Media Monitoring Report

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Media & Spokesperson Unit Communications & Public Information Office MEDIA MONITORING REPORT

FRIDAY, 2 AUGUST 2013 SOUTH SUDAN • Kiir reinstates officials suspended over corruption allegations (Sudantribune.com) • Cabinet dissolution, formation political development (Easter Radio) • Vice President should have been appointed before cabinet: Onyoti (Radio Miraya) • Civil society calls for woman Vice President (Radio Miraya) • More than 100 thousand people need urgent medical care in Jonglei (Catholic Radio Network) • Two Radio Miraya journalists released, ordered to report back to security (Gurtong.net) • Poaching, conflict hinder South Sudan’s tourism (Bakhita Radio) • Uganda, South Sudan to block strong liquor trade (Gurtong.net) • South Sudan set to pay pensioners (Gurtong.net) • Rain threatens to make South Sudan roads impassable, says UNOCHA (Sudantribune.com) • Man sentenced to 10 years for murdering wife (Radio Miraya) • Minister warns against late coming (Gurtong.net) SOUTH SUDAN/SUDAN • Over 1,500 register for voluntary repatriation to Abyei (Radio Miraya)

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Sudan’s Bashir holds surprise meeting with Gosh, visits Turabi (Sudantribune.com) • U.N. warns it will disarm Congo rebels (New York Times) • Farmers not benefiting from crop exports – Minister (Tanzania Daily News) OPINION/ANALYSIS/COMMENTARIES/EDITORIAL • Analysis of the current appointment of the National Ministers in South Sudan (South Sudan News Agency) • Kiir’s perilous gamble (Al-Ahram Weekly) • The 8th Anniversary of Dr Garang: A reflection on the SPLM (Sudantribune.com) • Africa: The UN in 2023 (IRIN) LINKS TO STORIES FROM THE MORNING MEDIA MONITOR • U.N. urges cabinet to forge national unity, respect rights (Gurtong) • Rain threatens to make South Sudan roads impassable, says UNOCHA (Sudantribune.com) • Opposition says new cabinet lacks inclusiveness (Bakita Radio) • UDF calls for release of 75 listed corrupt officials (Bakita Radio) • Lawyer: South Sudan’s weak institutions pose a problem for the new cabinet ( Eyeradio.org) • South Sudan welcomes appointment of Jonglei Governor as new defense minister (Allafrica.com) • Citizens welcome new cabinet (Catholic Radio Network) • South Sudan's Salva Kiir excludes Riek Machar from cabinet (BBC News) • UN mission ready to work with new Cabinet of South Sudan (Xinhua) • EU, Ethiopia confer on Sudan-South Sudan concerns (Sudantribune.com) • Sudan, South Sudan agree to deploy joint forces along common border (BBC News) • South Sudan, Uganda Border Communities’ Sign Peace Accord (Gurtong.net) • Great Lakes to discuss Sudan’s complaint on Ugandan support to rebels (Sudantribune.com) • JEM attacked Sudanese army not UN mission in South Kordofan – rebels (Sudnatribune.com)

NOTE: Reproduction here does not mean that the UNMISS Communications & Public Information Office can vouch for the accuracy or veracity of the contents, nor does this report reflect the views of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Furthermore, international copyright exists on some materials and this summary should not be disseminated beyond the intended list of recipients.

Highlights

Kiir reinstates officials suspended over corruption allegations Sudantribune.com Juba, 1/8/2013 – South Sudan president, Salva Kiir has reinstated two senior administrators suspended from his office over corruption allegations, nearly four months back. The president, in April, suspended Mayen Wol, a chief administrator in office and Yel Luol, an executive director after huge sums of money in both foreign and local currencies went missing from the presidency. Also suspended was Nhomout Agoth Cithiik, the accounts controller in the same office. "In spite of the gravity of the crime, there was a remarkable indecision from the senior staff in the OoP [Office of the President] to report the matter to the authorities or even enhance security on site," the report criticised. But Kiir, in a rather bizarre move, reinstated Wol and Luol to their previous positions, raising questions over his rhetoric commitment in anti-corruption in two-year old nation. The two officials, removed through a presidential decree issued in April, were recently seen chairing a meeting in the president’s office, leaving many astonished. It however remains unclear why the president reinstated the duo, contrary to the recommendations in the investigation report, which demanded administrative measures against the suspects. The incident comes hardly a week after Kiir sacked Peter Gol Mayen, the finance and administration director in his office. The presidential order, read on the state-owned SSTV, gave no reason for the official’s removal. (Back to Top)

Cabinet dissolution, formation political development Easter Radio, 1/8/2013 – Yei Civil Society Organization Forum said the President’s dissolution and formation of the new cabinet is a political development in the country. Chairman Nicholas Sebit Philip told Easter Radio that the ministries reduction would facilitate services delivery to people. He said ministerial positions are political because the president can any time dissolves and appoints. Mr Sebit praised the vice president and all dismissed ministers for being patriotic without causing chaos in the country. The chairman said the security was normal and that people should not fear political development in the country. (Back to Top)

Vice President should have been appointed before cabinet: Onyoti Radio Miraya, 1/8/2013 – The leader of the minority in the national parliament, Onyoti Adigo, said President Kiir should have named the Vice President before announcing the new cabinet. President Salva Kiir has announced his new cabinet on Wednesday with the exception of the Vice President and the Minister in the Office of the President. Adigo told Radio Miraya on Thursday, the Vice President should have been the first appointment to enable consultation on the formation of the new government. “It is very unfortunate because in fact the Vice President should have been appointed and then make consultations in appointing the ministers. But now the President has appointed these people alone without consultation,” he said. “In political appointments the Vice President should come first but now it is the opposite. The President has appointed the ministers without the Vice President. I don’t know how the cabinet will be running without the Vice President.” (Back to Top)

Civil society calls for woman Vice President Radio Miraya, 1/8/2013 – A civil society activist in Juba has urged President Salva Kiir to appoint a woman to the position of Vice President. The new cabinet has only two women, Jemma Nunu who was re-appointed as Minister of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning and Awut Deng Makuei, the new Minister for Gender, Child and Social Welfare. Activist, Edmund Yakani, said women’s representation in the new appointments does not meet the promise of 25%. “We have only two and they do not represent 25% of 19, we need at least four or five women in the cabinet,” “There is need for affirmative action in the cabinet. We call upon our President to appoint for us a woman as Vice President.” (Back to Top)

More than 100 thousand people need urgent medical care in Jonglei Catholic Radio Network, 2/8/2013 – An estimated 100 thousand people still have dangerously inadequate access to emergency medical care in Pibor County of Jonglei state. Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF Emergency Coordinator Katrin Kisswani in a statement said their mobile clinics treated more than 700 people in southern Pibor bush mostly suffering from respiratory tract infections, and malaria. She said “right now we are treating about 100 patients a day and we expect this to increase. Since19th July, a few – almost all women and children – have arrived with wounds that are clearly many days old.” Ms Kisswani said more than 25 thousand people started arriving at another MSF clinic in Gumuruk with almost nothing but many patients said they are still too afraid to return to towns. She said aid agencies were unable to cover their most basic needs. The Coordinator urged all parties to respect and facilitate the deployment of humanitarian aid to those in need across Jonglei State. (Back to Top)

Two Radio Miraya journalists released, ordered to report back to security Gurtong.net Malakal, 1/8/2013 – The United Nation Mission In South Sudan’s (UNMISS) Radio Miraya correspondents arrested yesterday by the South Sudan National Police Security Services in Malakal were yesterday released and ordered to report back to the security today for investigations. Nyang Pal Touch and Simon Waky reporting for Radio Miraya were released last after being detained and intimidated by the state security services. The two journalists were also ordered to report back to security today for investigations. The two journalists were covering students and pupil’s peaceful demonstration in Malakal following the ongoing teachers’ strike. The students asked the government to pay their teachers so that they get their lessons in classes. According to the report published in May by Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in early April 2013 in Malakal, Upper Nile state, police and NSS agents held a radio journalist for two hours and subjected him to verbal death threats. In December 2012, approximately 20 security officers from the state governor’s office detained a number of journalists for two hours after the journalists tried to collect information about a controversial vote in the state’s parliament. The officers confiscated the journalists’ mobile phones and identification documents and forced them to delete all the audio recordings they had made. No clear grounds were given for their detention.

During the Martyrs’ Day celebrations on Tuesday, security personnel confiscated ID card and telephone belonging to Simon Waki accusing him of connecting a widow representative to talk live on Radio Miraya’s program called ‘Inside South Sudan.’ “They have confiscated my items, the ID card and telephone. They said that why should I connect a widow representative on a live program on the radio. That is all. They even have not heard anything bad that I have reported,” said Waki before his arrest on Wednesday morning. In Juba, two Ugandan journalists have who had been detained since Saturday by the National Security following claims that they did not acquired legal permit as they were found filming were set free.

Poaching, conflict hinder South Sudan’s tourism Bakhita Radio Juba, 2/8/201 – Illegal hunting and conflicts in some parts of the country affect the viability of tourism in South Sudan. Wildlife Services Director-General Philip Chol Majak said conflicts, poaching and cattle rustling are major causes of wildlife insecurity, Bakhita Radio reported. He said the government is working on modalities to disarm civilian populations settling around the National Parks. Mr. Chol announced that the ministry is working to present Wildlife Conservation bills to the parliament for approval. South Sudan has six national parks including Nimule, Badingilo, Garamba and Shambe. (Back to Top)

Uganda, South Sudan to block strong liquor trade Gurtong.net Torit, 2/8/2013 – Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) and Uganda have agreed to block the trade of highly spirited liquor locally known as ‘Guu’. The decision came from the just concluded three-day cross border meeting between EES and Uganda’s Kaabong District officials. Kaabong District chairperson, Mr. Komol Joseph Miidi announced they are going to seize any alcoholic dealers exporting such liquor to South Sudan because of its impact on destabilizing peace and stability in the region. “We are going to inform the security personnel at the border not to allow any track entering South Sudan with alcoholic related substances,” Komol said. Komol asked his EES counterparts to cooperate with Ugandan authorities to curb the business at the two border points of Kanangorok (Budi) and Tseretenya (Ikwoto). The EES and Uganda authorities vowed to implement the ordinance to block entry of strong alcoholic drinks from December this year. The move followed frequent grievances expressed by EES communities and the state government about influx of such liquor which according to them has proven to be more harmful to human health in the region. The insecurity challenges such as rampant killing of innocent people, committing suicide and cattle raiding in EES have been blamed on the influence of alcohol known as Lira-Lira or Guu. Ikwoto County Commissioner Peter Lokeng Lotone recently announced that 200 people died in his county due to excessive consumption of Lira-Lira. Last week, two women in Ikwoto hanged themselves and Lokeng blamed it on the influence of alcohol. According to the Ikwoto commissioner, a week ago, four people killed themselves because of the influence of the liquor. He added that heavy consumption by women has made them desert their husbands and homes. (Back to Top)

South Sudan set to pay pensioners Gurtong.net Torit, 2/8/2013 – South Sudanese government is making preparations to ensure retirement dues for pensionable employees have been paid once the seven-member board of trustee to the national pension’s fund is named, an official has disclosed. An official says that once the seven member board of trustee to the national pension’s fund is named by the president, the board shall appoint a manager entrusted with executive, technical and financial management of the affairs of the fund to ensure payments are done. A Specialist from National Directorate of Pension, Mr. Sebit Benjamin who was in Torit to scrutinize and verify files of pensioners in Eastern Equatoria state said that the process awaits formation of the board of trustees for the national pension funds which is presently under the office of the president of South Sudan. He said that payment of dues will commence as soon as appointment of a general manager, deputy and other staff are complete. “We are now here to prepare ourselves. We are actually establishing data and soon payment will start and so we eventually start processing payment to pensioners after formation of the board,” Sebit told the press while for a mission in Torit. According to him verification of files is being undertaken across the states to enter pensioners’ complete files to the pension information management system (PIMS). Currently in Eastern Equatoria State, a team from National Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, is conducting assessment soliciting files belonging to pensioners, gathering data on entitled civil servants from the state, for settlement once the Board is formed by the presidential office in Juba soon. The National Minister of Finance and Economic Planning shall collect and pay to the Fund (Board) Monthly Contributions deducted from salaries of pensionable employees, together with contributions owed by the applicable Public Institutions, pursuant to the Civil Service Pension Scheme Act, 2012 and other applicable law. Such Contributions shall be made in accordance with the deadlines and conditions prescribed in pension rules issued by the Fund, and to the bank accounts of the Fund designated for this purpose. The Pension Fund Act 2012 whose purpose is establish an independent pensions fund to serve as management trustee and to collect contributions, invest assets and calculate and make pensions’ payment as prescribed by the applicable laws of South Sudan, was drafted in accordance with provisions Articles 52, 55(4), 138(3), 166(7) and 169(4) read together with provisions of schedules A, B and C of the Transitional Constitution 2011. It grants the government legislative competence to determine the terms, conditions of services, duties and rights of employees of the civil service; the power of local government to collect fees; the powers of the government to fund local government, power of local government to build institutional, human, social and economic capacity, develop infrastructures and social services and raise the standard of public service and power of local government to regulate financial and economic planning. The Act is applied to all pension schemes as prescribed by the applicable laws of South Sudan. South Sudan civil service pension scheme act 2012 and South Sudan pension funds act 2012 were passed by the national parliament and assented by the president on 27 December 2012. The purpose of South Sudan pension funds act 2012 is to establish an independent pensions fund to serve as management trustees and to collect contributions, invest assets and calculate, make payment of pensions as prescribed by applicable laws of South Sudan. Previously eight percent was deducted from each employee monthly salaries while government contributed seventeen percent, making twenty five (25) percent under Sudanese laws. But this changed as South Sudan enacted its own laws. The new pension law now demands a 5 percent deduction from employees’ monthly pay as government contributes 11 percent to the scheme making a total of 16 percent per month.

He said the system covers employees at all levels of government, except employees of the Bank of South Sudan, organized forces, army, judges, constitutional post holders, legal advisors as well as private sector because they have different systems. The specialist explained that ministry of labour has already established pension information system through funding from Capacity Building Trust Fund (CBTF) and HTSTP, an international program for supporting pension program in South Sudan. He said Pension Information Management System will maintain records of all country’s employees and pensioners; collect and reconcile contributions, calculations of the benefits and payment to pensioners/ survivors. Sebit said by compiling all files of pensioners in Eastern Equatoria, they want to ensure the documents are readily and complete to be entered into system. He said all incomplete files with missing documents should be completed by individual pensioner or units before submitting them to pension information system in Juba. Sebit called all retired employees who keep their files in houses and those with missing documents to work hard to avail them to their units. “Some individuals whose documents are missing from files should be completed by the owners or units,” he said. The specialist is afraid of gross mismanagement of pension’s deduction in some states. He attributes the mismanagement to absence of law, saying “we were not collecting the deductions from the states because we lacked powers to collect.” However, he noted that states which misused pension’s deductions will be made to account for the funds once administrative body of the national pension’s fund is established. “We are going to ask the states to remit all our money deducted since November 2006 because these moneys belong to individuals,” Sebit promises. Meanwhile Acting Director of Pensions Department in Eastern Equatoria state Labor Ministry Amoko James has said lack of funds has frustrated pensioners and they have even become reluctant to follow up their files saying this has hindered arrangements to process all files ready since some lack their documents which they are supposed to complete before being taken to Juba. He encourages pensioners to bring their files for verification and start follow up. The last retirement of employees in Eastern Equatoria state announced in 2009 but the process was suspended in 2010 due to lack of funds to pay off the identified pensioners. Mr. Amoko who insists a call for speedy process by the office of the President in Juba on the formation of the board so the victims could quickly get their post service benefits as hundreds of pensioners are already due for pension this year while about 40 of the retirees have been reinstated in to active service because of the delay of their dues for settlement. (Back to Top)

Rain threatens to make South Sudan roads impassable, says UNOCHA Sudantribune.com Juba, 1/8/2013 - Heavy rain is threatening to make most roads across South Sudan impassable, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has said. In its weekly humanitarian bulletin on South Sudan, OCHA says roads across the country are increasingly becoming inaccessible. “Roads across the country, especially in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states are fast becoming inaccessible as rains continue”, said the report covering the period between 22-28 July. The situation potentially has far reaching implications, particularly for Pibor county in Jonglei state, where aid agencies have reported that they are already facing enormous logistical challenges in reaching those displaced by fighting.

Despite the challenges, OCHA says aid organisations were able to drop food supplies to 3,700 people in Dorein, as well as register 2,090 households in Labran. However, the UN agency says it continues to face difficulties in reaching another two locations, where an estimated 21,000-26,000 people are in need of assistance. “Delivery of food items in the two locations has been slow due to limited air assets. From 22 to 26 July, two helicopters moved 30.9 metric tonnes of aid supplies to Dorein and Labrab”, the report said. In an effort to address ongoing logistical challenges in the area, OCHA says three more helicopters are currently being mobilised. According to the report, aid organisations have improved the supply of safe drinking water to 14,000 people in Warrap state’s Tonj South County, where nine new boreholes have been drilled in 10 villages. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of 16 broken boreholes that will supply 20,000 people with clean drinking water is also ongoing in Gogrial East and West, and Tonj South counties. OCHA says that as part of efforts to boost food production in Lakes state, some 3,000 households out of the targeted 8,000 received seeds and farming tools. (Back to Top)

Man sentenced to 10 years for murdering wife Radio Miraya, 1/8/2013 – A tribunal court in Juba has sentenced a man to 10 years for the murder of his pregnant wife. The court found Martine Mutek Gion, guilty of murdering his wife at their home in Lologo residential area, Juba. The couple had had a disagreement over dowry owing to the wife’s parents. The court also established that Mutek, who had been drinking on his night of the murder, pushed his wife into a barrel of boiling water. She died three days later in Juba Teaching Hospital of her injuries, their unborn child also died. (Back to Top) Presiding Judge, Laurence Amin Juma said Mutek will serve his sentence in Juba Central Prison. He has 15 days to appeal the verdict.

Minister warns against late coming Gurtong.net Torit, 2/8/2013 – The Minister of Information and Telecommunication in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) has warned his staff against late coming to work. Felix Otuduha Siro sounded the warning in a staff meeting held on Thursday. He was concerned about unpunctuality of staff especially after lunch and yet some leave for home earlier. Otuduha says late coming to office affects both individuals and the entire staff of the organization or institution which he said leads to bitterness over those who are always late. According the state government spokesperson, unpunctuality reflects irresponsibility on the side of managers which may lower the morale of their subordinates. “Punctuality communicates positives to one’s employer and his or her fellow employees; showing that one is really dedicated to the job, interested in the work and capable of handling its responsibility,” said Otuduha. “When you arrive on time for work, it shows that you are capable and helps employees to project a sense of professionalism and commitment,” the minister explained. The minister called for proper coordination; team work and creativity among the staff for better performance as they create a healthy working environment for both employer and employees. Late coming for meetings and functions in South Sudan is a common phenomenon that those used to keeping time find very frustrating. (Back to Top)

Over 1,500 register for voluntary repatriation to Abyei Radio Miraya, 1/8/2013 – The Abyei coordination office in Western Bar el Ghazal State said more than 1,500 people has registered for voluntary repatriation to Abyei. Calls for voluntary repatriation have been made in advance of a proposed referendum on the status of Abyei in October. Three registration centers have been opened in Wau particularly in Bilpam, Hai Jedid, and Bahr al Sherqi. Speaking to Radio Miraya, Arop Deng Jong, from the coordination office urged all citizens of Abyei to register to ensure the referendum is conducted successfully. “I urge all Abyei citizens to go to the area because if God helps us and the referendum registrations start it will not be repeated,” he said. “If you miss the opportunity to vote that means you assists in losing the region’s course. That’s why we agreed that any citizen from Abyei must go.” (Back to Top)

Sudan’s Bashir holds surprise meeting with Gosh, visits Turabi Sudantribune.com Khartoum, 1/8/2013 – The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir met with two of his foes this week in separate occasions amid growing speculations about a new political initiative he is planning to launch. Sources told Sudan Tribune that Bashir invited the former director of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Salah Gosh to an Iftar dinner at his residence on Wednesday where they discussed sensitive issues related to the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the country. The sources did not say whether the dinner was limited to Gosh and Bashir or it included other figures. Gosh was freed last month after being detained last year in connection with a mysterious coup attempt along with other army and security officers. The Sudanese president has excluded Gosh from several pardons he granted to other alleged conspirators who were convicted and received jail sentences. At the time sources said that the government was worried Gosh would use information he was privy to during his term as spy chief in order to undermine the government and the NCP. Following his release, Gosh blasted unspecified NCP officials around Bashir saying they exploited their proximity to the president in order to badmouth him and fabricate stories. It was widely believed that the former NISS chief is in extremely bad terms with Nafie who asserted several times that Gosh will be prosecuted for his role in the coup attempt. Gosh warned that he is willing to leave the NCP that should he be booted from the party then "all options will be open" for him. The Sudanese president also visited the leader of the Popular Congress Party (PCP) Hassan al-Turabi to pay condolences for him on the death of his brother. The 1st VP Ali Osman Taha did the same separately and left prior to Bashir’s arrival. A PCP official reached by Sudan Tribune said that that Turabi and Bashir conversation was likely confined to the social aspect. Turabi was once the godfather of the Sudanese Islamist regime but following political fallout with Bashir and his deputy Taha in 1999, he formed his own party and become a fierce opponent of the regime. The Islamist figure was placed under house arrest few times and was also detained over the years but was never charged. The Sudanese government has long accused Al-Turabi of having strong ties with the Darfur rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). Turabi and Bashir have met in social events before but only exchanged niceties and handshakes.

It remains to be seen whether the encounters with Gosh and Turabi will yield any political ramifications. VP Taha said last month that Bashir is working on an initiative to radically solve Sudan’s problems but offered no details. The Sudanese leader has reportedly sat down several times recently with his former adviser Ghazi Salah al-Deen al-Attabani who is considered to be a strong proponent of reform within the NCP and the state. This year, Al-Attabani was expelled from his role as head of NCP majority in parliament which observers believed it was in response to remarks by him stating that Bashir is constitutionally barred from running for a new term again in 2015. (Back to Top)

U.N. warns it will disarm Congo rebels New York Times Nairobi, Kenya, 1/8/2013 – The United Nations has threatened to forcibly disarm rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an early test of the robust new mandate for the multinational peacekeeping contingent that includes going on the offensive there. In an uncharacteristically stern warning on Tuesday, the United Nations ordered individuals near the eastern city of Goma to turn in their weapons or be deemed “an imminent threat to civilians.” If they have not disarmed within 48 hours, the warning said, they will face the use of force by a new brigade of troops given responsibility for ending the violence in the region — a step beyond protecting civilians under imminent threat of attack, the traditional job of international peacekeepers. The United Nations force is creating a security zone around the strategic city of Goma. The warning applied to anyone carrying a weapon, other than national security forces, but appeared to be directed at the rebel force called the M23 movement. The warning gave all parties until 4 p.m. local time on Thursday to turn in their weapons. The United Nations force “will take all necessary measures to disarm them, including by the use of force in accordance with its mandate and rules of engagement,” the statement said. The mineral-rich area of eastern Congo has been stuck in a cycle of violence for more than 15 years. The area around Goma has been the scene of intense fighting between the Congolese Army and the M23 group. The rebels captured and briefly occupied the city last November, a humiliating setback to the Congolese military. In March, the United Nations Security Council authorized a new “intervention brigade” that would take “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. While United Nations peacekeeping forces have often been criticized as too passive, some observers have said they fear that adding an aggressive new force to the mix could lead to an escalation of violence. In a statement on Wednesday, Oxfam’s humanitarian program coordinator in Congo, Tariq Riebl, said that the United Nations force should “proceed with the utmost caution as it enforces their call for disarmament” and that “the U.N. must ensure that its operations do not make a bad situation much worse.” According to the United Nations, as many as 70,000 people have been displaced in the recent fighting. The organization accused the M23 rebels of using “indiscriminate and indirect fire, including by heavy weapons, resulting in civilian casualties.” A United Nations group of experts accused Rwanda of covertly arming the M23 rebels, and last week the United States called for Rwanda to end its support for the group. The government in Rwanda denies backing the rebels. (Back to Top)

Farmers not benefiting from crop exports - Minister Tanzania Daily News Dodoma, 1/8/2013 – Tanzania's agricultural produce enjoys a favourable market share in South Sudan without benefiting local farmers as traders repackage the same to show they are from Kenya.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Mr Christopher Chiza said that the government has already sent a delegation to Juba to look into the matter. The delegation that was headed by Bahi District Commissioner, Mrs Betty Mkwasa, found that Tanzanian produce is very popular in the country and advised the government to do more to tap into the market. According to Mr Chiza, traders from Kenya come into the country and buy farm produce which they later repackage and brand as from Kenya before exporting the produce to Juba. He said that it is time export of farm produce should no longer be banned and instead we should focus on producing more to tap into both the local and foreign markets. The minister was speaking at the opening of the 2013 Agriculture Exhibition held at Nzuguni grounds in Dodoma. Mr Chiza's sentiments were echoed by Mrs Mkwasa who said that what they found in South Sudan astonished the delegation. "We found that rice from Bahi, onions, bananas and other produce from Tanzania being sold in South Sudan and they are actually very popular but we were also informed that they entered from Kenya," she said. She said that they have already recommended to the government to improve infrastructure and empower locals to improve packaging of produce to take advantage of the market in South Sudan. Meanwhile, the minister had also called on district councils to set aside land and provide them to young graduates who are willing to take up farming as a means of self-employment. Mr Chiza said the government wants to employ youths and needs to use agriculture as a mean of empowering them economically. "When you want to help young people we must make sure that we provide them with land. Some may hesitate to take up farming on land that does not belong to them," he said. Earlier, Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC), Dr Rehema Nchimbi said that it is time the government followed up on youths who complete national service and ensure that they engage in farming. She also lamented that there is lack of market for grapes that are grown in the region. The RC was also quick to brush aside the perception that Dodoma is a dry place thus the need to grow drought resistant crops, hinting that the region has fertile soil but only lacks water. She called upon the minister to assist in bringing into the region more irrigation schemes to ensure that agriculture takes hold in the region. (Back to Top)

Analysis of the current appointment of the National Ministers in South Sudan South Sudan News Agency, 1/8/2013 – According to my own reasoning and the way I am analyzing the current political arena of the Republic of South Sudan and more so, the appointment of the National Ministers excluding the Vice President of the South Sudan is so complex and interesting to the nation that also need political commentators like me to have a words that might be of importance to the Country like South Sudan. I thought the President General Salva Kiir Mayardit was supposed to be wise enough in his appointment process but to make it worse, he appointed some people who have no good background in their communities, I don’t think whether these very people Mr. President appointed will do the needful to him, I mean in term of his campaign for the party leadership and the candidature for the President of the Republic of South Sudan in 2015 coming, most of them are liabilities that have no values within their constituencies a cross the Republic of South Sudan believe me or not this is the matter of truth and legitimacy from my point of view. My dear elites class, I hope you will agree with me in one way or the other ,you might dispute this but realities and facts must be conceptualized, scrutinized and evaluated for the direct benefits of the citizen of this nation unless otherwise we are just citizen with no says in any formation of the government in this Country. The newly decrees of Mr. President that have form the government by appointing the Ministers and their deputies with exception of the Vice President which was supposed to be the first to be appointed indicates that, he will not make it by any mean to become the President of this great Nation in one year and half remaining due to the reason known to him and his Political advisers who have advised him

10 wrongly that is why he has form the government full with people with no good backgrounds and people that have no market or influences in their societies. Apart from only six currently appointed Ministers , the rests are very weak in term of speaking, convincing, advocating, free from corruptions complications, most of the people in this Country now testified that the Government of South Sudan was not looking at the good people but looking for the wrong people that might take away public funds and resources in this Country and this is an indication that, our Presidential advisors does not want our beloved President to come back to the leadership again, to me am looking at the Presidential advisors as people who are against our beloved President in reality. What is the basis of person having two positions when there are very many intellectuals, competences, energetic people that were left I think due to unknown reason? But need justification from the right body that the President of the Republic consulted when forming his cabinets on Tuesday evening. Viewing at the position of Ministry of Justice which is currently going to be run by the Presidential Legal Advisor and the Minister at the same time Mr. Tilar Ring let me called him that way because am not sure of his qualifications, whether he is a Lawyer by Profession or he is professional in other disciplines in Education. “You cannot put your two legs in different ways” that might be interpreted by intellectuals as self-lobby for many positions by those who are really nationalists ,facts must be said no matter what might be the circumstances in any scenarios other people might view at my augment. Truly speaking what shows that, people of South Sudan are really keeping their motto which is justice, liberty and prosperity for all? Is there justice, liberty and prosperity for all in the appointment of the newly Ministers in South Sudan? To me is not logically for him to have two positions within the nation because other people specifically the citizen of South Sudan will have a doubt with the President of South Sudan as the new Nation likewise bringing someone who is an elected Governor to be the National Minister when he was not remove first from his position, many people are asking what a political situation is South Sudan going to at this stage? To me am not against their appointment but they are supposed to be removed first from their positions which they were holding before taking over the newly positions to avoid mistrust within the President himself alone as individual person. Am not legal expert to make a lots of quotations about the Constitution on who to be appointed in the right positions but am expert in analyzing politics, analyzing self-interest that might occur and following International Journalistic way of educating, informing and entertaining the audiences with factual issues that are so relevant to for citizen consumptions. Now days what is very importance is personal integrity and the ability to do the needful to the people of South Sudan as the nation then holding many positions that might help you as the person alone excluding the citizen interest who vote warmly for the Independence of the Republic of South Sudan through referendum processes. I have too much love for the President but due to wrongs advices that are coming in, we should advice our beloved President because logically and realistically, we cannot go far that way. (Back to Top) The author is the Independent Journalist who writes for the Juba Monitor Newspaper as the Columnist, you can contact him through; [email protected]

Kiir’s perilous gamble Al-Ahram Weekly, 1/8/2013 – In dismissing Riek Machar and sending Pagan Amum for investigation, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir has taken a bold step towards consolidating power, if it holds, writes Salah Khalil President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has done it. He fired his entire cabinet, dismissed vice president Riek Machar, and had the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) secretary-general, Pagan Amum, investigated for corruption. Machar and Amum were his top rivals for power. In fact, Machar recently declared that he intends to be the SPLM candidate for the 2015 presidential elections. Both men have criticized Kiir for failing to share power and to meet the aspirations of the fledgling nation.

Amum was banned from speaking to the media and told that he cannot leave Juba until investigations are over. Kiir also dismissed 17 police chiefs. Two months ago, he sacked top army officers and a couple of governors. By doing so, Kiir hopes to consolidate his power, which is what some of his young supporters want him to do. But he may have bit off more than he can chew. The men he has antagonized are not only powerful within the ruling SPLM, but they have the backing of some of Sudan’s most potent tribes. Is South Sudan heading to a civil war? It is still too early to tell. What is clear, however, is that Kiir’s actions didn’t come out of the blue. The South Sudanese leader knew that several of his ministers wanted him out of office. One may say that the recent measures were his attempt to consolidate power before it was too late. It is also worth noting that these measures have widespread support among the young echelons of the SPLM. Kiir has also taken other steps that may help him win the current power struggle. In particular, he was able to win the support of militia leaders who came back to South Sudan after Kiir promised them government posts. Still, there are claims that Kiir is trying to create a dictatorship in South Sudan. His critics say that what he cares about is power, not the interests of the nation. His actions have the stamp of approval of powerful African statesmen, such as Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, who has on more than one occasion said that the fledgling nation needs a strong hand at the helm. But there is a hint of despair in the uncharacteristic impetuousness of the recent measures. South Sudan is still a fragile society, riven with clan rivalries, borne out of war, locked in uneasy relations with its northern neighbour. It is landlocked, short on decent infrastructure, embroiled in internal conflict, steeped in corruption, and in dire need of domestic solidarity. The recent measures are certain to antagonize the Nuer tribe of Machar and the Shilluk tribe of Amum. Kiir knew that, but he obviously decided that it was a risk worth taking. The power struggle, which is now in full swing, will have to be resolved by one of two ways. Either Kiir’s rivals would be able to answer him through peaceful means by trying to win the next election, or they would decide that the time for peacefulness is over and that they must oust him though military confrontation, or a coup. If the worst happens, and South Sudan becomes embroiled in tribal warfare, Kiir’s backers in the Dinka tribe may discover that they not only have to contend with the country’s two other major clans, the Nuers and the Shilluks, but with a host of other ethnic groups who have not been fully integrated into the country’s fledgling political scene. The Dinkas have controlled the political scene since the formation of the SPLM. But this time there may be new players in the field. Tribes such as the Azande and the Bari may turn out to be major contenders if the country slips down the path of tribal warfare. This maybe explains the strict security precautions taken in Juba on the eve of Kiir’s recent decisions. What is also clear is that the SPLM may not survive the current crisis intact. Even if Kiir manages to maintain his hold on this organisation, it is likely that the supporters of his rivals would walk away. The turmoil that South Sudan is about to go through may prove detrimental to the nation. The country is at the verge of economic collapse, having lost its main revenue since Sudan blocked its exports of oil. South Sudan cannot possibly get its act together without holding successful talks with its northern neighbour. Unless the issues of borders, oil, militias, Abyei and debts are resolved, the South Sudanese will have a hard time getting their economy in order. And with the country distracted by a power struggle that may not remain peaceful for long, the odds of reaching agreement with Khartoum seem slim. Still, there is a chance that the SPLM will be able to work its way through the current conflict with a modicum of unity. If this happens, a lot of African leaders would be willing to step in to mediate a deal with Sudan, which could be the only hope left for the South Sudanese.

During a recent visit to Sudan, African Union emissary Thabo Mbeki offered to promote a cooperation deal between Khartoum and Juba. This deal could mean a lot to the South Sudanese, but will they have the united leadership that can pull it off? Kiir may claim that his recent measures were meant to give the country the integrity of decision-making it needs to move forward. Others, including at least two of his former associates, would disagree. (Back to Top)

The 8th Anniversary of Dr Garang: A reflection on the SPLM Sudantribune.com, 1/8/2013 – The 30th July 2013 marks eight years since the untimely and great loss of the former Chairman of the SPLM, Dr John Garang de Mabiour. During the 50th anniversary of the African Union, Dr Garang was among the few leaders honoured as those who championed the Pan- Africanism. His vision of New Sudan is well rooted in his conviction of Pan-Africansim as a way to transform and forge Sudan within the African orbit rather than getting it astray into Islamic and Arab orbits. The people of South Sudan and Sudan will always feel very proud that the vision with which they struggle to transform Sudan has been honoured in the personality of their Great Leader. Garang shall remain one of the rare visionary politicians not only in South Sudan and Sudan but indeed in the entire continent. In particular, the people of South Sudan and the marginalized people of Sudan will always keep high the Vision of New Sudan as the only viable political vision that will transform Sudan and South Sudan into two viable and peaceful countries. However, the people of South Sudan will specially remember Garang as their newly born country faces enormous challenges of state and nation building. In particular, the SPLM that heralded the liberation struggle is facing the challenges of transition from liberation to governing. These challenges are becoming more pronounced as the SPLM now does not exist as a legal entity in the new country. More seriously, there are clear signs of power struggle in the SPLM even before it is legally established and that threatens its cohesion. Some political analysts described the level of power struggle in the SPLM as too soon to occur in relation to experiences from other liberation movements that took decades to reach the level it has reached now in the SPLM. As SPLM is passing through such difficult times, it is necessary to reflect into its past and the evolution of legitimacy of leadership in the SPLM. The real process of legitimizing leadership in the SPLM started with the convening of the First National Convention in Chukudum in 1994. The delegates from all the liberated areas walked for months to attend this Convention. I still remember vividly the good memories of friendship and comradeship of our long walk journey with chiefs and other delegates from Yambio in Western Equatoria to attend the Convention. This Convention was convened when the areas under the control of the SPLM increased considerably and that dictated the need for civilian administration and it came after the split in 1991 when Dr Riek and others, although they ended up in Khartoum, raised issues of governance and legitimacy within the SPLM. Despite some descending views about the leadership of Dr Garang, he was unanimously elected by the Convention as the Chairman of the SPLM. The most important moment during the Convention was the way Garang nominated Salva as his deputy when he rightly described him as a comrade for all seasons. Indeed Salva and in relation to other founding members of the SPLM, he had been very steadily, firmed and consistent in his commitment to the SPLM under the leadership of Dr Garang. Indeed, the election of Garang as the Chairman and Salva as Deputy Chairman of the SPLM consolidated the much-needed unity within the SPLM but importantly marked a new era of legitimizing SPLM leadership through convention. Since the First National Convention, the SPLM entered into a bumpy process of power struggle. In particular, when Dr Riek rejoined SPLM in 2002 he demanded the second position after Dr Garang, a position that was legitimately held by Salva through election by the Convention. This created serious division within the SPLM leadership of where to reinstate Dr Riek in the leadership hierarchy of the SPLM. Although Dr Riek Machar was eventually reinstated back to his previous seniority position after Salva, the process was rather divisive and that left bitter feelings among and between the members of the SPLM leadership. The crack in the leadership of the SPLM was about to occur in December 2004 and before the conclusion of the CPA in 2005 when Salva raised, within the SPLM structures, serious and genuine issues of governance in the SPLM. This crisis was averted by timely efforts of Dr Riek, Deng Alor,

Paul Malong and others and that culminated into reconciliation between Garang and Salva and unity of the SPLM. When Dr Garang became the President of the new Government of Southern Sudan in July 2005, he did not hesitate to appoint Salva as his Vice President. In his public address in Rumbek in July 2005 only few days before the tragic plane crush incident that took his life, Garang introduced Salva as the only surviving founding members of the SPLM and that he would be his successor. This act clearly showed the commitment of Garang to respect the hierarchical legitimacy of leadership in the SPLM and as the basis of smooth transition in the leadership. With his untimely death on 30th July 2005, the SPLM leadership met immediately and Salva was unanimously confirmed as a new leader of the SPLM. The family of Dr Garang, particularly comrades Rebecca Nyandeng and Elijah Malok were very instrumental in building consensus around Salva as the only successor of Garang. When the SPLM planned its Second Convention in 2008, there was almost a consensus around Salva to lead the party but there was power struggle for the position of the Deputy Chairperson. In the initial draft constitution of the SPLM, there was a consensus of having only one deputy and there was a general feeling that this position to be filled by James Wani who was very popular among the delegates of the Convention. This move angered Dr Riek as he was expecting to fill this position by the virtue of his seniority in the SPLM leadership. In an effort to retain the position of deputy chairperson, Dr Riek threatened to contest against Salva for the leadership of the party and that would have divided the party. With efforts from elders such as Abel Alier and Joseph Lagu, this power struggle was averted by resolving to have three deputies in the newly adopted SPLM Constitution, 2008. Subsequently, the Convention unanimously elected Salva Kiir as the Chairman and Dr Riek Machar, James Wani and Malik Agar were elected as Deputies Chairperson of the SPLM. Now, as the SPLM is about to convene its third convention, the fever of power struggle is being felt again. Unlike other conventions, the preparation for the third convention seems to be more occupied by struggle for leadership rather than focusing on establishing SPLM as new political party. Although Dr Riek has every right to reveal his intention to contest for the leadership of the SPLM, it was too early and it would have ideally been raised within the structures of party. What was very unusual was for Dr Riek to squarely blame Salva for the poor performance of the government in which he was the vice- president. In fact President Salva not only picked Dr Riek in 2010 elections as his running mate but also delegated to him the necessary powers to build collegial and collective leadership to run the government. Indeed Dr Riek succeeded very well in discharging the powers delegated to him by President Salva. The decision of President Salva to relieve all members of his cabinet and reduce the number of ministries was well received. Although the appointment of new cabinet received mixed reactions, it is good that President Salva has at last picked his team that is expected to deliver and make a real difference in the lives of people of South Sudan. What is missing now is a clear programme for the new government. Organizationally, it would be appropriate if these major decisions to get the blessing of the SPLM, particularly the programme for the new government. The success of this new government will rest with the political backing of the SPLM as the ruling political party. This necessitates and in the best interest of President Salva to focus now on building a more cohesive and united SPLM and to expedite the passing of the basic documents, registration of the SPLM and the convening of the National Convention. If Dr Garang were to advice the SPLM, he would certainly remind Salva that during his leadership of the SPLM he had opened many new pages to unite the ranks and cadres of the SPLM. Garang would certainly advice Salva to open a new page for the much-needed reconciliation and unity among the cadres of the SPLM. Garang would remind Salva what he said in December 2004 and in May 2008 when he nominated Dr Riek Machar, James Wani and Malik Agar for the position of deputy chairperson and Pagan Amum to the position of Secretary General when he stated that: “Let us remember always that we are comrades who once shared difficult moments during our liberation struggle. Let us unite and nurture our comradeship as the road of struggle is long and thorny and we need each other more than any before.” (Back to Top)

The author is a Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School. He can be reached at [email protected] . This article is also published by the New Nation Newspaper

Africa: The UN in 2023 IRIN, 1/8/2013 – The UN and other aid agencies face ever-increasing levels of humanitarian need: the number of recorded disasters has doubled in the past two decades, according to the UN, while the needs-response gap remains stubbornly steady in the context of a shifting humanitarian landscape - with the dominance of UN agencies and the largest 10 international NGOs gradually being eroded as power shifts to the east and south. Against this backdrop loom a number of risks that could drive the disasters of the future and for which many humanitarians are unprepared: new disease outbreaks, growing water scarcity, crises hitting mega-cities, cyber-crime, biological and chemical weapons. IRIN asked analysts and UN staff what broad changes in approach, structure and attitude UN agencies need to make to become fit to better tackle our humanitarian future. Over the past decade the UN has made significant reforms to improve its humanitarian response, many of them positive: protection of civilians is now more central to UN operations; internally displaced people are no longer overlooked; several agencies, including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), are reaching out to a more diverse set of humanitarian partners; and accountability to beneficiaries is increasingly a focus (linked to the real-time scrutiny made possible by social media.) Norms and guidelines have been strengthened. UN agencies and NGOs have improved their work in every phase of the programme cycle, says Paul Knox-Clarke, head of research and communications at learning network ALNAP, from early warning to needs assessment, from programme implementation to evaluations. "Many of the traditional challenges - that assessments are not coordinated, that methodologies don't match up - are being addressed," he told IRIN. Humanitarian response is increasingly driven by evidence rather than anecdote, which marks a "profound shift", says Peter Walker, head of Tufts University's International Feinstein Center, "akin to the change in how health care was delivered in the 1970s and 1980s." Emergency Relief coordinators and humanitarian coordinators now garner more respect (or at least agency heads turn up to their meetings); there is more transparency across the funding spectrum - 160 agencies and donors have signed up to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), and clusters and pooled funds have improved how the UN organizes itself and coordinates in some response settings (Back to Top)

For further information or media enquiries please contact: UNMISS Spokesperson Tel.: +211 (0) 912 06 7149 or Mobile: +211 (0) 912 396 539

United Nations Mission in South Sudan - Public Information Office www.unmiss.unmissions.org 15