Unity state former minister calls on relief organizations to assist populations
June 1, 2015 (NAIROBI) – Former education minister in the South Sudan’s Unity state has appealed to relief organizations to intervene and avert humanitarian catastrophe among the populations in the oil-rich state.
He said Nyal, which is the county headquarters and Taiyar area are directly affected by the conflict, adding that up to 150,000 people, which is the entire population of the county, have been affected.. Joak said the humanitarian situation of affected populations is critical due to the fact that their entire livelihood were destroyed or burned to ashes.
He said Taiyar business centre located in Payinjiar county which linked traders from Yirol East of Lake state, Bor, Twic and Duk counties in Jonglei state is completely destroyed.
“Apparently, the government destroyed the market premises and burnt it to ashes. This has left the community with questions as to whether it is there to provide services or destroy people’s livelihood,” he added.
Taiyar Market was established after 2010 as a business market to mitigate border conflict. The market was initiated and supported by AECOM international with the direct funding from USAID.
The market had indeed proven effective in bringing about livelihood changes among the communities of triangle states of Unity, Lakes and Jonglei.
He urged International organizations for quick step into Payinjiar county before everything gone worse.
“In this regard, I’m appealing to international organizations to urgently return to Panyijar county and resume provision of humanitarian assistance such as essential drugs, shelter items, clean and safe water and distribution of food among other emergency needs,” he added.
Joak served as education minister when he was appointed by care taker governor, Joseph Nguen Minytuil. He also served previously as Payinjiar county commissioner during regime of governor Taban Deng Gai and later on became the best political friend and ally to Monytuel after he secured a ministerial position.
However Joak is reported to be battling with undisclosed illness just few months later assuming the office, and was granted treatments by state government to neighbouring Kenya.
In 2014 he was relieved from duty by governor Monytuel due to his persistent unrecovered sickness that took him a year without improvement.
Last week the rebels appointed commissioner John Tap Puot told Sudan Tribune that the security situation is calm, adding that the lives of those displaced by fighting is horrific calling on all aids agencies who have been operating in the areas to return and carry out their duty.
(ST)