Kiir jets out to unknown country forcing gov’t to postpone important meeting with UN diplomats

JUBA – The signing ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework has been postponed as South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit jets out of the country, a senior official said.

The 2023-2025 UN cooperation frameworks were set to be signed by President Salva Kiir and the UN Resident Coordinator for South Sudan Mrs. Sara Nyanti Beysolow in Juba Thursday morning.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro who could not reveal where and when President Salva Kiir traveled outside the country announced the postponement of the event this morning at Freedom Hall.

“I stand here first to express our apologies that His Excellency would not be able to make it today and we would like honorably and honestly to postpone this gather today for another two weeks,” Lomuro announced on Thursday in Juba.

Lomuro said the event has been postponed for two weeks to allow President Kiir to return to the country.

“His Excellency recognizes the importance of this gathering and we want him to be present to be able to lead and sign this important document,” Lomuro said.

“To give ourselves time for the President to return back and also to be able to allow some of your colleagues (UN diplomats) who are traveling. I hope this apology is received in good faith and with honesty.”

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is a comprehensive document that gives details of the work plan of the UN in South Sudan for the period 2023-2025.

It has been developed through consultations with various government line ministries, the private sector, civil society, academia, research institutions, women, and youth across the country.

The Cooperation Framework guides the entire program cycle, driving planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of collective UN support for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

The Cooperation Framework determines and reflects the UN development system’s contributions to the country and shapes the configuration of UN assets required inside and outside the country.