Kiir witnesses signing of new Jonglei constitution

February 25, 2012 (BOR) – Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang Juuk signed into law the Transitional constitution of the state on Saturday in Bor in a
function attended by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and other officials. Governor Kuol retook his oath of office during the function.

The constitution reduced arms of the state government to legislature and executive. The judiciary became independent from the government in the new constitution. The rest of articles remain untouched, local law makers told the Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

Huge crowds greeted President Salva Kiir in Bor on Saturday at his first appearance at Bor Freedom Square since April 2010 during the election campaigns.

Ministers from South Sudan national government including minister for parliamentary affairs Michael Makuei Lueth, minister for roads and bridges Gier Chuang Aluong, minister of internal security Oyai Deng Ajak and speaker of the council of states Joseph Bol Cham attended the ceremony.

The deputy Governors of Central and Eastern Equatoria states where also present.

Speeches centered on the current inter-communal violence in the state and calls for comprehensive disarmament. Speaker of council of states Joseph Bol described the cattle crisis as “Jonglei syndrome” and pressed the South Sudanese President to act faster.

President Kiir blames politicians for the tribal conflicts in Jonglei state. He has accused politicians in Juba and Bor of encouraging tribes within the state to attack each other. Cattle raids, resulting in destruction of property, mass displacement and abduction of women and children are common in Jonglei, South Sudan’s largest state.

Governor Kuol said that since South Sudan gained self rule in 2005 Jonglei has faced numerous challenges including insecurity, lack of roads and youth unemployment. He said disarmament, creation of jobs and road construction will rescue the state from its current crisis.

Fighting between the Murle, Luo Nuer and Dinka Bor tribes over the last two months have left 120,000 people requiring humanitarian assistance. An unknown number have died but in two attacks last year between the Murle and Luo Nuer over 1,000 are believed to have been killed.

For successes registered, governor Kuol claimed school enrollment was increasing, health centers were being built and steps were being taken against corruption.

(ST)