Sudan’s Jonglei pledges excellent ties with Ethiopia’s Gambela
By Philip Thon Aleu
June 15, 2008 (BOR TOWN) – Southern Sudan State of Jonglei, which borders Ethiopia to Gambela region resurrected hopes for peace, trade ties and communication network in an apparent address to citizens on Sunday June 15 by Governor at Leudier Cathedral (here).
Gen. Kuol Manyang told over 1,400 Christians congregation, where a church choir (photo) entertained him, that there is one way to development and stopping insecurity caused by pastoralists.
“If you obey our orders, respect plans and give-in full courage, we shall prosper,” he said.
Cattle keepers from Jonglei that have crossed to Ethiopia will return and be disarmed, he said. Governor of Unity State Taban Deng Gai, Government of Southern Sudan Minister of Regional Cooperation Barnaba Marial Benjamin and representatives Eastern Equartoria State (EES) also attended the peace held in Ethiopia.
According to Governor Kuol, some cattle keepers from Akobo and Murle in Jonglei and more from Unity and EES are allegedly responsible for triggering insecurity through cattle raiding and clashes over pasture.
Roads connection has started in Gambela and Jonglei contracted ASCOM Oil Company to commence work in days after State minister signed the deal at Government of Southern Sudan’s Headquarters in Juba, the governor added.
The governor assured citizens of Jonglei of excellent peace and economics ties with Ethiopia once this entire (plan) is implemented.
In a related inter-state relationship, GoSS has contracted China Constructing Company to build bridge at Pariak (20 miles South of Bor Town) that will link Jonglei to Lakes State, Mr. Manyang said.
NO PRAISES FOR DEVELOPMENT
In a course to realized development, Governor Kuol believes that not all people will be happy.
He says some people hates government officials for being stick adding that orders must be followed to assume progress. He urged the applauding congregation to preach message of unity, love and peace for all in Jonglei state.
“It is our responsibility to bring peace, unity and development. To achieve these; obey orders,” Mr. Manyang lamented.
The governor once again hailed Nuer Lou for accepting peaceful resolutions to May, 2008 cattle warring and promised a visit shortly. “If we are all people of Jonglei. Nuer, Bor, Murle, Anyuak and so on.”
ETHIOPIA AND SUDAN ARE ONE
Southern Sudanese pursuing higher education in Ethiopia will paid the same tuition fees as their Ethiopians counterpart; Governor Manyang unveiled another part of the deal reached.
He enlightened how East African Countries of Kenya and Uganda over charged Southern Sudanese and hails Ethiopia for a brotherhood character shown. “We are one with Ethiopia,” he said.
(ST)