South Sudan gives 14 days for foreigners to register

By Ngor Arol Garang

July 24, 2010 (WUNROK) – Immigration authorities in the regional government of Southern Sudan has given 14 days notice for foreigners living in Juba and in the states to register beginning on Friday, 23rd July.

Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi followed by the formation of government five years ago, nationals from the neighboring countries of Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, etc., flocked the region for business and labor opportunities.

As required to have come with relevant documents for identification, authorities from the region have in the past reported cases of most of the foreign nationals living in Juba without possessing proper identification documents.

Major Abdullah Deng Thuc from immigration office in Juba town told Sudan Tribune that immigration office looks forward to receiving foreign nationals living in Juba and in the states for registration of their details.

“We have some of the foreign nationals whose details on travel documents appeared to have expired and have not come for renewal. The contact details they indicated on copies of travel documents they give us upon arrival do not work. Some change contacts and majority do not respond to our calls,” he explained.

On separate development, a foreign national identified as Ugandan on Saturday complained to Juba North police for an assault case accusing her landlord for allegedly having lured her into his bed on several occasions in the old custom residence.

The Ugandan national who runs haircutting saloon at Atalabara block B, accused the landlord who was identified as William Charles of sexual harassment.
However, Anthony Buku, a police officer handling the case told Sudan Tribune that Charles, based on the complaint and investigation conducted by the police, is charged with attacking and injuring his tenant, not sexual harassment.

“I am the one handling their case and based on the complaint and investigation, Charles is charged with attacking and injuring his tenant not for sexual harassment,” said Anthony Buku, a police officer handling the case at Juba north police station.

However, presenting her claims before police, Vicky Mulunga, claimed that her landlord has been hounding her since June 23, this year, wanting to have an affair with her although he was aware that she was married. When she refused, the accused allegedly beat her up.

“I lost a tooth during the scuffle. My handset was also damaged and my clothes were torn,” the woman claimed.

The accused however denied the charges, saying he had instead been receiving complaints from other tenants accusing Vicky of theft.

“She has been accused of stealing either groceries, chicken or household items.
When I served her with a notice to vacate my house, she fabricated these charges and took the issue to the police,” explained Charles.

According to the accused, even when the police went to the house to investigate how badly injured was the woman, the complainant went into hiding.

Police, however, reportedly adjourned referring the case to court till July 28, this year, when both will give fresh statements for another investigation before final verdict.

(ST)