he is ready to engage in dialogue country and its people and take away the tion with CNHPR to address the current with both warring parties to seek ways of sin. conflict in Rumbek by supporting com- a lasting solution to this conflict. He said that God has called the pastors munities to address their differences and According to the Peace Adviser for and bishops at this time to help and cry for foster peaceful co-existence. The governor Lakes State Hon Thiang, the crisis in South Sudan, and nobody should be left of Lakes state H.E Matur Chut welcomed Pacong has not just started because of behind. The Archbishop asked the church the visit adding that the presence of the the killing of the paramount chief, it has leaders and community members present Archbishop and members of CNHPR will been on for many years; the killing of to explain what they have done and what help boost the ongoing peace efforts in the paramount chief just worsened the they hope to do to ensure that peace Lakes state. He briefed the team on the already fragile environment. He hopes prevails in Lakes State in Particular and root causes of the conflict which escalated that the Archbishop and other members of South Sudan in general. after the killing of the paramount chief of the Committee for National Healing and “God has given you knowledge the Agar community. Reconciliation and the church will work to lead his people; people are killing The Governor said that those involved together with the government to avoid fur- themselves where you, mothers, pastors, in the quest for revenge, causing conflict ther revenge. He also noted that the issue bishops? All these things happening can and violence do it without knowing the of revenge is becoming a norm in Lakes destroy your faith, God is testing you. You should try and organize and talk to the people in Gods voice not that of politi- cians. Said Archbishop Deng Daniel Bul He said that God listens to those who talk in his voice, adding that sometimes church leaders follow what government says yet the two function differently. The Archbishop tasked all the pastors, Bishops and other church leaders to leave everything they are engaged in currently and move from door to door, boma to boma, payam to payam, county to county preaching and passing on peace messages calling on people to stop revenge, use and purchase of magic and embrace reconcili- ation. Bishop Alapayo Manyang of Rumbek Governor H.E Matur Chut and the Archbishop during the consultation meeting with government officials Diocese confirmed that “All the people THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 31 TCT Peace Building concludes. 1990-1998 to mobilize and teach the Moses Makur a people about the church and its work. priest of the Rumbek It’s the duty of the church to teach the Diocese advised that people. “We will start with pastors, people should pray, and people of God are not afraid…, the through prayer, they will pastors have to unite as pastors of God, keep healthy. Moses they should walk and pray together stressed the major and nobody will defeat them” said the causes of insecurity Archbishop. He called on pastors and included the presence bishops to shun tribalism. He said that of guns among civilian the government will not recognize population, drug abuse the church, if the church leaders don’t especially among the know their job. Archbishop said, the youth, and use of magic responsibility of changing the commu- and witch craft. nity belongs to the church, they should Church leader and community members matching for Isaac Nyatyil also provide peace education to the people peace during the peace and prayer rally. Photo by Poni from the Rumbek Dio- and the government will follow. He Allen 21/8/204 cese blamed the mem- concluded that peace initiatives are not a here [Rumbek, Lakes State) are Chris- bers of parliament for having neglected to day’s activity, it is a process. tians. They carry Christian names and do their job on peace and development. Meeting with the Chiefs it’s the same Christians fighting, killing, Abraham Majak Maguoc stressed that While on this mission, the arch- raping and using magic.” Despites discus- disarming the youths is important and the bishop Daniel Deng Bul who is also the sions with the people, government and disarmament should be done in stages National chairperson for the Commit- the general community to embrace peace, including massive disarmament and criti- tee for National Healing Peace and unfortunately, to date, some pastors have cal search for guns from individuals with Reconciliation accompanied by three been displaced from their pastoral loca- multiple guns. bishops from Rumbek, Akot and Cuebet tions due to conflict and its related violent Rejoice Enosa Coordinator Moth- diocese, and the team of CNHPR staff actions, the bishop asserted. ers Union from the Diocese of Cuebet, visited and held a consultation meeting According to Canon Peter Marial emphasized that even pastors do not have with the paramount chief and sub-chiefs Thon of Pacong diocese, there has been enough knowledge of the Bible, and as a of Pacong whose clan mate is alleged a lot of fighting between tribes, clans and result they do not understand the mean- to have murdered the paramount chief communities in Pacong. The conflicting ing of prayer and fasting. According to Alfred Apareer. This meeting was aimed tribes have tried to make peace. The two Rejoice, the chaplaincy work in the police to seek views of the chiefs in the area main conflicting clans came together and and prisons centers has been neglected. and to encourage them as they lead the signed a peace pact two years ago when “There is need to deploy chaplains and communities. “Chiefs [you] are the the church and the Ministry of Local remind them of their roles of reaching salt and light of the community and if Government went to the cattle camp and out to soldiers, prisoners and other people you are not doing your job, the whole preached messages of peace and recon- they work with.” She stressed. community becomes dark and salt less.” ciliation. After signing the peace pact, the Isaac Dut Rok of the Pentecostal pas- Emphasized the Archbishop people of Pacong enjoyed relative peace tor in Rumbek reiterated that the people According to the deputy Governor until the killing of the paramount chief are divided on tribe, clan and family Hon. Santo Lakes state is experiencing which has again caused unrest, robbery, lines. “The church has to unite and work challenges of community conflict which revenge killings, cattle rustling and raping together regardless of their denominations has now changed to a new dimension of of women. and together as one, church members series of revenge killing. He also added These unfortunate events occurred and church leaders will go and talk to the that there is no cooperation between the partly because people do not listen to the community.” He added. “Church leaders chiefs and community members making church any more. Some of the community must be that change they want to see”. He the situation to promote peace a little members seek intervention from witch emphasized. difficult. The deputy governor said, the doctors and magicians and hence making Benjamin Mangar (Former Bishop of special court has not received any case the church’s effort to preach and influence Yirol) also advised that the church should to prosecute any suspect, however, he positive societal behavior futile. conduct festivals that bring people togeth- assures that justice must be done in all Abraham Manyuon, a commu- er in prayer. These festivals should have cases. nity member of Pacong, requested the activities which include singing, praying The Archbishop informed the chiefs Archbishop to talk to the government and worshiping God, this will attract and and government officials present that he to provide Christians, church leaders bring more people to church as they come came to pray with them because what and community members’ with mobility to watch people singing and praising, they is happening is difficult for one person support so that they are able to reach the listen to the peace messages and some to handle. There is need for people to distant cattle camps. He said that once may end up changing their behaviors and join the church and support government there is security, freedom of movement embracing peace. on ways of helping the community. He and transport, the church will select Isaac Dhieu, the Anglican Bishop of informed the chiefs that nobody came pastors from different locations and send the Diocese of Akot explained that they to be a chief without God’s blessing. He them to conduct outreach and pass on have been moving around, praying with also said that there is no need for shad- peace messages. people together and urged them to con- ing more blood. The archbishop also In the words of Monica Acien Bol sider peace. According to the bishop, they informed them that the reason of his from the Diocese of Rumbek, “there is move around by foot in villages and cattle visit was to establish ways of how the need to train pastors on trauma healing camps praying and passing peace mes- Church and CNHPR can help address before sending them to talk to the trau- sages to the people. In his preaching, the the current conflict in Lakes state. “Peo- matalised people” she stressed. She em- bishop reported that they have converted ple are dying, the church will continue phasized that most of the people engaged over 16 people who were baptized and are praying, preaching and talking to people in violent and conflict related activities now practicing Christians. encouraging them to shun revenge and and are frustrated. Therefore, training pas- In his closing remarks during the embrace peace and reconciliation” said tors on trauma healing will help them gain meeting with the clergy, the Archbishop His Grace Daniel Deng Bul. skills to handle and talk to the people, she said evangelism was used between the 32 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Book Review Letters to the Editor TCT

The editor welcomes brief letters on topical issues. Write an e-mail to: [email protected]. You can also mail to: The Editor, The Christian Times, P. O. Box 2282-00100, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Nairobi, Kenya. Letters may be edited for clarity, space and legal considerations. Militarism should be abolished in South Sudan n the face of growing militarism in South role as a driving force for armaments of mass demanding the implementation of human rights Sudan, civil society should take a stand destruction and its dangerous path towards and international law is the work of the peace for human rights and real democracy, persistent military internal aggression. movement. We can turn away from this path and against violence and war. The means of resistance are very important. of destruction by spelling out a clear vision of It is high time civil society groups in As a person deeply committed to non-violence what kind of a South Sudan we want to live ISouth Sudan stood up and adopted a vision of as a way to bring about social/cultural/political in, demanding an end to the militarism, and the total abolition of militarism in South Sudan. change, I believe that we need to use means insisting that our government adopt policies of Such a vision would empower us to know where consistent with the end, and it is wrong to use peace. we are going. It would inspire and energize each violence. Civil Society including the media, are the of us to pursue our different projects. The message is that militarism and war alternative to militarism and war, and because Working towards this vision of do not solve our problems and that is why we we want a different world, we must be part a demilitarized, disarmed South Sudan, we will need to teach the science of peace at every level of building it. We must not be satisfied with be part of an ever-growing new ‘consciousness’ of society. We are all aware there are forces at improvements to and reform of militarism but of men and women, choosing to uphold human work which are determined to continue their rather offer an alternative. life, the right to individual conscience, loving agenda of the militarization of our societies and Militarism should be outlawed and made to our enemies, human rights and international there are attempts to make violence and war disappear from South Sudan. law, and solving our problems without killing acceptable. The Author Mr. Joseph Oduha is a each other. We can take hope from the fact that most Human Rights and Peace trained journalist. Why resist militarism? We are witnessing people want peace and not war. The views expressed here are his own. He can the growing militarism of our country, and its Unmasking this agenda of war and be reach through [email protected] What is Khartoum’s common objective with South Sudan rebels? n August this year Dr. Riek Machar with advanced weapons and trainings to But what is that “common objective” that and his entourage visited Khartoum to change the balance of power in South Sudan. Khartoum regime is forging with South Sudan Idrum up support for Addis Ababa peace Sudan 1st Vice President Bakri Hassan rebels? Is it a common objective for regime talks between his rebel movement and the Saleh is quoted saying that his regime change in Juba? Or is it for reunification of government of South Sudan. About two “Recognizes Dr. Riek Machar Liaison Sudan with South Sudan? months later, it is emerging that his visit was office and all organs are required to provide The objective of Sudan may not not a peace tour as reported in the media but, protection and security to them”. necessarily be intended to re-occupy the in fact a soliciting drive for military support But even though Prof. Reeves raised whole South Sudan but aims to take up from the arch-enemy of his country. questions about the authenticity of the contested areas along the border. Rebels on On 24 September, Prof. Eric Reeves, a document, marked internally as “secret, their part are desperate to capture or destroy distinguished analyst of South Sudan and confidential, and restricted”, most of the operating oil facilities through Sudan’s help Sudan published a purported memo from a reasons for believing the document to be to starve Juba with oil proceeds which it meeting of top military and security officials authentic, on Reeves’ reading, have to do with depends for running state institutions. This is in Khartoum that took place on August 31 the extremely close resemblance of much of a bitter pill for Sudan to swallow because it this year. This was three weeks after Riek’s what is said by officials in this meeting and also relies on oil infrastructure fees that Juba visit. In the memo, senior Sudanese officials what has been said and done publicly by the pays per every barrel of crude that passes allegedly agreed to support the Sudan People’s National Congress Party/National Islamic through Sudan’s territory. Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) Front regime. BY MAPUOR MALUAL MANGUEN experience to the next level. With 52 weekly dares, this one-year devotional invites you to go deeper into the scriptural principles of The Love Dare BOOK REVIEW and is meant to enrich your relationship Book:The Love Dare Day by Day with God and your spouse through a Author: Alex Kendrick daily time of reading, prayer, and action.

opping the New York Times Features of this book, first published in list and already selling three 2009 by B&H Publishing Group, include: million copies, The Love Dare has established itself • 365 devotional readings on unique as more than a book; it’s an aspects of genuine love Tunstoppable marriage movement. And • 52 weekly dares to help you express like the husband in Fireproof (the film love in your marriage where The Love Dare originated), readers • Dozens of specific prayers to pray for know this 40-day challenge to understand yourself and your spouse and practice unconditional love with their • Questions to get you thinking spouse need not end when the book does. romantic hopes are often replaced with strategically about your relationship With that in mind, The Love Dare disappointment in the home. But it • More than 100 Go Deeper sections that Day by Day encourages and challenges doesn’t have to stay that way. Whether enhance personal Bible study couples toward new steps in faith and your marriage is hanging by a thread or Make this more than a year of your life. love with 365 marital encouragements, healthy and strong, The Love Dare Day Make it your bold, next step to a lifetime reminders, and action points worth by Day is a journey you need to take. of love. repeating year after year. Love is a choice. A daily choice. The book is available in bookshops in Unconditional love is eagerly The Love Dare Day by Day is a daily Keswick Bookshop in Nairobi, Kenya promised at weddings, but rarely reminder of how it’s done - and done well and in bookshops in other East African practiced in real life. As a result, - taking the source material’s original countries. It sells at $US 12. THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 33 TCT Peace Building Bishop Emeritus calls for South Sudanese to repent and pray for peace BY JAMES CHILIM

ishop Emeritus of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth Basked South Sudanese to repent and seek God’s intervention for peace to prevail in the country again. Speaking to a South Sudanese congregation in Nairobi, Kenya, Bishop Nathaniel said the cause of the current conflict in South Sudan is the result of people missing God’s will and God’s heart. He said that God gave the South Sudanese what they asked for but they failed to remain faithful to Him. “During the war, South Sudanese were prayerful, always honouring God and they promised God to be faithful to him if He gave them freedom…but after getting what they wanted, they turned away from God and became evil,” lamented the bishop. Bishop Garang related what is going on today in South Sudan to the situation that Israelites faced during their time. He said the Israelites forgot God when they entered the Promised Land. They indulged in sin which angered God, who in turn allowed suffering through fighting and hunger to remind them of who He was. He lamented about the situation of poor people in refugee and displaced people’s camps, saying that such suffering should remind leaders and the people of South Sudan that God is angry with them. “Now people are in need of peace, but it is very expensive to have peace, people have to demonstrate willful forgiveness, stop hatred and revenge, and ask God for peace,” said the bishop. He reminded the congregation that God’s agenda doesn’t go with man’s agenda. God’s agenda can overcome man’s agenda, because man’s agenda is always full of evil thinking that sometimes forces God to intervene to punish man. “God has destroyed man’s agenda in South Sudan and his will and agenda is going to work,” he said. Bishop Emeritus of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Nathaniel Anyieth Garang.

34 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Peace Building TCT Churches come together for the sake of peace

Church leaders from the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. Together with leaders from other churches, they came together to form a forum that will be praying for peace in the country. BY JAMES CHILIM pastors’ fellowship for pastors to come He said the call for prayers has hurch leaders from different together and pray and to begin to debate been the intention of every Christian denominations in South and think about issues of the land, and see in South Sudan and around the Sudan came together and how they can help the government, how world, that the people of South formed a prayer group that they can help the political parties, how Sudan must kneel down before God will be meeting regularly to they can help the opposition,” he said. and pray for peace. Cpray and find ways of bringing peace to He said the pastors, who represent Retired bishop of Yirol diocese the country. all denominations in the country, had of the Episcopal Church of South The fellowship was formed during come together because they believe that Sudan and Sudan, Benjamin Mangar the National Repentance and Restoration the church is the only solution for the Mamur, told a congregation in conference held in Juba in September. problems in the land. Nairobi that during the war, South Speaking to the media, Pastor “We believe that after this conference, Sudanese were praising God but Mawan Deng Dau of Juba International the church is going to play a big role to they forgot that when they went back Chapel said the pastors will also be make sure that economic practice is clean, home. deliberating on other issues affecting the to make sure that educational practice “We South Sudanese must thank society and the country in general. is clean, to ensure that politics in this God for the country and pray for “We have established what we call country is clean,” he said. forgiveness,” he said. UN coordinator in Unity State calls on political leaders to reach peace deal BY JAMES CHILIM to their normal lives, work to raise lay down their arms. And we invite outh Sudan joined the rest their families to be good citizens and every peace-loving person to engage of the world in celebrating contribute to the peace building of this with friends and neighbors and the World International Day country. But now everything has stopped celebrate the diversity of our human of Peace on 21st September, because there is no peace,” she said. family,” he said in a statement. with the UN coordinator in “The question is whether the The Secretary General said the SUnity State reiterating the UN’s call politicians in South Sudan do really have bell ringing was being observed as an on South Sudan’s political leaders to the leadership and the vision to restore annual tradition to underscore the core reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis this country to a peaceful path, in which mission of the United Nations. for the sake of their people. all families and all children long to have The International Day of Peace Unity State is one of the states that in the future? This is our wish for what is observed annually around the was worst hit by the crisis, with more this special day of peace should bring to world on 21 September. The General than 47,000 IDPs seeking safety in the Unity state in particular and South Sudan Assembly has declared this as a day UN Protection of Civilians site in the in general,” she further said. devoted to strengthening the ideals state by September. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General of peace, both within and among all The UN State coordinator in Ban Ki- Moon called for a minute of nations and peoples. Unity, Mary Cummins, said the day of silence to remember all those who are The theme of this year’s peace should be used as an opportunity living in war zones. The Secretary- International Day of Peace was to seek peace. General led the silence before ringing the the “Right of Peoples to Peace”. “Women and children are bearing UN peace bell in a call for world peace This anniversary offered a unique the brunt of the conflict. The vast and a day of non-violence. opportunity to reaffirm the UN’s majority of people in the UNMISS “We ring a bell to help ring out commitment to the purposes and camps and all over the country just conflict. We sound a call for peace and a principles upon which the organization want peace so that they can return day of non-violence. We urge fighters to was founded. THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 35 TCT Peace Building Hundreds of women demand for peace in Juba BY JAMES CHILIM undreds of women, included women parliamentarians, women religious leaders, women in the disciplined forces and ordinary citizens marched in Juba, calling Hfor the silencing of guns in the country. Dressed in white as a symbol of peace, the women accompanied by a police band, marched peacefully from the Garang Mausoleum to government ministries where they handed over a petition to Cabinet Affairs Minister, Martin Elia Lomuro, calling for a peaceful solution to the conflict, and highlighted the suffering caused to the people. The petition was read out by Agnes Kwaje Lasuba, affirming the women’s position regarding peace and how the conflict has affected women and children, especially the kidnapping and raping of women in Upper Nile state. “We affirm our individual and collective commitment to continue working for peace, healing and reconciliation, as the only avenue for development and prosperity in South Sudan. We plead with the warring parties to silence their guns, save lives and concentrate on dialogue in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation and to bear in mind behind them are innocent children and women,” said Lasuba. The Cabinet Affairs minister commended the women for their effort, noting that it was the fourth time the ladies were holding a peace procession since the start of the conflict. He said this indicated that the women loved their country. The minister promised the women that the government of South Sudan was doing its best to bring peace as soon as possible. The women handed the same petition to the American ambassador in the country. Violence has eroded development gains, says UN BY TCT CORRESPONDENT The director revealed that the South 2015,” he said. United Nations body said Sudan human development index was He added that the UNDP has the violence that erupted missing in the 2014 HDR because the developed a crisis response programme in 2013 had eroded the data on income and education could not that focuses on peace and reconciliation, gains that had been made be provided on time because of the crisis. early recovery and governance. He said in development. It said this “The UNDP is working together with that as part of this Crisis Response Plan, Aduring the launch of the 2014 Global the government, in particular the National UNDP assisted in bringing together Human Development Report (HDR) in Bureau of Statistics to ensure that the data the peace bodies to form the National Juba. are provided in time for the next HDR in Platform for Peace and Reconciliation. Speaking during the occasion, Balazs “We continue to support these bodies Horvath, United Nations Development in the development and implementation Programme (UNDP) Country Director “Had the conflict of a joint peace and reconciliation plan,” in South Sudan said that before the war, not ravaged the he said. the country was making steady progress He mentioned that the UNDP will and the National Bureau of Statistics had country and oil continue to support programmes in skills recorded an economic growth in 2013 at development, access to justice, and 13.1%. production could maintenance of law and order through “Had the conflict not ravaged the training of police officers. country and oil production could have have reached pre- The report came out at a time when reached pre-shutdown levels, this the UN and aid agencies had warned of a high rate of growth would have likely shutdown levels, looming famine in the country. continued,” he said. Earlier in the year, President The report that was released this high rate of Salva Kiir issued an order warning further underlined that financial crises, humanitarian organisations not to publish fluctuations in food prices, natural growth would have statements on the food and nutrition disasters and violent conflict significantly situation without the approval of the impede progress. likely continued.” presidency. 36 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Gender & Development TCT Women at UNMISS protection camp call for rape suspects to be arrested

Hundreds of women participated in a procession in Juba calling for the silencing of guns in the country. BY JAMES CHILIM raising awareness about gender-based monitoring assistant at the Bentiu omen living in the violence and family planning. protection of civilian site, says many UNMISS camp in “…And now we have the of the children have missed months of Malakal in Upper phenomenon of abortion resulting from school because of the ongoing conflict. Nile state have called four rape cases reported. That’s why He added that the government should for rape suspects to we are focusing more on how to reduce consider preparing exams for children in Wbe apprehended, saying that there has abortion, which is happening because the camps. been increased harassment and raping of of un-wanted pregnancy. And to reduce He regretted that pupils in the women. un-wanted pregnancies, we need to raise protection of civilian site did not sit their The IDPs made the call during a awareness to women, men, girls and examinations because of insecurity. He sensitization workshop organized by the elders on how to use family planning said they have discussed with NGOs Gender Unit and the Public Information methods,” she said. and the government to support IDPs’ Office of the UN mission. Currently, the UN protection of education. Sharing their experiences, the women civilian site in Malakal is accommodating “We want the government to consider who didn’t want to be identified said they more than 17,000 IDPs, mostly women the suffering of these pupils by preparing are facing serious challenges of rape and and children. their examinations together with children harassment. Meanwhile, an international NGO that are in the schools outside there, so “We always discuss in our weekly assisting displaced persons at the UN that they are in the same level with other meetings that abortion cases are protection of civilian site at Bentiu, Unity pupils in other states,” he said. increasing as there are four cases reported state, says more attention needs to be paid The UN protection of civilians site in and there are other cases unknown,” said to the education of IDPs. Bentiu is currently accommodating up to one of them. James Lei Chan, the organization’s 47,000 IDPs. They expressed regret that the crisis Exchange of had put women and young girls into a documents between vulnerable situation. government and “Our children are lost. What we want UN officials during to say to our men and leaders, we want the launch of the peace. Because of this war our girls are 2014 Global Human Development Report getting impregnated through raping at an (HDR) in Juba. The early age of 13 and 14 years old. Giving United Nations birth at that age is difficult so they go Development and get an abortion, or some are making Programme (UNDP) an agreement with those boys to get an Country Director abortion, due to lack of education,” she said violence had said. eroded the gains Patricia Paul, from the UNMISS that had been made gender office pledged the mission’s in development. support. She said the UN mission is THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 37 TCT Entertainment/Youth Junction South Sudan needs a revolution of young people, says bishop

bishop in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan said the country needs a revolution of young people who are Apeace builders. Bishop Abraham Nhial of Aweil diocese was speaking to South Sudanese youth in Nairobi at the end of a 5-day training for peace-building and reconcilia- tion. The training brought to- gether youth from South Sudan who reside in Nairobi, Kenya, was organized to help them to strategise and envision on how they will build peace in their communities. Organised by South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation (SSPR), the meeting was facilitated by facilitators from Daystar Univer- sity in Kenya, a Christian institu- tion of higher learning. South Sudan Peace and Rec- onciliation organization was born out of the conflict that happened in South Sudan last December, and which has engulfed the coun- try since then. It is the brainchild of Mike Pout Rambang, who survived a death attempt on his life during the 15th December in- cident in Juba. He only managed to escape to Kenya by pretending that he was a Kenyan. The group will centre its peace-building and reconcilia- tion activities in Kakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya, where many refugees from the South Bishop Abraham Nhial (pictured) said there was need for a revolution for peace Sudanese conflict are residing. among young people. Also in attendance during the meeting was Bishop John Maker of Malakal diocese of the “All we want to see is non-violence ECS, who was forced out of his diocese by the violence and has among our people…we need peace been living among the refugees in Kenya and other parts of East and love among all the South Africa. A course participant, Bolis Sudanese.” Yusif Juka said that the young people need peace because they are the ones who are mostly af- Lack of forgiveness among South The youth who were trained on fected during violence. Sudanese is destroying the country peace building, come from different “All we want to see is non- and that is what led to the separa- ethnic groups in South Sudan. violence among our people…we tion from the North, this was said by “There can be no South Sudan need peace and love among all a bishop in the Episcopal Church of without peace,” said bishop Nhial. the South Sudanese,” he said. South Sudan yesterday. “Our interest is to live in peace.”

38 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 Entertainment/Youth Junction TCT Equatoria youth call for humanitarian assistance to the displaced BY BY JAMES CHILIM union bringing together youth in Equatoria region called for urgent humanitarian assistance for thousands of people who fled their Ahomes in Uganda’s Moyo district, following border violence between the neighboring Kuku and Madi communities. Addressing a press conference in Juba, the President of the Equatoria Youth Union Daniel Abocha Ali called on both countries to find a peaceful resolution to the border dispute. Ali said the displaced communities in Kajo-Keji were in need of humanitarian assistance. Up we have a delegation from the will also transport some of this rice to 2,000 people fled their homes in UN agencies and international to Bor, almost five thousand bags, Moyo during the violence. organizations that are on their way and five bags to Bentiu and five to Then, the South Sudan Relief to Kajo-Keji,” he said. Malakal, 900 to Pibor and 700 to and Rehabilitation Commission sent The Chinese government donated Pochala,” said Deng. a delegation to assess the living 3000 metric tons of rice to IDPs The displacement on the conditions of the people displaced by across the country. This food was border between Uganda and South the border tensions. distributed to displaced communities Sudan raised another humanitarian The chairperson of the in Mahad and Gumbo in Juba, as challenge in central Equatoria Commission, Kueth Kang Deng said well as Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile state. The fighting in Upper Nile the team was to distribute over 500 States. state had caused another mass bags of rice that were donated by “Infact we are going to distribute displacement, while talks in the Chinese government. rice donated into more than seven Ethiopia were far from reaching any “We have sent already five camps here inside Juba town, and we peace deal. hundred of bags of rice and also @ Multi-service Training Centre (MTC), Behind Juba Stadium, Juba, South Sudan. Tel: +211 954 066 666, +211 922 334 449 E-mail: [email protected] • African & International Cuisine • Ala Carte Menu

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Disco Music Every Friday & Saturday! • Nyama Choma • Chicken Choma Like us on facebook: panafric juba • Pork Choma THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 39 TCT the christian SPORT Aweil Girls Secondary beat Salva Kiir Girls 3-2 in volleyball match BY JAMES CHILIM “Without peace in our community and people in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, for weil Girls’ Secondary the country at large, no development will maintaining peace. I want to call upon School in Northern Bahr take place in all sectors. For the proper you and to ask you to treasure the peace el Ghazal state emerged growth and development of our young that you are enjoying. It is the peace that as champions of a peace generation, and for the realization of a gives us the space to be able to achieve volleyball match played in bright future of our nation, let us all em- development that we so badly need,” he ASeptember, after beating Salva Kiir Girls’ brace peace in our families, institutions said. School 3-2. and the government. I therefore want to Northern Bahr el Ghazal state is The game was organized as part of thank UNMISS for making it their man- one of the most peaceful states in South events to commemorate the International date to promote peace and stability in the Sudan. There have been no communal Day of Peace and it was organized by the Republic of South Sudan,” he said. conflicts, cattle rustling, or social conflicts Public Information Office of United Na- The UNMISS state Coordinator in reported in the region. tions Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Koliab Naha- The organizers of the sports tourna- The head teacher of the winning team, taba, urged the students to promote peace ment hope that using sports to promote Philip Ugathio, welcomed and appreci- among themselves. peace will make the country more united ated the effort by UNMISS in promoting “UNMISS is indeed grateful to the and cohesive. peace and unity through sports. people of South Sudan, especially the ‘Young Boys’

Using sports for a good cause: It is wonderful to see individuals like driver Mubarak (left, standing), helping the children in his own community! Mubarak has worked for the children of his country with UNICEF for over 15 years. “Our team is called the Young Boys. We grew up in this neighborhood, so we wanted to give the local kids something to do after school. We bought them balls and shoes with our own money, and for game days, we go around and beg local churches for a place to play. We want to keep them very busy so they don’t have time for bad things. We don’t want to see anyone on our team wandering the streets. We practice every other day. The girls have their practice on our days off.” (From a team member). It is efforts from such individuals that helps to give meaning to life to many of the young people in South Sudan, at this time when then the nation in engulfed in war, with uncertainty looming large, even the signing of peace deals that failed to hold. These young people need hope, which some through the efforts of people like Mubarak and many others

40 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 TCT Mario Balotelli racially abused on Twitter, Police investigates

n the English Premier League, investigating the matter. Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli “We can confirm officers are was racially abused on Twitter looking into offensive comments made in September after he mocked on Twitter about Mario Balotelli earlier Manchester United, and today,” they said in a Twitter post. Ithe police were reportedly looking Balotelli moved from the Serie into the matter. This is according to A to Liverpool during the summer of Bleacherreport.com. 2014, with some pundits wondering Following the Red Devils’ 5-3 loss whether Italy’s bad reputation when at the hands of Leicester City, Balotelli it comes to racism in their top leagues posted a tweet that didn’t sit well with a was at the core of his desire to leave number of fans. the peninsula. This is Balotelli’s initial Twiter One can certainly argue Balotelli post: “Man utd ... LOL!” should have made the smart decision Several supposed fans responded and not sent out the initial tweet. by attacking Balotelli’s skin colour, Controversy has followed him in the making monkey references and worse. past, and he’s still trying to restore his Some Twitter users jumped to his reputation in the Premier League. defence and captured screenshots of None of that justifies any form of the posts before passing them on to the racist response, however, and the fact authorities. certain fans are still quick to resort Kick It Out, a football equality to such vile insults in 2014 shows group, confirmed they were also racism is still a big problem in football, planning on getting the police involved, whether it’s in the Italian Serie A or the per Richards’ report. The Merseyside Premier League. force confirmed via Twitter they were Uefa investigates Partizan over anti-Semitic banner n the month, UEFA opened disciplinary pro- ceedings against Partizan Belgrade after their fans displayed an anti-Semitic Ibanner during their Europa League home draw against Tot- tenham. Bleacherreport.com report- ed that the flag was an imitation of the logo from BBC comedy show ‘Only Fools and Horses’, with some words modified to form an offensive slogan. Partizan, from Serbia, apologised, saying they “fully condemn” “We fully condemn the perpetrators historical association with London’s Jew- the banner. They added that they will do all of this mindless act, (which is) not only of ish community - made UEFA aware of the they can to “locate and ban the perpetra- anti-Semitic nature, but one that represents banner before half-time and delegates took tors”. hatred of Partizan and Serbia as well. In photographic evidence after the match. The match ended in a 0-0 draw at co-operation with competent authorities, In 2007, Partizan were thrown out of Partizan Stadium. Partizan FC will do everything to locate, the UEFA Cup and fined for rioting during UEFA said it was looking into the try and ban those perpetrators from sport- a first qualifying round first-leg clash at offensive behaviour of Partizan supporters, ing fields. Zrinjski Mostar. field invasions by supporters, the setting- “We apologise to everyone who found And it was in Serbia two years ago off of fireworks and the use of a laser themselves insulted and upset by this that Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, who pointer. banner.” did not travel with the Spurs squad for the Pazrtizan said the match had been Anti-discrimination group ‘Kick It Europa League tie, was subjected to racial “eagerly awaited” in Belgrade. Out’ urged Uefa to send a clear message to abuse while on England Under-21 duty. “We watched fine performances from clubs around Europe in punishing Partizan, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino both teams in a fair-play, sporting atmos- while European anti-discrimination body, insisted the defender was not left out phere,” the club added. “But this game was the ‘Fare Network’, expected the punish- because of what happened in Krusevac - marred by malicious acts of certain indi- ment to involve a partial stadium closure. Rose was sent off for his reaction to the viduals who made all the efforts from our “It’s a fairly clear-cut case unless the abuse and there was a mass confrontation players and our club to prove we deserve club can find an argument to say it’s not on the pitch. our spot in European football worthless. anti-Semitic,” said Fare executive director Nikola Ninkovic, on the substitutes’ “FC Partizan resolutely disavows the Piara Powar. bench for Partizan during the Group C anti-Semitic banner displayed. The mes- “That seems unlikely and we would match against Tottenham, was banned for sage displayed on that banner is complete- expect them to suffer a partial stadium clo- a year by the Serbian Football Association ly opposite to the preferences and opinions sure for their next home game in European for his part in the melee. of almost all citizens of Serbia and Partizan competition after the hearing.” (From bleacherreport.com). fans. Officials from Tottenham - who have a THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014 41 TCT

42 THE CHRISTIAN TIMES, September 2014