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

Eastern Equatoria Government Moves to Block Former Minister from Illegally Claiming Office

-


Former Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Legal and Parliamentary Affair, Mr. Joseph Opio Wilson Okullo


‎Date: October 10, 2025

‎Location: Torit, Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan

‎

‎The government of Eastern Equatoria state has formally announced legal proceedings against former Minister of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Joseph Opio Wilson Okullo, who is accused of continuing to assert ministerial authority despite having been impeached nearly three years ago. 

‎

‎Impeachment and Ongoing Dispute

‎In December 2022, the state’s transitional legislative assembly removed Okullo from his position over allegations that he had unauthorizedly sold a ministry vehicle. 


He was succeeded by Peter Gumbo, who like Okullo is affiliated with the Other Political Party (OPP). 

‎

‎Yet, according to Elia John Ahaji, the current state Minister of Information, Okullo has persistently represented himself to foreign missions, private institutions, and the media as though he still holds ministerial powers a move the government deems “illegal.” 

‎

‎Government’s Warning to Institutions

‎Ahaji issued a warning to diplomatic and governmental bodies, declaring that:

‎

  • ‎Okullo no longer holds any official position.
  • ‎He has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the Eastern Equatoria government. 
  • ‎Any interactions with him should be strictly in a personal capacity, as dealing with him under false pretenses would be done at one’s own risk. 

‎

‎The state government made it clear it would not bear responsibility for any “inconveniences resulting from dealings with such a ghost subject minister.” 

‎

‎Broader Political Context

‎South Sudan currently operates under a transitional coalition government established by the 2018 peace agreement, which aims to balance power among former warring parties at both national and state levels.  

‎

The OPP is one of the signatories to that agreement, though implementation of many provisions continues to stall. 

‎

‎This latest development in Eastern Equatoria raises concerns about state-level governance stability, the enforcement of legal mandates, and the integrity of public office in the transitional era.

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

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

Senior Presidential Envoy For Special Programs: Adut Donates 10 Vehicles to Strengthen South Sudan’s Ebola Preparedness

-
Image
Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, Adut Kiir, has donated 10 vehicles to support South Sudan’s Ebola preparedness efforts as the country continues to strengthen its capacity to respond to potential outbreaks. ‎ ‎The donation was announced during Adut’s visit to health facilities and emergency response institutions involved in disease surveillance and preparedness. The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility of rapid response teams and facilitate the transportation of medical supplies across the country. ‎ ‎According to health officials, the additional vehicles will enhance emergency operations and help frontline responders reach affected areas more quickly in the event of an Ebola outbreak. The support comes as South Sudan remains on high alert due to the Ebola situation in parts of the region. ‎ ‎During the visit, Adut reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and strengthening the country’s emergency preparedness systems. She emphasized the...
Read more