South Sudan parliament summon govt officials over Juba shootings
By Isaac Vuni and James Gatdet Dak
January 6, 2009 (JUBA) — The regional parliament of Southern Sudan held a debate on insecurity and resolved to probe incidents of celebratory gunfire on New Year in which several people were injured and killed, as well as insecurity.
The parliament resolved to summon the Government of Southern Sudan’s (GOSS) two Ministers of SPLA Affairs and Internal Affairs to give statements before the assembly on the causes of continuous insecurity situation.
The Governor of Central Equatoria state will also be summoned to explain the situation.
The parliament blamed the security organs for “not implementing resolutions passed to ensure protection of lives and property in Southern Sudan.”
In the last one week alone about six people were killed in Juba town, four of them in a single incident that included the son of former governor of Central Equatoria state, Maj. Gen. James Loro Cirisio, who was slain by unidentified gunmen.
In a heated three hour debate chaired by speaker James Wani Igga, the angry and disappointed legislators discussed the matter, presented by Peter Bashir Ghandi, chairperson if the specialized committee for Information and Culture.
According to Hon. Ghandi the rampant shooting on New Year’s Eve occurred from a military barrack adjoining residential areas. Five citizens were killed in Nyakuron west along with a wounded two-year-old boy who is receiving medical attention at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH), though he could not be operated on due to lack of essential drugs.
MP Paulino Apiny Akol wondered why GOSS has failed to size the guns of those soldiers who were responsible for the indiscriminate shot shooting
However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Martin Elis Lomuro defended the president, saying Kiir was present when the shooting incident of midnight occurred and has taken necessary action to arrest the situation.
Other security concerns also pervaded the agenda, including the wide proliferation of small arms and complaints that the Executives have failed to tell people the truth about the Lord’s Resistance Army now terrorizing western Equatoria at ease because there was no coordination among the six security organs operating in Juba.
In December four uniformed soldier shot and killed Tombura Matia when traveling in a vehicle to Mangala about 26 miles from Juba. Also on December 27, Jimmy Cater was cut by a uniformed soldier at Gudele, about three kilometers from Juba city.
Present in the hall were 67 plus 22 with permission while those who registered are 87, enough to secure a quorum in the house.
(ST)
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
South Sudan parliament summon govt officials over Juba shootings
I will condemn this killing because we are already on the door to election, but after this election i urge all Equatorians to rise their matters, everything must be put straightforward and any neccssary steps must be done for the safety of my people in their respective villages in Greater Equatoria, this will bring an end to the growing culture of killing, corruption, violence and barbaric act in every part of Equatoria. One is that, I would like every Equatorian to say goodbye to this capital city which is now a breeding ground of devastation, because this title of city has brough alot of lose and ruin to Equatorians in general. This is a first topic to be figure out follow by any substance that is affecting the way we live in Equatoria.
Logic is not in his mood due to the huge lost of Equatorian lives.
Gen. Double Wood
South Sudan parliament summon govt officials over Juba shootings
Am not seeing any big issue GoSS officials are called to sit and discuss such an incident Mr. Rat would deal with personaly like pulling a cheese of rotten Beef from uncovered dish.
Are our GoSS officials not engaged too much somewhere(ministerial bugeting, plans, any other issues) rather than dealing with such bias issue.
Take an example: A bank robbed in Sydney(had never happened) an Australian city and may also host other local Govs is handled by the security groups(CID, police,ectera)and would never involve any MP or Minister of finance. A situation i would compare with this shooting.
So why a shooting that out of arouse that was not intend to kill any needed to be put in Parliment files. I was not presonally there as i was enjoying enterance to near in Wau, but let me ask you guys how huge was the shooting? in one barrack?, all residential household?,people on the streets, bus drivers, bars, resturant and hotel owners all involved in the shootings?, if not or Yes, i will conclude my comment. But for now i dont see any reason for Parlimentary or any kind od meeting, Juba police bodies(military, CID) can do the investigation and the culprits be punished by the county Gov.
Mr Rat.
Matiop Panchol
South Sudan parliament summon govt officials over Juba shootings
First of all, I would like to send my condolences to the families and friends of those lost their lives in this tragic and reckless shooting. I would also like to thank those who commented before me concerning this article. However, I would like to inform everyone who sent negative comments that instead of using this site to cultivate hatred and division, we better use it to contribute positive ideas. What do you think the government of South Sudan should do to reduce/eliminate insecurity and killing of civilians by armed men?
In my opinion, GOSS should:
1.Reinforce law enforcement agents – the police. A strong police force who are trained to follow the law would help protect the civilians.
2. Formulate laws that clearly define what is the work for a policeman and what is the work for a soldier. Role confusion hinders progress.
3. Ban celebratory gun firing on holidays like 16th May and New year’s eve. Ban any other gun firing by any person at any time and place. Gun firing should be done by the police force or the army when deemed necessary by law.
4. Ensure that the laws of South Sudan apply to all Southerners regardless of tribe, gender or religion.
Back to the gentlemen who were racing for each other’s throat. Let me inform you that no matter how much we hate one another, South Sudan belongs to all of us. As a result, we should put aside our primitive loyalties and look at a bigger picture of a NEW SUDAN. This is something that is bigger than ourselves. It is bigger than our villages, gondoo or muraa. We should all be proud and thankful to God because we own this beautiful country with its rich natural endowment.
From the green beauty of Kimatong Mountains to the peaceful flow of River Nile with its marshy sudd. From the elegant hills of Acholi land to the grasslands of Murle. Just to name a few, this country is amazingly beautiful. It is the envy of some people who are not able to own it.
Gentlemen, you should realize that our diversity in South Sudan is a blessing. If we could work together, our country will be the envy of the whole world as stated in Isaiah chapter 18. Do you think that was a lie? Open your eyes and look beyond your prejudices and you will see that it is true.
Have you ever wondered why the USA is the strongest nation in the world? Because its citizens are different but united by their constitution. They put their diversity in use by contributing positive ideas that enhance their success in all spheres of life. If we could do the same in South Sudan, there is nothing that will stop us from becoming a great nation.
Think positive and think big. Look beyond your nose! Myopic thoughts result in retardation.