Press Releases

July 2, 2010 (Malakal) — Upper Nile State announced its new government. Names of the people who have been appointed are as follows:

Ministers:

1. Peter Lam Both – Minister of Information & Broadcasting

2. Martha Nyamal Choat – Minister of Gender, Social Welfare & Religious Affairs

3. James Ruac Kun – Minister of Local Government & Law Enforcement

4. Riek Pal Rik – Minister of Legal Affairs & Constitution Development

5. Aban Makol Ajal – Minister of Labor & Public Services

6. Mujkwan Kak Ajang – Minister of Minister Education, Science & Technology

7. Ayong Awer Lual – Minister of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning

8. Kun Monylang Ding – Minister of Physical Infrastructure & Rural Development

9. Tabisa Gwang Agwok – Minister of Minister Parliamentary Affairs

10. John Thomas Reng Deng – Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport

11. Chol Chuol Arop – Minister of Agriculture & Forestry

Ann Brown, Refugees International

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2010 (Washington, D.C.) — Nearly two million Southern Sudanese living in northern Sudan are at great risk for targeted violence and statelessness in the aftermath of the planned January 2011 referendum on Southern independence, Refugees International said in a report released today.

The advocacy group calls on the United Nations, the U.S. Government and other nations to assist in the pre-referendum voluntary return of Southern Sudanese displaced in Khartoum and implement other measures to prevent violence and loss of legal rights by Southerners in the North and Northerners in the South.

“Southerners displaced in Khartoum expressed grave concern about their physical safety following the referendum. Many don’t trust Sudan’s security forces to protect them, and it is unlikely that UNMIS – the UN peacekeeping force – will be in a position to offer physical protection,” stated Jennifer Smith, Refugees International advocate and report co-author.

“The U.S. and other nations should provide transportation support for those displaced Southern Sudanese who want to return home – not only for their safety, but to lessen the potential for North-South violence in the aftermath of the referendum.” Statements by National Congress Party officials and articles in a newspaper owned by President Omar al Bashir’s uncle questioning why Southerners should stay in the North after the referendum have contributed to Southerners’ fears.

Despite safety concerns, many Southern Sudanese are achieving economic and educational success in Khartoum and worry about forced expulsion.

USSP Press Release

June 27, 2010 (SSNA) — It is indeed a matter of great concern that South Sudan is currently passing through a worrying state of insecurity. But sad still is the fact that most of the procedures taken by the GoSS or even the local authorities in addressing these serious developments have been massively sub-standard and marred by ethnic prejudices.

Now as I write this release, the whole of the Upper Nile State lives in a huge state of terror and insecurity. It must be remembered that, since the tribal confrontations that happened between the Chollo and Dinka Padang Communities during the CPA celebrations one and a half years ago has led to a terrible fall out in relationship between the communities and made worse by issues of controversial and disputable land rights. However, it was the government intervention from the GOSS, a move much marred by tribal favouritism that eventually promoted the current degree of enmity and antagonism that leaves too little room for any sensible reconciliation.

Sadly enough the situation in Malakal the capital of the Upper Nile state, has deteriorated drastically in the last few weeks following the unaccounted for killing of the Chollo Para-mount chief, Oyath Odhok.

However, the procedures taken thereafter by the GoSS ministers of Interior Brigadier Gier Chuang Aloung and his counterpart the former Minister of Legal Affairs that led the South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) to unanimously strip all the SPLM-DC’s MPs, Hon. Samuel Aban AchIen, Hon. Andrew Okony Ayom, Hon. Martha Angar Kur, and Hon. Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec from their immunities, then followed immediately by what in fact amounted to arbitrary arrests, contradicts the spirit of democracy, human rights and even the basic legal procedures.

In Malakal it was a different scenario where Hon. Mustafa (Mayak) Gai of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly, and citizens, Dr. Odol (George) a pharmacist, Ayul Liebo, Oluny Ackiek Oluny and others were kidnapped at night and taken to unknown destinations. There are reports they were badly tortured and that their tormented families could not have access to them. UNMIS Human Rights and Red Cross were not even allowed to see them.

June 8, 2010 (SSNA) — The unhealthy relationship between the leaders of the SPLM and SPLM-DC has today taken an unexpected turn. The SPLM dominated Southern Parliament has lifted immunity from four parliamentarians who are belong to the SPLM-DC. Bellow is a press statement released to the media by the SPLM-DC:

Khartoum, 5 June 2010

Distinguished Guests, Dear Comrades,

June 6, 2010 (Khartoum) — I welcome you warmly and thank you for having attended this occasion, which is dear to our hearts, that is, the first anniversary of the founding of the SPLM-DC. I welcome in a special way the distinguished guests who travelled long distances and came from all the States of Sudan to prove to the world that this is a great party and can accommodate all. We appreciate your coming and welcome you all.