Equatoria Conference On Governance Underway In Juba
A two-day Greater Equatoria Conference bringing leaders from Central, Western and Eastern Equatoria states together kicked off yesterday in Juba and aims at brainstorming issues to improve governance in the region. 15 February 2013 The conference aims to chart out a way forward in light of the contemporary social, economic and political situation of South Sudan. [Wakhe Simon Wudu] By Waakhe Simon Wudu JUBA, 15 February 2013 [Gurtong] - The forum themed “consolidating justice, unity and prosperity” has brought representatives from all the three states of Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria led by the three governors. Also in attendance are Ministers, MPs and other key leaders including religious leaders and civil society activists. Graced by Hon. James Wani Igga, the Speaker of the South Sudan National Parliament, the conference objectively aims to review the status of the Equatoria Conference 2011 resolutions; to find out as to which of the resolutions were implemented, and which ones were not. It also aims to chart out a way forward in light of the contemporary social, economic and political situation of South Sudan. It is expected to raise some common concerns in the Equatoria States for discussion, and to make recommendations for possible action points. The areas of concern will cover security issues; governance such as the current Constitution Review process; land grabbing issues and the problems of relationship between cattle owners and crop farmers in the three states with an aim to find a common ground and actions that will strengthen the unity of the people. Wani Igga called the conference to come out with comprehensive approaches and solutions to the issues in the region particularly positions that will help in decision making. He outlined that Equatorians should come out with their position to present during the SPLM party convention scheduled for next month, issues on agriculture and security. He said security and agriculture are key questions that emerged after the independence of South Sudan and needs to be tackled. Other key issues raised during the opening of the conference are about power sharing in the national government, insecurity threats, unfair distribution of passports and nationality cards and failure in implementing some of the resolutions passed during the 2011 conference. The governors critically challenged the absence of the President in attending the conference. President Kiir sent his Presidential Advisor on Legal Affairs Hon. Tellar Ring Deng. The conference accused him of refusing to attend the function as he also did not attend the 2011 EC. In fact in what observers said appeared to be anger, Central Equatoria State Governor Clement Wani Konga had to amend the protocol in the program. Instead of Tellar Ring to open the conference on behalf of President Salva Kiir, Clement decided to invite Wani Igga and opened the function. Posted in: Home, Governance -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
