Peter Gatdet: The war is not over in South Sudan

Important Quotes You Should Not Miss From TGONU Leaders

By Jok Mayom, Juba, South Sudan

swearing in of dr. riek machar

April 30, 2016 (SSB)  —-  President Salva Kiir “….I assures you all that we are going to work together, the responsibility imposed on us by the agreement need each every one of us to contribute to the stabilization of our country. There is no blame that it was you who did that or him who did that if we do that we will not move an inch but if we forget on what all happened and that with clean faith we move further than people would think that we could have done”

Kiir added, “What we needs actually is to accept ourselves and to accept ourselves, we must learn how to forgives and we must learns how to apologizes when you are wrong – go back to your brother/sister, and tells his/her that, I am sorry my brother and this is only way that we can move forward. If we talks about reconciliation or forgiveness and you are still holding something in your hearts, even God cannot accept that forgiveness, to be true, I am not a preacher, but my little knowledge about forgiveness, tells me, when you forgive – you forget about it – this is all we need”

Will the euphoria of TGoNU overshadow the May 16th commemorations?

By Akuoch Chol Akuoch, Juba, South Sudan

new cabinet of TGoNU

April 30, 2016 (SSB)  —–  South Sudan is in wild celebratory mood. The return of the rebel icon, Dr. Riek Machar Teny and his subsequent inauguration as the country’s first vice president has revived hopes. It safely, and may be effectively put to an end the debilitating and decimating civil war that has engulfed this nation for over two years.

Citizens have reasons to celebrate. This war brought untold suffering to the most innocent of all; the aged died a merciless deaths, the children orphaned at a very tender age or even got killed, the sick left at the mercy of death without the doctors to attend to, and horrific accounts of rapes on innocent women including underage girls. The few infrastructure that the government had put up over the last decade have been despicably flattened, especially in the towns of the greater upper Nile. Millions are displaced and made homeless internally and others internationally, these people have been promised a safe return in the trusteeship of the TGoNU. There are surely more than enough reasons to celebrate the end of this war.

Can South Sudan Survive without the SPLM Party? (Part 1)

By David Mayen Ayarbior, Juba, South Sudan

The founding fathers of south sudan

April 30, 2016 (SSB)  —-  The idea that a nation-state might not survive the absence of a political party sounds bizarre. Generally, to all intents and purposes, no matter how glorious a party’s position in society may be, political parties are byproducts of the specific societal dynamics which determine their existence and usefulness. They emerge, submerge, and be forced to hibernate, or even disappear due to demographic pressures which are normally beyond the control of the political parties themselves. These could be internal pressures (demographic), external pressures (international) or combinations of both.

The question whether South Sudan could survive without the SPLM was the subject of a short debate between two prominent political thinkers in the country. As Dr. Majak D’Agot (a leader in SPLM-Leaders or former FDs) made that bold assertion, be it on his usual logical platforms, a refuting response was immediately made by Dr. Lam Akol (leader of SPLM-DC). Because the issue at hand relates to over 10 million citizens who are equal stakeholders in the country’s future, in addition to its own importance as one of key unanswered questions in the currently concluded civil war (2013-2016), it warrants an imminent position in our national political narrative.

Dr. Riek Machar should accept peace as an inherent trait!

By Sunday de John, Rumbek, South Sudan

April 30, 2016 (SSB)  —-  I hope peace is now amidst. I hope more suffering is no longer what South Sudanese should be worried about. I hope there is no much to worry about. Indeed peace is a necessity.  Vital that we all want it.

However, the price with which it has been bought is cheap that it wouldn’t have taken this long to come. To buy peace, something called First Vice Presidency was the prime requirement, then ten ministries and a separate army with Chief of Staff of its own.

However, the only expensive thing I have encountered with this mess of the South Sudanese leadership is, the so-called First Vice Presidency is the most expensive commodity I ever knew. All the lives lost, property destroyed, torn national fabric and the tribal jingoism that have become the bane of our national coexistence are the cost paid for the First Vice Presidency to be achieved. Too bad.

The Restoration of Peace is the Restoration of Lives

By Aphar Daniel Makur, Juba, South Sudan

new cabinet of TGoNU

April 30, 2016 (SSB) —-  It is my honor and privilege to convey this message to all the participates in the national culture of peace in the republic of south Sudan., I wish first of all to extend my heart-felt thanks for your presence at this Roundtable. This roundtable is so significant in a sense that it starts off a host of activities in active response to the national Year of Peace Culture propelled by the warring parties. For the realization of the Roundtable, we should not fail to mention the timely response from international community in terms of finance and wisdom as well as their active response and efficient contributions and the industrious work done by the international Organizations.

Many of south Sudanese friends would perhaps wonder why people who have held firm weapons in their hands in the course of thousands of lives should be among the first to respond to the International Year of Peace Culture. I wish to think that if we should dig up the thick layers of south Sudanese’s history, cultural traditions and its people’s characteristics, we would be sympathetic with the misfortune we had endured through centuries, and we would realize how much we cherish peace.

Open letter to Akec Tong Aleu, the Governor of Tonj State

Subject: Condemnation of the recent killings in Thony (Manyany-Ngok)

By Chuol Deng Chuol, Juba, South Sudan

April 30, 2016 (SSB)  —-  The Thony students Community in and outside the country are utterly dismayed and disappointed by the recent news in which some unprofessional soldiers brought by your leadership dumped their constitutional mandate to protect the civilians and their properties, killed people and burn down houses in Manyany-Ngok. We condemn in the strongest terms possible those malicious and duplicitous actions by the commanding officer which are so devilish.’

Your appointment as the first governor of Tonj state was received with high expectations that you would be fair and competent enough In your supremacy, people celebrated your appointment for you were once known to be a peace tender leader, a man who was capable of maintaining security but all has turned out to be a mere miscalculation of your political status.

Open letter to President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the TGoNU

Your Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit,

Ater Garang Ariath, Juba, South Sudan

April 29, 2016 (SSB)  —-  As  the  nation move  toward  its  dream  of hope   for  Peace, stability and  sustainable  development  upon  return  of  Dr.  Riek Machar Teny to South Sudan as First Vice President, South Sudanese peoples foresee realization of harmony again in the country. Mr.   President,   when you, (Dr.  Riek and Igga) shook hands aftermath  First  Vice  President  took oath of  office,  it  far demonstrated a  sign that you  are  partners in peace and  yesterday announced Transitional  Government  of National  Unity.

The Transitional Government of National Unity, should of now work to embrace  healing and reconciliation  among  all South Sudanese common men and  women that were  psychologically  fractured  in different  areas during  the conflict.

The  genuine  realization of peace  and  national  cohesion  among all  South Sudanese  within and outside  the country, can  only  be achieved if  your  leadership  appoints   competence , skilled  and experienced   Advisors  in recent   cabinet Like  any  other  South Sudanese  citizen,  I  would   like to  take this  opportunity  to  call  for appointment of  Presidential Political  Advisor, whose  of  his/her  credentials  were  of  course impeccable, highly intelligent , a superb linguist and  a born diplomat to revamp  our  diplomatic  relations.

STOP THE MANY SPOKESPERSONS

By Kuol Alberto Makuach, Juba, South Sudan

new cabinet of south sudan

April 29, 2016 (SSB)  —  Now that peace is being implemented in letter and spirit, I was wondering what will happen to the various mouth pieces in the country? Some of these spokespersons, did their job genuinely whereas others did so to please their bosses and supporters and not on the bases of truth.

In a country where everyone wants to make sure that his/her side releases the information, I am wondering are we going to have the same scenario like when we were fighting this senseless war.

Do you people feel the same way I feel about the distorted, perplexing and obfuscating information we get daily from these many mouth pieces of different institutions, factions, leaders and government? I shall list the few I have and you can add the rest you can think off.

The Government should pay damages to Governor Joseph Bakasoro

Congress of South Sudanese Patriots

For Immediate Release

28TH April, 2016, Nairobi, Kenya

Re: High Court should award damages to Governor Joseph Bakasoro for unlawful detention

April 29, 2016 (SSB)  —  We welcome the rumors circulating on social media that Western Equatoria Governor Joseph Bakasoro has been release from prison yesterday. He was detained incommunicado without charges since last year 22nd 12, 2015. His detention without trial infringed on is right to fair tail under South Sudan transitional constitution.

His unlawful arrest and the kind of mistreatment we heard he was subjected to was regrettable. Insiders from credible sources revealed earlier that he was severely torture; and that his captors held him in solitary confinement, harass and beaten him constantly. This is contrary to the International law that bans torture completely. Any form of cruel and degrading treatment is outlawed under section 74 of the international convention on civil and political rights.

The New Ministers for the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU)

The New Ministers for the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU)

Welcome Back Dr. Machar: Shoulder the burdens of Nationality as Leaders than to rustle over them

By Gabriel Gong Baak Madut, Juba, South Sudan

swearing in of dr. riek machar

April 28, 2016 (SSB)  —  It was such a long awaited public appearance with positive anticipation of socio-economic changes in what many people refer to as young nation by exception of its historical existence as a viable landscape by political geography.

Though you have finally reached Juba and conducting now your several meetings with your current and previous colleagues in hotel halls; it is of no doubt that much more effort is required to cement the damaging political reputation of this country and that of those of you who have been rivaling against each other accompanied by your heavy weight camps behind.

Announcing the 2016 Bor Community General Election from July 1-2nd in Canada

Bor Community in Canada 2016 General Election

Official Announcement of the two Candidates

Wednesday, April 26th, 2016

Elections Organizing Team

April 28, 2016 (SSB)  —-  Bor Community Association in Canada Official announcement of the two candidates running for the position of Chairmanship as follows:

Candidate Names	Deputy	payam	Position
Daniel Riak Mach	Kur Aguto Yuang	Makuach/Baidit	Chairman
John Abuoi Manyang	Abuoi Maluk Deng	Jalle/Kolnyang	Chairman

I applaud and support the return of Dr. Riek Machar to Juba

Promise of Peace for South Sudan

By David Mabior Atem, Canada

swearing in of riek machar, april 26

April 28, 2016 (SSB)  —-  I applaud and support the return of Dr. Riek Machar April 26, 2016 to Juba as ones of the first principals in the agreement that cared, and signed the peace agreement on August 17, 2015 as proposed by the mediators; as well as having overcome engineered and manufactured conspiracies that turned South Sudan into theater of war. History will take that into account. Liberating and freeing South Sudanese for a second time from the autocrat government had manifested throughout his leadership. It takes confidence, knowledge, courage and patience with clear and defined objectives to downtrodden myriad of issues.

Poetically Political Letter to TGONU BOSSES: I WANT THIS WAR DEAD!

THE EASED AFRICA I WANT

“Peace will bless us once more with hearing the happy giggling of children and the enchanting ululation of women who are excited in happiness for one reason or another.” – Dr. John Garang at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, January 9, 2005.

PART A

I Want This War Dead!

To Gen. Kiir Mayardit,

To Dr. Riek Machardit,

Now, I want not me dead.

Else, I want this war dead.

Release the POWs for peace.

Return the IDPs and refugees.

Allow all POCs squatters go free.

Let the oppositions no more flee.

And talk to the nation about unity.

Then don’t go to bed with impunity.

No, stop fighting – by us – yourselves.

And first put corruption to the shelves.

End our anger and hunger desperation.

Give the populace solace via reparation.

Rebuild our nation’s widely damaged image.

Then pay your victims apologies and homage.

Tell Naath elders: youth shouldn’t die for leaders.

Other tribes…

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An open letter to the presidency: President Salva Kiir, Dr. Riek Machar, and James Wani Igga

An Open Letter to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and Vice President James Wani Igga.

By David Matiop Gai, Juba, South Sudan

President Kiir, 1st VP Riek and VP Wani Igga during the arrival of Riek Machar in Juba after 28 months in the bush, April 26, 2016

April 28, 2016 (SSB) —- Your Excellencies, this letter is serving as piece of appreciation and advice in relation to our internal affairs and to you as high executives in charge of South Sudan current politics and development. Before I commence the body of my letter, I would like to express my special thanks to President Kiir for his humility, and how he handles South Sudanese people with care and their problems in particular which are associating with many difficulties in our time.  Multitudes of thanks to first Vice President Dr. Riek Machar for his successful commitment to the peace agreement  with the assurance of his present in Juba when he touched the ground of South Sudan yesterday at 4:43 pm South Sudan local time after 28 months of conflict in the young nation. This is a big positive step in compliance with Successful wanted peace and bright future ahead of South Sudan. And a  wonderful gift of thanks to Vice President James Wani Igga, the icon of peace in our country who also deserves millions of heartfelt of love, joy, and nice records in our history.

USA announces $86 million humanitarian assistance for South Sudan

United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of South Sudan

President Kiir and Riek Machar peace deal: is it a viable peace?

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 27, 2016

April 27, 2016 (SSB)  —-  The United States today announced more than $86 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help conflict-affected people in South Sudan, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the region.

This new funding will provide much-needed safe drinking water, emergency health care, nutrition services, shelter, improved sanitation facilities, agricultural training, and seeds, tools, and fishing supplies for the most vulnerable families and communities. These include internally displaced persons both within and outside of UN Protection of Civilians sites, refugees seeking asylum in South Sudan, and South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries. The U.S. Government is also supporting clinical and psychological treatment for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as the transport of life-saving supplies and aid workers to ensure that people who are living in remote and hard-to-reach areas quickly receive assistance.

You have every reason to thank President Salva Kiir for restoring peace once again

You Have Every Reason to Thank President Salva Kiir and the Government of South Sudan for Restoring Peace Once Again in South Sudan

By Deng Kur Deng, Pennsylvania, USA

President Kiir, 1st VP Riek and VP Wani Igga during the arrival of Riek Machar in Juba after 28 months in the bush, April 26, 2016

April 27, 2016 (SSB)  —-  As we all know, the President is obligated by law to protect his people throughout the entire country. As such, he largely based his decisions so they would address many of the problems in the country, not just the problems of one specific region or group. For that reason, I feel a sense of deep gratitude towards the President for his approach.

Unfortunately, I believe the President is often discredited, even when he is making a sincere effort to end the current war by reconstructing what has been dismantled amidst the crisis. Our people should be delighted; they should be grateful to the President for working tirelessly to restore peace in our country. His responsibilities have become increasingly complex, and many of us have seen how complicated the peace process is in the first place. We, the citizens, must embrace his courage in order to achieve peace for all our people.

Your excellencies: sign peace now with the unknown gunmen in Juba

By Tito Awen Bol, Secretary, South Sudan Youth for Peace and Reconciliation (SSYPR)

 

Report: Why do some people vote in elections while others do not?

By Simon Deng Kuol Deng, New Hampshire, USA

June 2015 elections

April 27, 2016 (SSB) —- Abstract. People who cast their votes or abstain their votes in elections organized by democratic or authoritarian states are defined by the constitutions and laws of their respective states as citizens who have rights and privileges to vote in election. Unlike authoritarian, or some democratic states which have compulsory voting laws where voters can face the penalties when they vote in elections against what the state authorities want or abstain, voters from some democratic states with no compulsory voting laws are voluntarily voted in election or abstained without facing penalties for abstaining. What is a cause of political phenomenon which concern political researchers or scientists to ask “why do some people vote in elections, while other do not vote”? A root cause of political phenomenon in which some voters vote, while others abstain is based on the voters’ greatest expectations and prospects for the public and individuals’ interests to be addressed by the candidates, but it is also depended on voters’ political knowledge and interest in politics, included strengthen in party identification. This paper intends to analysis the eligible voters’ roles in voting or abstaining, what motivate the older voters, voters who interest in politics, and voters who strengthen in party identification as indicate at the following hypothesizes: (1) Older citizens are more likely to vote in elections than younger citizens are; (2) Citizens who interest in politics are more likely to vote in elections than citizens who not interest in politics; and (3) citizens who strengthen in party identification are more likely to vote in elections than citizens who not strengthen in party identification.