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Showing posts from January, 2025

Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...

President Kiir Considers Egypt’s Bid for AU Deputy Chairperson Position

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This meeting underscores the strengthening diplomatic ties between South Sudan and Egypt, as well as their shared commitment to advancing the African Union's objectives.  President Salva Kiir's reception of Dr. Hanan Morsy's candidacy highlights South Sudan's active role in regional affairs and its support for inclusive leadership within the AU Commission. Dr. Morsy's focus on diversity, inclusivity, and global outreach aligns with the AU's vision for transformative leadership, making her candidacy significant as member states prepare for the upcoming elections in February.  The exchange of goodwill messages between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President Kiir further cements the growing cooperation between the two nations.

South Sudan Rescinds Controversial Driving License Directive Amid Calls for Reform

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In a decisive move to ensure procedural integrity and align with national and regional best practices, South Sudan’s Ministry of Interior has been ordered to rescind a controversial directive on driving license validity.  The decision came after a high-level meeting chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Interior, Hon. Mangar Buom, and the Spokesperson of the South Sudan National Police Service. The directive, issued by the Director General for Traffic Police, proposed reducing the validity of driving licenses to one year for South Sudanese nationals and six months for non-nationals. This sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, with concerns that it would impose undue burdens on citizens and expatriates while contravening established standards. A Directive in Contention The contested directive was met with significant backlash from civil society, legal experts, and the general public. ...

South Sudan to Resume Oil Production and Oil Exports On Wednesy

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South Sudan to Resume Oil Production and Exports on Wednesday South Sudan is set to restart oil production and exports on January 8, 2025, following the lifting of a force majeure declared in February 2024 due to infrastructure damage caused by conflict in Sudan.  Initial production will focus on Blocks 3 and 7, operated by Dar Petroleum Operating Company, targeting 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) within six months. Oil will be transported via Sudan's infrastructure to Port Sudan for export.  This decision was facilitated through collaboration between South Sudan's Ministry of Petroleum, Sudan's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, and international partners.  The move is expected to boost South Sudan's economy, as oil exports are a critical revenue source to the country.