What can South Sudanese learn from these African leadership & Historical facts?

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

Tuesday, July 03, 2018 (PW) — When a white advisor told the great African leader Maumer Gadafi of Libya to relinquish power, Gadafi ignored the demand of his people and insisted not to even hand power to his son, Saif El Islam. We are all aware of how the political climate ended.

The other African leader and a renowned orator, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe for over three decades and half with an iron hand, had the nature speaks and the professional not (influential military) of Zimbabwe transferred power in a much more smarter way than anybody could appreciate or criticize.

Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast accepted the defeat after the myriad of lives was lost just because of madness to hold on to power despite election defeat. He now ended up behind bars of ICC lacking both the national and international legal defense.

Exclusive Interview with Wani Michael, the Executive Director of Okay Africa Foundation

Okay Africa Foundation Executive Director Believes Unity of Youth is paramount and can end the Political Conflict in the Country!

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

Mr. Wani Michael, the Executive Director of Okay Africa Foundation, in his Office in Juba, South Sudan

Sunday, June 17, 2018 (PW) — The Executive Director of the National Non-Governmental Organization – Okay Africa Foundation a youth oriented and empowerment think tank has genuinely expressed concerns over the imperativeness of youth unity to help bring lasting peace to the country devastated by political conflict since 2013. Speaking in the courtesy interview in his office to this analyst, the eloquent young character with the contemporary leadership skills and qualities, Mr. Wani Michael had this to say!

Question 1. Can you in a nutshell tell me about yourself and Okay Africa Foundation within the scope of what it does to the public in South Sudan?

Response 1. Thank you, my name is Wani Michael, I am the Executive Director of Okay Africa Foundation. Okay Africa Foundation is a National Non-Governmental Organization. we work with the young people, youth of South Sudan trying to empower them to participate in nation building, also trying to empower them to participate in some of the political processes that are on-going in the country to mention but few the peace process, the HLRF process to ensure that the voice of the youth is also heard and ensure that also the forum trying to fundamentally address some of the issues that the youth are facing, so our main focus currently is empowering the youth, also we are looking at how we can be able to influence policies that are youth related policies, for example, the South Sudanese development policy.

Peace talks collapse as warring factions unite in rejecting IGAD’s abridging proposal

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng (Addis Ababa) and PaanLuel Wel (Juba)

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 (PW) — South Sudan’s sworn enemies and bitter rivals have unanimously united in rejecting the compromised power sharing formula and security arrangements offered by IGAD’s Bridging Proposal towards the outstanding issues in the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The IGAD’s Abridging Proposal had proposed a revitalized transitional government headed by a president, supported by three vice presidents, and a power sharing ratios of 55% to the government, 25% to the SPLM-IO, 10% to the SSOA, 5% to the SPLM-FDs and the other 5% to the Other Opposition Parties (OPP).

The government has rubbished this proposal and instead insisted on a transitional government headed by a president, with four vice presidents, two of which would be nominated by the government. More importantly, the government seems to be incensed by the apparent removal of Taban Deng Ghai’s position.

Moreover, the government has vetoed the power sharing formula and has instead proposed the following ratios: Government 65%, SPLM-IO 15%, SPLM-FDs 5%, National Alliance Parties 5%, Parties of National Agenda 5% and South Sudan Opposition Alliance 5%.

Peace falters in Addis as warring parties struggle to save faces amid Deadlock

Chances for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in South Sudan falters at the HLRF in Addis Ababa as warring parties struggle to save faces amid crushing Deadlock and tight deadline

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Emmanuel Ariech Deng is the PaanLuel Wel Media (PW) correspondent covering the HLRF of the 2015 peace process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

Monday, May 21, 2018 (PW) — Chances for a timely conclusion and peacefully resolution of the raging conflict in South Sudan are faltering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the final day of the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) is marked by a crushing deadlock, characterized by partisan blame gaming and political haggling among the warring parties.

As of this evening, IGAD, the East African regional bloc that has been mediating the peace process since December 2013, has pushed HLRF until tomorrow, giving more time for the secretariat to complete its work on the report of South Sudan Council of Churches in conclusion of its consultation process that has been going on for five days in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa building in the heart of Addis Ababa city.

The negotiation file is still with the Church Group until tomorrow to bring the parties to the plenary consensus. There are reports that the IGAD council of ministers will take over the decision to adjourn or extend the talks by tomorrow. The media was lately informed today in the evening to convene tomorrow at nine for a detailed report.

Speaking during the press briefing this evening, Hon. Michael Makwei Lueth, the government spokesperson, had this to say: “Yes, this morning the intra-South Sudanese dialogue continued with its task and yesterday, the two sub-committees of governance and security had presented their reports to the leadership committee.”

Progress reported at the HLRF as Gov’t endorses “an inclusive government”

Major breakthrough reported at the HLRF as Government delegation endorses the formation of an inclusive revitalized transitional government

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Weeping and prayers at the 4th day of the HLRF

Sunday, May 20, 2018 (PW) — A major progress has been made at the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) as government delegation endorsed the formation of an inclusive revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU) in Juba, South Sudan.

The breakthrough was announced via a press statement this afternoon in Addis Ababa by South Sudan’s minister for information and government spokesperson, Michael Makwei Lueth. “So far we have agreed on inclusivity. This is something agreed even though we are still in disagreement on the type of inclusivity,” Hon. Michael Makwei revealed. He also added that the warring parties have agreed on cantonment of all forces.

According to Michael Makwei, this is a major concession on the part of the government which has been insisting on maintaining the status quo in Juba, with President Salva Kiir, 1^st Vice President Taban Deng and Vice President James Wani Igga, at the helm of the revitalized transitional government. The SPLM-IO has proposed that the composition of the revitalized transitional government should include all parties invited to and currently participating at the HLRF in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

South Sudan: The dystopia of black-hearted, self-dignified and decorated kleptocrats

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Wunkuel, South Sudan

February 18, 2018 (SSB) — If there exists a miserable dysfunctional society or state rich in different types of mineral resources, fertile agricultural land and currently experiencing extreme poverty, then South Sudan will never miss topping the lists of those impoverished countries on the planet.

After years of persistent wars and conflicts with far-reaching peaceful solutions, the revolutionary slogan, vision, and development has been destroyed by the revolutionists themselves and instead, the political settlement of issues of immediate attention is diminishing into the infinity. Not even the words of encouragement, restoration of hopes and security assurances from the country political leaders. They are quiet and we are eager to listen to them at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.

The church leaders, civil societies, international communities and freelance observers have tried their best over the last four years or so but the position of their arguments and suggestions felt into deaf ears of the key players of this country political instability.

The Christmas Gift to the Exceptional Couples of 2017 on Blues and Values

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng

The Wedding of Amer Mayen Dhieu and Makwei Mabioor Deng, 14 October 2017

October 14, 2017, a remarkable marriage documentary in the hall of freedom,

Inspired by love of choice, cemented by power of God and Parental wisdom.

Opportunities for everyone to reach there are always cumbersome,

But with both efforts and determination it later sums up awesome.

The eloquent character of Pan-Bioor swears that he can’t live life in lieu,

Of the expensive Gold of Pan-Lual, Miss Malaika Amer Mayen Dhieu.

&

The Atemporal Vibrancy of Hon. Victor Atem Atem as Governor of Gogrial State

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Wunkuel, South Sudan

December 8, 2017 (SSB) — Most of the problems manufactured by men can equally be resolved by men if it is not a curse or taboo in human living. Any persistent conflict can be solved by God too. So let us be hopeful and agree that any other catastrophe engineered by men can get a solution if not by humans, then with the help of God or by nature.

There is no place on earth where the armed civilians can be stronger than the national army and government unless the perceived unwillingness or ignorance to stop the escalation of violence between fighting communities in South Sudan has a pointing finger of blame on individual or group conspiracies.

This idea of people are not the same is slowly entering into our rigid brains that even brothers/sisters of one woman-one man can be different in thinking and control measures when it comes to public concerns. Even the helter-skelter gubernatorial predecessor of Hon. Atem Atem has admitted and acknowledged that his tenure had insinuated a wider leadership vacuum and partisanism in the State.

John Kudusay: The King of prophecy in South Sudanese local music industry

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

John Kudusay live in Sydney, Australia, 2015

July 2, 2017 (SSB) — Nothing else we want on this planet apart from happiness and fame. It is the music that serves these purposes precisely and proficiently. Music makes us happy and it also makes musicians famous. Music an art form, created by organization of pitch, rhythm and sounds executed by the use of musical instruments available, and sometimes plainly singing which is intended for entertainment or passing the artist’s message to individual, public through this wonderful art.

John Ngong Longar Kom, popularly dubbed as “John Kudusay” alongside other South Sudanese famous musicians, the likes of Nyankol Mathiang, Emmanuel Kembe, Gordon Koang, Daniel Dinganyai, Amiir Deng, Deng Mtoto, Paanchol Deng Ajang, Ngoth Malang just to mention the few, have inspired the public on how they have entertained and uniquely deliver their messages.

The Historical Homes by Virtue (Pan-Dan)

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng

The appreciation is dedicated to Japan,

And the challenge & hopes to South Sudan.

Initiated by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,

And purportedly supported by his wife Akie.

Kuach Ayok Community on Neutral Position in Gogrial Community Conflicts

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

The sympathetic and susceptible is a community,

Now neutral on the raging conflict with impunity.

Like any other entity, Kuach Ayok youth is entirely integral,

As its traditional values and main objectives remain central.

The national dialogue constraints, famine and the way forward in South Sudan

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

Kiiriek messy South Sudan

April 22, 2017 (SSB) — What has transpired to the national dialogue? Has it slipped into a quagmire? is it not being supported by regional and international community? Or does the government lack sufficient funds to trigger the dialogue processes? Are the clergy groups now convinced to embrace it now? Can it be effective to the offended South Sudanese without the involvement of the church groups. Can it be inclusive without a position of the remaining opposition forces?

These are the few questions vexing in my mind but with other analysis it may be a bit different depending on how best the national dialogue can be defined and understood by the parties in contention, experts and the country citizens.  The willingness of the said parties and the general assessment of whether the immediate priority at the moment in regard to the tense situation in the country is dialogue or not, will determine its progress and its failure.

Withdrawal from Achier Manyuat John’s Unethical and Unprofessional Debate!

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

 

April 21, 2017 (SSB) — An idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is general accepted as reality or rational arguments is typically regarded as a symptom of confusion and a risky burden to constructive debates as well as being unprofessional and unethical in writings.

I can’t afford to breach the confidence/trust of my fellow writers on the blog, immediate friends and brothers who have influenced me with powerful comments and advice into my email not to engage with him further more than this.

Achier Manyuat John: The champion of shenanigans and false bravados of South Sudan

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba –South Sudan

April 13, 2017 (SSB) —- A wonderful place is always full of wonders “says the English idiom. Therefore, South Sudan a country of no shame, has allowed pretenders to smuggle their way onto the top of the stage and started playing the  helter-skelter rhapsodies to prove themselves qualified to the audience for whatever they do at due circles.

Notwithstanding John in his protracted recusal to refrain from barbaric and unconventional stratagem, it is my right and time for me (the victim) of his continued pathological tarnishing of innocent personalities to response to him in an intellectual approach. In an attempt to depreciate him and have him adjust his lengthy tongue over peoples’ reputation, he must be exposed to feel the consequences of big mouthing culture.

When I wrote an opinion piece early January 2017 about the fiasco of Gogrial Governor appointment, John was the first to meddle his nose into the matter with the Facebook Comments that reads “This article is bad and I condemn it”, I thought he could go further to compose the encountering article and divert the readers’ mind in believing what I wrote as factual as it was.

Anataban Peace Campaigns should be Accorded Universal Public Support

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

January 29, 2017 (SSB) —- Anataban comes from Arabic word meaning “I am tired”! This writer is also tired and of course, when you say you are tired, there must be something you are tired of! What are we tired of? We are tired of economic hardship, we are tired of war and we are also tired of unknown gunmen and the only option is to strongly voice out our concern of being tired #Antaban#.

Before the declaration of national dialogue by H.E the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Anataban peace initiative campaign has been going on for the last few months of 2016 and in early 2017 with the harsh tag (#Anataban#). The people who share the same sentiments, shared it on social media the #Anataban#and its global beats music videos uploaded by Anataban team of artists.

Nepotism or Meritocracy: The Appointment of Gen. Gregory Vasili as Gogrial’s Governor

President Kiir has appointed his brother-in-law on “merit”, “qualification” and “experience”; now the door is wide open for the ministers, governors, undersecretaries, office mangers, etc. to appoint their wives, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, uncles, in-laws, mistresses etc. on “merit”, “qualification” and “experience” too. Who will blame them when the Big Man has blessed it?

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

Gen. Gregory Vassilli Dmitry (brother of Madam Ayen Mayaardit), the new governor of Gogrial state

January 4, 2017 (SSB) — The appointment of Gregory Vasilli Dmitry as Governor of Gogrial State has been received with mixed reactions from the state politically oriented youth and other corners of the Country. A South Sudan- Greek born Dmitry to Orthodox Christian immigrant, Vasilli Dmitry and a Dinka Apuk mother popularly known as Nyanjok Kuac Aduol the mother-in-law of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has raised questions and ignited social media debate few minutes after the announcement.

There is no doubt that his appointment is perceived as nepotism following the season of Governors being handpicked instead of people electing them. Major-General Gregory rise in military ranks has never been about battles won, it has never been real military service delivery but mere consideration given due to the position held by the husband of his sister.

Some job opportunists have overwhelmingly hailed his appointment as best governor of all but fall short to convince the critiques whether there is any previous track of records of why he deserves this position but failed to avail anything substantial to support their arguments. Others resorted to citing an NGO, mine action organization known as OSIL based in Rumbek by then as the only achievement overseen by him. The verification of that is yet to be traced out and confirmed whether he had spearheaded the project writing of OSIL to be funded.

The Hypnotic Clean Water Project in Juba halted by J-1 Fighting

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

Dr. Lam Akol (Agriculture) with Hon. Mabior Garang (Water Resources) at a water workshop sponsored by JICA in Juba, South Sudan, mid 2016

January 3, 2017 (SSB) — Any place in the world that can possibly win public credibility as modern, must take into account qualities necessary to describe it “modernized” or else never attain the accolades of modernization without clean water, electricity and security to the inhabitants.

With absence of key installments especially clean water system and lack of access to electricity in the city, Juba residents both locals and internationals remain skeptical to give this city the recognition of being a modern center. So Juba, the biggest village in world by 2010-2011, is now the biggest slum in world by 2013 to 2016 and through to 2017. No clean water!

The mesmerizing initiative funded from Japan Tax-Payers Money through their overseas organization JICA (Japan International Corruption Agency) was planned to get completed by 2017 as was reported by local newspapers in juba with the water system engineers physically seen in action along main roads of Juba. However, nobody was sure of another political uncertainties to occur in the country by July 2016.

Painful, disgusting and untimely: Mathuc Mayuol Achuil left us vexing for the sudden death!

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

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November 20, 2016 (SSB) — As I write this mourning message to inform your lovely relatives, brothers, friends and colleagues across the world about the untimely disappearance of your image in our vicinity, I was less energetic, paled and confused to believe that it has just happened, why have you untimely departed?, you left us in a desperate trauma.

On the fateful day of 17/11/2016, you suddenly departed from us without a word, without a copy of your living image and we cannot retract your compassion, your humility, your smiles, your rare character and more over your contribution to our affairs! What a painful loss, what a distinguished personality! Why have you done it that way God, why didn’t you spare us sometimes to show our sympathy in caring for our beloved Brother the Late Mathuc Mayuol Achuil!

The Election of President Donald Trump: What does it mean for South Sudan?

The US Presidential Election Final results in favor of President Kiir’s presumptive choice, Donald Trump! Does it mean anything to South Sudan?

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

 

November 9, 2016 (SSB) —- The western democracy has constantly remained a concern for the rest of the globe with US elections drawing attention from all the corners of the political world and their interests on Republican and Democratic Presidential Candidates in the race for the White House.

In considering the burdens of exposition, the conventional wisdom of those foreign head of states that openly engaged in taking sides, should have been just containing their support position neutral or confidential to themselves on any of the candidates until the absolute majority of the American people vetoed with the stack choice to determine their future of the race, the decision American people have just executed today.

Notwithstanding some leaders pledging of allegiance to Trump and Hillary, it has always been hard to correctly predict the presidential winner of the US elections. As luckily as the President interest on Trump became a reality, there seems a glimpse of hope in South Sudan-US relations. Now that Salva Kiir earlier phone call has just materialized, this should be followed by an influential congratulatory message to the President Elect, H.E Donald J. Trump acknowledging the esteemed efforts exerted by the great people of United States of America and their transparent democratic systems in choosing their leader.

The identity crises and failure to condemn wanton killings on Equatoria lands

Yesterday, October 8^th, a bus with over 200 passengers traveling to Juba from Yei came under attack near Lainya. Eyewitnesses say the gunmen, after capturing the vehicle, separated Dinkas from other passengers and killed 21 of them and 20 wounded, including 4 children among the dead. The incident comes after 14 Dinkas were killed in a similar ambush a week ago just few kilometers outside Juba.

By Emmanuel Ariech Deng, Juba, South Sudan

October 9, 2016 (SSB) — What goes round come round, this is the simple wisdom the perpetrators of the wanton killings on Equatorian soils should take as they coordinate the killings of other ethnicities. Anyway, it is due to this current scramble for the country leadership and its politically affiliated tendency that has poised into the history of struggle being undermined to the extent of even those who did not actually participate in the two decades war with the northerners that culminated to the proclamation of South Sudan Republic.

The same SPLA who marched to Juba over decorated bed-sheets in 2006 is now being spitted at now a days because of the dangerous enemy among us and is preaching hatred day and night to the inside our hearts. I think those who are up to this hatred should stop and regret their actions before it goes deeper.

Why has the government, Equatorian Community leaders gone silence over the condemnation of cold blood killings along Juba-Nimule, Juba-Keji-keji, Juba-Yei and Yei-Kaya roads? Is the killing of innocent civilians on an ethnic-based about Kiir’s Presidency or a technical organized action to achieve something else? What is the panacea to this identity crisis?