Lakes state minister, youth leaders differ on new directive
July 16, 2015 (RUMBEK) – A ministerial order from the youth, culture and sports minister in South Sudan’s Lakes state has been opposed by the youth union leadership.
“The ministry of culture, youth and sport has recognized that Lakes state youth union seat has fallen vacant since October 2014 when the acting chairman left the state without written notification to the ministry,” partly reads Thursday’s order.
He acknowledged calls by the youth general assembly to conduct fresh elections give that their term in office expires soon.
Therefore, the ministry has dissolved the union and shall announce its formation soon after consultation with the youth general assembly across the state eight counties, he said.
However, the secretary general of the youth union, Andrew Sebit accused Agany of allegedly interfering with youth affairs in Lakes state without any authorisation.
“The office of LASYU [Lakes state Youth Union has therefore condemned in its strongest term the frequent interference of the minister Wuol Agany over affairs of the youth using unilateral decisions on contentious issues which are tempering with the peaceful co-existence of the youth in the state,” said Sebit.
He advised the state authorities to revisit the youth minister’s roles and responsibilities as a constitutional post holder, arguing that LASYU was not a political party.
“We are a non-political organisation and the minister should stop affiliating with the ministry otherwise his behaviour and manners are breaching peace and unity among youth,” said Sebit.
(ST)