Pro-independence campaign group apply to southern government for funding

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

August 27, 2010 (BENTIU) – Pro-independence campaign group ‘My Referendum for Freedom’ have applied to the southern government for funding for their work ahead of the south’s self determination vote next year.

Under the terms of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the former rebels who now govern the south – the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) – the two sides are bound to attempt to make unity attractive.

Kim Jial, State Coordinator for ‘My Referendum for Freedom’ (MRF) told Sudan Tribune that they have submitted a proposal to the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) as they are running out of money.

MRF, which actively participates in awareness campaigns about the referendum calling for the separation of the south from the rest of the country, was co-founded by the daughter of the SPLA Chief of General Staff, James Hoth Mai.

‘My Referendum for Freedom’ recently organized a one-day meeting in Bentiu with international and United Nations organizations, government institutions that are committed to carryout civic education in Unity state.

The purpose of the meeting was to map out the areas covered by all the concerned agencies and institutions and to identify the gaps to avoid duplication of activities.

Jial, told the meeting, “We want to make sure that all the counties, payams (districts), bomas are fully covered by the stakeholders who are committed to carryout civic education in the state”.

Last week MRF and state Ministry of Information and Communication announced that one-hours-airtime everyday on Bentiu FM would be allocated to disseminate information about the Referendum Act.

The programs, which will run from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM will be in Nuer and Dinka languages from Mondays to Fridays and Arabic and English on Saturdays and Sundays for the non Nuer and Dinka who live within the state capital.

MRF say they hope to educate the general public through the formation of county and payam (district) committees who will be carrying out the civic education by conducting door to door, community forums and rallies.

The south is widely expected to vote for independence from the north in the January vote. So far the process has been subject to many delays and is behind schedule.

(ST)