Why is Dr. Riek Machar Refusing to Come Home?

By Samuel Reech Mayen, Kampala, Uganda

Riek Machar and Pagan Amum signing the IGAD peace deal

March 12, 2016 (SSB)  —  While Kuormidit is wandering and endlessly smiling around the globe, the minds wonder of what has become of the Agreement on Conflict Resolution in South Sudan (ACRISS) the rivals parties signed in August 2015. Since then, it’s going to seven months now. This provokes the question of whether it was indeed a genuine peace or a sham meant to brew something else. Unless Dr. Riek comes out to explain clearly the cause of his delay, the minds preempt many possible reasons, some or all these preemptions might be true.

Could it be that Dr. Riek fear what might transpire among his forces in Pagak when he comes to Juba? Some of his forces may not be happy with peace accord. These groups might be waiting for Dr. Machar to take up his old position in Juba to confirm that the war was merely for re-instating him. He may be thinking these forces can be grabbed by any of his generals and declare him a selfish leader. Those who are not happy with this peace may join General Peter Gatdet or form their own independent moments leaving Dr. Riek without forces as was the case in 2002 when he joined the SPLM.

MAR-PAL: Solution to controversy between Ajuong and Pakeer over the naming of their new county

Ajuong and Pakeer should name their new county; ‘’MAR-PAL’’

By Reech Malual-Akumric, Juba, South Sudan

Governor Philip Aguer of Jonglei state

March 12, 2016 (SSB)  —-  As part of the SPLM’s vision of taking town to people, government at the national level in coordination with state authority resolved to seek ways of dividing old counties into new ones. This created a controversy between communities in various states across the country as regards the naming of the new county and capital city’s location.

Maar [Pakeer] and Paliau [Ajuong] communities in Twic East County of Jonglei state happened to have controversy over the naming of their new proposed county. These two communities have a good history of harmonic and peaceful coexistence with each other over centuries and decades.

OPEN LETTER TO HON. RIN TUENY MABOR, GOVERNOR OF EASTERN LAKES STATE

By Abraham Mou Magok, Yirol, South Sudan

Governor Rin Tueny Mabor of Eastern Lakes state

March 12, 2016 (SSB)  —  On behalf of the entire membership of Yirol West Community and on my own behalf I would like to congratulate your Excellency Rin Tueny Mabor Deng for a well-deserved appointment as the first Governor of Eastern Lakes State. While thanking God for his kindness and protection over you throughout the duration of your military career, I also pray to God today to grant you wisdom, knowledge and courage to continue lead our state to desirable heights. Your impressive moral and qualifications confirm you will always succeed in running Eastern Lakes State affairs. I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about our support and willingness to partner with you as the community to ensure the achievement of good governance for all citizens in Eastern Lakes State.

The youth are leading down South Sudan: They are not speaking up, Stupid!

By Junior William Deng, Kampala, Uganda

Kujiek Ruot Kuajien (in white) flanked by other members of Congress of South Sudanese Patriots during Media briefing at Alliance Francoise, Nairobi on 31st August , 2015

March 12, 2016 (SSB)  —  SPLM old guards are breaking our national fabric and foundation; there is no cohesion, harmony, love, unity and youths are quiet, Stupid. Our mothers, sisters and wives are subjected to transactional sex; rape or violent sex, tortured and touched in their homesteads facing unprecedented human right abuse in the world. They are our pride but youths are quiet, stupid.