Jonglei governor doubts unity development projects will be completed by referendum
By Thon Philip Aleu
July 29, 2010 (BOR) – Governor of Jonglei State, Kuol Manyang Juuk, cast doubts on Thursday that development projects financed primarily by the Government of National Unity will be completed before south Sudan’s referendum due to take place in January, 2010.
“There are no roads in Jonglei State because we cannot afford the cost. My ministers are working on foot [without vehicles] but things will change one time,” Gov. Kuol said.
The Government of National Unity (GoNU) dominated by the National Congress Party is paying the majority of the costs as part of its campaign to demonstrate the benefits of unity by implementing nationally funded development projects in the south.
Southern Sudan’s semi-autonomous government run by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, is also contributing a small percentage.
The two parties agreed to share power and Sudan’s oil wealth in a 2005 peace deal that comes to an end in January 2011 with the southern Sudan conducting a referendum on whether it wishes to secede from the north.
As part of the deal, known as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, both sides agreed that they would work to make unity attractive to southern Sudan ahead of the referendum.
Kuol said that despite prevalent poverty and underdevelopment, people in Southern Sudan “will not [be] demoralized” in their hopes that the referendum will be conducted on time.
“We are a poor state but we cannot be demoralized by that [level of poverty],” he added.
INSECURITY AND CONFLICT REPORTING
Speaking at a workshop on strengthening conflict sensitive reporting in Bor on Thursday Kuol reiterated his pledge to allow full freedom of the media in Jonglei.
Kuol instructed his cabinet not to interfere with the press.
He said: “we are partners in achieving peace and checking on malpractices [of public funds]” with the media.
During the workshop, run by Agency for Independent Media and funded by Pact Sudan and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign, the way in which incidents of conflict are reported was named as one of the causes of insecurity in the state.
Earlier this month the UN‘s Sudan Recovery Fund declared that Jonglei was the most insecure state in southern Sudan.
Thousands of people have been displaced by conflict in Jonglei. Poor crop production, especially in Akobo County has led to extreme levels of food insecurity.
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kiir kuir
Jonglei governor doubts unity development projects will be completed by referendum
it’s sound great when leader encourage his people to belive in themselve ” I hope to see that change a happen in jonglei.
I appreciate Mr Governor for allowed the media to report a every incident in the state.we don’t to see pacifism been pracitices in our generation.
Dinka Boy
Jonglei governor doubts unity development projects will be completed by referendum
Great Job Governor Kuol Manyang,
The media must report the incident without bias. The conflict must be reported. If the incident is not reported while the South’s villages are very remote with no access of communications and the transportation facilities,then how can GOSS reached or help those victims of conflict? I know those people who demand on villagers want to encouraging stealing in the villagers.
This is why I like governor Kuol because he is always bold and he never hide the truth like others who just want to cover up their thieves.
The media must report the incident in the regions for the awareness. This food lovers are always complianing that the media is spoiling their reputaion while they are the thieves who always loots an steals from villagers.Thanks
Justin Chicago opiny
Jonglei governor doubts unity development projects will be completed by referendum
The North does not believe in its promises.They (Khartoum government) will not carry out any project in the south. Khartoum is not new to us except for children from 1-17 years who do not understand the dirty politics. We will do our own things without Khartoum as they have done nothing since 1956 and will do nothing other than giving those empty promises. Where was Khartoum with the unity project before and why now?.
Ader Akoy Yuol
Jonglei governor doubts unity development projects will be completed by referendum
Well, thank you mr. Governor, your words are remarkable and encouraging. Development in real sense does take different roots but one has to have a rational reasoning so that you are not carried a way by gold colour. we are a region from the scratch but that doesn`t mean we should admit any political development. we might be lure by the wolf in smart dressing and could cost the region a finger in time of regress. I am a fun of how you get contended with the little you have. May God bless Jonglei