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Tag: South Sudan

  • South Sudan Speaker challenges African parliaments to empower aides, strengthen democracy

    South Sudan Speaker challenges African parliaments to empower aides, strengthen democracy

    The Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, has issued a bold charge to African parliaments, declaring that the continent cannot build strong democracies without first empowering the legislative aides who drive day-to-day parliamentary work.

    Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the maiden African Legislative Aides Conference (ALAC 2025), Kumba described aides as “the quiet custodians of democracy” whose research, documentation, analysis and administrative coordination sustain the legislative process across African nations.

    “Parliament is only as strong as its support system,” she said, emphasising that aides – clerks, researchers, analysts, administrators and technical staff – must be recognised not as assistants but as core players in lawmaking and oversight.

    The three-day conference, which brought together delegates from across the continent, seeks to create Africa’s first continental platform for legislative aides – one focused on standardisation, capacity development and inter-parliamentary collaboration.

    The South Sudanese Speaker stressed that strong Speakers, Presidents of Parliament or committed lawmakers cannot function effectively without a skilled support structure that provides research depth, committee coordination, procedural guidance and institutional continuity.

    She warned that no parliament can outrun the quality of its aides.

    “When political cycles shift, aides remain,” she said. “They preserve records, guide lawmakers and uphold procedure. They are the unseen weight-bearers of democracy.”

    Kumba argued that Africa’s democratic stability – especially at a time of military reversals in some countries – depends greatly on professional legislative work backed by research, technology and administrative expertise.

    A key highlight of her keynote address was a call for immediate investment in digital tools for legislative aides.

    She noted that African parliaments must embrace digital archiving, AI-supported research, cloud-based committee systems and online transparency tools if they must operate at modern global standards.

    “Without digital empowerment, we cannot empower aides — and without empowering aides, we cannot strengthen democracy,” she stated.

    The Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum, High Chief Emeka Nwala, who earlier welcomed delegates, said the gathering was designed to deepen professionalism, standardise legislative support work and consolidate democracy in Africa.

    He insisted that empowering aides is not optional:“Legislative aides are the powerhouse that drives parliament,” he said.

    With representatives from multiple African legislatures in attendance, the Abuja conference marks the first coordinated attempt to organise aides continent-wide.

    The African Legislative Aides Association was officially inaugurated at the Conference with Emeka Nwala as the continental chairman.

  • Over 250,000 Nigerians living as refugees in Libya, Cameroon, South Sudan, others

    Over 250,000 Nigerians living as refugees in Libya, Cameroon, South Sudan, others

    • Nigeria hosts 135,000

    Nigeria has over 250,000 refugees in Libya, South Sudan, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and other parts of the world.

    Conversely, at least 135,000 refugees live in Nigeria.

    Out of the 250,000 Nigerian refugees, 125,000 are resident in Cameroon.

     The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) gave the figures yesterday after a road walk in Abuja to commemorate 2025 World Refugee Day.

    The  Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Tijani Ahmed, who revealed that the Federal Government has set up a committee to look into a United States that might lead to the deportation of some Nigerians, said:  “We have a lot of refugees in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. In Nigeria today, we are hosting no less than 135,000 refugees.

    ‘’We also have no less than 250,000 Nigerian refugees living in other parts of the world. 

    “Particularly, we have no less than 125,000  Nigerians living in Cameroon. We also have Nigerians in Chad, Niger, South Sudan, Libya, and other parts of the world.

    “President Bola Tinubu has been supporting and is willing to offer more support to the commission  to  assist  migrants, refugees  and IDPs(Internally Displaced Persons).’’

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    On the likely deportation of some Nigerian migrants from the US, he said: “As far as we are concerned, it is a policy statement. However, Nigeria has been very proactive, and we have constituted a committee to look into it in case it becomes a reality. We are ready to receive our people and provide them with the kind of livelihood and support they deserve.

    “The Nigerian government is ready for that. The Nigerian government has already constituted a committee and is awaiting any action that might come from the U.S. So, there is no cause for alarm.’’

     A Senior Humanitarian Officer at the ECOWAS Commission, Alozie Godfrey,  highlighted the efforts of the commission to support persons of concern within the region.

    He said $9 million was allocated last year to assist refugees in 15 member states.

    His words: “Last year, we basically assisted refugees in all ECOWAS 15 member states, and all their persons of concern, to the tune of about $9 million. The government of Nigeria got about $1.7 million of this money.

    “This year, we are also working to assist refugees and internally displaced persons all around West Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, where we have our headquarters, to make sure that refugees are given the rights they are supposed to get, and make sure that we also assist them.

    “ECOWAS Commission remains concerned with issues of refugees, and we will continue to work hand in glove with our partners to make sure that we assist them to the best of our ability, given the lean resources that we have.”

  • 171 Nigerian soldiers set for UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

    171 Nigerian soldiers set for UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

    One hundred and seventy-one troops comprising of 18 officers and 153 Nigeria soldiers have graduated from the pre-deployment training of the Nigerian Contingent 3 United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). 

    The pre-deployment training took place at the United Nations-accredited Centre of Excellence, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji which align with the United Nations guiding principles in peacekeeping operations.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen recalled that Nigeria has a proud and distinguished history in peacekeeping operations. 

    He emphasised that for decades, Nigerian troops have played key roles in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across Africa and the world. From Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan, adding that Nigerian peacekeepers have stood firm in defence of the oppressed, the vulnerable and those caught in the crossfire of war.

    “Nigerian contingents have repeatedly earned global citations and medals for leadership, bravery and professional competence. Today, Nigeria remains a pillar of international peace efforts, with our troops performing exceptionally well in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Abyei. 

    “The current security situation in Abyei remains fragile and unpredictable. Recent reports have revealed persistent intercommunal conflicts, armed skirmishes and humanitarian crisis in Abyei Area. Additionally, the broader political instability in Sudan and South Sudan have made the mission environment complex and dynamic.”

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    He reminded the troops that MLAILPKC has engaged them in rigorous training aimed to equip them with the tactical skills, operational knowledge and humanitarian awareness required to carry-out their mandated tasks in the mission area, stressing however that, beyond the drills and exercises, the true essence of peacekeeping lies in their ability to conduct themselves with discipline, impartiality and respect for human dignity. 

    “The contributions of the troops you are going to relief have earned global recognition and you must uphold this legacy of professionalism, dedication and honour. The people of Abyei would see you not just as soldiers, but as protectors and symbols of hope. Your presence must inspire confidence, not fear, trust, not suspicion.

    “While the training has certified you ready for induction into the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, I must stress the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct. The Nigerian Army has built a reputation for professionalism and it is your duty to uphold this wherever you serve. One area that requires particular attention is the issue of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). 

    “The United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for SEA and the NA will not condone any act that brings dishonour to the mission or our dear country. The words of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, serve as a strong reminder of this obligation. 

    He said: “Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. 

    “They violate everything the United Nations stands for. We must do more to ensure that victims are at the centre of our efforts and that there is accountability and justice.” Let me be clear on this, under no circumstances should you engage in any form of sexual exploitation or any act capable of undermining the credibility of the mission. Any violation of these principles will be met with a severe disciplinary action” he stated. 

    The Commandant MLAILPKC Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja said the graduating troops ready for pre-deployment successfully completed an intensive PDT, designed to prepare them for the realities of peacekeeping in one of the most challenging operational environments in Africa. 

    He noted that since the establishment of MLAILPKC, the Centre has successfully graduated over 100,000 peacekeepers who have successfully served with distinction in various UN and regional peacekeeping missions in the Republic of Liberia, Darfur, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Abyei, amongst others. 

    “This achievement is a testament to Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to global peace and security. I have no doubt that the contingent before us today will uphold this proud legacy and contribute meaningfully to the UNISFA mission”.

    He said, the graduating troops assembled here on 13 Feb 25 for medical screening conducted by a team from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps. This medical evaluation was conducted in line with UN requirements and training standards to assess the health status, physical and mental fitness of the troops.

    He said, the training was strictly inline with the UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM) and other certified manuals for PDT. “The training was conducted in phases, beginning with instructional sessions where the contingent was exposed to the fundamental principles of UN peacekeeping operations, operationalization and implementation of Security Council mandates and international laws relevant to peacekeeping operations. 

    “Additionally, the curriculum was modified to include mission-specific training delivered by experts. These specialized sessions covered Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, intelligence briefings on Abyei and financial management for peacekeepers. 

    “The second phase of the training was the tactical phase which allowed the contingent to experience the operational realities they would face in the mission area. This phase covered occupation and security of Base Camp, a key task of the contingent as the Base Camp Defence Company for the Force Headquarters at Camp PARADISE. 

    “Other tactical exercises included convoy drills, VIP protection, vehicle search procedures, the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), crowd control and cordon and search operations (some of which the contingent will demonstrate for your viewing pleasure shortly)” he stated.

  • South Sudan’s delayed peace: Can 2025 deliver hope and stability?

    South Sudan’s delayed peace: Can 2025 deliver hope and stability?

    By Malual Bol Kiir

    As South Sudan nears the end of 2024, the hopes of millions for a peaceful Christmas have been overshadowed by the adjournment of the Tumaini peace process. For a nation that has endured decades of war, political instability, and economic hardship, this setback raises pressing questions: Can South Sudan achieve lasting peace in 2025, or will unresolved issues continue to undermine the country’s progress?

    The stalemate and its implications

    The Tumaini process was intended to be a platform to resolve critical political and security challenges in South Sudan. However, key issues such as the unification of armed forces, constitutional reforms, and the establishment of a framework for equitable governance remain unresolved. The adjournment of the process reflects entrenched political divisions and growing mistrust between leaders, which continues to hinder the implementation of meaningful solutions.

    While previous agreements, including the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), showed initial signs of progress, delays in implementation have eroded public confidence. This most recent impasse has left citizens disillusioned and increasingly concerned about the future trajectory of their country.

    The human cost of delayed peace

    The ongoing absence of peace in South Sudan is taking a devastating toll on ordinary citizens. According to recent reports, over 9 million South Sudanese—nearly 75 percent of the population—are reliant on humanitarian aid to survive. Prolonged insecurity has exacerbated displacement, poverty, and the collapse of essential services.

    In rural areas, violence fueled by cattle raiding, communal conflicts, and armed skirmishes continues to destabilize communities. For refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), the dream of returning home remains distant, as many spend yet another year separated from their families and livelihoods.

    The adjournment of the Tumaini process has further diminished hope, leaving many to question whether 2025 will bring tangible progress or simply prolong the cycle of political stagnation and suffering.

    Is there still hope for peace in 2025?

    Despite the setbacks, there are still opportunities for meaningful progress in the coming year. Achieving sustainable peace will require bold leadership and a renewed commitment to dialogue, compromise, and action. South Sudan’s leaders must rise above personal political agendas and prioritize the collective interests of their people.

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    Civil society, youth groups, and women’s organizations continue to play an essential role in advocating for peace, justice, and accountability. Their efforts highlight the urgent need for inclusive decision-making and grassroots involvement in the peace process.

    Equally critical is the role of regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations. These organizations must continue to exert consistent pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to ensure that their commitments are honored and that tangible progress is made toward peace.

    A call for leadership and accountability

    Although the adjournment of Tumaini may have delayed immediate solutions, the resilience of South Sudan’s people remains a source of hope. For the country to move forward, leaders must demonstrate political will and moral courage. Delivering peace is not just a political imperative—it is a moral responsibility to future generations who deserve to grow up in a nation defined by stability, opportunity, and unity.

    As South Sudan enters 2025, the call for peace grows louder. The time for delays and excuses has passed. Now is the moment for decisive action, cooperation, and a shared vision for a peaceful South Sudan.

    Conclusion

    While the challenges ahead are significant, the prospect of peace is still within reach. South Sudan’s leaders, with the support of citizens and international partners, have the power to make 2025 a turning point in the nation’s history.

    Peace remains the most precious gift South Sudan can offer its people—a gift that must be realized through trust, compromise, and collective action.

    • This article was first published in www.radiotamazuj.org

  • Pope kisses feet of South Sudan leaders

    Pope Francis on Thursday knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s previously warring leaders, in a dramatic gesture after an unprecedented retreat at the Vatican.

    Pope however urged them to not return to a civil war.

    He also appealed to President Salva Kiir, his former deputy turned rebel leader Riek Machar, and three other vice presidents to respect a peace agreement they signed and commit to forming a unity government in May.

    “I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward.

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    “There will be many problems but they will not overcome us. Resolve your problems,” Francis said in improvised remarks.

    The leaders appeared to be stunned as the 82-year-old pope, helped by aides, knelt with difficulty to kiss the shoes of the two main opposing leaders and several other people in the room.

    The pope’s words were made even more pressing as anxiety grew in South Sudan over whether Thursday’s coup in neighbouring Sudan could scupper a fragile peace deal that ended South Sudan’s brutal five-year civil war.

    The Vatican brought together South Sudanese leaders for 24 hours of prayer and preaching inside the pope’s residence in a last ditch attempt to heal bitter divisions a month before the war-ravaged nation is due to set up a unity government.

  • Nigeria, South Sudan sign cooperation agreement 

    Federal Government and South Sudan have signed a cooperation agreement on oil and gas, trade, education, health and culture, among others.

    The agreement signed will act as a guideline to specific agreements between the ministries, departments and agencies of the two countries.

    The cooperation, however, excluded security and defence.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while his counterpart from South Sudan, Nhial Deng Nhial, signed for his country.

    Onyeama said: “It is a general cooperation agreement that involves other areas, but not security. The areas of cooperation include economic, education, technical, health, sports and culture, among others”.

    The minister, who said that Nigeria had always being committed to peace and stability of South Sudan since its inception, said Nigeria would continue to support the country till permanent peace is installed.

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    “We want to institutionalise our commitment and support to your country and we will be signing a cooperation agreement which we hope will be  a framework that will enhance our deep relation.

    “For us, we believe it will be a ‘win-win‘ for the two countries to have meaningful and profitable cooperation between us,” he said.

    The visiting minister commended Nigeria for the support given to his country through which peace and stability were being entrenched.

    He pleaded for the support of Nigeria in ensuring permanent peace and stability in the country.

    “I welcome the cooperation agreement and share you sentiment on the cooperation between the two countries.

    “We have a lot of difficulties; we have not had the degree of political stability that we like to see,” he said.

  • Nigeria, South Sudan sign cooperation agreement 

    Federal Government and South Sudan have signed a cooperation agreement on oil and gas, trade, education, health and culture, among others.

    The agreement signed will act as a guideline to specific agreements between the ministries, departments and agencies of the two countries.

    The cooperation, however, excluded security and defence.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while his counterpart from South Sudan, Nhial Deng Nhial, signed for his country.

    Onyeama said: “It is a general cooperation agreement that involves other areas, but not security. The areas of cooperation include economic, education, technical, health, sports and culture, among others”.

    The minister, who said that Nigeria had always being committed to peace and stability of South Sudan since its inception, said Nigeria would continue to support the country till permanent peace is installed.

    “We want to institutionalise our commitment and support to your country and we will be signing a cooperation agreement which we hope will be  a framework that will enhance our deep relation.

    “For us, we believe it will be a ‘win-win‘ for the two countries to have meaningful and profitable cooperation between us,” he said.

    The visiting minister commended Nigeria for the support given to his country through which peace and stability were being entrenched.

    He pleaded for the support of Nigeria in ensuring permanent peace and stability in the country.

    “I welcome the cooperation agreement and share you sentiment on the cooperation between the two countries.

    “We have a lot of difficulties; we have not had the degree of political stability that we like to see,” he said.

  • Sahara Power, South Sudan partner for sector development

    In keeping with its vision to ‘Light up Africa’, Sahara Power Group (SPG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Sudanese Ministry of Energy & Dams to develop the country’s power sector in the generation, transmission and distribution spaces.

    The MoU will enable Sahara Power, one of Africa’s largest vertically integrated utilities firms, expand the remit of its East African operations as well as develop the infrastructure necessary to grow the power sector and engender capacity building for economic transformation.

    Its Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, said: ‘’We consider this to be another landmark in our quest to facilitate growth  in Africa through seamless power supply.” He said the company was working with the Republic of South Sudan (RSS)  to develop a crude oil processing plant, with a view  to guaranteeing steady and adequate supplies to the power plants when needed, adding that the approach was necessary to make electricity readily available resource to the people of South Sudan.

    He said RSS and SPG would  collaborate to develop transmission backbone infrastructure and establish the grid code, adding that there will be further collaborations between the two parties on the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), Load Evacuation Study and overall project development. SPG aims to achieve financial close on the proposed transaction in 2019.

    SPG is one of the largest privately run power conglomerates in Sub-Saharan Africa with interests in Egbin Power Plant, Ikeja Electric and First Independent Power Limited. The organisation is also working assiduously to launch a scheme to generate power into the sub-region through the West Africa Power Pool.

    “We have high hopes for this partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Dams and anticipate the commencement of the project in 2019. Developing the power sector brings the government closer to its vision for transforming the socio-economic landscape for the people of South Sudan. We are honoured to have been chosen as a strategic partner,” Adesina added.

  • Buhari pledges Nigeria’s support for South Sudan 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that Nigeria is prepared to help South Sudan stabilize politically and economically.

    He gave the assurance while receiving Mr Ezekiel Gatkuoth, Special Envoy of the South Sudanese President at State House, Abuja.

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    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, noted that the two countries have a lot in common in the area of developmental aspirations.

    He said: “It has not been smooth sailing for us all the way, too. But since South Sudan wants to share from our experience, we will support where we can, and pray hard for your stability.”

    The President advised the leaders of South Sudan to keep making sacrifices “till the environment is completely stabilized,” stressing that stability should always be number one priority.

    “You can’t manage a country efficiently till you have first stabilized it. Then, the economy must follow. You must provide jobs for the people, particularly the youths. Also, you need to check corruption. Guide your national resources jealously. We will do our best to support,” the President said.

    Mr. Gatkuoth, who is also his country’s Petroleum Minister, said President Buhari was widely admired across the continent for his role in fighting corruption, noting that it was the reason the African Union made him a champion of the anti-corruption crusade in Africa.

    He said South Sudan was putting its house in order, but needed assistance from Nigeria in the areas of security transformation, constitutional reforms, and infrastructural development.

  • ‘Violence: 5.2m internal displacement recorded in six month’

    .East Africa worst hit

     

    A total of 5.2 million persons were displaced internally as a result of conflicts, violence across the world between January and June, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) said on Wednesday.

    IDMC, the world’s authoritative source of data and analysis on internal displacement since 1998 also indicated that East Africa recorded five out of the 10 worst-affected IDP countries, adding that Ethopia recorded additional 1.4 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the period under review surpassing Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Somalia and South Sudan too are among the 10 worst-affected countries for new displacement linked to conflict and violence.

    In a statement availed The Nation, IDMC said millions of people across the world have become displaced inside their own country since January, adding that there were additional 3.3 million displacements associated with disasters in 110 countries and territories.

    The Monsoon flooding in India in May and June caused the most significant displacement, affecting over 370,000 people, IDMC said, adding “unprecedented flooding continued in July and August, meaning this estimate is likely to rise.

    “It said the statistics were based on the analysis of data from the 10 worst-affected countries.

    “East Africa also accounts for five of the most significant disaster events between January and June, with flooding in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda, and drought in Somalia displacing more than a million people in total,” said IDMC’s director Alexandra Bilak.

    Bilak said: “Our mid-year assessment serves as an important temperature gauge of the state of the world today. Conflict and violence in low-income countries are becoming more protracted and causing ever-high numbers of people to flee their homes, while vulnerable communities in disaster-prone regions or in areas experiencing the effects of climate change are increasingly at risk and disproportionately impacted by internal displacement.

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    “Failure to address the issue of internal displacement will have enormous implications, not just for the individuals, families and communities affected, but also for these countries’ longer-term stability.

    “In addition to improving humanitarian responses to these crises, more investment must be made at the national and international level to reduce poverty and inequality, build peace and address the effects of climate change.”
    IDMC’s mid-year report shines light on Ethiopia, where new conflict broke out earlier this year in Gedeo and West Guji zones which triggered over a million new displacements.

    “Internal border disputes between Somali and Oromia regions in the east of the country that flared up toward the end of 2017 also continued.

    “As the conflict in Yemen enters its fourth year, relentless fighting continues to deepen the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Between January and June, 140,000 new displacements were recorded, an extremely conservative estimate.

    “Displacement was largely concentrated in parts of western Yemen controlled by Ansar Allah, part of the al-Houthi movement, where a series of Saudi-led airstrikes hit densely populated areas including the cities of Taizz and Hodeidah.

    “The Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia experienced nearly a million new displacements due to unprecedented flooding in April and May after an extended period of drought in the region exacerbated by the Indian El Niño weather phenomenon.

    “Finally, tropical cyclone Gita left a trail of destruction in the Pacific in February, triggering 10,000 new displacements in American Samoa, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. The figure is relatively small compared with the 10 most significant disaster events, but the damage and displacement Gita caused shows that small island states suffer huge impacts relative to their population size,” said IDMC.