WES authorities deny claims of alleged harassment, intimidation
By Julius N. Uma
April 2, 2010 (JUBA) — Western Equatoria State (WES) under the leadership of Jemma Nunu Kumba are not party to the recently alleged cases of harassment, intimidation and arrests of independent candidate supporters, an official from the caretaker Governor’s office told Sudan Tribune by phone yesterday.
“These are mere fabrications aimed at tarnishing not only the candidature of the caretaker Governor, but also the entire image of the ruling SPLM [Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement] which was one of the signatories to the peace agreement,” the official said.
Asked to respond to the recently released Human Rights Watch statement, which accused both the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) and their counterparts, the Government of National Unity (GONU) of harassment and intimidation of rival supporters, the official blamed the international media for over hyping the real situations in Sudan, describing it as a “hoax.”
“Governments have the mandate to protect people from any from any form of violence and intimidation ahead of any election. What these people are trying to portray is a mere hoax meant to destabilize the country [Sudan],” he said.
Members from the various independent candidates’ camps breathed a sigh of relief when the GOSS Presidential aspirant, Gen. Salva Kirr Mayardit, assured them of maximum protection during their campaigns.
According to Gen. Kiir, who was on a campaign trip to WES, a free and fair election in Sudan would send positive signals to the outside world, majority of who already have negative perceptions about the country.
WES caretaker Governor, Jemma Nunu Kumba, already credited for having championed the recently initiated Public Service Reforms (PRF) is seeking another term in office to enable her complete the ongoing developments within the state.
Under her tenure, the state has been in the spotlight for having reportedly championed the fight against corruptions, tribalism and other forms of graft; a development that earned her recognition from the government during the seventh Governors’ forum held in Juba.
She, however, faces stiff challenge from the independent Joseph Bakosoro, with analyst already predicting a tough a tough contest between the incumbent and the latter.
WHO IS JEMMA NUNU KUMBA?
A graduate of Political Science and Public Administration from Namibia University, Comrade (Cde.) Jemma Nunu Kumba joined Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) way back when she was still a high school student at Juba Day Secondary School. In 1990, however, Cde. Jemma left Khartoum (with her two young daughters) to re-unite with her husband at Kidepo Valley, by then one of the SPLM liberated areas of Eastern Equatoria State.
In 2002, having demonstrated hard work and commitment to the struggle, she was appointed one of the leading peace negotiators for the SPLM in Machakos and Naivasha, Kenya by the late party Chairman, Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Three years later, Cde. Jemma was the only woman among the SPLM advance team sent to Juba, the South Sudan capital. Consequently, the SPLM leadership appointed her to the National Parliament in Khartoum, where she served as the Chairperson for the Committee on Economics Affairs.
While in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative organ of the African Union, Cde. Jemma did not only serve as the head of the Sudanese delegation, but also as a member of the Committee for Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution. She is credited for having spearheaded the formation the Sudanese National Women Parliamentary Caucus in the Khartoum-based National Assembly. Here she served as Vice President of the caucus, which is an umbrella for all women Parliamentarians in Sudan.
In 2006, Cde Jemma was appointed as a member of SPLM Interim National Council (INC) and a member of the SPLM Interim Political Bureau (IPB), a year later. In 2008, she was appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State, hitherto, the first and only female Governor in the semi-autonomous region, after the January 09, 2005 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
(ST)
Ajang Aguer Pageer
WES authorities deny claims of alleged harassment, intimidation
No doubt Jemma Nunu has an impressive and admirable resume,but the hardworking and peaceful communities of western Equatoria seem not to appreciate her service at the moment.Anyway, let it be as the saying goes,”it’s the wearer of the shoes who knows where the shoe pinches most”.So it’s the Western Equatorians who know where their problems and solutions lie,and who to vote for.But they should be careful for any lash back(e.g poor funding to the state by Goss as a punishment for going against the PB’s decision) from the SPLM later on if they go for the independent candidate.
Dinka Boy
WES authorities deny claims of alleged harassment, intimidation
Governor Nunu Kumba and their officials are absolute indeed when they said that there are elements with intention to destablized the South Sudanese interest. Even within SPLM, there are traitors who have the intention to make a complete mess. In fact, SPLM has become democracy of affliction by now.
I am just warning SPLM that we SPLA are watching and if the mess come up then the only people to be blame are those in power by now. Sorry!
Nunu Oyeee
david
WES authorities deny claims of alleged harassment, intimidation
Why are we lying to ourself about the alleged harassment,intimidation which are happening. we have eyes and can see what is happening around.you are right to hide your identity otherwise you deserve not tobe seen at all my dear. i know you are trying to feed your family from the corrupt ones. our problem here is not SPLM but some corrupt people in the line up.If you say so,those of us who have witness what people are taking about and you are dening will have to vote very wisely on the 11th-13th april,2010.
a zande gent from Yambio.