W. Equatoria supports shutdown of Sudan’s oil pipeline
January 24, 2012 (YAMBIO) – The government of Western Equatoria state announced its support to the South Sudan’s cabinet to stop the flow of crude oil through the Sudan.
At a press conference held at the state secretariat on Tuesday, the state Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro said Western Equatoria is happy with the step taken and will strongly support.
“South Sudan existed in the past 22 years during the war without oil, and can exist without the oil since most people in the villages do not know anything about oil,” decried Bakosoro.
He added that Sudan’s government had been stealing the oil for many years, and South Sudan has never benefited until after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 yet what is given to the South has not reached 50%.
Bakosoro pointed out that some countries are existing without oil revenues, and having strong economy in place; citing Kenya and Uganda.
He went further to encourage the people of Western Equatoria to embark on farming activities as a way to boost the economic activity of the state especially this year in order to produce tones of cereals for consumption and sell to other parts of the country.
Furthermore, he urged the population of the state to join the rest of the country to hold a peaceful protest on Wednesday to back and support the positive initiative of the leadership of the Republic of South Sudan.
In related news, the Governor arrived in Yambio on Monday after joining his counterpart the governor of Eastern Equatoria, Louis Lajore Lobong, who had invited Bakosoro to attend his swearing-in ceremony and that of his new cabinet.
At a briefing to the state council of ministers upon arrival, Bakosoro disclosed that he held a rally with the people of Eastern Equatoria where he delivered messages of peace, love and unity for the people of south Sudan as a corner stone for nation building.
(ST)
