S. Sudanese activist calls for “radical” change in cabinet
April 8, 2013 (JUBA) – The chairperson of South Sudan civil society alliance has called for a “radical” change in government, reduction in its large cabinet and an overhaul in the entire system.
“They have been around the president just to mislead him. They are not telling him exactly what is happening and what our people want from their government. They must go, if president listens,” he said.
South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir last year vowed to downsize his cabinet in the wake of the austerity measures the country was facing, after its impromptu decision to shut down its oil production at the start of the year.
In his remarks as the country marked its first independence anniversary on July 9, 2012, Kiir said the country had run out of money to finance the huge government, further hinting on reducing the number of the ministers in the cabinet.
The cabinet currently comprises about 60 ministers and their deputies. There were only 25 ministries when the government of the semi-autonomous region was established after the January 2005 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
INCLUSIVE RECONCILIATION
Meanwhile, Mawir insists that a genuine national reconciliation process can only be realised, if South Sudan’s real problems are identified and properly addressed.
The process, he stressed, should be “inclusive” and voluntarily handled.
“The government will be required to strictly follow justice system after which reconciliation can start. Reconciliation should be one of the last solutions after identification of the problem, finding mechanism and then apply justice,” he stressed.
South Sudan’s cabinet, in January, approved the launch of a national reconciliation and healing process to try and reconcile the past and present conflicts dividing communities in the new nation.
About SSP 8 million, has been earmarked for this national project, organised under the president’s office.
(ST)