FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2015 (SSNA) -- I’m very sorry to receive such awful and heartbreaking tragic news, which happen while we’re about to celebrate the implementation of Compromise Peace Agreement. This tragedy is the first of its kind in the history of South Sudan. It’s so shocked and I personally lost in thoughts to say even a word of encouragement to the families who lost their loves ones. It’s very sad indeed and great lost to lose more than one hundred people in one minute!

On behalf of peace lovers and on my behalf, I pay my tribute to our fallen herions/heros who died in Tank explosion on Thursday, September 17, 2015 in Western Equatoria of Maridi.

It’s sometimes very difficult to prevent the incident when it already happens but it’s possible to minimize the risk related to human’s life.

With deep sorrow and painful feeling from my heart, I appeal to the deceased’s families to recognize the spiritual present of all South Sudanese with them in this critical circumstance. For I believe that this tragedy is a damage that shall never and ever soon be compensated, I also appeal to NGOs and other stakeholders to quickly boost the medical assistance for those who survived the incident.

I urge the Government of South Sudan and the entire citizens to physically or spiritually comfort the people of Maridi. I urge the Faith Based Organizations in South Sudan to mark this day and urgently organize a day of prayer so that such tragedy becomes the first and the end. We don’t want this incident to happen again.

I would also extend my recommendation to the Government of South Sudan to introduce some basic safety rules including the basic firefighting so that our citizens become aware of dangerous goods. This can easily be done as drama through radio or TV.

As Peace Ambassador, I call upon all South Sudanese citizens and friends to pay their last respect to our sisters and brothers who lost their lives during the incident through prayers on the coming Sunday (20 September, 15) wherever you reside in the corner of the Earth.

Finally, I urge the government of South Sudan to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly.

Blessings!

Juba, September 24, 2015 (SSNA) -- Local and international human rights organizations have written a joint letter to the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma urging her to attend an African Union Peace and Security Council’s meeting scheduled to take place in New York on September 26, 2015.

“We write as a group of South Sudanese and international non-governmental organizations to encourage you to take advantage of the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on South Sudan scheduled for September 26, 2015 in New York to express your commitment to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and to help ensure publication of the report of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan (AUCISS) without delay,” the letter reads in parts.

“Publication of the [atrocities] report of the AUCISS report remains of great importance,” the letter continues.

The groups remind AUC’s Chairperson that the recently signed power-sharing deal calls for establishment of Hybrid Court for South Sudan and Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Commission and a Compensation and Reparations Authority.

“As you are aware, the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, signed by South Sudan’s government on August 26, 2015 and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition on August 17, 2015, provides for a Hybrid Court for South Sudan to be established by the African Union Commission as well as a Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Commission and a Compensation and Reparations Authority,” the group added.

The rights organizations praise AU for taking steps in creating the commission. They further call for an impartial court and asserted that AU should establish a “credible, independent hybrid court” for South Sudan.

The organizations that wrote to AUC are Amnesty International (United Kingdom), Affirmative Action, Initiative for Women (Nigeria), Arab Coalition for Sudan (Egypt), Assistance Mission for Africa (South Sudan), Centre for Livelihood, Research and Poverty Reduction (South Sudan), Citizens for Peace and Justice (South Sudan), Civil Resource Development and Documentation Center (Nigeria), Club des Amis de Droit du Congo (DRC), Coalition for the International Criminal Court (Benin), Coalition of Eastern NGOs (Nigeria), Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (South Sudan), Darfur Relief and Documentation Centre (Switzerland), Dialogue and Research Initiative (South Sudan), East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (Uganda), End Impunity Organization (South Sudan), The Enough Project (USA), Fédération Internationale des Ligues des droits de l'Homme (France), Humanity United (USA), Human Rights Development Organization (South Sudan), Human Rights Watch (USA), International Justice Project (USA), International Centre for Policy and Conflict (Kenya), Jewish World Watch (USA), People4Sudan (Switzerland), South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (South Sudan), South Sudan Human Rights Society for Advocacy (South Sudan), South Sudan Law Society (South Sudan), South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (South Sudan), South Sudan Network for Democracy and Elections (South Sudan), Soweto Community-Based Organization (South Sudan), Standard Action Liaison Focus (South Sudan), The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (Uganda), Sudan Advocacy Action Forum (Sudan), Sudan Social Development Organization (United Kingdom), Support Peace Initiative Development Organization (South Sudan), United to End Genocide (USA), Voice for Change (South Sudan), and Zorga Organization for Rural Development (Sudan).

August 26, 2015 (SSNA) -- The South Sudan Human Rights Society for Advocacy (SSHURSA) welcomes the signing of peace deal today 26 August 2015, by the South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit. SSHURSA congratulates President Kiir for listening to the pleas of South Sudanese people, for him to sign the peace deal which was signed on 17 August 2015 by SPLM/A-IO leader Riek Machar and other stakeholders. This is an encouraging step that President Kiir has finally signed the peace deal.

APPEALS:

SSHURSA appeals to President Salva Kiir and SPLM/A-IO leader Riek Machar to reign over their forces by observing ceasefire and ensure full respect of the deal. SSHURSA urges the two leaders to implement the agreement and to take great leadership to work together in the interests of the suffering South Sudanese people despite the bitterness of the past 20 months of the brutal civil war.  The fact that South Sudan needs concerned leadership that can steer it towards peaceful, reconciled and democratic era, for the welfare of its current and future generations, must be a necessary reason for the two leaders to leave their personal prejudices against each other. It is high time South Sudanese swallowed their pride and built destroyed country.

We appeal to regional and international partners, particularly Kenya, the Sudan, Ethiopia and Troika countries to help and ensure that this signed peace agreement is implemented in letter and spirit by the parties.

Any minor violation of this agreement by any party if condoned by the partners at early stage shall give a leeway to parties to renege on their commitments and may lead to unilateral violation of the whole agreement.

GRATITUDE:

SSHURSA, on behalf of the suffering South Sudanese people, thanks the regional and international partners and friends of South Sudan for putting necessary pressure on the warring parties to sign the peace deal. The United States of America and other concerned international community members have acted in the interests of South Sudanese people. Their continued support should remain uncut. Sufferings of innocent people must end now!

For any query about this press release; contact Executive Director Biel Boutros Biel, Tel. +256 772 369 971 or E-mail: bielbb2015@gmail.com. Kampala, Uganda.

About SSHURSA:  SSHURSA is a non-political and nonprofit making national human rights organisation with a vision for democratic, human rights and rule of law abiding South Sudan. Its mission is to monitor human rights, train general public on rule of law, human rights, constitution, transitional justice, peacebuilding and governance in South Sudan. E-mail: sshursa2007@gmail.com or visit: www.sshursa.org.

New York, September 26, 2015 (SSNA) -- A high-level rebel delegation led by South Sudan’s Former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny — who now leads the armed opposition, has on Saturday arrived in New York, United States of America.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) Representative to the United States Hon. Reath Muoch Tang, SPLM/A-IO's Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Miyong Kuon, and other US-based high ranking rebel officials were presence at the airport to welcome Machar.

Dr. Machar, who will next week address South Sudanese in Nebraska, was welcome and greeted by thousands of cheering supporters who came from all over the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The rebel leader was invited by United Nations’ Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, to attend the 2015 UN General Assembly summit.

South Sudanese president Salva kiir was also invited by the UN to participate in the conferences, but refused, saying his deputy James Wani Igga will fill-in for him.

However, on Friday, South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makui Lueth accused the UN of treating Salva Kiir like a "schoolboy," adding UN Secretary General failed to notify Kiir ahead of the time.

Makui also lashed out at the United States, asserting that he suspects the US was going to deny visas to some members of Kiir's delegation without giving any specific reason why he believes the US government was going to denied some government's officials entry into the the US.

On September 18, the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) was told by a high-ranking government official that Salva Kiir fears if he travels to the United States, the SPLA Chief of General Staff Paul Malong Awan who is not happy about the peace deal could overthrow him.

Machar will participate in separate meetings designed for the implementation of the recently signed compromise peace agreement.

The rebel leader is also expected to brief the people of South Sudan about the peace deal and its implementation on the 3^rd of October in Omaha, Nebraska.

The list of rebel delegation includes Deputy Chairman Alfred Ladu Gore, National Chairperson for Peace and Reconciliation Taban Deng Gai, Dr. Dhieu Mathok--National Committe Chairman for Roads and Transport Committee, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth--Chairperson for foreign relations committe, National Committe Chairperson for Agriculture Tijwog Hather Agwet, Atim Cuei Deng--Protocol in the office of the Chairman, Angelina Teny, Henry Dilah Odwar, Hussein Mar Nyuot, Stephen Par Kuol, Sandra Bona Malwal, Lamumba S. K. Diaping, Peter Marcelo, Dobuol Lealweng Wuol, Sophia Pal Gai Lam, Rebecca Nyakier Thor, Judy Nyakuoth Tut Kuol, Joseph Yatta, Goal Chuol, Phar Dang Yuot, Gabriel Guok Dang, Chuol Koah Tiep, Peter Gatkuoth Moyong Nyuot, Gatluak Ruach Pur, Martin Abucha, Chop Puok Both, among others.

New York, September 27, 2015 (SSNA) -- The government of the United Kingdom is ready to deploy troops to South Sudan and Somalia as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions in volatile regions, UN diplomatic sources have confirmed.

UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, is expected to announce and outline for his government decision to send troops to South Sudan and Somalia on Monday, September 28, 2015, at the United Nations.

The announcement will include an initial number of at least 250 troops to be deployed and that the soldiers will be tasked to deal with combat training and engineering advice.

Other countries are also expected to make contribution on Monday.

A confidential source at the UN disclosed to the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) that the United States has not been happy after some unnamed countries attempted to lobby other nations to oppose any sanction against South Sudan although the source did not name countries that are lobbying against sanctions.

But on September 15, Russia, Angola, and Venezuela blocked UN sanctions against South Sudan with Russia asserting that any punitive measure against the young nation could “aggravates the situation.”

On the 17^th of September, the SSNA was informed by a diplomatic source that the government of the United Kingdom has decided to contribute troops for UN missions in South Sudan. However, the source did not said when or where Britain will announce its decision.

Kampala/Juba, September 29, 2015 (SSNA) -- Ugandan military Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Ankunda said Kampala is not preparing to pull its troops out of south Sudan, citing lack of military withdrawal request from South Sudanese government.

The recently signed power sharing deal stipulates that all foreign forces must leave South Sudan within 45 days.

However, Kampala seems not ready to pull out of the violence-wracked nation.

“Ugandan troops in South Sudan are not preparing to pull out. For now there are no troop movements,” Lt. Col. Paddy was quoted by the Associated Press as saying.

The announcement happens less than two weeks before all foreign forces can leave South Sudan as required by the IGAD-Plus's compromise peace agreement.

The deal also calls for the formation of a transitional government of national unity within 90 days.

Council Bluffs, Iowa, October 4, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan’s Former Vice President,  Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has on Saturday addressed South Sudanese communities in the United States after he attended a United Nations-sponsored meeting in New York.

The South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) gained a rare access inside the conference hall where thousands of South Sudanese who came from all over the United States, Canada, and who are eager to hear the speech of the rebel leader sang traditional songs as the meeting hall, Mid-America Center, was bombarded with carefully selected songs.

In one of the biggest events ever held in the United States, deputy Chairman of the armed opposition, General Alfred Lado Gore, was blunt in his speech. Lado thanked South Sudanese in Diaspora, commended their support, and attacked Salva kiir’s government; saying kiir has failed the young nation and that he should simply go and mix himself-up with “cow dungs.” Lado also called Kiir’s government “useless.”

“Kiir’s government is the most useless government in the world,” Lado declared.

“What we need in South Sudan is a good leadership…and that leadership (Kiir’s) must go before a firing squad. Kiir cannot be even compare with Dr. Riek because Kiir still mixing himself-up with cow dungs,” he continues.

Lado also reminds the people about what happened in Juba in December 2013 when civilians were massacred by a government that was supposed to protect them. The room was in complete silence, many people shaded tears as the determined deputy rebel leader was in full-gear attacking Juba.

“Juba was turned into a slaughter house,” Lado added.

At 7:24PM, Central time (US), Lado called the rebel chief onto the stage. The hall erupted in a thunderous applause as people stood on their feet to welcome Dr. Machar.

Before Machar can start his speech, people started making loud noises, calling Machar “father of self-determination, true leader, the icon of freedom, among other names.”

Machar began his speech by thanking the people of South Sudan in Diaspora and told them that their contributions will never be forgotten.

He then talked about the implementation of the recently signed IGAD-Plus’s compromise peace agreement, saying the pact that has been signed must be implemented and call on all South Sudanese, especially the Diaspora to support the implementation. The armed opposition leader also thanks IGAD, IGAD-Plus, African Union (AU), and the international community for their efforts to find a peace agreement. He further thanks AU for making atrocities report public.

“This peace [deal] is not the best…but a minimum we can live with,” Machar told the gathering.

“The agreed peace is a federal system,” he asserted.

The rebel leader stated that the benefit of federalism is that people have a say in everything the government does. He used Nebraska’s motto, “Good Life,” as an example of a federal government, saying people of Nebraska now live comfortable because of federalism.

Machar also praises UN’s Secretary General, Ban Kii-Moon, for putting South Sudan on the map.

Machar also thanks South Sudanese who write against government in the internet, saying they are “Internet warriors” who deserve praises and recognitions and urge them to use their writing skills to help implement the peace deal.

28 States proposal violates compromise peace agreement

The rebel leader says the recent decree issued by South Sudanese President Kiir to create 28 states violates the compromise peace agreement.

Machar also blasted Kiir’s refusal to attend the 29^th of September UN-sponsored meeting on South Sudan, adding that world leaders and South Sudanese started to become Skeptics after Kiir only participated in the conference through a video-link.

He concluded his speech by urging South Sudanese in Diaspora to go home and help implement the peace. Machar reminds the gathering that anyone who commits a crime in the ongoing civil war will be taken to a court of laws. Machar also says South Sudan’s security sector must be changed and reflect diversity. 

Gunman captured

The SSNA was told that a man with a gun and believes to be from Equatoria region was captured by Machar's security agents and turned over to local police. However, the SSNA cannot independently verify the claim.

"Oyee" has been replaced with "Viva"

In a surprise move, the rebel leadership stunned the gathering by announcing the replacement of a decades-long motto, "Oyee."  After the proclamation of the change, the crowd again erupted in applause singing "Viva, Viva, Viva..."

Juba/Addis Ababa, October 6, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese rebels have accused Salva Kiir's government of carrying out aerial bombardments on civilians in Mundari of Western Equatoria state, rebel Spokesman said.

Colonel William Gatjiath Deng, the Spokesman for the armed opposition, said in a press statement that government has carried out air attacks on Monday morning, adding that Juba sent in ground units at night in the same day and that the ground forces shelled civilians and burned down villages around Jubo Payam.

“It was at 9:00 AM, yesterday [Monday] when government troop launched an aerial bombardment on civilian at Munduri County in Western Equatoria state. In the same day, they send military convoy from Juba to Munduri where they overnight at Jumbo and they began to shell on civilians, burned down the villages around Jumbo Payam,” Col. William said in a statement.

The Spokesman of the armed opposition alleged that Salva kiir’s government is not serious about the implementation of the peace deal and that Kiir is prepared to continue the war against the rebels.

Col. Gatjiath added that Kiir has turned the ongoing war into a permanent fighting project which he believes he can win militarily. He also accuses Kiir of pursuing a destructive path over the lives of innocent civilians.

The amed opposition calls on the IGAD-PLUS, African Union (AU), and the international community to check out what it describes as “uncontrollable violations” committed by the government soldiers.

Press release: For immediate release

October 6, 2015 (SSNA) -- Gordan Buay’s fabricated messages against Dr.Machar’s tour and briefings in North America are parts of his embarrassment cover in the US.  Mr. Gordan Buay, Wani, and Ambasador Baak, were trying their best to copied Dr. Machar’s touring style in the US, but the duds ended up with unforgettable embarrassment.  Upon their arrival to the US, Dr. Machar was received by both Ban Kimoon of UN, and Obama Administration with highest respect, while Wani was treated like a bartender. Dr. Machar was awaited by more than 500 individuals in New York City, while Wani and Buay were picked up by Ambassador Baak and his driver from JF K. Airport just like stooges.

In New York City, at the UN conference, Wani was directly embarrassed in public by their Uncle Yuweeri Museveni, when he shakes hand with Wani using his left hand, showing a lack of interest with people from Kiir’s Leadership. (Picture in Social Media). Ban Kimoon, and Obama Administration viewed Wani in the image of a Butcher man, because the history of human butchers in Juba has come to its sense during the UN Conference.

At the end of UN conference in New York City, Dr. Machar had planned to tour America to give public briefing on the peace accord and his mission to the UN Conference. Buay has learnt that Dr. Machar and his team are going to brief the South Sudanese in Omaha, Nebraska; a City known to have occupied by the majority of Nuer in North America.  Gordan Buay rushed to schedule Wani for public briefing in Kansas City. Kansas City is where majority of Dinka Community are known to reside in North America.

At his arrival to Omaha, Nebraska, Dr. Machar was picked up from Eppley Airfield by More than 50 vehicles with about 300 hundred passengers in Airport alone. His briefing in Omaha was attended by more than ten thousand South Sudanese people in the USA, Canada, and Australia.  Machar’s briefing was conducted in Mid-American Center in Council Bluff, Iowa. The briefing alone took two consecutive days and people did not want to leave.

Wani’s briefing in Kansas City was attended by less than 200 people mostly from Dinka ethnic group, and it last only about 4 hours.

Dr. Machar left on Sunday afternoon to give public briefing in Kansas City; the City that Buay and Wani thought was their Paradise City because the majority residents are Dinka. Dr. Machar was picked up at the Kansas City, Airport by 10 vehicles. His briefing has a turnout with more than 500 attendees, in Kansas City (Pictures on Social Media at Komach Dey’s Page)

On the same Sunday when Dr. Machar was heading to Kansas City, Wani, Buay and Ambassador Baak, left Kansas City to Phoenix, Arizona, in attempt to brief public up here. Very embarrassing for Wani and his team in Phoenix, Arizona.  Their meeting was conducted in a very small hotel conference room, in Ramada Inn, on 44^th Street and McDowell Rd. This is where they resided for the night as well. Their briefing was attended by less than 150 people, and it last for just for 1hour and half.  Wani had to simply answered questions that were written and giving to him by individuals in that small group. Buay was in attendance for about 30 minutes, but he knows the attendance is not going to improve, he left the meeting and go to dinner instead. He was taken out to eat, in the Ethiopian Restaurant on Thomas, Rd, where he opened up his team’s embarrassment to the group of Nuer inside the restaurant.

Buay disclosed that the Government of Kiir and Wani is losing miserably, especially in the International arena, and South Sudanese Public alike. He went on and described his tour with Wani, and the embarrassment they received in each city they visited including Phoenix, Arizona. Buay said he just wants to go to Washington DC that Sunday night.

Buay also informed the Nuer group that they should not panic with his writing on social media because that is how he received his salary. He said he is doing that now to comfort his team because they’re seriously embarrassed, and are over skilled by Dr. Machar’s team in North America.

Gordan Buay is currently in Phoenix, AZ, with his new Bar El Ghazel girlfriend. His team left for DC on Monday Morning.  Buay may be traveling to DC tonight or tomorrow.

All in all, Machar’s tour in the US was amazing, and it is one of the historical visits of his life. He was received with highest respect by the UN, the US, and the South Sudanese Public. Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon is surely the next president of the Republic of South Sudan. Those who hate him as Riek Machar are seriously advice to refrain from their thoughts, or else hang themselves silently.

Contact:

Thursday, October 01, 2015

“… None of us got to where we are alone, whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone’s help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying THANK YOU! – Harvey Mackay”

October 8, 2015 (SSNA) -- It is often said that human beings do not only want their actions to be noticed but also wish others to be recognized and appreciate for good deeds that are likely to set off good precedents for subsequent generations. Despite that each and every one of us wishes to fulfill these fundamental needs, it is often the case that not every person achieves both for one reason or another.

As we begin to commemorate the 21-months-old South Sudan’s conflict, we believe it is time to collaborate to divulge the top selfless media anchors, who dedicated their time and resources to enlighten the world on the roots causes of December 15^th 2013 – Nuer Genocide, and kept the morale and unity of the our people high.

December 15^th was a day of grief in many South Sudanese families, particularly among the Nuer ethnic group. It is on this day that many Souls departed in a blink of an eye due to faulty leadership and tribal incident from the top leadership. Even for the lucky few who did not lose an immediate relative, most if not all, lost a soul mate, a close friend, a team mate, a colleague or someone they knew. It was such a horrendous experience but an evitable reality that most of us would live by for the rest of our lives.  December 15 has become a trademark that would never fade in our memories!

On a brief account, on Dec-15^th, 2013 a political dispute between Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar over the chairmanship, reforms and protocols of the SPLM party reached its climax on December 14^th during its long-awaited National Liberation Council (NLC). When Dr. Machar and six other top reformists boycotted the 2^nd day of NLC meeting on December 15^th, Salva Kiir and his cronies plotted to arrest the politicians which triggered the new civil war which was announced by Salva Kiir the following morning coup masterminded by Dr. Riek. To surprise of many, Salva Kiir’s presidential guards and his tribal militia turned on Nuer population, hunting them from door to door in what became known as the Juba massacre, an onslaught that has left some families extinct. This initial massacre, which lasted for days, weeks and months, set off a retaliatory civil war that we are currently battling to end.

To wind-down inequity and instability in South Sudan, patriotic South Sudanese, together with Dr. Machar Teny, work tirelessly to reform the country’s system of governance and social institutions which have been massed in tribal supremacy, corruption, land grabbing and marginalization of the weak, poor and minority tribes. This could never have been possible without priceless sacrifices and dedications, be it in term of blood or resources. As we obviously know for any movement to accelerate into the implementation of its objectives there must be identical care in;

Military: a faction to pressure the political adversaries by using a grounded resistance to force the aggressors to their knees and to promote its political agenda, locally and overseas.

Political Wing: a branch practicing politic as a theory to influence people to adopt and accept certain revolutionary believes and grievances. It is a way of expressing view in diplomatic manner!

Media: One of the most important factions utilized to support both military and political wing in term of supplying information, mobilization, and time management.

The three factions patently demonstrated their importance and tremendous successes within the last 21 months and therefore their actors equally deserve to be heavily acknowledged in kind. It is for this importance that we have dedicated some times to develop a scheme that will identify the top 20 media warriors of Dec-15^th Genocide.  If you take a quick glance on the leadership of the SPLM/A in opposition the three wings have their own chiefs; the military wing is led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, with Dr. Riek Machar leading the political wing and Captain Mabior Garang De Mabior leading the movement’s media wing.

One may asks himself on why we are orchestrating a program that is supposed to be done by Comrade Captain Mabior Garang? Well, this project is run to commend those who were not officially mandated to operate under the leadership of the SPLM/A in opposition. We are doing this to reward individuals who steadily pick up their pen to write awareness accounts on Dec-15^th Genocide without receiving any official invitation from the SPLM/A in opposition leadership to support the movement.

When the war started in Dec-15^th /2013, many people ran for their dear lives including Dr. Machar than after a week or so they started to assemble and reconcile with their own spirit before embarking on the mission of resistance. Locals’ soldiers and politicians who were touched by the cruel treatment of Salva Kiir’s militia, Mathiang Anyor, joined the camp of the opposition. Later after guaranteeing the safety of Nuer and none-Nuer inside the UNMISS campus; a new independent media faction emerged, a faction popularly known as “South Sudan’s Media Warriors (SSMW)”. This faction was highly dominated by Nuer intellectuals worldwide. The vision and the mission of the Social media warriors is to support the opposition movement under the leadership of the able Dr. Machar, who vows to create federal state that will be founded on true justice, liberty and prosperity.

The Social media warriors were campaigning under the theme “Kiir Must Go”. In their campaign they recommended numerous strategies to topple Salva Kiir’s tribal regime; they created website, blogs, debate forums, twitter accounts and Facebook groups to ensure a timely delivery of breaking news and opinions to all the internet users. This is a role that was played by thousands of people worldwide; however, for the sake of this scheme and due to other constraints, we will focus only on the top 20 major contributors.

Major Selection Criteria For The Top 20 Media Worriers of December 15^th

Dear readers, we have abstractly defined the “social media warriors” based on Dec-15^th Genocide, however, our targets are mostly those whose contributions made a brilliant impact on other internet users and the community at large. These warriors contributed by developing websites, elaborated creative events, creating of noble graphic designs, frequent and eloquent opinion writing, consistent sharing, tagging, and timely spreading of inspiring news and opinions. Therefore, to narrow down the large pool of mass social media contributors into only top 20 requires a concrete criteria that will achieve this goal without bias or favor. These criteria must be authenticated by two third of the campaign team and audience.

To avoid puzzles, limited eligibilities criteria, which are currently pending endorsement, have been suggested to help adjudicators determine the Top Twenty media influential.

As an effective requirement, the overall verification committee collectively agreed that the first top five participants of Dec-15^th media influential must have written their first article or Facebook status between Dec-15^th, 2013 to March 15^th, 2014. This is to ensure that the participant’s contribution is technically meant for 2013 South Sudan’s conflict.  

Secondly, in order for you to be a participant in Dec-15^th top 20 list, your contribution must meet at least three or more of the following requirements:

• The Participant must be an active member in Community and Movement’s programs, particularly, the first Commemoration event of Dec-15^th in 2014 and the RED-CARD rally of July /2015.
• The participant must have written at least five or more articles that talked about South Sudan’s 2013 civil war.
• The participant must have at least fifty Facebook timeline posts about 2013 south Sudan’s conflict.
• The participant must have at least fifty Facebook’s tags, and shared inspiring news and opinions that related to South Sudan’s 2013 conflict.
• In case the participant is a graphic designer, he must have designed five or more notable political designs that illustrate political importance of the reform.
• The participant must have developed a website or a weblog that has been active to date. 
• The participant must have created or actively participated in media forums or social media groups.

December 15th top 20 Compression Process

Due to the large pool of South Sudan’s Media Warriors (SSMW) in social media, we have agreed that all the participating countries must investigate and select their top 4 most influential candidates that qualify for the top 20 list of Dec-15^th Media Warriors. To trim it further, the overall verification committee will evaluate all the collected lists of four to identify the finalists who would be thereafter announced as the top twenty.

On the verification process, the committee will go through your Facebook timeline posts and search for articles you wrote. The overall verification committee also has the rights to investigate your commitment to the community and the movement activities.

Why are we doing this program now?

One of the reasons why we are doing this program today is to pave ways to the future South Sudan’s media investigation officials whom will be commissioned to carry on the task of identifying the Media Warriors of the event of Dec-15^th for historical record. According to our calculation, in one or two years’ time, some media contributors may be forced to deactivate or abandon online activities due to other life’s commitment.

Furthermore, many South Sudanese icons in the past were intentionally forgotten in the History of Sudan and South Sudan because we, South Sudanese specially the Nuer don’t value or cherish our sons’ and daughters’ achievements. One of the most popular saying in South Sudanese communities is “What makes him better than I?” I understand that other people may have different interpretation to what this saying means yet it is generally means Envy because if we intentionally meant equality and peace, we would have applied the wisdom of Jesus Christ demonstrated in Mark 12:17 "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

Another issue we are confronting is lack of recording important events. If you ask a 15 years old school boy about a man named Mut Duang Mar Chak, his answer would obviously be “no idea” because his ancestors never thought of leaving a written draft of occasions or events that took place in the past.  For your information Mut Duang is a brave man from Gajaak community who smack-down a British warplane with traditional stick (Weath) made of heavy wood. This man would have been one of the country’s heroes but due to the leaking of the country’s history, Dr. John Garang De Mabior becomes the only known South Sudanese Hero. Therefore, we are urging all the youth of this 21^st century to open a new beginning, a commencement where history is written accordingly.

To be continue...

In the next article we will name the venue to hold the ceremony where we will bring together the top 20 most media influential of Dec-15^th genocide. We will also display the official logo for the Campaign.

Here is the Facebook campaign page link: https://web.facebook.com/South-Sudans-Media-Warriors-Official-Page-1479114285726168/timeline/?ref=hl

This program is initiated by: Zechariah James Machar with the support of Deng Elijah Hon Top.

Contact details: zee4yo at yahoo dot co dot uk / dengsimon2000 at yahoo dot com.

New York, October 9, 2015 (SSNA) -- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday passed a resolution extending operation of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to the 15^th of December 2015 and allows the peacekeepers to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to help monitor and track the ongoing civil war.

The resolution also calls for enforcement of the implementation of the IGAD-Plus's compromise peace agreement.

South Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Francis Mading Deng, was outraged at the meeting venue after the resolution was adopted by a vote of 13, with Russia and Venezuela abstaining.

Francis was critical of the UN’s use of drones in the violence-wracked nation, saying Juba was not consulted and that the use of UAVs will invite hostility.

"Without consultation with the government is to invite controversy, and potential disagreement and hostility, when harmony and cooperation are what the situation calls for," Francis complained.

On September 15, Russia, Angola, and Venezuela blocked the US-backed resolution which carries sanctions against South Sudanese army Chief Paul Malong Awan and rebel General Johnson Olony.

Meanwhile, Herve Ladsous, the United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations disagrees. He states that the use of drones is essential for early warning which is necessary for the protection of civilians.

“We believe there is a requirement to deploy UAVs for enhanced early warning, necessary to protect civilians as well as for the safety and security of peacekeepers,” he said.

Ladsous added that talks between UN and Juba about the use of UAVs will continue.

The latest UN’s resolution requires UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to report to the Security Council within six months.

Kampala/Juba, October 12, 2015 (SSNA) -- Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces General Katumba Wamala has announced that Ugandan troops will soon begin withdrawing from South Sudan starting this Monday, adding that all Ugandan soldiers will be out of the young nation by early next month.

Gen. Katumba, who also goes by the name Edward Katumba Wamala, told reporters that Kampala believes Juba is well prepared to deal with any situation in the violence-wracked nation.

“We think they have upped up their business by now. We think things will hold,” Gen. Katumba told reporters in Kampala.

South Sudanese around the world appear feed-up with Uganda’s continuous refusal to leave South Sudan and the IGAD-Plus’s approach to the implementation of the recently signed power-sharing deal.

“If the so called IGAD-Plus really wants peace in South Sudan, it must start by enforcing its own rules. Let Uganda leave as it is the case in the peace pact,” Duop Chak Wuol, the Editor-in-Chief of the US-based South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) wrote on his social media page on Monday.

When reached to explain what he meant, Duop said he is referring to the language of the IGAD-Plus’s compromise peace agreement, which he says stipulates that all foreign forces must leave South Sudan by the 10^th of October 2015.

“If Lions write jungle rules and force all animals to abide by those rules, then the Lions should also respect their own rules. Asking the rebel leadership to go to Juba before Uganda leaves South Sudan and without any sensible agreement on security arrangements is a mere joke,” Duop added.

When asked to elaborate more on his statement, Duop simply laughed and suggested that the SSNA contact the IGAD-Plus for clarification.

“Who still need to be lectured on the ongoing civil war?” he asked.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, a staunch supporter of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, sent his troops to fight alongside South Sudan’s government soldiers against rebels days after fighting broke out in Juba in December of 2013.

Soon after South Sudan gained her independence from Sudan in July of 2011, the young nation became Ugandan’s largest export market and trading partner.

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Re: COLLO GLOBAL ACTION CONDEMNS AND REJECTS SALVA KIIR'S ESTABLISHMENT ORDER NUMBER 36/2015 THAT AIMS AT DISINTEGRATING AND ANNEXING THE COLLO KINGDOM

October 13, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Collo Global Action (CGA) has been following the new political developments in South Sudan with great and alarming concerns, especially the Republican Order Number 36/2015 that purports to establish 28 unconstitutional new states in South Sudan with effect from first week of November 2015. The malicious Order that was read over SSTV by President Salva Kiir himself is aimed at disintegrating the Collo Kingdom and grabbing the historical Collo ancestral lands in the east bank of White Nile and along Sobat River to the advantage of the Padang Sectional Dinka Alliance who have been influencing Salva Kiir for that purpose.

The Republican Order is a serious violation to the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (TCSS) and a shameful dishonoring of the recently signed peace agreement in Addis Ababa on 17th August and also in Juba on 26th August 2015, and which has been ratified by the National Legislature. If these gross violations were conducted elsewhere, it would have caused Salva Kiir his Presidency seat immediately because he would have been asked to resign or be impeached for good.

The Collo (Shilluk) Kingdom has been existing in the region for many centuries, located on both sides of White Nile and Sobat Rivers. Historically, the Egyptian, the Turkish, the British, the French and the Arabs colonialists didn't manage to disintegrate the Collo Kingdom but recognized and cooperated with it. Who is then Salva Kiir Mayardit, Padang Sectional Dinka Alliance and the entire Council of Jieng Elders to have a victory over the well-known Collo People?

The Collo royal people herby condemn and reject in the strongest terms possible the newly announced states in Upper Nile called Eastern Nile State and Western Nile State. We call upon President Salva Kiir to behave himself like a civilized and intelligent President of a Republic and immediately nullify his unfortunate unilateral and unlawful decision of disintegrating and grabbing the Collo People's lands.

We can't imagine an insanity from a President of a Republic who co-habited a beautiful Collo lady from Doleib Hill in the Eastern Bank of the White Nile and had grown-up children from her, to issue an unconstitutional Order that gives away the ancestral land of the Mother of his Children. This is painfully terrible!

If President Kiir has not yet known it softly the time he served in Malakal as a Sudan Military Intelligence Officer that the Collo Nation are the strongest Majority tribe in Upper Nile, and that it is very important to respect the land rights and feelings of the In-laws, perhaps he will know it the hardest way very sooner than later.

We call on the entire Collo people to urgently mobilize themselves and unite in order to protect and defend the Great Ancestral Nyikango Land and Kingdom from aggressors and invaders as we have got to understand it now that the oppressor has no color. Whatsoever the case, we shall win because victory is in our pursuit of truth and dignity.

Juba, October 16, 2015 (SSNA) -- A coalition of at least 300 South Sudanese and international aid organizations, NGO Forum, has on Thursday released a report, warning of a worsening situation in raging war in South Sudan. The group alleged that government forces have systematically been raping, killing, abducting, and torturing civilians.

The warning came as South Sudan’s warring factions accuse each other of truce violations.

In the report, the group says the situation has been deteriorating, particularly in the oil-rich Unity State; adding that South Sudanese soldiers have in recent months killed, raped, abducted civilians.

“At least 1,000 civilians were killed, 1,300 women and girls were raped, and 1,600 women and children were abducted in Leer, Mayendit and Koch. The situation for civilians is desperate and getting worse as fighting persists," the report reads in part.

The agencies also says parts of their report is based on last month assessment report which was carried out to find evidence of atrocities committed in the violence-ravaged young nation.

The power-sharing deal which was signed in August by rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar and South Sudanese President Salva kiir faces collapse if the rival sides fail to implement the agreement.

Nairobi/Addis Ababa, October 21, 2015 (SSNA) -- Former Chairman of National Committee for Finance and Resource Mobilization for the Sudan people’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) and leader of rebel splinter faction Gabriel Changson Lew Chang has called on rebel forces to abandon Dr. Riek Machar, claiming Machar is not serving the interests of the people.

The South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) has obtained a leaked audio recording of minutes of a meeting held on the 18^th of October 2015 between the leader of the splinter group Changson and his supporters most of whom live in the United States, according to the SSNA’s investigations.

The SSNA agrees not to publish sensitive recordings of the meeting until the SSNA’s translation team completes conversion of the entire audio.

In the transcripts, Changson can be heard complaining that the armed opposition leader is a dictator and that Machar appoints people and interferes with their works. Changson also urges his supporters to help establish military bases in any area in Upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei States.

The leader of the splinter group further calls on the army wing of the SPLM-IO to desert Dr. Machar’s rebellion and support his movement.

In April 20105, Changson led a rebel delegation to the United States and visited several States mobilizing for resources to support the humanitarian wing of the rebel forces.

However, multiple sources have told the South Sudan News Agency that Changson was successful in convincing the supporters of the armed opposition in Diaspora, particularly in the US. Sources said South Sudanese in Diaspora gave him a huge amount of money to be used only for humanitarian purposes. Source also alleged that Changson did not disclose or release the funds to the rebel leadership after his return from the United States.

The sources added that Changson refused to meet and brief the SPLM/A-IO’s leadership after his arrival and instead held various secret meetings with Generals Peter Gatdet Yak and Gathoth Gatkuoth.

The two Generals were later dismissed and fled to Khartoum.

The sources further alleged that Changson provided the two Generals with bogus documents which he claimed were given to him by an unnamed American arms dealer who in 2014 offered to supply weapons to South Sudanese armed opposition but Machar declined the offer, citing what the sources described as an “unethical proposal.”

In August, Jikany Nuer Community has accused Gabriel Changson Lew Chang and General Gathoth Gatkuoth of having a history of rebellion against Machar, saying previous actions of the two men, specifically in events of 1997 had led to the loss of at least 500 lives of Jikany Nuer youth. Gathoth Gatkuoth and Gabriel Changson hail from Jikany Community.

Date: October16, 2015

Subject: Chollo (Shilluk) Petition on the Establishment Order Issued by the President of the Republic of South Sudan Dividing the Country into 28 States

Dear Mr. Secretary General,

October 21, 2015 (SSNA) -- We, the Chollo (Shilluk) community in the Diaspora would like to present this petition to you as an appeal to urgently intervene to arrest the catastrophic situation that may befall our country, the Republic of South Sudan, as a result of President Salva Kiir’s recent “Establishment Order Number 36/2015 for the creation of 28 states”. We are profoundly concerned about the Establishment Order because it has adversely affected the territorial boundaries of our kingdom, the Chollo Kingdom. Thus we demand immediate revocation of the Establishment Order. The situation is so grave and deeply disturbing that we urge your immediate attention and action before the situation develops into a catastrophic confrontation and conflict between the affected communities.

Your Excellency, here is our case and recommendations for your consideration:

On Friday the 2^nd of October 2015, the President of the Republic of South Sudan surprised the country by issuing an Order establishing 28 States instead of the existing ten. No studies or popular consultations were carried out as to the viability of the new states some of which are quite small counties.

The Order is a flagrant violation of some Articles of the Constitution: 55(3), 59(a), 86(5), and 162(1) among others. It is also a contravention of the “Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan” signed in Addis Ababa and Juba on the 17^th and 26^th of August. This becomes abundantly clear in reference to the Preamble, Articles 3 and 15 of Chapter I and more importantly Articles 2 and 3 of Chapter VIII.

The Peace Agreement has sufficiently provided that the devolution of power and resources to the sub-national levels of government will be dealt with during the Transitional period which is about to begin in two months’ time. This being the case, why issue the Order now that purports to be doing the same?

The answer is that the President and his Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders see the implementation of the Peace Agreement as obstructing their long well thought out plan to establish a Dinka-controlled state in Upper Nile. The timing is critical so as to create a new reality on the ground in Upper Nile and Unity states, with Governors to be nominated by the armed Opposition, before the commencement of the implementation of the Peace Agreement. In Upper Nile State, Chollo lands that were being claimed by the Dinka east of the Nile are granted to them, and the oil territories in Unity state are carved out into a state which is exclusively Dinka by joining two Dinka counties which do not share a border (unless a Nuer territory that borders both is annexed to the new state), so as to prove Kiir’s theory that oil in South Sudan belongs to the Dinka. This is purely a tribal game. Little wonder that it is only the Dinkas who are celebrating in support of the move.

The consequence of this gerrymandering is that the Chollo Kingdom got divided into two with some Chollo in one state west of the Nile and others in another east of it. The Chollo in the east are to be reduced into a minority in a Dinka state that extends from the border with Sudan in the north to the northern border of the Fangak Nuer in Jonglei state in the south. The Dinkas that formed the northern part of the old Fangak District in Jonglei state are to be annexed to this large state to increase the number of the Dinkas in it to ensure tribal domination of other minorities including Chollo.

Therefore, the Chollo Kingdom has been divided between two states for the first time in its 500 years since its inception. It is also the first time for State and County borders to be breached since the advent of administration in Sudan and South Sudan. The Chollo Kingdom predates the concept of government in South Sudan and Chollo cannot accept any power on earth to tamper with their system for tribal interest. Since President Salva Kiir is bent on creating states composed of single tribes, no tribe or tribal section is more worthy than Chollo nation to get its own state by virtue of its organization, history, economic viability and population size.

It is a well known fact that some Dinkas neighbouring Chollo have been laying baseless claims on Chollo lands east of the Nile since late 1970s up to the time of the issuance of this Order. In the past, the authorities in Juba have ruled in favor of Chollo on the basis of facts on the ground. However, since President Salva Kiir assumed power he has been consistently supporting the Dinka in their greed to grab Chollo land. All Chollo attempts to get the issue resolved through a technical committee to peg the borders on the ground in accordance with the agreed 1/1/1956 borders fell on deaf ears. One petition after another to President Salva Kiir himself and his government were thrown into the wastebasket. We have given a detailed account of these attempts in our petition to the Secretary General of the United Nations dated19 July, 2010,which is hereby attached for easy reference. By this Order, President Salva Kiir is misusing power in order to impose new borders between Chollo and the Dinka as claimed by the Dinka. This position proves what we have been saying all along that the government of President Salva Kiir was complicit in the insecurity that has been created by the Dinka in Chollo Kingdom since 2005.

This attempt by the government in Juba to give Chollo land to the Dinka threatens instability in the area and is a recipe for conflict and confrontation. Let the Dinka neighbouring Chollo tell the world the moment in history when they were occupying the lands they now claim, and had to be subsequently displaced from it by Chollo. Chollo displacement of Dinka at some distant time in history would be the only plausible reason for the Dinka to claim their lands back. However, there is nothing of the sort. On the contrary, it has been the Chollo sovereign that had provided protection throughout history to Dinka neighbouring the Kingdom. As mentioned earlier, Chollo came to where they are today in the 16^th century. The first Dinka to arrive east of the Nile did so in the 18^th century (Abilang and Dingjol). The rest came to their present settlements in the 19^th century following the Nuer migration to the current Jonglei state. The Ngok Dinka are actually occupying areas vacated by the Anuak on their eastward migration as evidenced by the names Abong, Adong, Gel Achiel, etc. These are well documented historical facts.

There is no doubt that the raison d’etre for the issuance of this Order at this time is to obstruct the implementation of the recently signed Peace Agreement that is likely to stop tribal schemes. It is important to bear this mind.

President Salva Kiir’s objective to grab the lands of Chollo and other tribes in the interest of his tribe the Dinka through abuse of power must be confronted by all. We humbly call for the following steps to be undertaken:

(a)- The Establishment Order issued by President Salva Kiir on 2/10/2015 is to be declared null and void as it violates both the Constitution and the Peace Agreement;

(b)- The guarantors of the Peace Agreement (in the region and internationally) must take a decisive action to prevent President Salva Kiir or anyone else from obstructing the implementation of the Agreement as its unraveling will result in a more destructive war between the tribes marking the end of the new country.

(c)- President Salva Kiir to be held accountable for committing gross violation of the Constitution and throwing the country into a tribal conflict;

(d)- The institution of an independent and impartial international fact-finding committee to investigate the atrocities that took place in Chollo land since 2005;

(e)- On the basis of the findings of the investigation committee above, all the culprits ought to be committed to a transparent international judicial process;

(f)- The issues of devolution of power and resources to sub-national levels must be deferred to be discussed during the Transitional Period as stated in the Peace Agreement;

(g)- A technical committee of surveyors must be formed at the commencement of the Transition so as to demarcate the boundaries of the old districts and provinces comprising the existing counties or states as per the 1/1/1956 boundary. These are the agreed boundaries as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement 2005 and the GoSS Council of Minsters’ resolutions in its meetings Nos. 01/2009 and 08/2009 in the year 2009. This demarcation must precede discussing the change of states’ borders.

The Chollo nation is a peace-loving people and has never been in conflict with its neighbors throughout the modern history. So far, we have been seeking and still seek amicable settlement of the land dispute affecting our people. However, it appears that some quarters are misreading our peaceful nature to be a sign of weakness. If pushed to the wall as this Order is bent on, the Chollo are more than ready to exercise their right of self-defense under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in order to defend their ancestral land and live with dignity.

Your Excellency, your prompt intervention into this serious security matter is necessary and urgently needed, so as to avert total anarchy South Sudan may descend into if President Salva Kiir’s “Establishment Order Number 36/2015 for the Creation of 28 States” is not revoked.

Yours sincerely,

Signed by Chollo (Shilluk) Community in:

Please note that the following support documents are enclosed: To read support documents just click on the hyper link below:

Juba, October 24, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese government troops have been accused by humanitarian organizations of killing more than 80 civilians and burned down houses this month in Leer County of the oil-rich Unity State.

The group also said it has documented at least 1200 in Unity State who have no family members due to the ongoing civil war.

“As a result of this new wave of violence, it is estimated that nearly 1,200 children are unaccompanied and separated in southern and central Unity State," the Protection Cluster said.

Rebels said government forces attacked their outposts in and around Leer County, burned down civilian houses, and looted livestock.

Leer County is the home town of South Sudan’s rebel leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.

Juba denied the allegation.

Humanitarian agencies added that the attacks which resulted in the death of more than 80 civilians were carried out between the 4^th of October 4 and October 22.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Re: The SPLM/SPLA (IO) Chairman Dr. Riek Machar Concludes a Successful Visit to the United States

October 23, 2015 (SSNA) -- The First Vice- President designate who is also the Chairman and C-in-C of the SPLM/SPLA (IO), Dr. Riek Machar Teny, have concluded a very successful visit to the United States on October 15, 2015. He has come to the US on the invitation of the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, to attend a‘special summit on South Sudan’that took place on the 29^th of September, 2015, at the UN Headquarters in New York, NY. This special summit was attended by the head of states and government of the world body. The Chairman of the SPLM/SPLA was received upon arrival to New York by thousands of his supporters from across the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.  After addressing the UN special summit, he had held sideline meetings with the Norwegian Foreign Minister and the President of the UN Security Council.

Afterwards, Dr. Riek and his high level delegation team that comprised among other delegates, of the Deputy C-in-C of the SPLM/SPLA, Gen. Alfred Ladu Gore, SPLM/SPLA (IO) Chief Negotiator, Gen. Taban Deng Gai, Amb. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Hon. Tijwok Aguet, Hon. Hussein Mar and Hon. Dr. Dhieu Mathok, took the liberty while in the US to tour a number of US states to brief and mobilize all the South Sudanese American communities on the IGAD-Plus mediated Compromise Peace Agreement on South Sudan that kicked off with a series of public briefings in New York City and New Jersey, Washington Metropolitan area, Portland-Maine, Omaha-Nebraska, Kansas City-Missouri, San Diego-California, Salt Lake City-Utah and concluded in Minneapolis-Minnesota. In all these public meetings, Dr. Riek had consistently preached a message of peace and reconciliation and persistently called on the South Sudanese Diaspora communities to rally themselves behind the peace agreement and to support its implementation. He had also exhorted all the South Sudanese Diaspora communities to use their cyber-skills to become ‘warriors of peace’ in support of the peace agreement as well as rebuilding of the country.

While in Washington DC, he held a meeting with the US secretary of state John Kerry, and held so many important meetings with members of the congress from both the democratic and republican parties. He had also addressed some of the Washington based Think Tank institutions such as the Atlantic Council, USIP, and held meetings with the NDI and the IMF. The Chairman of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) also had a significant engagement with the media houses in Washington DC, such as the Washington Post, VOA, Bloomberg and Foreign Policy Africa 24, among others. The chairman of the SPLM/SPLA had highlighted all the dignitaries that he had met; with the political, security and resource challenges during the Pre-Transitional Period, and appealed for help in this regards so that the pre-transitional arrangements could be tackled in order to pave the way for the actual implementation of the peace agreement during the transitional period of the implementation of the Compromise Peace Agreement. The challenges he had touched on were as follows:

1) Lack of agreement during the workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to address security arrangements issues during the pre/transitional period, particularly demilitarization of Juba and other towns in the country, as well as determination of the sizes of troops that will be deployed in the capital and elsewhere in the country.

2) Withdrawal of allied foreign troops (UPDF and Sudanese rebel forces) from South Sudan.

3) President Salva Kiir’s reservation on the peace agreement, his unilateral creation of 28 (twenty eight) states, and cease fire violations.

4) Lack of resources for the provision of logistics for the purposes of assembly and cantonment of troops during the pre-transitional period.

5) Lack of resources for the dissemination of the peace agreement to the South Sudanese inside and outside the country.

6) Lack of resources for kicking off the process of national reconciliation and healing during the pre-transitional period.

7) Lack of resources for the SPLM/SPLA (IO) advance team to travel to Juba and other towns.

All in all, the visit of the Chairman and his delegation to the US was very successful. The leadership of the movement would now focus on addressing these challenges so as to implement the peace agreement in order to bring a lasting peace and normalcy to our nascent state.

Signed by:

Juba, October 27, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese, particularly, citizens of the Dok Nuer community have condemned the massacre of more than 140 civilians who were killed this month by government forces in Leer County of the oil-rich Unity State.

“…We, the Dok Community in the Republic of the Sudan, condemned in the strongest term possible the killings of hundreds of unarmed civilians by soldiers loyal to Salva Kiir the SPLA_Juba, and their allied armed militias, mobilized from Koch and Mayom Counties by Nguen Munytuil (The Caretaker Governor of Unity State) and Koang Biel (Koch County Commissioner),” the statement reads in part.

The community asserted that government’s forces carried out civilian killings between the 21th of October 21 and October 26, adding that the first incident took place one month after the IGAD-Plus’s compromise peace agreement was signed by South Sudan’s rival factions.

The statement further alleges that children and elderly people were among those killed and blasts government for committing what it described as “inhuman activities” against the Dok Nuer Community.

South Sudanese rebel Riek Machar Teny hails from Dok Community.

The document named Salva Kiir Mayardit – President, Nguen Munytuil Wijang – Governor, Maj. Gen. Thayib Gatluak - GRSS 4^th Division Cdr, Maj. Gen. Matthews Puljang_Mayom - militia’s leader, Koang Biel Char - Koch Commissioner and leader of Koch militias, Wal Yach Gatkuoth - Desperate Leer County Commissioner, Khor Gatmai Garang - Desperate Mayiandit County Commissioner, Brig. Gen. Peter Phar Jeck Kuich, Brig. Gen. Samuel Gattet Machar Duoth, Brig. Gen. Kuol Tap Gai, and Brig. Gen. Latjor Gai Daliey as people responsible for the massacre of civilians.

In the text, Dok Community calls on Kiir to respect the recently signed power-sharing deal, urges him to immediately stop the killing of unarmed civilians in Leer County, and other parts of Unity State. The document also calls on the international community to apply maximum pressure on Kiir’s government to stop the killing of civilians, calls on the United Nations (UN) to launch an investigation and revive its commission of inquiry on South Sudan, and add recent incidents in the report to reflect true nature of government’s actions. The community also urges the United Nations Security council (UNSC) to choose other sites that are safe for civilians and provide foods to them.

Last week, Protection Cluster, an umbrella aid agency which represents 60 South Sudanese and international organizations which track civilians deaths in the violence-ravaged young nation, said government troops have this month killed at least 80 civilians and that 57 of those killed were children.

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese rebels have on Monday seized barges which they suspected of transporting government’s weapons and ammunition along the White Nile.

The barges were carrying at least 16 peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The armed opposition later revealed that the barges that it seized were occupied by the (UN) peacekeeping personnel, South Sudan’s government soldiers, security agents, and technicians.

At least 16 UN’s peacekeepers were aboard when the rebel forces detained the barges, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The UN says it is investigating the incident and cooperating with the leadership of the rebel forces.

Rebels also disclosed that they seized the barges at Kaka located on a rebel-held territory, adding that an order to free only the Peacekeepers has already been issued.

However, armed opposition says there is a ‘conspiracy’ between UN peacekeepers and Juba against the armed opposition after they found three officers of South Sudanese security agents, two SPLA’s soldiers, and six barge technicians aboard.