Sudan Safari

28/08/2025

South Sudan Revenue Authority Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng has asked VP Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, in their group's closed-door meetings, to let some officials be dismissed in the Presidency, including two Ministers, because of the resistance he, Akuei is facing from voices from big office! And it is now confirmed that some Presidential decrees are expected. Bol Mel and Akuei are destroying true loyalists to create a space for corruption for themselves and their loved ones.

05/12/2024

*Constitution-making body warns of another extension if not timely funded*

Constitution-making body warns of another extension if not timely funded

The constitution-making body has reiterated its call on the unity government to urgently provide funding for the constitution-making process to meet the December 2026 deadline for holding elections.

As stipulated in the peace agreement, the permanent constitution must first be finalised to guide the conduct of the country's first-ever general elections.

Dr. Riang Yer, Chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission, briefed the 8th Governors’ Forum last week that the process will require 18 months to complete. He warned that if the constitution is not produced within the 24-month timeline of the extended transitional period, the country may be forced into yet another extension.

“From a technical point of view, NCRC has decided that the remaining part of the constitution-making activities shall take 18 months to complete. But determining a time frame is one thing, and supporting the activities within the determined time frame is completely another,” Zuor stated.

“Therefore, the 18 months depends on whether funding becomes promptly available to the commission and whether the availed funding is interrupted. The 18 months begin from when funding becomes available and continue to seamlessly flow to the end of the determined time frame.”

According to Zuor, the commission has completed several foundational activities and administrative tasks to prepare for the constitution-making process. These activities include developing internal instruments such as rules of procedure, an organogram, an action plan, and manuals for civic education and public consultations.

Additionally, the Commission has undertaken renovations of existing structures, constructed new facilities, and provided essential furniture and partial equipment. Internet access has been installed across all Commission facilities, and members and staff have undergone training on various constitutional issues to enhance their readiness.

These activities and tasks were carried out through the support of partners such as UNDP, UNMISS, IGAD, the Japanese government, the European Union, and the Max Planck Foundation.

However, the chairperson said the actual phase of the constitution-making process, which involves civic education and public consultations, has not yet begun due to a lack of adequate funding from the government.

The Commission plans to launch the first phase of civic education and consultations as soon as funding becomes available, aiming to complete these activities by the end of the year. Civic education was scheduled to start on December 4, 2024, but it hasn’t yet been launched.

“If availability of resources permits, we plan to do the first launching of civic education and public consultation before the end of this year. It shall be followed at the beginning of the new year by nationwide campaigns that will cover all the 10 states and the three administrative areas, plus our population in the diaspora, including refugees in the neighbouring countries,” said Zuor.

“If the releasing of funds becomes slow, we will be risking wastage of some part of the extended period. And if we waste even a little bit of the extended period, we will not be able to finish the constitution-making process in time for elections to take place by December 2026. At that point, we will be left with only two choices to choose from. One, going for another extension, or two, going for an election that will neither be democratic, free, fair, credible, nor peaceful. And neither one of these two choices is good for the people of South Sudan.”

He stated that the commission is fully prepared and ready to proceed with the practical work as soon as the necessary financial resources are secured. However, he expressed concerns about the timely release of funds.

The commission had budgeted $43 million for the constitution-making process but has so far received only $800,000 from the government, intended to initiate civic education and conduct public consultations.

Resolution 33 of the 8th Governors' Forum stated that the "national government should provide the necessary funds and other resources to the NCRC to effectively carry out its activities."

The 2018 revitalised peace agreement dictates a people-driven permanent constitution should be in place before the end of the transitional period to guide the general elections, which is the agreement's end point.

“The thought of going for elections without a new constitution is not healthy because such elections will not be democratic, free, fair, credible, or peaceful. And the people of South Sudan cannot accept anything that takes this country back to war,” said Zuor.

South Sudan was originally set to hold elections on December 22, 2024, but in September, the parties to the peace agreement extended the transitional period by two years. This extension pushes the elections to December 22, 2026, to give the government more time to complete the pending tasks outlined in the peace agreement and properly prepare for the democratic elections.

27/10/2023

Dr Benjamin Bol Mel: A Victim of Fake News and Unjust Allegations

In the age of social media and sensationalism, it has become increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Accusations, whether true or false, can spread like wildfire, tarnishing reputations and causing irreparable damage. This article seeks to defend the innocence of Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who has faced corruption allegations by Watchdog Press, a fake Facebook news outlet run by Desperate. By analyzing the claims made against Dr Bol Mel and examining the evidence at hand, it becomes clear that he is unjustly accused and is, in fact, fulfilling his duties as assigned by his political party as well as our beloved President, Wunpiny Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Building the SPLM Office in Terekeka

One of the allegations levied against Dr Benjamin Bol Mel is the misappropriation of funds in constructing the state SPLM office in Terekeka. It is crucial to distinguish between truth and fiction in this regard. While Watchdog Press claims that $4 million was allocated for the construction, it is a fact that the state SPLM office is being built in Terekeka by the SPLM itself and as a support to the community.

Dr Bol Mel, as the Deputy Secretary General of SPLM, has the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of party projects. His involvement should not be miscommunicated as corrupt but rather as the fulfilment of his duty assigned to him by the party. Moreover, evidence suggests that the alleged amount was not spent on the ongoing building, but somewhat budget passed and allocated by the party as support from committed party cadres to the community.

Embezzlement of Funds in SPLM Rallies

Another accusation levelled against Dr Bol Mel is his alleged embezzlement of funds during the mega SPLM rallies in Wau Town. This claim holds no foundation and serves as another example of fake news intended to tarnish his image. The writer did not specify how the party's public rally amounted to corruption, let it be honest, the SPLM rally held in Wau's town recently was funded by the SPLM leadership through contributions from the vast membership of the party's working class, not through any illicit means.

Dr Bol Mel's Commitment to Public Interest caused envy

Accusations of corruption often stem from jealousy and frustration, particularly from individuals who have missed out on lucrative contracts with the government. In Dr Benjamin Bol Mel's case, frustrated briefcase businessmen are envious of his great success in completing projects such as the construction of Bor Road and the rapid progress of Bahr El Ghazal Road. These envious addicted individuals have resorted to creating fake pages like Watchdog Press to falsely tarnish his image as a tool of making him corrupt to the public.

Dr Bol Mel has consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving the public interest and progressing the nation's development which is why he won both public and the president's trust. His dedication is evident in the successful completion of significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens. Such accomplishments should be celebrated rather than negatively portrayed by those with ulterior motives.

Conclusion

The case of Dr Benjamin Bol Mel exemplifies the detrimental impact of fake news and false accusations. Despite the unjust allegations made by Watchdog Press and other parties, it is crucial to evaluate the evidence objectively. Dr Bol Mel's involvement in the construction of the SPLM office was aligned with his duty as the Deputy Secretary General, and the alleged misappropriation of funds during the SPLM rallies lacks any substantiation.

It is vital for the public to exercise caution and scepticism towards any information they consume, especially in the era of rampant misinformation. By dissecting accusations and understanding the motives behind them, we can ensure that the truth is upheld and innocent individuals like Dr Benjamin Bol Mel are not unfairly targeted.

The writer is Kocrup Makuac Aleu, a concerned citizen of South Sudan

27/09/2023

Clarification of a dangerous false information named "Security Report" being circulated on Social media platforms by some well-known enemies of Hon. Gen. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel

By Eng. Michael Wetnhialic, Juba-South Sudan 24th Sept 2023

I am writing this article to add my voice to that of my fellow citizens who already communicate publicly to alert South Sudan Security Authorities and the general public regarding the fake document named "Security Report" which its fabricated details are dangerously accusing the key member of the ruling party, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel on baseless assertions that he is engaged in activities meant to overthrow the Government of South Sudan.

From my perspective on how military takeover usually occurs as seen in some African nations, this conspiracy "Security Report" is not just destructive propaganda, it is an assassination attempt on Dr. Bol Mel. The document is a make-up designed by some dignitaries to harm the business and career of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. And these people are planning to carry out more disinformation and conspiracy related to his name and his business as well.

In actual sense, the businessman who also became a key player in the provision of public service, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel does not have access to military command. His business and other assignments in the Government have nothing to do with armed forces and military equipment and weapons to think about a military takeover. The high quality life he is living and the solid foundation he made for many other people and organizations have already created history and legacy for him and therefore such accomplishments do not allow him to be involved in unhealthy political competition. Dr. Bol has a quality of life he can bother himself to force himself into public office as asserted by his distractors.

In summary, the people who are behind the so-called "Security Report" are his personal enemies, opportunists and competitors of the ruling party that are collaborative to ensure Dr. Benjamin Bol and his business are brought down. The enemies of the ruling party and top corrupted individuals are ruthlessly touching every dangerous thing that can destroy Bol and his businesses. They seem to be unaware that Dr. Bol Mel is part of our national assets which is dictating nationalists to stand by his side against criminals that are attempting to destroy him and his business.

As one of the loyal citizens of this great nation, I would like our security authorities to put the toughest measures against people and organizations that are engaged in the trade of disinformation and manufacturing unhealthy conspiracy theories that are endangering the lives of countless people and impose risks on developments. Such people can be traced easily and held accountable. I wish I was in a position of relevant authorities, I can assure you that this document "Security Report" can not just go unidentified and unpunished. There are sophisticated means and tools one can involve to successfully expose them and send them to accountability. One day these conspirators will find themselves in the book of accountability since I know some of them.

17/09/2023

12/07/2023

Open Letter to South Sudanese and all Presidential hopefuls.

By Gen./Uncle John Muorwel Majak Wol.

July 11, 2023 - Allow me as a senior citizen, to offer my unsolicited opinion on the recent concluded Bahr El Ghazal Conference which endorsed President Salva Kiir as SPLM Flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections - though pending equal endorsements by other regions such as Upper Nile and Equatoria.

The road to the State house is long, expensive, exhausting, and divisive, and should be approached carefully to avoid putting the country back into crisis.

I salute the members of SPLM Party who endorsed President Kiir nomination in Bhar El Ghazal Conference, I equally salute those of other political parties, especially those in the RTGONU who on many occasions have put partisanship aside for the sake of unity of our people. I thank the Governors of Bahr El Ghazal States and Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area, their legislatures, and local officials who participated in the conference in efforts to achieve prosperous and peaceful South Sudan.

I also encourage similar endorsements from Upper Nile and Equatoria regions so that President Kiir is allowed another term in office to demarcate our internal boundaries and borders with neighboring countries, reconcile with the holdout and other armed groups threatening peace and security in the country, improve our economy and to chart the way forward for free, prosperous and democratic South Sudan.

Above all, I thank South Sudanese for being resilient though faced with obstacles of building a viable state. We should avoid all triggers of conflicts that may lead our country back to war, should differences arise from election disputes in 2024. We should also be mindful that our neighbors such as Sudan and DR Congo are currently engulfed in internal conflicts and these have resulted in influx of refugees to our country as such South Sudan cannot afford any slight instability.

For this reason, I suggest we give ourselves enough time to prepare for 2027 elections when all our citizens who have been displaced by conflicts return home and participate in the elections. This will also give a chance to other political parties to register their briefcase parties to contest in 2027 elections.

However, Dr.Riek Machar should continue as the First Vice President to move the Country forward with President Salva Kiir until 2027 general elections, where South Sudanese will have a free will to elect their leaders peacefully.

Nevertheless, I call upon the holdout and other armed groups, particularly, Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak, Hon. Pagan Amum, Gen. Malong Awan, Gen. Thomas Cirrillio and Dr.Lam Akol to return home and participate in the nation building and to prepare themselves for 2027 general elections as a genesis of real political emancipation.
……………END………………

27/05/2023

PRESIDENT KIIR RECEIVES A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM POPE FRANCIS

JUBA, 26 May 2023- Vatican Ambassador Ionut Paul Strejac delivered a written message of Pope Francis to President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Juba on Friday. The Holy Father says he would like to see full implementation of peace in order for the people to develop the country. Ambassador Ionut thanks the Government for the good working relationship with the Missionaries. The Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin says President Kiir has directed the Immigration Department to exempt Missionaries doing work in South Sudan from paying work permits. Hon. Marial said this is to facilitate the good work missionaries are doing in various parts of the country since the liberation struggles to date.

06/05/2023

6 LAWS TO WIN IN LIFE

1.Stop telling people your plans

When you over share, you hurt your own progress. Keep things private and win.

2.Know when to say no

Strong people put their own well being before pleasing others. Practice saying no more often.

3. Make a decision, and commit to it

Too many people lack discipline and go back to their toxic patterns. Make a decision to change, and stick to it.

4. There is power in numbers

Nobody has made it in life all by themselves. You need a team that uplifts and supports you. Stop being a lone wolf.

5. Starve your distractions, feed your focus

Focus on your goals instead of
cheap dopamine. You will achieve anything you ever wanted.

6. Always provide value to others

There is only one secret to success: making other people's lives easier. In business and relationships, providing value will keep you their first priority.

13/02/2023

Here is Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial's precise world-class social advice to young people already managed to establish their new families and those who are in the process of creating their families. Listen to this 2 to 3 minutes part of his speech two years ago at the wedding of his cousin Mabuoc Kurdit in Freedom Hall, Juba-South Sudan.

07/02/2023

Have you ever heard or listened to this heart-touching historical song dedicated to Twic Mayardit by artist Malong Deng Guot?

02/02/2023

Welcome Papa, Pope Francis. We love you all

02/02/2023

Kenya’s Education Minister, Ezekiel Machogu, has banned early morning and late evening studies in all schools across the country. The minister has directed that classes in both private and public primary schools should be held between 08:00 and 15:45 to ensure learning takes place within the designated times. "The syllabus should be covered within the stipulated time. Let us not subject pupils to unnecessary mental torture," he added. Machogu said he had noticed a trend where school buses pick children up as early as 05:00 and drop them off as late as 20:00. Is this the same case in your country, where school kids leave home as early as 05:00 and come back home as late as 20:00.