President Ramaphosa met with different leaders from political parties on the implementation of the R-ARCSS, inked on September 12, 2018.

The South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. James Pitia Morgan expressed President Kiir’s deep appreciation to South Africa for its steadfast backing.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor reiterated the unwavering commitment of all parties to the peace pact, emphasizing the importance of remaining dedicated to the peace process.

Hon. Pandor said her country will closely monitor the lasting stability in South Sudan for the successful organization of transparent and credible elections scheduled for December 2024.

The election is in line with the roadmap of the extended transitional period established in August 2022.

South Africa’s President met with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and all other stakeholders, on the status of the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement.

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The new speaker in the Eastern Equatoria State transitional legislative Assembly; Charles Udwar Ukenyi takes oath of office on Monday April 8th 2024 in Torit.

The Eastern Equatoria State speaker of the Transitional Legislative Assembly is second speaker after Severino Maira Janus who was appointed after the 2018 Revitalize Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic South Sudan.

The new speaker; Charles Udwar Ukenyi in his inaugural speech pledges to uphold the principles of open dialogue and inclusivity.

He urges legislators to contribute respectively to the legislative process of the parliament.

“As your speaker I pledge to uphold the principles of open dialogue and inclusivity, this assembly is the platform for the diverse voices to be heard representing the rich tough history of our communities. My commitment is to ensure that every member has the opportunity to contribute respectively to the legislative process of the parliament

The Eastern Equatoria State governor Louis Lobong Lojore directs the parliament to collaborates with the executives in order to mobilize resources locally.

“For the new speaker I welcome you and congratulates your party for choosing you to lead this time the issue of the challenges which have been mentioned by the deputy speaker which also the many people may attributed to the former speaker is not the problem of Eastern Equatoria or of the speaker or the governor it is the general problem of the whole country, delay in salaries, the issue of emolument is not within our capacity, the emolument of the constitutional post holders lies on the responsibility of the national government and it is the president is to ascent into law, I would like the parliament to work in hand with the executives on how we can  mobilize resources locally,” he says.

The Deputy Speaker Betty Hope Awor advises the new speaker to prioritise transparency and accountability given meagre resources and the economic hardship that the country faces.

She added that the state legislative assembly has a lot of challenges like delay of salary delay, emolument act and lack of electric power.

“Given our meagre resources and the economic hardship that South Sudan is facing as a nation it is imperative for us leaders to be transparent to our own people, accountability and transparency is very vital because the reason we are suspicious of one another, then reason we are hearing a lot of rumours circulating on social media is because there is no transparency. We have got a lot of challenges in the parliament and one of them is the delay in the opening of the parliament, because of the renovation that is taking place, we have missed a lot of deliberations, we did not pass the budget of 2023-2024, we do not have the emolument act in place, we have a lot of challenges similar to the salary delay, the emolument act and lack of electric power in the assembly,” she said.

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According to reports, President Kiir is expected to hold talks with his Angolan counterpart President João Manuel Lourenço on issues facing the Great Lakes Region.

This came as part of President Kiir’s regional peace tour in his capacity as the Chairman of the East African Community to discuss with the regional leaders how to calm escalating tensions within the region.

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The leaders of political parties in South Sudan who want to register with the Political Parties Council (PPC) have rejected the fifty thousand United States dollars provisional fee charge to acquire the license of operation by the leadership of the PPC in South Sudan.

In a joint press statement on Monday, March 25, 2024, the political party leaders including Lam Akol Ajawin from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) said the  fee of 50,000 US dollars has no justification whatsoever.

The official termed the charges exorbitant, as “an indirect contradiction to the principles of democracy and fair political participation in the forthcoming election in December 2024.”

According to the coalition, the political parties in South Sudan were paying 20,000 SSP for registration before the introduction of these new charges.

The leaders of political parties promised to stand firm to their rejection over  what they see as, “unjust and unreasonable fee” and also call for the immediate publication of the regulations demanded by the Political Parties Act after validation by the political parties.

The political parties’ leaders quote; Article 7 (7) of the Political Parties Act 2012 (amended 2022) which stipulates that: The Council shall conduct open registration of political parties by regulations issued herein.

Also, Article 8 (3) of the same Act states that a political party registered under this Act shall pay in respect of the registration such fees, which shall not be refundable, as the Council may by regulations determine.

The leader of the opposition called on the PPC to reconsider its decision and revert the fee charge to its original amount of SSP 20,000.

“This was the official registration fee before the appointment of the new leadership. We urge you to prioritize the advancement of democracy and the promotion of a diverse and inclusive political landscape in South Sudan.”

“We look forward to your prompt response and a resolution that reflects the best interests of the people of South Sudan.”

They urge the government to prioritize the advancement of democracy and the Promotion of diversity, the political leaders call on the PPC to reconsider this decision and revert the fee to its earlier amount of SSP 20,000.

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The New Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan has on 20th March presented his credentials to the President of the Republic Salvia Kiir Mayardit.

Ambassador Toshio ODAGIRI in his remarks which were also shared with Radio Bakhita urged the people of South Sudan and its leaders to unite to ‘bring peace and prosperity to the country’.

Regarding the upcoming national election, Toshio said Japan through its election management experts will support the aspiration of South Sudanese to conduct a peaceful election in December.

The diplomatic relationship between Japan and South Sudan started way back in 2011 The diplomatic link has enjoyed a true partnership in infrastructure development.

The Japanese government through its agency Japan International Cooperation (JICA) has implemented several developmental projects in South Sudan since independence.

The past projects completed by JICA include; the Freedom Bridge, the Juba Water Treatment Plant, and recently the commissioning of Albino Bridge among other ongoing projects.

The new Japanese Ambassador stressed that every Japanese project aims to establish self-reliant development in South Sudan.

The new Ambassador pledges to support South Sudan’s effort in nation-building and ensure the relationship between Japan and South Sudan continues to grow.

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Andreas Kravik says the government of Norway is committed to supporting the journey from transition to democratic governance, it is concerned about the remaining period to conduct fair, free, and credible elections.

Mr. Kravik underscored the need for progress on some key aspects fundamental to the Peace Agreement and the election processes.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also underlined the importance of creating a civic and political space in the country to have a peaceful election

The Norwegian envoy encourages leaders in the country to rise to the occasion and act with determination and credibility to ensure a prosperous and free South Sudan based on democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

The Norwegian Deputy Prime Minister concluded his two-day official visit to South Sudan on Wednesday as the country is preparing to conduct an election in December this year.

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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.”

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The Civil society network in Eastern Equatoria State has accused  the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Torit Field Office for lack of coordination and working relationship

The State Coordinator for Civil Society in Eastern Equatoria State Charles Onen Lokwaruk stated that UNMISS activities are causing division and conflict within the civil society network in the state

He says despite numerous attempts to settle the matter, nothing materialized 

Onen blames UNMISS for working with politicians to influence decisions of civil society in the state  

“our working relationship with UNMISS Torit Field Office is not smooth we as civil society since 2022 we have tryied to address this matter so that we have smooth working relationship but it has not worked.”

Charles Onen also accuses the office of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission for also partly causing confusion and division in civil society leadership

He says that UNMISS together with RRC office are working parallel with the administration of Civil Society 

“we want also to categorically mention that the office of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission of Eastern Equatoria State is partly playing a very critical role in causing confusion, conflicts and dividing Civil Society together with UNMISS in Eastern Equatoria State and for this matter, we have been participating in attending meetings with Special Representative of the Secretary General Mr. Haysom and there was no problem but from the fourth coming to the fifth meeting with special representative of the UN Secretary in this country we have seen things change, the UNMISS together with Relief and Rehabilitation Commission have hijack the leadership role of civil society and continue to work parallel with rightful administration of the civil Society network of Eastern Equatoria”

The state coordinator for civil society says they are not going to participate in any activities of UNMISS until the issue is addressed

we in civil society we are not going to participate in any activities of UNMISS until the matter is addressed, we are not going to participate in the coming meeting with Special Representative which is slated on 6th of March 2024 because UNMISS has decided to work with sections of civil society out of leadership of civil society network of Eastern Equatoria.”

“Stated around August last year they do not come to our office they now decided to work with the chairman of State Relief and rehabilitation, he is the cause of the problem, they have isolated themselves and working with former chairperson of civil society who is already out of office and I have evidence of a number of time they have interacted in term of written document”

The speaker made the remarks to the press on Friday 

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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.

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Honorable John Agany who is also the spokesperson of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly says a supplementary budget is needed by the government for the activities of the elections.

“First on our agenda is the supplementary budget, because the supplementary budget is needed by the government for the installation of institutions of the election including the electoral commission, and they were not budgeted for so defiantly, the priority now is to pass the supplementary budget and the remaining bills that we have.”

Agany narrates that the election is compulsory as it’s mandated by the peace agreement and there is no way to bypass the elections.

“We are educated to believe that elections are compulsory because it’s something that was called by the peace agreement, you also know that the road map was a call by the peace agreement. So there is nowhere that we can do it.”

He adds that the life spent by the government will be blown out if they don’t quicken the process of making elections.

The spokesperson says the National parliament has passed the necessary laws that are needed for elections, and accepts the regulatory processes which are to be done regarding institutions.

The laws that are required for elections include the Political Parties Act and the Election Act among others.

“As far as the legislation is concerned elections, we have passed the necessary laws that are needed for elections. So in this regard, we are fully aware that there’s no law regarding the election that we have not passed.’

“You know that we have passed the Political Parties Act, the Election Act has already been passed, what remains are the regulatory processes which are to be done regarding institutions.”

It’s not enough to have a law to have an Act, but we should also have internal regulations, the electoral commission must have guidelines for parties to follow, “ said John Agany.”

He adds people must go for elections this time whether they are quick enough or not, they must go for elections.

The Chairperson of the standing specialized committee for information did not mention when the parliament will start their first season of sitting.

Since the members of the National Parliament went for recess last year 2023, they are yet to resume the sittings.

The Chairperson of the standing specialized committee for information spoke to the media on Wednesday at his office in Juba.

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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.

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This came during the East Africa Regional Bloc IGAD’s summit in Kampala where the leader of Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Daglo attended while his rival Gen. Abdel Fattah al Burhan turned down the invitation.

President Kiir engaged the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Daglo in a sideline meeting while in Uganda and expressed the need for peaceful dialogue between the warring parties in Sudan.

He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties in the neighboring Sudan. Mr. Kiir tasked Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto to lead the IGAD mediation on the conflict in Sudan but the leader of the Sudan Army Force refused any talk mediated by IGAD.

President Kiir also participated in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Kampala, Uganda.

The 19th NAM summit organized under the theme; “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”, started on Friday through to Saturday and was chaired by Ugandan President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Presidential Affairs Minister Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro briefed the media on key points from the communique issued following the IGAD summit, emphasizing the need to respect territorial borders about the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia

He said the meeting also addressed the need to open humanitarian corridors.

President Kiir held several separate meetings including bilateral talks with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday, to discuss bilateral ties, as well as regional and global issues of common interest for the people of both Uganda and South Sudan.

The president returned to Juba  on Sunday with his accompanying delegation.

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South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit traveled to Kampala this morning to attend the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the Ugandan capital.

NAM is the second biggest global organization after the United Nations which was founded in 1961.

The Presidential spokesperson, Hon. Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, said President Kiir will also attend the IGAD Heads of States meeting to discuss political issues facing the Horn of Africa.

Ms. Lily further revealed that the President will also participate in the G77 plus China Summit, which aims at boosting cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and digital economy.

The Non-Aligned Movement is a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

It was founded with the view to advancing the interests of developing countries in the context of Cold War confrontation.

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The top diplomats met President Salva Kiir Mayardit to see the country’s preparedness to conduct democratic elections which is expected in December this year.

The President met the leaders in a separate meeting on Tuesday 16th January 2024 in Juba.

According to reports from Kiir’s office, the head of state reassured the UN Head of Mission in South Sudan, of the Government’s commitment to fully implement the Agreement and prepare the country for the conduct of democratic elections set for December this year.

It also reported that Cabinet Affairs Minister, Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro, reaffirmed that the Government will deliver transparent, free, and inclusive elections to the people of South Sudan.

Elia Lomoro reiterated that South Sudan is capable and ready to hold the general elections on time.

The UN top official said that the UN is ready to support South Sudan’s transition to democratic elections.

Meanwhile the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Dr. Annette Weber, in a separate meeting with the President, called on the parties to the Agreement to work together.

The EU representative said their support is to maintain peace, protect human rights, and prepare a conducive environment for inclusive general elections at the end of the transitional period. 

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The EAC Chair made this statement during the meeting with the Secretary General of the East Africa Community on the status of integration on Monday in Juba.

During the meeting with the secretary general, the chairperson of the summit of the EAC head of State, and the president of the Republic of South Sudan H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit identifies several interventions that will be activated towards inter-state relations. 

In a statement seen by Catholic Radio Network, the EAC Chairperson Salva Kiir noted with concern the interstate political and security dynamics in the region that require urgent intervention. 

President Salva Kiir reiterated the need for not only East Africans, but all Africans to embrace the spirit of brotherhood where omnipresent conflict arises by utilizing the Regional, Continental, and Global Peaceful Conflict Resolution Mechanisms available.    

President Salva Kiir reiterated his commitment to strengthening the East African Community during his tenure as the chairperson.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General briefed the Chair on several issues critical to the progress of the Community in the calendar year 2024 and interventions on strengthening EAC inter-state relations. 

He states the deliberations focused on setting targets on deliverables under the leadership of President Salva Kiir, anchored on the need to foster a predictable and stable security environment that can catalyze the regional integration agenda.

Dr. Mathuki also updates President Salva Kiir on the Secretariat’s readiness to fast-track the integration of the Federal Republic of Somalia once the nation deposits the instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General.

Dr. Mathuki congratulated President Salva Kiir on assuming the chairmanship of the Community and assured him of his unwavering support in the discharge of his mandate.

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