PRESS RELEASES – Sudans Post

General Malong removes his media secretary Sunday De John

September 21, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

South Sudan former army chief and leader of South Sudan United Front/A (SSUF/A) General Paul Malong Awan [Photo via The New Times]

NAIROBI – The leader of South Sudan United Front (SSUF), General Paul Malong Awan has on Sunday removed his press secretary, Sunday De John, according to a statement signed by the former army chief.

The statement which did not make mention of why De John was removed is effective from yesterday, September 21, 2020.

“The leadership of South Sudan United Front/Army regrets to inform its supporters and the general public that it has suspended Dr Sunday De John, SSUF/A’s Secretary of Information & Communications Technology, as its official Spokesman with effect from the date of this letter until further notice,” the statement extended to Sudans Post partly reads.

Statement by General Malong announcing the dismissal of his media official Sunday De John [File obtained by Sudans Post]

The statement also “wishes to acknowledge and appreciate Dr Sunday De John for his commendable role and contribution to the movement.”

“SSUF/A will, in due course, update its membership, parties, media houses and the general public once the new acting Spokesperson assumes office,” it further added.

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Irish Presbyterian Church urges end to South Sudan violence

September 20, 2020 BY AGENCIES

Logo of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland [Photo via Irish News]

DUBLIN, IRELAND – The Presbyterian Church of Ireland (PCI) added its name to a statement that draws attention to the situation in the East African country.

Published today, the statement, which has been produced by churches and agencies affiliated to the Ecumenical Network on South Sudan (ENSS), calls for ordinary South Sudanese people – including young people and women – to feel engaged in the process.

The statement also calls upon PCI and other church partners to stand with the world’s newest nation and points out that the conflict has led to a “dire humanitarian situation” with 7.5 million people requiring humanitarian assistance and more that 2.2 million fleeing the country.

South Sudan is also ranked the country third most vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19.

Rev Dr Liz Hughes, convener of denomination’s Council for Global Mission, said: “Our hearts are heavy for the people of South Sudan and for those who are endeavouring to build peace at every level of society.

“This includes the leaders and members of our partner Presbyterian church. On this International day of Peace, we once again reiterate our commitment to join with them in prayerful solidarity.

“For many years we have prayed for and provided practical support for the work of our partner church in South Sudan in relation to the humanitarian situation there, and in East Africa in general.”

She said PCI had encouraged support “through grants to our partner church and through our development partners Tearfund and Christian Aid Ireland.”

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Leek community in Kenya condemns plans to relocate Rubkona county headquarters, urges unity gov’t to block move

September 16, 2020 BY TOR MADIRA

Leek community chairman in Kakuma, Kenya, Gatkuoth Dak Mead, and the organization’s secretary-General, Stephen Matai Tuel [Photo supplied to Sudans Post]

JUBA – The Leek Community Association in Kenya has, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned a plan by state government officials to relocate headquarters of Rubkona county from Pakur to Kaljak and urged the unity government in Juba to block what it calls a “selfish” move.

Last week, a senior government official of the defunct Northern Liech state told Sudans Post that the state government was in consultations with the Rubkona community to explore ways to relocate Rubkona county headquarters to Kaljak, a village in Budang Payam.

The move sparked controversy on social media with members of the community calling it provocative and unnecessary accusing the state governor of working to control important infrastructure in Rubkona that contribute to the county’s economy on the pretext of “taking town to the village.”

“This statement by the Leek Community Association (LEECA) in Kakuma, Kenya, is to condemn, in the strongest possible, as inappropriate and forceful move made by the Unity State governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil,” the statement signed by the community chairman, Gatkuoth Dak Mead, and the organization’s secretary-General, Stephen Matai Tuel, said of the plan.

The statement said the state governor was “using his position as a governor to seek for corporation within the state government to rid of non-compliance members. Due to his position Joseph is trying everything possible in his powers to economically disadvantage the Leek Community by relocating Rubkona headquarters from the strategic location to Kaljak.”

It further urged the transitional government in Juba to intervene so as to block the move which it said may result in occurrence of tensions between the Rubkona community and the Unity state government.

“We brings this to the attention of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) that the proposed relocation of Rubkona County to Kaljak is rejected and Mr. Joseph Nguen should not provoke the Leek community by grabbing their precious and strategic land for his own selfish reasons and should not exploit the patience of this innocent community,” the statement said.

It said the oil-rich state is at “reconciliation and healing and the governor should not lay down some barriers to jeopardize that process with our people who are trying to build peace in the state.”

“We therefore urge the government of the Republic of South Sudan to halt the governor Dr. Joseph Nguen to stop provoking the Leek community by forcefully grabbing their land in the name of relocating Rubkona county headquarters to Kaljak,” it concluded.

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SPLA-IO officers who defected to Cirilo last year returns to Machar

September 12, 2020 BY TOR MADIRA

South Sudan army soldiers in unidentified area in Central Equatoria state (Photo by REUTERS)

KHARTOUM – At least 25 rebel officers who defected from the SPLA-IO in December last year to join the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka have decided to return to the main armed opposition group along with 270 soldiers, according to a statement extended to Sudans Post.

Last year, a group of opposition soldiers including Colonel Louis Wani Morris from the SPLA-IO accused Machar of marginalizing them and later on decided to defect and join the NAS under Cirilo “to fight for equality and a genuine peace in the country.”

However, in a statement on Saturday, those soldiers whose number has so far increased said they are returning to the SPLA-IO because, according to them, it is the only opposition group that is capable of effecting change in the country.

“We have learned that SPLM/A-IO under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny is the only party that can liberate South Sudan and bring lasting peace,” the statement extended to Sudans Post said.

“The SPLM/A-IO under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny is the party still believing on true cause of federalism and devolution of powers and resources at teh grassroots which is the only solution to the ongoing South Sudan Crisis,” they added in the statement.

Separately, the SPLA-IO spokesman, Brigadier General William Gatjiath Deng confirmed in a statement seen by Sudans Post the return of his former colleagues and said the main armed opposition group was happy to welcome them back.

“The office of information for SPLA (IO) has today felt excited to announces to you and inform the public with sense of happiness using the voice of the revolutionary movement, as today this afternoon, twenty five (25) officers all under command of Col. Louis Wani Morris, along with other two hundred and seventy (270) none commissioned officers, (NCOs) and men have defected from the National Salvation Front (NAS) and declared their full allegiance to the SPLM/A (IO) movement, under the chairmanship of Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Chairman and Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of SPLM/A(IO), the first vice president of the Republic of South Sudan,” William said in the statement issued this evening.

“This huge military team has received by the SPLA (IO) high command leadership and warmly seated with confidence and comradeship spirit in the movement,” the statement added.

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Troika concerned over escalating violence on second anniversary of R-ARCSS – statement

September 12, 2020 BY NANCY ABDEL RAHMAN

Flags of Norway, United States and UK [Photo via Facebook]

JUBA – The Troika countries, United States, United Kingdom and Norway, said this afternoon in a statement marking second anniversary of South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement, that they welcome progress made, but concerned by the escalation of inter-communal violence in the country.

In the statement seen by Sudans Post, the Troika reiterated their support to the parties on the implementation of the two-year-old peace deal that ended the deadly conflict with the formation of a unity government in February, but express concerns over violence that has continue to build in several parts of the country.

“The Troika (Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom) reconfirms its support for the people of South Sudan and shares their desire to see a permanent end to conflict and fear of a return to violence,” the Troika statement read in part.

“As we mark the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) we commend progress to date, but express concern at delay,” the statement added, urging “all sides to demonstrate the leadership needed to deliver progress and maintain peace.”

The statement welcomed efforts by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny in forming the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in February despite numerous challenges that threatened teh formation of the unity government.

“We applaud President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, and all parties to the R-ARCSS for the leadership demonstrated in February through the forming of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU),” the statement said.

The Troika said despite the progress, they “remain concerned by the violence that has killed hundreds in recent months, further disrupting livelihoods and humanitarian access, with more than 50% of the population facing severe acute food insecurity.”

“Regardless of the causes of this violence all sides must accelerate efforts to deliver the R-ARCSS in full and see that the national ceasefire is maintained. We also urge those groups who remain outside the R-ARCSS to demonstrate their clear commitment to peace through effective dialogue and honor their commitment in the Rome Declaration to end violence.

“Leadership and clear action is needed to address outstanding tasks, such as the finalization of governance structures and the building of a national security apparatus capable of addressing violence across the country regardless of political or ethnic affiliation.

“Humanitarian access must also be allowed across the country, without impediment. And as partners delivering support to South Sudan we urge the R-TGoNU to deliver its commitment on economic reforms, inclusivity and transparency of public finances: these will help increase the confidence of the international community to provide further support and to build a relationship for the development of the country. Participation of women at all levels of government is a key element of the Peace Agreement.

“South Sudan’s leaders have a real opportunity to deliver the foundation of a stable and prosperous nation for all, and to demonstrate their commitment to peace. We urge them to demonstrate this as a matter of urgency and will work with South Sudan to support progress.”

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Nuer community diaspora supports H.E General Taban Deng Gai

September 11, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

Press statement

South Sudan vice-president for infrastructure cluster General Taban Deng Gai [Photo designed by Sudans Post]

UNITED STATES – We members of Nuer Community in Diaspora make this press statement to dispute the contemptible propaganda being carried out by known warmongers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition members (SPLM-IO) and associates of NCP South Sudan who have adopted the moniker Nuer Citizens.

It is particularly disconcerting to note that the NCP, have not only established their base in South Sudan, but have permeated and continue to infiltrate the upper echelons of the Government. Their disciples are the so-called Nuer Citizens who have members of SPLM-IO, and NCP South Sudan, as part of its rank and file.

The NCP South Sudan has been working tirelessly to create divisions within the SPLM in South Sudan, and once the in-fighting becomes too much, they will use the vacuum to implement their vision of returning South Sudan under the Republic of Sudan.

Gen. Taban Deng Gai’s made a selfless and resolute stance saying no to war, and this was the saving grace which prevented our great country from the brink of total collapse, through UN Trusteeship. This saved countless of South Sudanese lives from different ethnic groups. This stance was fueled by Gen. Taban Deng Gai’s patriotism, and desire for a peaceful South Sudan.

It is well known that the modus operandi of the NCP is killing, creating division within the SPLM leadership, destruction, and many have subscribed to this devastating ideology. Even in peacetime, they are still on a warpath against H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his loyalists, by creating false narratives and divisive messages, which are aimed at destroying the unity that H.E President Salva Kiir has created with his followers, and ultimately to remove him from power.

H.E. Gen. Taban Deng Gai, has never aspired to become 1ST Vice President, but this position was thrust upon him after Dr. Riek Machar left Juba in 2016. Since H.E.Gen. Taban Deng Gai was sworn into office, he took his oath serious and worked tirelessly to bring peace back to our beloved country. He successfully integrated all his forces into SSPDF and all other organized forces in the country. Any person with ambition of becoming President can’t handover his forces to government which they intend to overthrow.

What the so-called Nuer Citizens are insinuating, is an ill calculated move orchestrated by NCP to cause rifts within the Government. Such a move is an exercise in futility.

H: E Vice President Gen. Taban Deng Gai never hired any firm or working with any lobby groups to persuade Americans in dropping sanctions. The sanctions which were against H.E. Gen Taban Deng Gai, were a tactical move with the specific aim of regime change.

It is known fact that SPLM-IO and NCP South Sudan doctored all the information leading to sanctioning of Gen. Taban Deng Gai and other Senior government officials fueling false hopes that government will fall.

Why would Vice President waste his time lobbying the government which is targeting his government? H.E Taban Deng Gai knows very well that he is innocent and the whole thing is a political scheme targeting the regime.

H.E Gen. Taban Deng Gai’s comradeship has been with the liberators started since dark days. They were liberating us from oppressive Arab regimes in Khartoum. The continued rapport he has with his comrades has wrongly been misconstrued as presidential ambition by National Congress Party (NCP) and their apologists. Never blame them as their mission currently is to loot and throw our country into dustbin.

NCP South Sudan is a key player of destruction, entertaining this dangerous group. This desperate move by the NCP to see the right-hand man of President lock-horns with his boss will be met with equivalent forces and defeat as usual will be in NCP South Sudan House soonest. This is again evidence of their well-crafted, coordinated approach, which is similar to colonial policy of divide and rule.

The NCP South Sudan and SPLM-IO are the ones who are trying to divide the SPLM and the Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (ITGONU). Their ill thought out plan is uncovered and will never succeed. We call on the intellectuals of our nation to open their eyes to this blatant disregard for peace & unity and continue calling out the NCP for their evil tactics.

As Nuer Community in Diaspora, we strongly recommend to H:E Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic to immediately fire NCP Tut Kew Gatluak, because his mission is to collide President with his diehards and liberators.

**********************************END***********************************

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Egypt extends aid to four African countries including South Sudan

September 8, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

South Sudan ambassador to Egypt, Joseph Moum Majak (left) inspect the departure of the aid to South Sudan at Cairo international Airport [Photo by S. Sudan Embassy in Cairo]

CAIRO – The Egyptian government has extended medical and humanitarian aid to at least four African countries including South Sudan, the continent’s youngest country, a statement from South Sudan embassy in Cairo said.

The all the four countries have been affected by flood with Sudan’s capital being the most affected.

Below is the full statement by the South Sudan embassy in Cairo.

“H. E. Ambassador Joseph Moum Majak Ambassador of South Sudan to Egypt and other three African Ambassadors, Sudan, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar and Camorous attended the ceremony of the shipment of the first batch of Medical aids to the African countries.

Ambassador Soha Gendi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Department of African Organizations and Communities told Ambassadors at Cairo International Airport that this is a part of arrangements for The first batch of aids deliveries to the African countries.

Ambassador Soha Gendi Said, the first batch of aids has already been directed to 10 African countries. The procedures for shipping the second batch to 20 other countries are being completed during the upcoming period.

H. E. Ambassador Joseph Moum Majak Ambassador of South Sudan to Egypt and other three African Ambassadors, Sudan, Kenya,…

Posted by South Sudan Embassy – Cairo on Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has ordered the delivery of $4 million worth of medical aid to 30 African countries to help them combat coronavirus.

In other hands, Ambassador Joseph Moum Majak express that the donation Aid by Egypt has demonstrated the brotherhood between Egypt and the South Sudan, and also reflected the Egyptian vision toward Africa.

His Excellency extend his gratitude and appreciation to the Arab Republic of Egypt, leadership and people, for their Support to the people of South Sudan to help the country in its fight against the virus.

People and Government of South Sudan has praised Egypt for sending medical supplies to help the country combat the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

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African Union welcomes Hamdok-Hillu deal that paves way for separation of religion from state

September 5, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

Flag of the African Union where South Sudan has been expelled for not paying membership fees for three consecutive years [Photo via AU website]

ADDIS ABABA – The African Union (AU) Commission has welcomed the agreement between Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) General Abdel Aziz Adam al-Hillu which would pave way for a secular state in Sudan.

This week, Hamdok and Hillu met in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and signed a declaration of principles which is key in negotiating a separation of religion from the state. Sudan has been government on the basis of Islamic religion supremacy over other religions.

In a statement, the chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomed the signing of the declaration of principles between the two leaders.

“The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, commends the Sudanese Transitional Government led by H.E. Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Mr. Abdalaziz Adam Alhilu, for signing the Principles outlined in the Joint Agreement, on 3 September 2020 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” the AU statement seen by Sudans Post partly reads.

“The Chairperson is confident that these Principles will strengthen the Peace Agreement initialed by the Sudanese Parties in Juba, South Sudan on 31 August 2020, as an integral part of the Sudan peace process.

“The Chairperson further encourages the Sudanese Parties to maintain the political will and determination, so far demonstrated, to ensure effective implementation of these Agreements,” it added.

The statement further urged holdout opposition group, Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM) led by General Abdel Wahid Nuor who has stayed out of Sudanese peace process under claims that there was no change following the removal of al-Bashir in 2019.

“Furthermore, the Chairperson reiterates his urgent call for the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLA) led by Mr. Abdul Wahid Nur, to engage the Transitional Government of Sudan, to find constructive ways of achieving a stable, peaceful and prosperous Sudan,” it said.

The chairperson of the continental body further reassured the Sudanese parties of the AU’s “continued support and commitment to work with them and international partners, including the United Nations (UN) and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to end the conflicts in the country, and create a conducive environment for its development.”

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Gov’t says Lual Akok acted in self-defense during Sherikat incident

September 3, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

South Sudan minister for presidential affairs Nhial Deng Nhial speaking to the press in June 2020 at the Presidency [Photo by presidency]

JUBA – Former and slain South Sudan army officer and President Salva Kiir’s cousin Lieutenant Colonel Lual Akok’s bodyguards opened fire after they were attacked by civilians armed with sticks and machetes during Sherikat incident in June, a government finding released this afternoon has concluded.

The government came to the conclusion following a three-months investigation of the Sherikat incident which killed a total number of around nine people in Juba on June 3, 2020 over a dispute between Lual and civilians over a piece of land.

The minister in the office of the president Nhial Deng Nhial and the minister of justice made public the report during a news conference held this afternoon at the premise of the ministry of justice and constitutional affairs in Juba.

“On the 3, June, Lieutenant Colonel Lual Akok went to Gumbo Sherikat to sit down with them to try to find a solution. But what transpired is that Lual Akok found people armed with sticks and machetes busy destroying properties and attacked him,” Nhial said while reading a press statement.

“Then those people attacked Lual and hit him in his forehead and in the back. Lual then fall down and became unconscious. Upon seeing Lual collapse, his bodyguards took positions and opened fire,” Nhial told journalists.

He said the incident on that day let to the killing of six people including Lual himself.

“The incident then claimed the lives of six persons including Lual Akok himself. Eight people were injured and then demonstrations broke out. The demonstrated looted Lual Akok’s properties and they also destroyed and disrupted public traffic and generally they disrupted the lives of others,” Nhial further said.

The senior government official however said the situation could have been avoid because the matter had been referred to the police a long time earlier. He said had the authorities acted and take the necessary steps to resolve the matter, the lives lost could have been avoided.

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S. Sudan National Youth Union disowns ‘fake’ statement attributed to its leader

September 1, 2020 BY STAFF WRITER

Chairman of South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) Gola Boyoi Gola [Photo via Facebook]

JUBA – The South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) has dismissed today a statement circulating on social media attributed to its chairperson purportedly ordering for the killing of a member of a undercover-rival group which the SSNYU said is loyal to former leader Albino Bol.

On August 27, 2020, a statement bearing the name and signature of the SSNYU chairman Gola Boyoi Gola circulated on social media purporting that the chairman has ordered for the killing of Meen Gabriel Chol Kuac who is battling a court case with Mr. Boyoi.

The statement said Boyoi had hired three security agents from the National Security Service (NSS) to murder Chol for opposition him and also in fear of him being in a position to win a court case.

However, in a statement extended to Sudans Post this morning, Tahrir Makoi, the spokesman of the SSNYU, said the letter is fake and is meant to tarnish the image Mr. Boyoi who he said has nothing to do with the statement.

“Disregard this document trending on Facebook with velocity of an asteroid. This document was designed by the rogue fellow with his boys three days ago as a means of distorting the ongoing case between the Union and the boy of a rogue minister after they have realized that the boy will eventually go to jail after the court hearing, because he lacks substantial evidences,” Makoi said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“Propaganda will never bear any fruit and mark my word. We are aware of all those who are behind this fake document circulated here on Facebook,” the statement stressed.

Letter purportedly written by the SSNYU chairperson Gola Boyoi Gola [File via Facebook]

The statement pointed hand at minister of Youth and Sport Albino Bol whom it didn’t mentioned directly, but who is known to be on spat with Boyoi for replacing him.

“The useless minister had a meeting some days back with some guys we know to design this cheap propaganda. But guess what, the trail must continue whether you like it or not. Feeding public with myopic and meager cheap propaganda will never stop this case,” the statement added.

It was not immediately clear who wrote the letter.

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