S. Sudan lawmakers urged to punish corruption
September 22, 2014 (JUBA) – The speaker of South Sudan’s national assembly, Manasse Mangok Rundial, has urged lawmakers to enact laws that will ensure corrupt officials are severely punished.
“The war has badly tarnished the image of our country [and] we therefore need to salvage the situation before it is too late,” he said.
Mangok further stressed that a lot was needed to fight corruption to prevent key sectors like schools, health and roads from collapse.
“We in the parliament should not entertain corruption and should have a zero tolerant for it. Those found involved and practicing it should be brought to books and be severely punished,” he said.
Vice-president James Wani Igga, while speaking at the forum, said there was hope for peace, despite the untold sufferings witnessed by citizens.
“We have to do something that can contribute to the Addis Ababa peace talks. So we have to seriously exert efforts internally,” he said.
The current talks, which are being mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), offer the best means to resolve the conflict between South Sudan’s warring parties.
“You (MPs) have to keep our people united and that is our number one mission. It is number mission and vision for this forum. Peaceful coexistence cannot be less than anything,” said Igga.
This year’s forum, organised under the theme “national unity and recovery towards strengthening legislative assemblies”, ends on Wednesday.
(ST)