S. Sudan’s Kiir, US actor Clooney discuss security matters

March 13, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s leader, Salva Kiir on Sunday met US peace activist George Clooney and his counterpart John Prendergast during which the trio reportedly discussed the worsening relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

The meeting, held in Juba, the South Sudan capital also discussed the status of the post-secession negotiation between the two countries as well as the situation of the people affected by the conflict in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states.

At the meeting, President Kiir is said to have underscored the roles
played by the duo in advocating for global peace, particularly in
South Sudan.

South Sudan’s leader further urged the two peace activists to
continue with their international advocacy for peace and freedom of
all human beings.

Clooney, Sudan Tribune understands, will appear before the
United States senate committee on foreign relations, on 14 March, where he is scheduled to deliver an address specifically focusing on independence and security in Sudan and South Sudan.

The American actor has in the past built a reputation of being a ‘champion’ for Sudan through his satellite sentinel project, an organisation that
uses satellite images to monitor South Sudan to deter violence by
leaders there, which Clooney refers to as ‘anti-genocide paparazzi’.

His advocacy work in Sudan and South Sudan enabled him hold high profile
meetings with the US President Obama and the then House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

The senate committee meeting on foreign relations will also comprise
of Princeton Lyman, the US special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan,
Nancy Lindborg, the assistant administrator for the Washington
DC based Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance
and Jonathan Temin, the Sudan program director for the United States
Institute of Peace (USIP).

(ST)