Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

-
Image
‎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...
Post a Comment

Betrayed by Their Own Government: Western Bahr el-Ghazal MPs Suffer in Silence

-


‎

Western Bahr El Ghazal State Assembly. 

‎At least 40 lawmakers in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State are reportedly bedridden without proper medical care due to the state government's failure to pay their medical allowances since they took office in 2020, according to a legislative spokesperson. 

‎

‎Joseph Mawut Athian, spokesperson for the Western Bahr el-Ghazal Transitional Legislative Assembly, told the media that the sick legislators lack even travel funds to seek treatment in Juba. 

‎

‎“We have about 40 MPs who are sick and without even the tickets for travel to Juba,” Athian said. 

‎

‎He accused executive members of using state funds for flights abroad both for medical treatment and personal trips while lawmakers struggle without basic resources. 

‎

‎“We are seeing some officials within the executive flying to Juba, Kenya and elsewhere, yet even our speaker has no car to travel to the Lokoloko neighborhood within Wau,” he said. 

‎

‎Athian said the assembly has repeatedly appealed to successive governors, from former Gov. Sarah Cleto to current Gov. Emmanuel Primo Okello, but received no response. 

‎

‎“The leadership of the State Legislative Assembly has written many documents concerning the recess and the medical allowances, but no response has been forthcoming,” he said. 

‎

‎Some legislators in Juba are reportedly selling personal assets to cover medical expenses, he added. 

‎

‎One lawmaker, Peter Andel, said he received no state support after breaking his leg in a recent road accident. 

‎

‎“Since the accident occurred outside the town, I was taken to Wau. I later went to Juba on my own,” Andel said. 

‎

‎His treatment cost $5,700, he said, and he stayed in the home of Kornelo Kon Ngu, a member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, for accommodation. 

‎

‎“I wrote a letter to the governor’s office, and up to now, there is no response,” Andel said. 

‎

‎Stephen Robo Musa, Western Bahr el-Ghazal coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), called the situation “unfortunate.” 

‎

‎“Such discrimination is due to the weakness of the legislature in presenting the rights of civil servants,” Musa said. “The executive is taking advantage of being in control of the cash and prioritizing themselves over the legislators.” 

‎

‎The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches in Western Bahr el-Ghazal, highlighting concerns over governance and equitable resource allocation. 

‎

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

South Sudanese Lawyer Urges Authorities to Crack Down on Nightclubs Admitting Minors/Underage Girls in Juba

-
Image
‎A South Sudanese lawyer has called on the South Sudan National Police Service and the Juba City Council to summon owners and managers of hotels and nightclubs in Juba over reports that underage children are being allowed into entertainment venues. ‎ ‎The lawyer said the increasing presence of minors in bars, hotels, and nightclubs is worrying and requires immediate intervention from the authorities.  ‎ ‎The lawyer argued that such places are not suitable for children and could expose them to harmful influences. ‎ ‎The lawyer further urged law enforcement agencies and city officials to investigate the matter and ensure that businesses operating entertainment venues comply with the law.  ‎ According to the lawyer, owners who fail to prevent underage entry should be held accountable. ‎ ‎The appeal follows growing concerns from members of the public about children being seen in some nightlife spots across the capital.  ‎ The lawyer stressed that protecting young people shoul...
Read more

SSPDF and Agwelek Forces Capture New Fangak in Jonglei State ‎

-
Image
‎ SSPDF Soldier  ‎Government troops from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), backed by the Agwelek militia, have taken control of New Fangak (Phom) in Fangak County, Jonglei State, following a coordinated military offensive against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White Army. ‎ ‎Major General Paromi Angui, the SSPDF operations commander and deputy commander of Agwelek forces, confirmed the capture, stating that the operation began on May 12 and resulted in the seizure of both New Fangak town and the Alel area to its south. ‎ ‎According to Gen. Paromi, government forces suffered minimal losses, with one soldier killed and a few others wounded.  ‎ ‎He claimed that the opposition suffered heavier casualties and reported the capture of two SPLA-IO fighters. He also noted that air power and river barges supported the operation. ‎ ‎Eyewitnesses and reports from the ground indicated that several houses were seen burning i...
Read more

South Sudan Ministry Of Health Urges Bor Fish Traders to Suspend Trade with DR Congo Over Ebola Fears

-
Image
‎ ‎South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has called on fish traders in Bor, Jonglei State, to temporarily halt trade activities with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities step up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola into the country. ‎ ‎Speaking during Radio Miraya’s Nationwide programme on Thursday, a senior health official, Dr. Kidiende Chong, warned that continued cross-border trade with eastern Congo could increase the risk of the deadly virus entering South Sudan. ‎ ‎According to the ministry, traders from Bor regularly export dried fish to Ituri Province in eastern DRC, which has been identified as the centre of the current Ebola outbreak. ‎ ‎Dr. Chong urged traders to prioritize their safety by suspending the business temporarily until the situation is brought under control. ‎ ‎“We are calling on our people, at least for their safety, to suspend this activity for a while,” he said. ‎ ‎Health authorities expressed concern that the movement of people and goods throug...
Read more