Sudan Safari

05/12/2024

*Constitution-making body warns of another extension if not timely funded*

Constitution-making body warns of another extension if not timely funded

The constitution-making body has reiterated its call on the unity government to urgently provide funding for the constitution-making process to meet the December 2026 deadline for holding elections.

As stipulated in the peace agreement, the permanent constitution must first be finalised to guide the conduct of the country's first-ever general elections.

Dr. Riang Yer, Chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission, briefed the 8th Governors’ Forum last week that the process will require 18 months to complete. He warned that if the constitution is not produced within the 24-month timeline of the extended transitional period, the country may be forced into yet another extension.

“From a technical point of view, NCRC has decided that the remaining part of the constitution-making activities shall take 18 months to complete. But determining a time frame is one thing, and supporting the activities within the determined time frame is completely another,” Zuor stated.

“Therefore, the 18 months depends on whether funding becomes promptly available to the commission and whether the availed funding is interrupted. The 18 months begin from when funding becomes available and continue to seamlessly flow to the end of the determined time frame.”

According to Zuor, the commission has completed several foundational activities and administrative tasks to prepare for the constitution-making process. These activities include developing internal instruments such as rules of procedure, an organogram, an action plan, and manuals for civic education and public consultations.

Additionally, the Commission has undertaken renovations of existing structures, constructed new facilities, and provided essential furniture and partial equipment. Internet access has been installed across all Commission facilities, and members and staff have undergone training on various constitutional issues to enhance their readiness.

These activities and tasks were carried out through the support of partners such as UNDP, UNMISS, IGAD, the Japanese government, the European Union, and the Max Planck Foundation.

However, the chairperson said the actual phase of the constitution-making process, which involves civic education and public consultations, has not yet begun due to a lack of adequate funding from the government.

The Commission plans to launch the first phase of civic education and consultations as soon as funding becomes available, aiming to complete these activities by the end of the year. Civic education was scheduled to start on December 4, 2024, but it hasn’t yet been launched.

“If availability of resources permits, we plan to do the first launching of civic education and public consultation before the end of this year. It shall be followed at the beginning of the new year by nationwide campaigns that will cover all the 10 states and the three administrative areas, plus our population in the diaspora, including refugees in the neighbouring countries,” said Zuor.

“If the releasing of funds becomes slow, we will be risking wastage of some part of the extended period. And if we waste even a little bit of the extended period, we will not be able to finish the constitution-making process in time for elections to take place by December 2026. At that point, we will be left with only two choices to choose from. One, going for another extension, or two, going for an election that will neither be democratic, free, fair, credible, nor peaceful. And neither one of these two choices is good for the people of South Sudan.”

He stated that the commission is fully prepared and ready to proceed with the practical work as soon as the necessary financial resources are secured. However, he expressed concerns about the timely release of funds.

The commission had budgeted $43 million for the constitution-making process but has so far received only $800,000 from the government, intended to initiate civic education and conduct public consultations.

Resolution 33 of the 8th Governors' Forum stated that the "national government should provide the necessary funds and other resources to the NCRC to effectively carry out its activities."

The 2018 revitalised peace agreement dictates a people-driven permanent constitution should be in place before the end of the transitional period to guide the general elections, which is the agreement's end point.

“The thought of going for elections without a new constitution is not healthy because such elections will not be democratic, free, fair, credible, or peaceful. And the people of South Sudan cannot accept anything that takes this country back to war,” said Zuor.

South Sudan was originally set to hold elections on December 22, 2024, but in September, the parties to the peace agreement extended the transitional period by two years. This extension pushes the elections to December 22, 2026, to give the government more time to complete the pending tasks outlined in the peace agreement and properly prepare for the democratic elections.

04/12/2024

Acheng Lonynhial Facebook Account has been anonymous until now it is tracked and found under operation of admin Martin Mabior Mawien, writer Yor Mathok Yor, informant Elizabeth Nyangong Makam and their financier is Vicky Nyandur Makam. Martin Mabior, Yor Mathok and Elizabeth Nyangong will be arrested soon once the arrest warrant is processed. They will face justice soon!

27/10/2023

Dr Benjamin Bol Mel: A Victim of Fake News and Unjust Allegations

In the age of social media and sensationalism, it has become increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Accusations, whether true or false, can spread like wildfire, tarnishing reputations and causing irreparable damage. This article seeks to defend the innocence of Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who has faced corruption allegations by Watchdog Press, a fake Facebook news outlet run by Desperate. By analyzing the claims made against Dr Bol Mel and examining the evidence at hand, it becomes clear that he is unjustly accused and is, in fact, fulfilling his duties as assigned by his political party as well as our beloved President, Wunpiny Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Building the SPLM Office in Terekeka

One of the allegations levied against Dr Benjamin Bol Mel is the misappropriation of funds in constructing the state SPLM office in Terekeka. It is crucial to distinguish between truth and fiction in this regard. While Watchdog Press claims that $4 million was allocated for the construction, it is a fact that the state SPLM office is being built in Terekeka by the SPLM itself and as a support to the community.

Dr Bol Mel, as the Deputy Secretary General of SPLM, has the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of party projects. His involvement should not be miscommunicated as corrupt but rather as the fulfilment of his duty assigned to him by the party. Moreover, evidence suggests that the alleged amount was not spent on the ongoing building, but somewhat budget passed and allocated by the party as support from committed party cadres to the community.

Embezzlement of Funds in SPLM Rallies

Another accusation levelled against Dr Bol Mel is his alleged embezzlement of funds during the mega SPLM rallies in Wau Town. This claim holds no foundation and serves as another example of fake news intended to tarnish his image. The writer did not specify how the party's public rally amounted to corruption, let it be honest, the SPLM rally held in Wau's town recently was funded by the SPLM leadership through contributions from the vast membership of the party's working class, not through any illicit means.

Dr Bol Mel's Commitment to Public Interest caused envy

Accusations of corruption often stem from jealousy and frustration, particularly from individuals who have missed out on lucrative contracts with the government. In Dr Benjamin Bol Mel's case, frustrated briefcase businessmen are envious of his great success in completing projects such as the construction of Bor Road and the rapid progress of Bahr El Ghazal Road. These envious addicted individuals have resorted to creating fake pages like Watchdog Press to falsely tarnish his image as a tool of making him corrupt to the public.

Dr Bol Mel has consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving the public interest and progressing the nation's development which is why he won both public and the president's trust. His dedication is evident in the successful completion of significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens. Such accomplishments should be celebrated rather than negatively portrayed by those with ulterior motives.

Conclusion

The case of Dr Benjamin Bol Mel exemplifies the detrimental impact of fake news and false accusations. Despite the unjust allegations made by Watchdog Press and other parties, it is crucial to evaluate the evidence objectively. Dr Bol Mel's involvement in the construction of the SPLM office was aligned with his duty as the Deputy Secretary General, and the alleged misappropriation of funds during the SPLM rallies lacks any substantiation.

It is vital for the public to exercise caution and scepticism towards any information they consume, especially in the era of rampant misinformation. By dissecting accusations and understanding the motives behind them, we can ensure that the truth is upheld and innocent individuals like Dr Benjamin Bol Mel are not unfairly targeted.

The writer is Kocrup Makuac Aleu, a concerned citizen of South Sudan

27/09/2023

Clarification of a dangerous false information named "Security Report" being circulated on Social media platforms by some well-known enemies of Hon. Gen. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel

By Eng. Michael Wetnhialic, Juba-South Sudan 24th Sept 2023

I am writing this article to add my voice to that of my fellow citizens who already communicate publicly to alert South Sudan Security Authorities and the general public regarding the fake document named "Security Report" which its fabricated details are dangerously accusing the key member of the ruling party, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel on baseless assertions that he is engaged in activities meant to overthrow the Government of South Sudan.

From my perspective on how military takeover usually occurs as seen in some African nations, this conspiracy "Security Report" is not just destructive propaganda, it is an assassination attempt on Dr. Bol Mel. The document is a make-up designed by some dignitaries to harm the business and career of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. And these people are planning to carry out more disinformation and conspiracy related to his name and his business as well.

In actual sense, the businessman who also became a key player in the provision of public service, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel does not have access to military command. His business and other assignments in the Government have nothing to do with armed forces and military equipment and weapons to think about a military takeover. The high quality life he is living and the solid foundation he made for many other people and organizations have already created history and legacy for him and therefore such accomplishments do not allow him to be involved in unhealthy political competition. Dr. Bol has a quality of life he can bother himself to force himself into public office as asserted by his distractors.

In summary, the people who are behind the so-called "Security Report" are his personal enemies, opportunists and competitors of the ruling party that are collaborative to ensure Dr. Benjamin Bol and his business are brought down. The enemies of the ruling party and top corrupted individuals are ruthlessly touching every dangerous thing that can destroy Bol and his businesses. They seem to be unaware that Dr. Bol Mel is part of our national assets which is dictating nationalists to stand by his side against criminals that are attempting to destroy him and his business.

As one of the loyal citizens of this great nation, I would like our security authorities to put the toughest measures against people and organizations that are engaged in the trade of disinformation and manufacturing unhealthy conspiracy theories that are endangering the lives of countless people and impose risks on developments. Such people can be traced easily and held accountable. I wish I was in a position of relevant authorities, I can assure you that this document "Security Report" can not just go unidentified and unpunished. There are sophisticated means and tools one can involve to successfully expose them and send them to accountability. One day these conspirators will find themselves in the book of accountability since I know some of them.

17/09/2023

12/07/2023

Open Letter to South Sudanese and all Presidential hopefuls.

By Gen./Uncle John Muorwel Majak Wol.

July 11, 2023 - Allow me as a senior citizen, to offer my unsolicited opinion on the recent concluded Bahr El Ghazal Conference which endorsed President Salva Kiir as SPLM Flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections - though pending equal endorsements by other regions such as Upper Nile and Equatoria.

The road to the State house is long, expensive, exhausting, and divisive, and should be approached carefully to avoid putting the country back into crisis.

I salute the members of SPLM Party who endorsed President Kiir nomination in Bhar El Ghazal Conference, I equally salute those of other political parties, especially those in the RTGONU who on many occasions have put partisanship aside for the sake of unity of our people. I thank the Governors of Bahr El Ghazal States and Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area, their legislatures, and local officials who participated in the conference in efforts to achieve prosperous and peaceful South Sudan.

I also encourage similar endorsements from Upper Nile and Equatoria regions so that President Kiir is allowed another term in office to demarcate our internal boundaries and borders with neighboring countries, reconcile with the holdout and other armed groups threatening peace and security in the country, improve our economy and to chart the way forward for free, prosperous and democratic South Sudan.

Above all, I thank South Sudanese for being resilient though faced with obstacles of building a viable state. We should avoid all triggers of conflicts that may lead our country back to war, should differences arise from election disputes in 2024. We should also be mindful that our neighbors such as Sudan and DR Congo are currently engulfed in internal conflicts and these have resulted in influx of refugees to our country as such South Sudan cannot afford any slight instability.

For this reason, I suggest we give ourselves enough time to prepare for 2027 elections when all our citizens who have been displaced by conflicts return home and participate in the elections. This will also give a chance to other political parties to register their briefcase parties to contest in 2027 elections.

However, Dr.Riek Machar should continue as the First Vice President to move the Country forward with President Salva Kiir until 2027 general elections, where South Sudanese will have a free will to elect their leaders peacefully.

Nevertheless, I call upon the holdout and other armed groups, particularly, Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak, Hon. Pagan Amum, Gen. Malong Awan, Gen. Thomas Cirrillio and Dr.Lam Akol to return home and participate in the nation building and to prepare themselves for 2027 general elections as a genesis of real political emancipation.
……………END………………

27/05/2023

PRESIDENT KIIR RECEIVES A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM POPE FRANCIS

JUBA, 26 May 2023- Vatican Ambassador Ionut Paul Strejac delivered a written message of Pope Francis to President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Juba on Friday. The Holy Father says he would like to see full implementation of peace in order for the people to develop the country. Ambassador Ionut thanks the Government for the good working relationship with the Missionaries. The Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin says President Kiir has directed the Immigration Department to exempt Missionaries doing work in South Sudan from paying work permits. Hon. Marial said this is to facilitate the good work missionaries are doing in various parts of the country since the liberation struggles to date.

06/05/2023

6 LAWS TO WIN IN LIFE

1.Stop telling people your plans

When you over share, you hurt your own progress. Keep things private and win.

2.Know when to say no

Strong people put their own well being before pleasing others. Practice saying no more often.

3. Make a decision, and commit to it

Too many people lack discipline and go back to their toxic patterns. Make a decision to change, and stick to it.

4. There is power in numbers

Nobody has made it in life all by themselves. You need a team that uplifts and supports you. Stop being a lone wolf.

5. Starve your distractions, feed your focus

Focus on your goals instead of
cheap dopamine. You will achieve anything you ever wanted.

6. Always provide value to others

There is only one secret to success: making other people's lives easier. In business and relationships, providing value will keep you their first priority.

13/02/2023

Here is Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial's precise world-class social advice to young people already managed to establish their new families and those who are in the process of creating their families. Listen to this 2 to 3 minutes part of his speech two years ago at the wedding of his cousin Mabuoc Kurdit in Freedom Hall, Juba-South Sudan.

07/02/2023

Have you ever heard or listened to this heart-touching historical song dedicated to Twic Mayardit by artist Malong Deng Guot?

02/02/2023

Welcome Papa, Pope Francis. We love you all

02/02/2023

Kenya’s Education Minister, Ezekiel Machogu, has banned early morning and late evening studies in all schools across the country. The minister has directed that classes in both private and public primary schools should be held between 08:00 and 15:45 to ensure learning takes place within the designated times. "The syllabus should be covered within the stipulated time. Let us not subject pupils to unnecessary mental torture," he added. Machogu said he had noticed a trend where school buses pick children up as early as 05:00 and drop them off as late as 20:00. Is this the same case in your country, where school kids leave home as early as 05:00 and come back home as late as 20:00.

16/01/2023

Congratulations to the new MD of Nilepet Bernard Amuor Makeny on his new assignment

13/01/2023

Beautiful rare streets of Kigali, Rwanda. The entire EAC countries must seriously demand President Paul Kagame, not to handover Rwandan Government soon or later to someone or a group of people who do not have at least 60% of what means and methods he is applying all these years to make Rwanda this far in spite unprecedented challenges globally. Kagame must stay forever!

09/01/2023

THE TRAGEDY OF ASSUMPTION

A few weeks ago, I went to a funeral in my neighborhood.

When I entered the tent, I saw some elders I knew sitting in one corner. I went up to them and started to greet them one after the other.

I shook their hands, even with the ones I didn't know until I got to one man. I didn't know him and when I extended my hand, he ignored it. After a few seconds, I withdrew the hand.

I felt very embarrassed and angry. Embarrassed for myself and angry at the man.

What was he feeling like, I thought. All those other men accepted my greeting, older men even. And to my knowledge, I hadn't done anything wrong. I gave him a very scornful look, greeted the remaining men, and went to take a seat.

Now, even after I sat down, I was still pi**ed off. I kept stealing glances at the man to see how he would react to other people.

Then I saw it...

He was blind!!! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

His eyes were open, but he couldn't see at all! The other people who came to greet him had to touch him first, then take his hand if they wanted to shake hands with him.

Now my embarrassment level tripled. In addition to that, I felt stupid, very stupid. I became angry, just angry at myself. I felt like that till I left the funeral.

Assumption kills like poison. Any small thing, we Assume...

If someone doesn't pick up our calls, we assume he or she is avoiding us or is up to something...

If someone doesn't give us the money we asked for, we assume he or she is stingy and wicked...

Someone doesn't call, hang out or visit you as he/she used to. We Assume they are no longer caring or intimate again, then comes the anger and repulsive attitude towards them. We never care to know and understand that issues of Life can set in to choke them.....

Once we are turned or rejected, we start assuming...

We don't put into consideration what the other party might be going through.......

The guy that promised you money might get into a financial situation a day before he's supposed to give you the money.

The person that didn't pick up your call was probably in a meeting or too busy at that moment, or even sleeping. He might not be in the mood to take your call.

But we just assume instead...because it’s easier and it tends to make us the good guys...

Give someone benefit of the doubt.....make an excuse for that person......
It's not always as it seems...

Maintain relationships with people.

It is childish and immature to pick offense at every provocation or perceived wrong and then start keeping grudges as a result.

Grow above it.

If someone did not invite you to their wedding, you pick offense with them.

If someone didn't wish you happy birthday, you pick offense with the Person

They didn't like your Facebook Post, you pick offense.

They didn't support you in a disagreement you had with someone, you pick offense with them.

They are junior and they have the audacity to talk or oppose your opinion. You pick offense with them.

They said No to your request, you pick offense, and malice starts.

You asked them for money, they said they didn't have it, and you pick offense with them.

You are even keeping a record of people who brought gifts to your wedding, so you can know who to pick offense with.

See......

Everyone has their battles you are not aware of.

Those who you need help from are also looking for help.

Not everything is Personal and intentional

Not everyone hates you.

Sometimes people are just caught up with their own lives, struggles, human weaknesses, and limitations.

Learn how to manage being disappointed by people and still be on talking terms with them. It will save you a lot of UNNECESSARY grudges and save you some FRIENDSHIPS you may need in the Future.

Grow above offenses. Look before you leap.

Wishing you all a reflective and Prosperous Year 2023 full of God's blessings.

18/09/2022

"We need more science and technology than theology. This is because a problem that requires technology cannot be solved with theology. If it was so, that we needed theology to resolve our social, political, economic issues affecting Africa then we would have been the best continent in the world.

Unfortunately in some parts of Africa many factories have been shut down and converted to churches and ministry centres where multitude of unemployed youth go to pray for miracle jobs. We can't continue with this brainwashing, we must push back."

~ President Paul Kagame

20/06/2022

The Public Should Not Misconceive Honorable Nhial Deng Nhial's Wisdom, Trustworthiness, And Loyalty That Prevent Him From Revenge And Unhealthy Competition For Power And Resources

By Paul Madol Marial

Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial's rare attitude is the subject of this article. He is a man tamed by Wisdom, Faith, Ethics and Patriotism which keep him away from vengeance and ill-gotten gains for power and resources. A man who has been demonized for his cosmopolitan personality, which welcomes everyone with wide arms, and for his unwavering commitment to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and safeguarding this nation. A man whose power produces light in the darkness, a man you can fully understand his Purity if you live with him [Nhial].

The fabrication of harmful acts and conspiracies against Nhial Deng Nhial has been a regular activity for several groups of people who feel threatened by Nhial's traits; thousands of times, toxic claims have been flung at him in the form of propaganda. These conjurers continue to distribute false information to the public, claiming that Nhial-Wen Deng is a coward who refuses to combat his foe, that he does not provide resources or physical security to his supporters, and that he is always reserved about everything. They also went far claiming that Nhial is plotting to depose President Salva Kiir Mayardit, a God-given leader he wholeheartedly served several times.

All of these statements are false when it comes to the true personality of Nhial. Yes, he does not fight or exact vengeance on his adversary just because he considers his adversary's followers to be South Sudanese whom he liberated from Arabs; this in no way implies that Nhial is a coward. Any conflict between the camps of battling leaders, according to Nhial, is a proclamation of destruction on innocent South Sudanese who are followers or supporters of the leaders combatting themselves, because followers are the ones who normally fight on behalf of the leaders and he assumed that one to be harmful since it creates social fabric in the communities.

For this reason, I believe is why, Hon. Nhial always decided not to go to war with his adversary to spare the suffering of his adversary's followers, whom he regards as his father's children or fellow citizens whom he liberated from Arabs on the mission left unfinished by his late father William Deng Nhial and to be completed by Southerners. Besides, Nhial was also raised as a national son, not simply a family child, thus when he joined the government, he saw himself as the son/brother of all South Sudanese, not just his family or the Rek Dinka Society.

Consider the frightening suspicions that Nhial is eager to usurp Salva Kiir's power illegally. It is part of a coordinated war on Nhial in which certain people are attempting to bring Kiir and Nhial into loggerhead so that these groups can easily remove the establishment and take control of the country to rewrite history. How can Nhial manage to remove Kiir while he doesn't have control of the army, weaponry, economy, policymaking and the ruling party? Without a doubt, Nhial can not manage and will never be able to overthrow Kiir, and he has no such plans to do so now or in the future. Moreover, nothing is threatening Nhial's life that can force him to opt for a power grab from Kiir to save himself and his family. Molana Nhial and his extended family do not have chronic diseases, problems, and bad habits that can force him to become the President of the Republic so that he and his family can escape risks and prolong his life status!

It is also a damaging accusation that Nhial is not providing his supporters with employment, resources, or protection. Since his father was alive till now, Nhial has provided valuable items to many people and organizations, including jobs, protection, education, and marriage supplies. While Hon. Nhial is currently unemployed, many people are receiving direct financial assistance and employment from him even some organizations are benefiting from him. The truth is that Gen. Nhial offers a lot of important stuff to people and organizations, but he doesn't publicize his good deeds and doesn't want his gifts or donations recognized publicly. Because he doesn't do things through corruption and illegal means, everything Nhial gives is always clean, delicious, and devoid of difficulties.

Others have hurled unwarranted criticism at Nhial, claiming that he is always cautious about everything that happens in South Sudan. Okay, let us assume he has remained mute on some issues. So, what is the point? Talking and talking is not the only way to get the results you want and it is not the only way of boosting struggle in a company. And when did Nhial make his reservation if it is not a criticism for the sake of criticizing? He is constantly dedicated and loud during peace talks, conflict resolutions and other daily activities. He is regularly observed reacting in both communication and actions while performing his tasks. And of course, in certain circumstances, his reactions are hidden from view since other matters are always resolved by judgments and acts that are not visible or audible to the public. By the way, the persisting chronic challenges in South Sudan necessitate more than just discourse; such dreadful challenges necessitate genuine actions. And that is precisely what Hon. Nhial and several of his colleagues have been doing invisibly throughout the majority of their public service careers (assignments).

To summarize the situation and his rare attitude, Hon. Nhial Deng is a remarkable human being who South Sudan should be proud to have as a thinker as well as a treasure. Nhial is a man with a strong personality and character, guided by a rare positive attitude and a set of ideals that are comparable to those of God and Jesus Christ. If you study Hon. Nhial's principle closely, you will see and understand that he acts Godly.

For example, if something horrible happens to him or someone does something bad to him, he shows no retaliation. If things are not going well, Nhial will quietly work very hard to make things better. He cannot be perceived as unhappy in negative situations until the situation changes from bad to worse and back to good. This is to say that Nhial has the ability to normalize anything similar to how God acts. When you are hurting or disappointed in life and tell him about it, he will not be upset or lack a positive answer; instead, he will be able to find a solution. Someone can insult Hon. Nhial, someone else can attack him, someone else can gossip about him, and someone else can laud him, but Nhial will not become irritated or respond negatively to negative behaviours directed at him. He usually allows his enemies enough time to perform all of these awful things against him until they understand that they have wronged him and that they need to quit. When they stopped hurling insults at him, he doesn't keep anything in his heart and instead speaks to them directly, telling them that it was not their fault, that it was the general situation's fault, and that they should forget about what happened and focus on tomorrow.

The majority of the negative things said about Hon. Nhial Deng is intended to harm him to ensure his demise in the political auditorium. The supposed idea is that Nhial Deng needs our full support throughout the country so that the entire country can benefit from his insight, faith, and strong internal and external ties, not to be misconstrued as a thirst for a President seat. Let us learn to value his unique qualities and management styles, which could be extremely beneficial to all South Sudanese and East African residents including other neighboring countries to South Sudan and East Africa. Most of his detractors are envious of his unique approach to dealing with difficulties, which is why they are waging unjustified deadly war on him.

To this end, I wholeheartedly thank everyone for telling truth about Hon. Nhial, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, SPLM Party and my prayers are constant to let Almighty God bless Hon. Nhial and his family wherever they may be in the Republic of South Sudan, where destructive criticism has become the norm. Be strong Nhial-Wen Deng!

Authored by Paul Madol Marial, a student of Master's programs and member of SPLM party, Republic of South Sudan.