Thousands line streets to welcome new caretaker governor in Unity state
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By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
July 17, 2013 (BENTIU) - Unity state residents lined the main street
from Rubkotna airstrip to the state capital Bentiu to salute caretaker
governor Joseph Nguen Monytuel upon his arrival on Wednesday.
JPEG - 38.6 kb
New caretaker governor Joseph Nguen Monytuel waves to the crowd as he
arrives in Unity state on Wednesday (ST)
Monytuel was the former governor of Unity state under the Sudanese
government before the South-ruling party – the Sudan People’s
Liberation Movement (SPLM) - engaged in peace talks in 2002.
While addressing the crowd at the national Bentiu independent stadium
on Wednesday, the governor called on Unity state residents to unite
and move forward from the past.
“It has been a long journey to cry to [the] president [Salva Kiir],
you the people of Unity state. But today the president has given you
his ear to appoint me as the caretaker governor, and this was what you
were looking for since a long time”, said Monytuel.
Monytuel was appointed on 7 July after Kiir issued a surprise decree
sacking elected governor Taban Deng Gai. No official reason has been
given for his decision.
The former governor has slammed the decision as unconstitutional,
saying his removal from office is linked to a recent trip he made to
the US, where he claims Kiir suspects he held meetings with US
government officials on the possibility of vice-president Riek Machar
contesting the presidency in the 2015 general elections.
The caretaker governor said his government would prioritise roads
construction, health services, education and electricity.
There are also plans for the construction of a water pipeline to every
house within the state capital, as well in nine of the state counties.
Monytuel also vowed to address unrest caused by cattle raiding that
continues to claim lives along the state’s three borders by boosting
cooperation with Warrap and Lake states in a bid to eliminate the
practice.
The vast majority of Unity state’s population fled the state due to
unrest and insecurity between 2009 and 2012, with groups of young
taking up arms against the government amid claims of corruption and
tribalism following a 2010 election.
Monytuel has urged those that settled in other regions to return for
the betterment of the state and to assist in its development.
The caretaker governor is a vocal supporter for development in the
state and has called on youths to end the practice of cattle rustling
and participate in government policy.
Monytuel assured youths that his government will improve employment
opportunities or young people in the private sector and government
institutions.
The caretaker governor warned civilians to refrain from taking a
tribal line and to work together as one.
Many of those who lined Bentiu’s streets to welcome the new governor,
expressed optimism about his message.
Giel Maluoth, a Payinjiar county resident, who came to the state
capital two days ago, said he was impressed by the caretaker governor,
saying he hoped his appointment would bring more stability to the
state.
Another resident, Nyakerekni a Rubkotna, said Monytuel would have a
positive impact on development in her state, adding she hopes that
health services will improve within the next six months.
In 2005, a comprehensive peace agreement signed between the Khartoum
government and the former rebel group turned ruling party imposed Gai
as the first governor of the semi-autonomous government in Unity
state.
Since his appointment the former governor has come under increasing
criticism for mismanaging the state’s underground oil resources.
Monytuel has long been regarded as Unity state’s popular choice for
governor. In 2007, the position of state SPLM chairman was contested
by both Gai and Monytuel, who ultimately won the seat.
(ST)
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