First legislative assembly commences in South Sudan’s W. Equatoria state
August 3, 2011 (YAMBIO) – Western Equatoria on Tuesday opened the first session of it legislative assembly as a state in the newly independent Republic of South Sudan. The state legislative branch of the Juba government re-opened after three months of recess.
Addressing the August House the speaker of the state assembly Bukulu Edward Mandeson said the state assembly in their previous sittings discussed a wide range of issues including Ugandan rebels the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) who are present in the state and the impact of the nomadic Ambororo tribe, who have been asked to leave.
The Ugandan LRA rebels are blamed for attacks on civilians in Western Equatoria after they were dislodged from northern Uganda and their base Garamba park across the border in DR Congo.
They have attacked civilians, burned houses, looted food items and displaced thousands of villagers. The cattle herding Ambororo nomads have been accused of causing environmental degradation and destruction of the fauna and flora of Western Equatoria.
Bukulu said the new session of the August house will focus on the discussion of the provisional orders, government bills, as well as the duties and obligations of the citizens of the new Republic of south Sudan.
“We shall also discuss the social and cultural legislation, girls’ protection, and students and harmonise customary and marriage laws in line with the cultures of the people of Western Equatoria”, the speaker announced.
The state’s priorities though run contrary to the wishes of some citizens who would prefer their representatives to focus on legislation that will drive economic growth across their state, addressing unemployment, law and order, and ensuring citizens are planning for the future growth of the state.
Bakulu added that state assembly will work for stable cultural base and efforts help youth – sometimes defined in South Sudan up to 40 years old – become more self reliant to help themselves and their societies.
The state governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, in his opening remarks hailed the opportunity for him to open the state assembly for the first time since he took over as the governor of the state.
“I am very pleased to be part of this important occasion for the first time as the governor of the state and I congratulate each of every one of you for the success of our new independent Republic of South Sudan,” said Bakosoro.
South Sudan became independent on July 9 as part of a 2005 peace deal that allowed for a self determination vote in January.
The governor further said his government wanted to express special gratitude and humility to the community security guards, known locally as Home Guards – and latterly Arrow Boys – who have helped the regular army fight the LRA and protect civilians.
He particularly thanked the group for combating the LRA in counties most affected by their presence such as Nagero, Tombura, Ezo, Nzara, Yambio, Ibba, Maridi and Greater Mundri.
The governor said the Home Guards had made a “brave attempt to fight LRA and Ambororo invasion”.
He also gave many thanks to the ecumenical leadership of inter-churches and their unity in embracing prayers as a solid means of resolving national conflicts, advocating for human dignity, human rights that has enabled his government to enhance the ideal concept of good governance and democracy.
Bakosoro said he would “work tirelessly to cement the unity” of the people of his state and “listen to the voice of the people” in order to “spearhead the process of genuine state building”.
South Sudan, which has experience conflict for most of Sudan’s independence, is one of the poorest countries in the world and has next to no infrastructure.
The governor said he would strive to protect the diverse culture of the people of the state through the preservation of cultural artifacts, promoting and respecting all cultures. He also aims to strengthen security its people from violence and poverty and hunger.
Governor Bakosoro pointed out that the state government has tabled several bills to the council of ministers and after their approvals the bills will be submitted to the State legislative assembly now ready for discussion and to be passed for implementation such as; Traditional Authority Act, Tourism Act, Investment Act amongst others.
He applauded some of the achievements of his government such as the rehabilitation of Yambio Health maternity ward, construction of five public health centers in Mundri East and six public health centers in Mundri West, and a modern laboratory hematological machine for Yambio Hospital.
“The state government is ensuring food security, improved livelihood and income. It’s also in support of an improved production and productivity of livestock and fisheries in Western Equatoria.”
Bakosoro reaffirmed his government’s total commitment to the promotion and maintenance of the rule of law and order.
He noted that his government has continually stressed the importance of addressing the critical development challenges that constrain rapid transformation of the economy and its people to middle income status.
“Western Equatoria State is still faced with poor ethical values in commercial and business practice, in addition to continued backward cultural practices.”
He said that the marginalisation of women and girls in terms of access to education, forced and early marriages, and discrimination against women in customs related to land ownership and inheritance,all had to stop.
Bakosoro stated that the political manifesto of the South’s ruling party – the SPLM – identifies agriculture as a vital contributory to growing the countries economy and reducing poverty.
“Accordingly, [our] priority interventions will focus on increasing production and productivity, agro-processing and increase enterprise efficiency through commodity value chains.”
The occasion was attended by all the state members of parliament, state ministers and advisors.
“We need our MPs and Ministers to listen to us, wherever we live, and deliver fresh ideas for the state’s future,” said Mario Mo-arie-gba a citizen of Western Equatoria.
(ST)