The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), an advocacy body, is urging the government to ensure freedom of speech as the country prepares for polls in December 2024.

The post Activist call for freedom of speech ahead of forthcoming elections  appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed deep concern that civilians are bearing the brunt of a surge in intercommunal conflict in pockets of South Sudan with 862 victims documented as being killed, injured, abducted, or subjected to conflict-related sexual violence during these incidents in the last quarter of 2023.

The post Intercommunal conflict causing immense harm to civilians, UN Chief says appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched the first comprehensive partnership dialogue in Djibouti to address peace and security challenges in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu stresses the crucial role of IGAD-EU collaboration in addressing the complex peace and security challenges affecting the Horn of Africa and its neighboring regions.

“Today’s dialogue stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the EU and IGAD towards addressing the intricate peace and security challenges in the Horn of Africa and its peripheries.”

Workneh said through the joint efforts, they embark on a journey of deeper collaboration that prioritizes mutual understanding, proactive engagement, and a shared vision for sustainable regional peace and development.

The EU Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD H.E. Sylvie Tabesse emphasises the importance of the dialogue in fostering a deeper political partnership between the EU and IGAD.

Sylvie stated that the dialogue comes on the heels of the IGAD Capacity Building Financial Agreement, signed three weeks prior, aiming at enhancing technical and programmatic cooperation.

“Today’s discussions focused on political matters, particularly the peace processes in the Horn of Africa, where IGAD plays an important role.”

One of the participants, Ms. Annette Weber underscored the EU’s continued support for IGAD-led peace initiatives, through active engagement of its Special Representative to the Horn of Africa.

The discussions revolve around the current security situation in the region and beyond.

The parties agreed to continue dialogue on political and security matters under the overarching principles of mutual respect and accountability, shared values, equality between partners, and fostering constructive engagement and consensus building.

The EU-IGAD Partnership Dialogue represents a pivotal step towards a more integrated approach to peace and security in the region.

The post EU-IGAD launches partnership on peace, security in the Horn of Africa appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

This came as the country is preparing to conduct first first-ever election in December although other parties have not yet agreed on the process.

Ms. Yange Annet, an officer from Women Partners for Health encourages the participants to take part fully in the forthcoming national elections.

She further calls on women to be united to compete in the anticipated forthcoming general elections in December 2024.

“Women should participate fully in this election that is coming, they need to be united, they need to put their hands together so that they can be able to make up for the elections because many women are left behind,” he said.

“Most women are not educated but they can be to raise the point that can lead the country. We train over forty-two women.”

A participant during the training, Lina Akol Mardadi stated that for women to rise there is a need for massive awareness of the importance of women in governance.

“For women to come out it needs awareness, it needs people to talk much about women. We have very good women, but they are not encouraged, so it is very important for people to make assessments in villages of women who are not educated.”

The facilitator, Sarah Abeja Jackson encourages women to stand and be voted during the upcoming elections.  She calls on women to promote peace before and during elections.

“You speak the thing that people will know that you can vote. I beg you as mothers, as sisters can you promote peace before, during, and after elections, can you bring peace during elections because peaceful relations will bring peace, let us peacefully do things.”

The Director for Administration and Finance in the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Santo Otong Banya hinted that there is a need for change by involving women in governance

He added that 35% affirmation of women is not fully implemented while calling on the entire women to form women coalitions to advocate for the rights of women

There are changes in the lives of women, I picked some titles that women have, but those titles were not there, they were denied to them. I heard chair ladies are there, I heard sub-chiefs from women and our fighting is to change the life of women.”

“You see representation of women in governance 35% affirmative action is not fulfill because women were sleeping during the signing of R-ARCISS, so people came back to constitute.

“The government in Juba men were not sleeping, a lot of things are talked about at night and women are already sleeping but men are working because those positions they divide among themselves and neglect women.

This is the right time for you to be voted there is no more whispering down there.”

The post 40 women train on leadership and advocacy in Torit appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The Emeritus Bishop of Yei Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev Erkolano Lodu Tombe has called on the leaders of South Sudan to bring permanent not relative peace which can take the country back to war.

This came at the time the country is gearing toward election in December as the Unity government is coming to an end next year.

Bishop says the word relative is diminishing the meaning of peace in South Sudan and he want to see permanent peace prevailed.

Emeritus Bishop Lodu asks the religious leaders to pray for the political leaders so that the word relative peace disappears and turn into permanent.

Bishop Erkolano Lodu Tombe was speaking during the two-day religious leader’s conference in Yei.

The forum was to share experiences and develop a common strategy on their role of the church in the ongoing transitional process and advocacy on the protection of civilians.

Bishop of Yei Diocese Alex Lodiong Sakor who is also the Chairperson of enter-religious peace committee highlight the objectives of the conference.

He says it focused on establishing network and foster collaboration and cooperation between religious leaders in the greater region of Yei.

The conference concluded on Wednesday was held under the theme “The best things come to those who don’t give up.”

The post Catholic Emeritus Bishop calls for Permanent Peace appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Mulla has called on Justice and Peace to carry out further capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of commission members and the community.

The call was made during the Strategic Plan review of the Archdiocese of Juba; the Justice and Peace Commission.

“There is a need for further capacity-building initiatives to enhance skills and capabilities of commission members and community leaders.”

Cardinal Mulla says the initiative of capacity-building will enable community leaders to address complex social issues more effectively.

The Cardinal says it is a moment to put more effort into peace issues as the country prepares for its first general elections in December 2024.

His Eminence Stephen stresses that the volatile political and security situation in the country has posed challenges to the commission’s efforts to promote peace and stability across South Sudan.

He adds that conflicts and unrest have hindered the progress of Justice and Peace in many areas.

Also, limited resources have constrained the full realization of the commission’s goals and the program has impacted the scale and effectiveness of its initiatives, “Cardinal explains.”

He thanks the Justice and Peace Commission at the Archdiocese of Juba for the progress they have made in achieving its objectives during the last four years of its strategic plan.

He emphasizes that the activities of Justice and Peace have led to increased awareness and engagement in addressing social issues and promoting peace.

“Since 2020-25, several achievements have been realized through the work of Justice and Peace; the commission which has successfully advocated for human rights, social justice, and peace-building initiatives within the community and at a broader societal level.

His Eminence Stephen Ameyu encourages the commission to continue to play a vital role in promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation among the communities.

The Cardinal was speaking during the opening of the Justice and Peace Commission strategic plan review.

The post Justice, Peace Commission asked to continue with capacity building initiative appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan said the Government of South Sudan must be encouraged to increase momentum towards democratic elections as agreed and sought by South Sudanese. 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom said South Sudan must do so by simply taking the political decisions which are required of it, and backing them with financial resources.

The Head of UNMISS confirmed that the UN is focused on seeing that South Sudan can implement the elections that they seek with the required political will and demonstrate togetherness with the spirit of constructive compromise in recognition of their shared destiny.

“It is our view that South Sudan can implement the elections that they seek with the required political will, and if they demonstrate the capacity to act together with the spirit of constructive compromise and in recognition of their shared destiny.” He appealed.

He however emphasised that UNMISS intends to take all steps to avoid any war possibility because it would be devastating if the fragile region, the Horn of Africa, were to endure two wars at the same time, in Sudan and South Sudan.

“All we are asking for is the implementation of the measures agreed upon by the parties themselves with each other—including those provisions which allow them to amend the current provisions of the peace agreement.”

He added that failing to implement those provisions would not only undermine the prospect of credible and peaceful elections but would simultaneously undermine the peace agreement itself, even threatening its survival.

The post UN encourages parties to peace agreements to increase momentum towards democratic elections appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

For almost a decade, ethnically divided residents in the greater Kapoeta region have been engaged in intermittent cattle raiding, child abductions, and revenge killings, thus creating unrest and insecurity for themselves.

According to UNIMISS reports, at numerous peace dialogues, community representatives have agreed on how to resolve their issues, but actions need to be taken urgently.

The government of Eastern Equatoria State, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), recently organized a high-level conference that brought together national politicians, the commissioners of the four counties where violence takes place, civil society representatives, women’s leaders, and youth activists.

Among the action points generated at the conference are, confiscating illegal firearms, stopping hate speech, holding perpetrators of crimes accountable, and sending additional security forces to particularly insecure areas to assist the recently deployed Necessary Unified Forces present in the state.

The official present both delivered and signed a new peace accord.

The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State Louis Lobong Lojore says that having more uniformed personnel on the ground will help to reduce cases of road ambushes and cattle raids.

“Having more uniformed personnel on the ground will result in fewer reports about ambushes or stolen cattle. It will give us trust that eventually we can put an end to such violence,” predicted Louis Lobong Lojore.

Head of the peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Torit Guy Griffin said, the success of the treaty signed depends on the collective will of the people of the four counties to make what they have agreed a reality.

“Peace is a process and today’s activity is a good starting point to achieve it,” Guy Griffin said.

Mary Natabu, representing both women and youth in Kapoeta says, she is determined to do her part and urge her peers to follow suit.

“As young people, we have roles to play in stopping the bloodshed and ending the suffering so that we’ll be able to cherish durable peace,” she said.

The post Greater Kapoeta region resolves agrees to restore peace appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The Ambassador of Netherlands (Dutch) for Youth, Education, and Work, Jurriaa Middelhoff has met groups of South Sudanese youth including entrepreneurs, innovators, and university students on Tuesday.

The move is part of the Dutch commitment to creating opportunities for young people through investment in skills and jobs.

The Youth Meet the Leader, a town hall conversation with Jurriaan Midelhoff Ambassador for Youth Education and Work in the Kingdom of Netherlands was held at Scenius Hub Juba.

It focused on the role of youth in peace and security especially in evolving civic and political spaces.

The Diplomat Mr. Jurriaa said his country wants to invest in the people of South Sudan and to provide the youth with inspiration tools to develop the country and their communities.

 “We want to provide you with inspiration and maybe a few opportunities because we have to be honest whereby not by any means the largest donor at all we’re a partner of the people of South Sudan and we want to provide you with inspiration tools to develop the country and the society that you want for yourself and for the people of South Sudan.”  Jurriaa Middelhoff told the youth.

The Youth Ambassador added that the Dutch have a long-standing relationship with South Sudan, especially in the Education sector, Entrepreneurship, and other developmental aspects of the youth.

The post Dutch Ambassador interacts with youth in Juba on education, peace appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and its Japanese Embassy in Juba, have graduated at least 80 women trained in various skills.

The women who granduated  consist of newly arrived IDPs from Eastern Equatoria Magwi County and a few members are the host communities at Mazarello Women Promotion Center in Rejaf Payam.

The project dubbed “Empowering Newly Arrived Female IDPs to Ensure Food Security and Peace Consolidation in South Sudan” aimed to economically empower women with technological skills in food production and cooperative initiatives.

The beneficiaries were trained in different fields but the majority were imparted with skills in the production of edible oil and other processed foods such as peanut butter.

Official says they demonstrated their acquired skills by operating the peanut peeler and grinder to the amazement of the visiting dignitaries 

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japanese Embassy in Juba, WATANABE Tomoko appreciated its partner UNIDO for the successful implementation of the project.

WATANABE urged beneficiaries to stand up and support other IDPs with the skills they acquired for the expansion of businesses in Rajaf Payam

The government of Japan according to the Deputy Chief, spent 303,000 USD for the realization and accomplishment of the project.

The chairperson for the Bureau of Standard Dr. Kuorwel Kuai Kuorwel, in his remarks, appreciated the Japanese government for the initiative

Dr. Kuai acknowledged the effort by the Japanese government to support development projects in the country but called for the expansion of the women’s empowerment schemes to all the States.

The event was spiced up with entertainment from the beneficiaries who performed Acholi traditional dances in front of the guest

The post UNIDO Graduates 80 Women in different industrial fields appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State appealed to citizens to focus on developing sports in order to get rid of tribalism among communities.

Sarah Cleto Riel, said that Western Bahr el Ghazal state is a state of peace and love and it has a good slogan that came from sports.

She therefore appealed to citizens to avoid weapons and tribal centiments and focus on sports that bring people together.

Cleto Riel confirmed that the state government will support the youth and will work with the Ministry of Culture and Sports to develop sports in order to unite the people.

The governor appealed and encouraged all communities in Western Bahr El Ghazal State to think about the future of the current generation through sports, which can make them become symbols and leaders of the state.

The Minister of Wildlife and National Tourism, Rizik Zacharia Hassan expressed his regret and said that the level of sports activities in Wau is low, which made the spirit of tribalism high in the state.

Rizik appealed to the state government to adopt the spirit of encouraging and funding sports clubs in the state because sports unite people as one people of one nation.

The leaders made these statements to the media at the end of the week during the match that brought together Al Hilal and Al Salam teams in Wau Stadium.

The post Governor Sarah recommends sports to eradicate tribalism appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

President Kiir while addressing the African Union assembly reiterates the need to address conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.

The 37th African Union summit was held in Addis Ababa -Ethiopia under the theme “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century”.

The summit was convened by Heads of State and Governments from across Africa to discuss important matters impacting Africa and to plan the future course of development for the continent.

South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. James Pitia Morgan said President Kiir also conducted sideline meetings with regional leaders on bilateral relations between South Sudan and the neighboring countries.

The post President Kiir calls for peace in the Great Lakes region, Horn of Africa appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

Authorities in Tonj South County have issued an order that banned cattle trading between Warrap and Western Bahr El Ghazal states. 

The executive order seen by Don Bosco radio was from the office of the Tonj South County’s commissioner Marco Agor Malang Agor. 

The county government said the ban was an implementation of the Warrap state gubernatorial order with effect from the 13th of February 2024 onwards.

On the same circular, all the Payam administrators and security organs are directed to implement the order.

 It also indicates banning and preventing cattle trader dealers from taking their cattle to Wau for sale

The authorities say, all selling and buying must be done within Tonj town and Thiet auctions purposely to generate income of revenue collection.

The order also indicated that anybody found violating it will have his/her cattle confiscated and administrative measures will be taken against the violators.

Western Bahr el Ghazel is yet to react to the news about the ban

The post Warrap bans cattle trading with Western Bahr El Ghazal appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom said building the capacity of the electoral body is necessary to host elections

“UNMISS’s views have always been that elections can’t be held in December unless the country’s leaders take urgent action to overcome key obstacles.

“My previous remarks regarding the capacity of the country to host elections, related directly to the conditions that are within applicable and the failure to properly stand the institutions which are necessary and which we now see being established.”

Nicholas Hayson adds that transitional security arrangements must be finalized and the electoral security plan must be agreed upon for the necessary unified forces to provide a security environment.

“The decisions are needed on the type of elections to be held, can a census be reached on the realistic electoral calendar, taking into account operational logistical legal and security issues. Transitional security arrangements must be finalized and electoral security plans must be agreed upon and the necessary unified forces to provide a security environment.”

Haysom calls for interventions to resolve tensions in Northern Unity between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM OI), as well as inter-communal violence in-pocket to the Country.

“Interventions are needed at the highest level to resolve tensions in Northern Unity between SSPDF and the SPLM IO, as well as the inter-communal violence In-pockets to the country, and the fresh fighting between Dinka Twic, Ngong Dinka and Nuire Communities in Warrap and Abiyei.”

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General describes the conflicts across the Country as inhabiting an environment of open political competition, which would be a vital part of a healthy democracy.

He adds that UNMISS is doing all it can to mitigate the effects of violence in Warrap and its partners in Abyei where two peacekeepers were killed while protecting and rescuing civilians.

“UNMISS is doing all it can to mitigate the effects of violence in Warrap and our partners are doing the same in Abiyei where two peacekeepers were recently killed while protecting and rescuing civilians.”

Haysom urges the senior public service to refrain from associating themselves with political parties to protect the neutrality of the important institutions.

“It’s also important that senior public servants refrain from associating themselves with political parties to protect the neutrality of the importance of their institutions.”

He narrates that UNMISS is supporting the electoral institutions by helping to create work plans and budgets, developing a political party code of conduct, and preparing for the reconstitution elections committees.

According to UNMISS, 90 percent of the country, showing that there is a strong indication that South Sudanese want elections.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas and the Head of UNMISS made his remarks to journalists at the UNMISS Compound in Juba.

The post UNMISS doubts elections unless keys stumbling block quickly address appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.

Cardinal Czerny who is the Prefect for the Dicastery of Integral Human Development at the Vatican came to South Sudan over the weekend to attend the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s Visit marked on 3rd February 2024.

He met President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday and expressed the support of Catholics for a peaceful election in South Sudan.

Cardinal Czerny warned the people of South Sudan that this is a critical moment in the political life of the country that needs good preparations.

“As you prepare for the general elections, pray and work hard to ensure that it is nonviolent, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful. “To achieve this, there is the groundwork to be done, putting into place needed infrastructures in the political sphere, preparing your minds and hearts for a possible transition.”

Cardinal Czerny states that a peaceful transfer of power not only indicates political maturity, but it also assures good governance and holistic development.

He urges the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), to be faithful to the peace agreement, not just to them, but also members of all signers of the peace agreement.

“I therefore urge you to be faithful to the peace agreement, not just you but also members of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), and all signers of the peace agreement.”

Your integrity and commitment must bring about the yet-unrealized remaining steps for the election process, “Says the Prefect for the Dicastery of Integral Human Development at the Vatican.”
Cardinal Michael believes that the full implementation of these prerequisites will be a guarantee to the population of South Sudan that never again will there be bloodshed.

“The full implementation of these prerequisites will be a guarantee to the population of South Sudan that never again will there be bloodshed, never again will South Sudanese fear insecurity in their own Country, and never again will the South Sudanese need to seek refuge in other countries due to violence.”

He appeals to the government of South Sudan not to forget that God is watching over you as a Shepherd and a Judge.

“This is your responsibility as leaders. Do not forget that God is watching over you as a Shepherd and a Judge, and do not forget to root even this work in prayer.”

He encourages the government of South Sudan to continue to cooperate with the efforts of Sant’ Egidio and other actors in inviting the groups that are resistant to participate in the process.

“For sustainable peace to be realized, it is important to include everybody in the process. I encourage you to continue to cooperate with the efforts of Sant’ Egidio and other actors in inviting the groups that are resistant to participate in the process.”

His eminence narrates that, the Holy Father called upon the leaders of this nation to ensure the delivery of basic social services, provide good governance and proper management of public resources, and end the widespread community violence.

The post Pope Envoy calls on leaders to set strategies for peaceful elections appeared first on Catholic Radio Network for South Sudan and Nuba Mountains | CRN.