Over 400 Lakes State ex-combats recieve training in Rumbek

June 26, 2011 (JUBA) – Authorities in Lakes state have graduated 425 ex-combatants who completed either small business or vocational training graduated in Rumbek on Friday. The training was organised by the German International Cooperation Services (GIZ IS), contracted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Jok Ayom Majak, Lakes State Minister of Rural Development, was the guest of honour at the third graduation ceremony of ex-combatants in Lakes State under the GIZ IS Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration project.

Minister Ayom encouraged the ex-combatants to not only take their newly acquired skills to the rural areas but also to settle there, explaining that this will help shift the flow of populations from rural to urban areas.

He also said that the state government will ask forfunds after the celebration of South Sudan’s independence on 9 July to provide loans to the skilled ex-combatants to enhance their enterprises. South Sudan’s secession was made possibleby the 2005 peace deal. which ended over two decades of conflict.

The minister went on to decry insecurity in Lakes State, citing the recent revengeful attacks that have had women and children among the victims.

“I came as guest of honor, and I have seen that these ex-combats, some will be tellers and some will be making small business, drivers and they will go to their payams [districts] to train others. When we have our independence we will beg money to support them. Let our people drop the night killing of people.”

Speaking on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Phanuel Adwer congratulated the ex-combatants for their efforts throughout the training, thanking GIZ for their contribution in reintegrating the ex-combatants. He appealed to the government to support the ex-combatants.

“I have come here to join my colleague who are in GIZ who graduating the graduate – we are in one hand doing agriculture – these hand workers had resulted into graduation.”

Meanwhile, Gabriel Kuc Abyiei who spoke on behalf of all NGOs in Lakes State, acknowledged with appreciation the training offered to the ex-combatants. He affirmed that this training was very practical with lots of life skills. He encouraged the ex-combatants to cultivate unity in their respective communities, urging them to share the acquired skills with others.

Out of the 2,367 ex-combatant in Lakes State referred to GIZ International Services for reintegration by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), 1,818 registered.

It has also been reported that 1,645 ex-combatants in Lakes State have completed training, and that 1,222 ex-combatants have received start up kits.

(ST)