South Sudan: Catholic Diocese of Yei launches 5-yr plan under theme “Let Down Your Nets for a Catch”

From Radio Tamazuj
Dated Friday, 15 December 2023 - here is a copy in full:

Catholic Diocese of Yei launches five-year strategic plan

Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo, Bishop of South Sudan's Yei Diocese. (Courtesy Photo) 

(JUBA CITY) - The Catholic Diocese of Yei in Central Equatoria State on Thursday launched its five-year strategic plan that will guide the operations of the church.

The 2024-2028 plan was launched under the theme “Let Down Your Nets for a Catch” and will focus on evangelism, social development, financial systems, monitoring, and evaluation.

The document will also guide the activities of all the parishes in the diocese as well as enhance the Church’s mission of providing for the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Speaking during the launch in Juba on Thursday, Rt. Rev. Alex Lodiong Sakor, the Bishop of Yei Diocese, called on all stakeholders to own the document for easy implementation.

“This is a great event, a great event of faith first of all but a great event also for integrated development of the church as you have seen described in the strategic development. As we started today here in Juba, it is going to all our communities. We are not just launching a document; we are launching our commitment to make sure that what we have learned is realized,” declared Bishop Lodiong. “And I want to assure you from the very beginning when we were starting this process, I have been always optimistic and I am quite sure this strategy will succeed. I have said several times that the Diocese of Yei and many other places have been destroyed by bad will but goodwill will prevail.”

For her part, Jenifer Yobu, a parliamentarian and advisor on human rights in Central Equatoria State, hailed the church for reaching out to the people of God, saying it has boosted the spiritual morale of the people.

“The state government would like you to continue your pastoral work by reaching the people and by doing that you have raised the morale of the people spiritually,” she said. “As Christians, we also need to be filled by the word of God even if there is a struggle but with your presence in those areas, you have encouraged the people.”

View original: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/catholic-diocese-of-yei-launches-five-year-strategic-plan

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South Sudan: Anglican Communion Sec-Gen Bishop Anthony Poggo calls for peace, free and fair elections

THE Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Bishop Anthony Poggo is visiting South Sudan with a delegation of church leaders from England on Monday. Read more in the following report.

 

From Radio Tamazuj - radiotamazuj.org/en
Dated Wednesday, 22 November 2023 - here is a copy in full:

Anglican Communion Secretary General calls for peace, free and fair elections

Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Bishop Anthony Poggo. (Photo: Radio Tamazuj)

(Juba City - 22 Nov 2023) - The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion who is visiting South Sudan with a delegation of church leaders from England on Monday reiterated the Canterbury’s commitment towards consolidating sustainable peace and reconciliation to fast-track the realization of free, fair, and credible elections next year.

Speaking to the press, Bishop Anthony Poggo, said he paid a courtesy call to Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil to brief him about his visit and to discuss the impact of the joint visit of Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields.

“It is a courtesy call to brief him on our visit to the country. We discussed the impact the joint visit of the Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland had on the country,” he stated. “We also wanted to hear from him how things are, the state of affairs in his state, and also the preparations for elections,” he stated “This is an important step because we want to continue to support this country in prayer.”

“The Anglican Communion continues to follow what is happening in South Sudan as our desire is for peace to prevail but also for peaceful, fair elections to happen in this country,” Bishop Poggo added.

For his part, Derick Derickson, the spokesperson in the office of the Governor of Central Equatoria State, said Governor Adil appreciated the role the vital and tireless role the Anglican Communion plays in making sure there is sustainable peace in South Sudan.

‘’The governor commended the tremendous role that the Anglican Communion and church organizations are playing in the country as per propagating messages for peace and unity and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work together with the religious leaders for the development of the country,” he said.  About the fourth coming elections, the governor also reiterated the need for the religious leaders to continue supporting the government in its preparatory efforts.”

Bishop Poggo who traveled from Canterbury in the United Kingdom was accompanied by key members of the Anglican Communion ahead of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) House of Bishops meeting expected to start later this week.

 

View original: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/anglican-communion-secretary-general-calls-for-peace-free-and-fair-elections

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South Sudan army, NAS rebels clash near Juba

THE National Salvation Front (NAS), formed by ex-general Thomas Cirillo Swaka in 2017 who called for the toppling of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir’s government, said it had come under attack last Tuesday. 

NAS refused to sign a peace deal signed in September last year. While peace has largely held across the country, fighting has continued between government troops and the NAS in the Central Equatoria region, particularly around the city of Yei. 

A UNMISS report identified government forces, fighters allied to Riek Machar, Mr Kiir's former deputy who was sacked by Mr Kiir in 2013 [https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/] and rebel groups who did not sign the peace agreement, as responsible for atrocities in their quest to take territory in Central Equatoria. Full story below.

Article by AFP

Date: 24 July 2019

South Sudan army, rebels clash near Juba

Efforts to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan were dealt a blow on Tuesday when fighting broke out between government forces and militants near the country’s capital, Juba.

Security was stepped up in Juba, according to an AFP correspondent, as the clashes broke out 50 miles (100 kilometres) away in Lobonok, the first such fighting since the signing of the peace deal in September.

The National Salvation Front (NAS), formed by ex-general Thomas Cirillo Swaka in 2017 who called for the toppling of President Salva Kiir’s government, said it had come under attack on Tuesday morning.

NAS refused to sign a peace deal signed in September last year.

In a statement the NAS said it had killed eight “enemy soldiers”, which could not be independently confirmed.

“NAS command at Lobonok is expecting more attacks,” said the statement.

Lobonok is near Cirillo’s home town and has long been a stronghold for the rebel group.

The last fighting in the area took place in June 2018.

“Since morning we didn’t access our commanders on ground [in Lobonok] and we have no latest information there,” Lul Ruai Koang, South Sudan’s military spokesman told AFP.

However soldiers were deployed in Juba, carrying out more security checks than usual, said AFP’s correspondent.

Pursuit of peace

South Sudan’s government in September reached a peace deal with the main opposition unit of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement but the NAS rejected the deal.

While peace has largely held across the country, fighting has continued between government troops and the NAS in the Central Equatoria region, particularly around the city of Yei.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said earlier this month that civilians had been “deliberately and brutally targeted” in Central Equatoria since the agreement was inked in September.

At least 104 people had been killed in attacks on villages in the southern region, it said.

A roughly similar number of women and girls were raped or suffered other sexual violence between September and April, UNMISS said in its latest human rights report.

South Sudan descended into war in 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy and fellow former rebel leader Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

The conflict has been marked by ethnic violence and brutal atrocities, and left about 380,000 dead while some four million have fled their homes.

The report identified government forces, fighters allied to Machar and rebel groups who did not sign the peace agreement, as responsible for atrocities in their quest to take territory in Central Equatoria.

Under the peace deal, Kiir agreed to set up a unity government with Machar, who is to return from exile.

But this new government, initially scheduled to take office on May 12, was postponed for six months.

SOURCE: https://www.africanews.com/2019/07/24/south-sudan-army-rebels-clash-near-juba/

Sudan's presidents Bashir & Kiir re-elected - A lot of intimidation during the elections, especially in the south

Al-Bashir and Salva Kiir Reelected
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 26 April 2010:

(Khartoum) - Omar Hassan al-Bashir has been re-elected as President of the Republic of the Sudan.

The NEC chairman, Abel Alier, announced the results at a press conference at the Friendship Palace in Khartoum on Monday.

[Abel Alier]: “According to the result of the general elections, the winner for the post of the President of Sudan is the National Congress Party candidate, Omar Al-Bashir. He won with 6, 901, 694 votes. This is equivalent to 68.24 percent of the total votes cast. The total number of votes cast was 10,114,310 votes.”

Abel Alier also announced that Salva Kiir Mayardit was reelected as President of the Government of Southern Sudan.

[Abel Alier]: “The winner for the post of President of the Government of Southern Sudan is Salva Kiir Mayardit; he obtained 2,616,613 votes. This amounts to 92.99 percent of votes. His counterpart, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, received 197, 217 votes, or 7 percent of the total votes.”

The results for the governorships of six southern states were announced by the head of the NEC technical department, Alhadi Mohammed Ahmed.

[Alhadi Mohammed Ahmed]: “The winner for the governorship of Jonglei state is Kuol Manyang Juuk. For Central Equatoria state, Clement Wani Kong’a. For Eastern Equatoria, Luis Lobong Lojore. For Western Equatoria, Joseph Mario Bakosoro. In Upper Nile state it is Simon Kun and in Lakes state, Chol Tong Mayay was elected.”

Alhadi Mohammed Ahmed was announcing the results in Khartoum on Monday.

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Presidents Bashir and Kiir will form a coalition government

From FT.com Monday, 26 April 2010:

Mr Bashir and Mr Kiir will form a coalition government. Some senior regime officials have said the ruling National Congress party would also be willing to include other opposition groups, including those that boycotted the polls, in order to defuse tensions and build consensus in the precarious months ahead of the southern referendum.

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SPLM candidate Yasir Arman came second

From Sudan Tribune Monday, 26 April 2010:

The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) presidential candidate was declared winner with a 68.2% of the vote, the state electoral commission said on Monday.

The SPLM candidate Yasir Arman came second with 21.7%.

In the South SPLM chairman Salva Kiir got 93% of the votes. His challenger Lam Akol 7%.

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From VOA Monday, 26 April 2010:

Yasir Arman, the northern secular Muslim slated by the southern-based Sudan People's Liberation Movement to challenge Mr Bashir, came in second with 22 percent, most of which came from the southern states.

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Bashir says referendum in south Sudan will take place on schedule

From BBC 26 April 2010:

Speaking in a televised address after the poll result was announced, Mr Bashir said: "The referendum in south Sudan will take place on schedule."

He described his election win as a victory for "all Sudanese", and played down criticism of the poll, praising "the civilised and respectful conduct during these elections, which saw no clashes or friction".

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South Sudan: Some election results are still expected

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 26 April 2010:

(Juba) – The Southern Sudan High Election Committee had confirmed the results for the governorships in the other four states in southern Sudan earlier in the day.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Monday, the leader of SSHEC, Anthony Ariki, made this announcement:

[Anthony Ariki]: “We have already received the results for four states governors: that is the governor of Unity State, Taban Deng Gai, the governor of Warrap State, Nyandeng Malek and the governor of Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, Paul Malong Awan and the one announced yesterday, the governor of Western Bahr el-Ghazal state, Rizik Zakariah. So far, out of the ten governors of the states four results have been announced and six are still expected.”

Ariki also said the results for elections to the national assembly in two states have also been announced:

[Anthony Ariki]: “In Warrap state, six geographical constituencies for the national assembly were declared together with twenty state assembly constituencies. In Central Equatoria state, seven constituencies have been declared and more are expected.”

Ariki called on citizens to remain calm and to wait for the announcement of the final results.

Meanwhile, there is heavy deployment of policemen and security personnel all over Juba to deter any outbreak of violence following the announcement of the results.

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South Sudan: Unity State - Angelina Teny v Taban Deng

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 26 April 2010:

(Khartoum) – The independent candidate for the governorship of Unity state, Angelina Teny, says she vehemently rejects the results of the elections in Unity state.

A media spokesman for Angelina Teny, Yohanis Musa Pouk, addressed a press conference in Khartoum on Saturday.

[Yohanis Musa Pouk]: “At around 4 o’clock [on Friday] Taban declared on the state’s local radio station that he was the winner. The announcement was not made through the National Elections Commission but through one of the radio announcers. He declared that Taban won the elections and said that was the announcement coming from the NEC. Following that announcement, our people went to the street collectively and spontaneously in a non-violent manner because nobody told the people of Unity state that there was going to be any announcement of the results. They went out spontaneously and found themselves together going to the radio station to inquire about the source of the news. They were surprised by soldiers from Sudan People’s Liberation Army who fired live bullets randomly at the moving crowd and instantly two people were shot dead. One is called Choul Ruai from Koch county and the other is called Gadwich. We were not able to get his second name. Four people were hospitalized and there were other people who sustained minor injuries.”

Pouk said the people of Unity state will never accept Taban Deng as a governor.

[Yohanis Musa Pouk]: “We are seeing that it is impossible as we are going towards the year 2011 that Taban will be the governor of Unity state. Nobody in Unity state has this in mind and nobody will accept it, but this issue will not end in one day. No citizen would be able to vote for Taban. Those who voted for him are those working in the government: ministers, wives of the ministers and those in the assembly who are with him, in addition to the votes that were rigged. No ordinary citizen will ever accept that Taban should continue in power. This is not the end of it; let’s not think that this is the end of everything and that the results have been announced, no. we don’t believe in these results because they are neither “free nor fair” and we are waiting for what will come from Juba - not from Bentiu.”

Pouk claimed that according to the statistics he had received from various constituencies, Angelina Teny won 68,000 votes while Taban Deng won 44,000 votes.

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South Sudan: NEC says Malik Agar Eyre wins the gubernatorial seat in Blue Nile state

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Friday, 23 April 2010:

(Khartoum) – The NEC has announced Malik Agar as the winner of the gubernatorial seat in Blue Nile state.

The chairperson of the NEC technical committee, Al-Hadi Mohamed Ahmed, announced Agar’s victory in Khartoum on Thursday.

[Al-Hadi Mohamed]: “We will start announcing the results of the winners in the gubernatorial elections, in Blue Nile state, the winner is Malik Agar Eyre, the political affiliation is the SPLM. The number of votes he got is 108.119, followed by the NCP candidate Farah Ibrahim Mohamed Agar who got 99,419 votes.”

NCP had earlier announced that their candidate Farah Agar was the winner in the state.

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National Election Commission Announces NCP Wining of (6) State Electoral Constituencies in North Kordofan State
From www.sudan.gov Wednesday, 21 April 2010 17:18:

The NEC has announced this afternoon 20/4/2010 in a meeting chaired by NEC, / Chairperson Mr Abel Alier in and in the presence of a number of NEC members, the results of six of State Constituencies in North Kordofan State.

General Police Mr. Al-Hadi Mohammed Ahmed-, Chairperson of the Technical Committee of Elections, said in a press conference held by the NEC today at the center of results announcement at the Friendship Hall in Khartoum in the presence of a large number of representatives of the local & international media local along with international observers , that the NEC accredited the wining of the National Congress Party’s candidates in (6) of the State constituencies as follows:-

No (1) East Al-Obeyed.
No. (5) Al-Obeyed East of railway line .
No. (5) Suburbs of Al-Obeyed.
No. (7) Abu Haraz.
No. (13) Tayba.
No. (14) The state constituency Um-Kireidim and Al-Mazroub.

General. Al-Hadi further announced the wining of the National Congress Party’s candidates in the following constituencies:-

Suleiman Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed, Constituency No (1) East Al-Obeyed.
Mr. Al-Siddiq Abdul-Gadir Ali, Constituency No. (4) Abu Haraz.
Mr. Ezeirig Mohammed Ezeirig Constituency No. (5) Al-Obeyed Eastern railway.
Ahmed Mohmed Saleh, Constituency No. (5) Al-Obeyed. Suburbs
Al-Hassan Abdullah Al-Haj Omara, Constituency No. (13) Tayba.
Abdul Shafi Habib Habiballa Othman., Constituency No. (14) Um-Kiradim and Al-Mazroub.

Last Updated on Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:55

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A lot of intimidation during the elections, especially in the south

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Thursday, 22 April 2010:

(Khartoum) – The UK-based Centre for Foreign Policy Analysis or CFPA, says the domination of the two ruling parties in the north and south was an obstacle for a free and fair elections in the country.

The CFPA director, Prof. Paul Moorcraft, addressed a press conference at the Friendship Palace in Khartoum on Wednesday.

[Prof. Paul Moorcraft]: “The dominance of the two incumbent parties in the north and south presented obstacles to a “free and fair” election and they were serious impediments in the election, especially in southern Sudan. The two ruling parties’ interference in the media throughout the country was also observed. Nevertheless, the overwhelming countrywide commitment to voting, the infectious enthusiasm and the generally disciplined desire of the citizenry to participate are appreciated and applauded. After the continuous disaffection of war since 1955, the fact that a national election was held in Africa’s largest country, with few traditions of democratic contests, widespread illiteracy and poor infrastructures, especially in the south, is to be commended.”

Prof. Moorcraft disclosed that there was a lot of intimidation during the elections, especially in the south.

[Prof. Paul Moorcraft]: “We did see quite a large amount of intimidation. We have recorded intimidation by the SPLM. Lam Akol was ringing me up for example on a number of occasions saying what was happening to him. But I’m also talking about issues in the north, but mostly all of the intimidation we saw was in the south, largely by the SPLA but not exclusively. So we had a lot of evidence of that and sometimes with direct observation and obviously when politicians ring me up we go and try to check it on the ground which we tried to do. So yes, there was intimidation.”

Professor Paul Moorcraft, the head of CFPA observer mission to Sudan was addressing reporters in Khartoum.

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More news from SRS:

19-Apr-2010

• AU Gives Sudan Elections Free and Fair Imprimatur
• Civil Society Groups Criticize NEC

18-Apr-2010

• NCP Reiterates Coalition Offer
• PCP Refuses to Recognize Election Results
• Arab League Satisfied With Election Process
• Yambio Compiles Results

17-Apr-2010

• EU Observers Declare Elections Did Not Meet International Standards
• NCP Rejects EU Observer Statement
• Carter Center Critical of Elections Procedures
• No Security Problems in Darfur During Voting Says HEC
• Counting Delayed in Unity State As Pay Dispute Continues
• NEC Announces Election Re-run in 17 Constituencies
• SHEC Staff in Juba Refuse to Begin Count Until Salaries Arrive
• Failure to Pay Arrears Delays Count in Unity
• Musician Attacked in Juba

N Central Sudan: Some bus drivers in Jebel Aulia earn 100 pounds a day & free fuel during elections

Transport Business in Jebel Aulia Booms Thanks to Elections
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

14 April 2010 - (Jebel Aulia) – Bus drivers in Jebel Aulia say business is booming as they transport voters to the polling stations.

SRS spoke to some drivers at polling stations at an IDP camp in Jebel Aulia on Tuesday.

Al-Haj Ramadan Ismail, a minibus driver, explains how business has improved over the last few days.

[Al-Haj Ramadan]: “I transport voters to the polling stations so that they come to cast their votes and go back home, I bring them from home and return them home this is how I am working with them and the work is good, business is good now and elections are going on well, no fear, nothing. Thanks be to God especially working with the NCP. Truly, the work is good. Yes, truly the work is good, not bad. During the elections, I earn 100 pounds a day, it is good; they give me a hundred pounds and give me fuel free. Thanks be to God, it is good.”

Osman Al-Amin, another bus driver, also says business that business has improved since voting began.

[Osman Al-Amin]: “The work is going well. There are managers and monitors in the bus and there are also delegates to dispatch people and bring them and they explain the voting process to the voters, how to cast their votes. Those who don’t know and have no idea at all come and ask what they are supposed to. I transport them from one place to another, and to their residences where they come from. They gather in one place for example at the head office of the popular committee in their area, in the mosque or church they gather there and I come and transport them to polling stations. Of course the management of the area informs them of the electoral process, and then they gather in one place. I come and transport them. Of course, political parties organize them, whether it's the NCP or the Popular Congress Party. I am just working. I have no problem with this party or with that party."

Those were two bus drivers who spoke to SRS at Jebel Aulia IDP camp.

More News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

14-Apr-2010

• Missing Names and Shortage of Voting Papers Create Confusion in Wau
• Election Officials' Strike Ends in Bentiu
• SPLM Accuses NEC Staff of Negligence
• DUP Threatens Boycott Over Irregularities
• Jebel Aulia IDPs Abstain from Vote
• High Turnouts and Missing Names in Kaya
• Juba Prisoners Vote For a Brighter Future
• SUNDE Claims Harassment at Juba Polling Stations By Security Forces

13-Apr-2010

• NEC Extends Voting Period Until 15 April
• Low Turnouts and Voter Confusion After Withdrawals in Darfur
• Ballot Paper Shortages in Central Equatoria
• Low Turnouts and Voter Errors in Gazira State
• Poor Roads Hinder Voter Material Delivery in Eastern Equatoria
• Mixed Reports of Voting Progress in Malakal
• Malwal Claims SPLA Soldiers Intimidate Voters in Warrap
• Disabled Given Priority in Gadaref Polling Center
• Polling Stations Empty in Yambio
• Big Turnout But Elderly and Disabled Face Problems in Unity State
• Ballot Boxes and Women's List Missing in Mundri
• Dry Weather Affects Voter Turnout in Unity State

Charles Haskins
News Programming Advisor
Sudan Radio Service (SRS)
a project of Education Development Center
T: +254 715 05 2924 or +254 (20) 387 0906
F: +254 (20) 387 6520

Listen to SRS on the radio or on the web at www.sudanradio.org
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Jabal Awliya
Jabal Awliya (jäb'äl ou"lē-ä') [key]or Jebel Aulia (jeb'ul' ou'lēu) [key], village, N central Sudan. Nearby is a large dam (completed 1937) that is used to control the flow of the Nile to aid the Aswan Dam in storing water for summer cultivation in parts of Egypt.



Photo: Jebel Aulia dam after floods (Alun McDonald)