—Kwame Nkrumah, Statesman and Pan-Africanist
The Party for INDEPENDENCE · FREEDOM · JUSTICE · EQUALITY for the citizens of South Sudan
Monday, 11 July 2011
Independent, Sovereign South Sudan
—Kwame Nkrumah, Statesman and Pan-Africanist
Congratulations to all South Sudanese and Well-Wishers on their long-awaited Independence!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Press Statement
Withdrawal From Political Parties’ Leadership Forum
28/4/2011 [Juba]
We, the undersigned political parties, which pulled out [of] the Constitutional Review Committee, have now decided to withdraw from the Political Parties’ Leadership Forum (PPLF) for the following reasons:
- We had written to the Rapporteur of the PPLF, the Vice-President of the Government of [Southern] Sudan (GOSS), seeking assurances that the PPLF [would] discuss issues related to the Final Communiqué of the Political Parties’ meeting of October 17th, 2010. The Vice-President replied that:
- the meeting shall be an open forum, and it shall be the leaders who shall adopt the agenda. That is, they can add to or remove anything they wish from the items of the agenda suggested by the secretariat.
- the decision of the forum shall be by consensus.
- the meeting shall be an open forum, and it shall be the leaders who shall adopt the agenda. That is, they can add to or remove anything they wish from the items of the agenda suggested by the secretariat.
- These assurances from the Vice-President of GOSS convinced us that . . .
[Please read the entire press statement here.]
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Interim Constitutional Review Timeline
Owing to much pressure exerted on the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), the “one-party[SPLM]-reviewed“ Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan (ICSS) 2005 will now be referred to the Political Parties’ Leadership Forum as per the following timetable:
15 April 2011 — The Technical Review Committee presents the draft amendments to the ICSS and the attendant explanatory report to the President of GOSS, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit;
17 April 2011 — The President distributes the draft amendments to the ICSS to the members of the Political Parties’ Leadership Forum for review;
25–27 April 2011 — The Political Parties’ Leadership Forum meets to discuss the draft amendments to the ICSS;
29 April 2011 — The Council of Ministers discusses the draft amendments to the ICSS;
2 May 2011 — The draft amendments to the ICSS are tabled in the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA);
3 May – 1 July 2011 — The draft amendments to the ICSS are availed to the SSLA for review and public consultations as appropriate;
2–8 July 2011 — Deliberation and adoption of the amendments to the ICSS by the SSLA; and
9 July 2011 — Promulgation of the amendments to the ICSS (i.e. the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011) by the President.
Mr Brian Badi
Deputy Leader,
United South Sudan Party
Juba, South Sudan
15 April 2011 — The Technical Review Committee presents the draft amendments to the ICSS and the attendant explanatory report to the President of GOSS, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit;
17 April 2011 — The President distributes the draft amendments to the ICSS to the members of the Political Parties’ Leadership Forum for review;
25–27 April 2011 — The Political Parties’ Leadership Forum meets to discuss the draft amendments to the ICSS;
29 April 2011 — The Council of Ministers discusses the draft amendments to the ICSS;
2 May 2011 — The draft amendments to the ICSS are tabled in the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA);
3 May – 1 July 2011 — The draft amendments to the ICSS are availed to the SSLA for review and public consultations as appropriate;
2–8 July 2011 — Deliberation and adoption of the amendments to the ICSS by the SSLA; and
9 July 2011 — Promulgation of the amendments to the ICSS (i.e. the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011) by the President.
Mr Brian Badi
Deputy Leader,
United South Sudan Party
Juba, South Sudan
Thursday, 14 April 2011
USSP Condemns the Arrest of Ms Bernadette Justin Banda
FREE Ms Bernadette Banda NOW!
April 13, 2011
The United South Sudan Party (USSP) General Secretariat condemns the politically-motivated arrest of Ms Bernadette Banda which took place on 12th April 2011 in the hands of the security authorities in the town of Nzara. Ms Banda is a prominent member of USSP in Nzara, Western Equatoria State. She was arrested immediately following a political rally addressed by Mr Clement J. Mbugoniwia, the Party Leader, where he updated the party grassroots and the people of Nzara Town on the current political situation as South Sudan moves towards independence in less than three months’ time.
The USSP leadership vows to do everything in its capacity to see to it that Ms Banda is immediately set free with a clear reassurance that her political and human rights are never to be infringed upon again. For these very reasons we would like to call upon the Human Rights Watch (HRW) to assist us in bringing an end to Ms Banda’s ordeal as she is a prisoner of conscience and not a criminal. The fact that there is an attempt to silence her by putting her behind bars — a malicious move in line with the perceived trend to the obstruction of democratic transformation, freedom of expression and the respect for human rights in this region — sounds an alarm.
We look towards the friends of South Sudan in the different organisations representing the international community in Juba, Yambio and other parts of South Sudan to take a stand on this issue for a quick and safe release of a lady who, as a citizen, is entitled to her political opinion and beliefs.
While we will continue to fight against any dubious moves at all levels aimed at the intimidation of our members and supporters from exercising their rights to gatherings, free speech and association, we would also like to appeal to all the government institutions in South Sudan at all levels to uphold the principles of human rights as enshrined in the International Conventions.
Dr Justin Ambago Ramba
Secretary General,
United South Sudan Party (USSP)
Friday, 18 February 2011
The Southern Sudan Political Parties’ Leadership Forum
The Southern Sudan Political Parties’ Leadership Forum concluded its meetings on Thursday [17 February 2011] here in Juba and reached the following decisions wherein it:
Clement J. Mbugoniwia
Juba, South Sudan
- Approved the results of the Southern Sudan Referendum and congratulated the people of Southern Sudan on their historic decision to vote overwhelmingly for independence;
- Commended and approved the report of the Chairman of the Southern Sudan 2011 Referendum Taskforce;
- Unanimously approved that the name of the new state be “The Republic of South Sudan”;
- Approved that the name of the new currency be the “South Sudan Pound”;
- Approved the participation of political parties, civil society organisations and faith-based groups, and the inclusion of their members, in the established technical committee to review the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan (ICSS). United South Sudan Party is among the eleven political parties that will join the technical committee in reviewing the interim constitution;
- Approved that the post-referendum process of creating a National Anthem and a Coat of Arms (emblem) for the new nation proceed as planned under the Taskforce Technical Working Group’s work plan with public participation in those activities;
- Approved the current Flag, which the SPLM party has now surrendered to the new nation;
- Approved that the amended draft ICSS be presented to the Political Parties’ Leadership Forum before it is presented to the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly.
Clement J. Mbugoniwia
Juba, South Sudan
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Congratulations to All South Sudanese on Independence!
On this historic day [7 February 2011] of the official announcement by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission of the final results of the recently-conducted Referendum, United South Sudan Party (USSP) would like to congratulate all the citizens and leaders of South Sudan on their unity, courage, commitment and success in fulfilling their deeply-held aspirations for an independent South Sudanese state. Equitable nation building should be the next, equally important stage in our struggle. USSP believe that it is this spirit of unity of the South Sudanese people that culminated in the overwhelming vote of 98.83 % for an independent sovereign state. We hope that this spirit of unity will continue to guide us throughout the next difficult and challenging stages in the history of our new-born nation.
God bless South Sudan!
Find here a PDF copy of a congratulatory message to the President. God bless South Sudan!
Monday, 7 February 2011
As South Sudanese continue to celebrate the results of the recently-concluded Referendum — which was overwhelming in favour of South Sudan's independence — United South Sudan Party is pleased to continue to add several new members to the Party, some of whom were previous members of other political parties. New steering committees are being set up in all the states, such as Western Equatoria State (WES).
Recently, the USSP Party Leader, Clement Mbugoniwia, held a joint meeting between USSP and UNMIS in Yambio, the capital of WES. In that meeting, he addressed post-referendum issues and concerns, such as the involvement of all political parties, civil societies and other interest bodies in the technical review process of the current Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan, which is being facilitated under the auspices of the SPLM-led Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS).
He called upon UNMIS and the international community to play an advisory role, especially in order that the SPLM-led GOSS honour the agreement reached during the “All South Sudanese political parties’ conference” in October 2010. He pointed out that lessons should be learned from the consequences of discrimination, which directly led to over 3 million lives being lost during the civil war and more than 2 million people being displaced. He told UNMIS that this time nobody should be discriminated against or sidelined. All South Sudanese are stakeholders and will not accept any form of discrimination by any party or government.
Mr Mbugoniwia went further to explain the USSP vision of unity of all South Sudanese citizens (as enshrined in the name of the Party) and the way forward, starting with the constitutional review process, which must include all political parties, civil societies, churches and other interest groups to discuss about what type of government is ideal for South Sudan, the duration of the transitional period and the formation of a broad-based government encompassing all political formations and the percentages of power sharing in such a government.
UNMIS = United Nations Mission in Sudan
Monday, 17 January 2011
Saturday evening and night marked the beginning of the anticipated celebrations of the [favourable] results of the Southern Sudan Referendum Vote. Counting started immediately after voting officially ended Saturday evening at the same venue, i.e. the Methodist Central Hall opposite the Houses of Parliament at Westminster in London. It was a long and daunting counting process but the Referendum Commission‘s staff and representatives were undeterred and relentless in their efforts—often jovial, too. Several members of South Sudan’s diaspora in the United Kingdom (and many from other European countries) stayed throughout the evening and night to witness first-hand the counting process. Each ballot paper was clearly displayed one at a time for all those present to see before being placed in its designated pile of Secession, Unity, Unmarked or Invalid. This was to satisfy every observer present that the wh
ole process was, indeed, free, fair and transparent. As such, everyone present already knew the result before it was announced, let alone when it would be officially announced Sunday afternoon. Celebrations with cheering, dancing, singing and ululations continued throughout the night until about 2 a.m. Of the 653 registrants 640 cast their votes and 626 (i.e. 97.8 % or 98 %) voted for the secession of Southern Sudan from Sudan.Sunday afternoon saw Methodist Central Hall yet filling to the brim when a much larger crowd gathered for the official announcement of the results by officials of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission. Due credits were bestowed upon all who worked hard and diligently to facilitate the successful completion of the process. Dignitaries presen
t gave speeches, including USSP’s Spokesman, Mr Elhag Stanley-Paul, who gave a speech that moved and touched a chord with the audience, dignitaries and other party officials [see graphic and attached copy of speech]. Afterwards celebrations continued throughout the afternoon into early evening until the Hall was closed.Friday, 19 November 2010
Plebiscite: USSP urges South Sudanese overseas not to register
United South Sudan Party strongly urges South Sudanese nationals outside the Southern Sudanese territory not to register for the upcoming plebscite in January 2011.
The reason for this is that Section 27 (2) of the Southern Sudan Referendum Act 2009, among others, makes it unnecessarily difficult for those in northern Sudan and overseas to have a credible, clean and fair registration process and result. In addition, there are disturbing reports by South Sudanese communities in the relevant countries of irregularities in the IOM-administered registration exercise [IOM is the International Organization for Migration], and that the conditions are not favourable as the whole process is vulnerable to fraud. (It’s worth noting that South Sudanese communities in a number of the concerned overseas countries have decided not to register.) The requirements of Section 27 of the Act may make things even worse for those willing to cast their vote in January 2011.
In order to avoid this confusion, USSP strongly urges South Sudanese overseas not to register because they may not be able to cast their vote. And also this will help to expose any irregularities that may be present in the registration process.
The reason for this is that Section 27 (2) of the Southern Sudan Referendum Act 2009, among others, makes it unnecessarily difficult for those in northern Sudan and overseas to have a credible, clean and fair registration process and result. In addition, there are disturbing reports by South Sudanese communities in the relevant countries of irregularities in the IOM-administered registration exercise [IOM is the International Organization for Migration], and that the conditions are not favourable as the whole process is vulnerable to fraud. (It’s worth noting that South Sudanese communities in a number of the concerned overseas countries have decided not to register.) The requirements of Section 27 of the Act may make things even worse for those willing to cast their vote in January 2011.
In order to avoid this confusion, USSP strongly urges South Sudanese overseas not to register because they may not be able to cast their vote. And also this will help to expose any irregularities that may be present in the registration process.
Meeting of Southern Sudan Political Parties’ Leadership Council
A meeting of the Southern Sudan Political Parties’ Leadership Council, attended by USSP’s Leader, Mr Clement Mbugoniwia, was successfully convened on 16th November 2010 in the capital Juba.
Among the issues discussed were the adoption of the recommendations and resolutions of the South-South Dialogue and a review of the matrix that was generated by the Secretariat for the leadership meeting. The meeting unanimously passed the resolutions of the South-South Dialogue and also confirmed the communiqué of the said meeting to be the guiding principle for the way forward. The leaders re-affirmed their commitment to work continuously for reconciliation and the unity of the people of South Sudan. Furthermore, the meeting also agreed that the Referendum is the responsibility of all and, as such, no one political party should assume that the exercise belongs to it alone at the exclusion of others. All committees must include other Southern political parties and they must work together for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful Referendum process. This meeting was also attended briefly by the former President of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, who is the head of UN observers in Sudan. Mr Mkapa addressed the leaders and called for their unity and respect for the rules in order to maintain credibility of the result. He stated that the process of registration in Juba was very good and encouraging.
Mr Mbugoniwia raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the IOM-administered registration exercise in the UK. [IOM is the International Organization for Migration.] News of irregularities was of great concern to the political leaders, but no concrete resolutions came up because there are also reports of similar issues in the other seven countries, in addition to northern Sudan. However, it was unanimously agreed that South Sudanese overseas should not register so that, should the registration process come up with a list that does not necessarily include South Sudanese, a flawed registration exercise and result will have clearly been shown!
Among the issues discussed were the adoption of the recommendations and resolutions of the South-South Dialogue and a review of the matrix that was generated by the Secretariat for the leadership meeting. The meeting unanimously passed the resolutions of the South-South Dialogue and also confirmed the communiqué of the said meeting to be the guiding principle for the way forward. The leaders re-affirmed their commitment to work continuously for reconciliation and the unity of the people of South Sudan. Furthermore, the meeting also agreed that the Referendum is the responsibility of all and, as such, no one political party should assume that the exercise belongs to it alone at the exclusion of others. All committees must include other Southern political parties and they must work together for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful Referendum process. This meeting was also attended briefly by the former President of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, who is the head of UN observers in Sudan. Mr Mkapa addressed the leaders and called for their unity and respect for the rules in order to maintain credibility of the result. He stated that the process of registration in Juba was very good and encouraging.
Mr Mbugoniwia raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the IOM-administered registration exercise in the UK. [IOM is the International Organization for Migration.] News of irregularities was of great concern to the political leaders, but no concrete resolutions came up because there are also reports of similar issues in the other seven countries, in addition to northern Sudan. However, it was unanimously agreed that South Sudanese overseas should not register so that, should the registration process come up with a list that does not necessarily include South Sudanese, a flawed registration exercise and result will have clearly been shown!
Friday, 16 April 2010
Elections — USSP Leader unlawfully detained in Western Equatoria
United South Sudan Party’s elections campaigns, rightly exalted by the symbolic torch, have been so successful and popular with the electorate that, regrettably, certain elements belonging to other competing political parties seem to have chosen to view USSP’s popularity as a ‘threat’ to their campaigns. Consequently, they have unlawfully subjected USSP Leader, Mr Clement Mbugoniwia, to constant harassment, especially in Source Yubu, Western Equatoria State. It was only on Tuesday and Wednesday that Mr Mbugoniwia was unlawfully arrested and detained for several hours by security forces and the police, presumably acting on orders from the SPLM, the very ruling party that is supposed to be entrusted with the onus of respecting citizens’ rights and upholding the tenets of the same democratic principles that they so claim to champion!
United South Sudan Party demands in the strongest terms that, in the interests of democratic principles, fairness to all and our collective nationalism, such pathetic and unacceptable behaviour cease forthwith.
Fortunately, Mr Mbugoniwia’s situation was only salvaged by the Supreme Judge in the near-by town of Tambura, who ruled that no one had the right to detain the USSP Leader, and that he be given free access to Source Yubu so that he could resume and continue his rightful campaigns. (Please also see reporting on Sudan Tribune [accessed 16-Apr-2010])
United South Sudan Party demands in the strongest terms that, in the interests of democratic principles, fairness to all and our collective nationalism, such pathetic and unacceptable behaviour cease forthwith.
Friday, 29 January 2010
USSP Elections Message
By Brian Badi, Deputy Leader
You are about to take a very important decision with far-reaching consequences in your life and the lives of all South Sudanese. Therefore, you need to consider the alternatives being presented very carefully and vote for the right people only, to avoid mistakes which will enslave South Sudan for ever! To help you to vote wisely, here are some suggestions for you to take into account:
The Status Quo Has Not Worked. Try Something New that Will Work. Vote United South Sudan Party. USSP is New, Fresh, Clean and Full of New Ideas for Developing South Sudan. USSP is committed to progress and is Not Satisfied with the Present Stalemate.
Five years from the end of the civil war, South Sudan has not developed under the current system. That means something is wrong with the way the country has been run. To make headway, we must go for something new, a different way of running the country which will yield tangible results within a reasonable period of time. Five years is a very long time; it is the entire lifetime of a government. A competent government would have achieved great results within five years. To say that South Sudan ‘has just come out of war’ is not true and is an unacceptable excuse voters should beware of! The war ended five good years ago. Countries such as Rwanda have made it within a short time of coming out of war and are maintaining a reasonable rate of progress. Why not South Sudan? Because South Sudan lacks Good, Competent Leadership. Now the 2010 Elections are giving you the Electorate the power to vote for people who will make a positive difference and not keep South Sudan behind in the quagmire of the unacceptable status quo.
How to vote in the 2010 Elections
Do not vote for someone just because he or she is your relative or friend! Vote for someone who can make a positive difference in the lives of all South Sudanese through the right policies, commitment and selflessness. South Sudan needs a Leadership with a Vision to bring about unity among all South Sudanese; to cater for the security of all South Sudanese regardless of tribe; to bring about law and order; to root out corruption and tribalism; to harness the human and natural resources of the country wisely; to bring about economic growth; and to provide opportunities to all citizens. USSP is the only Party that will implement all the above standard values.
USSP is the only True Alternative that is committed and is capable of bringing about a Genuine Change. So, Vote USSP and South Sudan will be a better place in the next five years!
Vote wisely and do not waste your vote on the unacceptable status quo.
Vote USSP!
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
Download Elections Message here [PDF] ...
Dear Voter,
You are about to take a very important decision with far-reaching consequences in your life and the lives of all South Sudanese. Therefore, you need to consider the alternatives being presented very carefully and vote for the right people only, to avoid mistakes which will enslave South Sudan for ever! To help you to vote wisely, here are some suggestions for you to take into account:
The Status Quo Has Not Worked. Try Something New that Will Work. Vote United South Sudan Party. USSP is New, Fresh, Clean and Full of New Ideas for Developing South Sudan. USSP is committed to progress and is Not Satisfied with the Present Stalemate.
Five years from the end of the civil war, South Sudan has not developed under the current system. That means something is wrong with the way the country has been run. To make headway, we must go for something new, a different way of running the country which will yield tangible results within a reasonable period of time. Five years is a very long time; it is the entire lifetime of a government. A competent government would have achieved great results within five years. To say that South Sudan ‘has just come out of war’ is not true and is an unacceptable excuse voters should beware of! The war ended five good years ago. Countries such as Rwanda have made it within a short time of coming out of war and are maintaining a reasonable rate of progress. Why not South Sudan? Because South Sudan lacks Good, Competent Leadership. Now the 2010 Elections are giving you the Electorate the power to vote for people who will make a positive difference and not keep South Sudan behind in the quagmire of the unacceptable status quo.
How to vote in the 2010 Elections
Do not vote for someone just because he or she is your relative or friend! Vote for someone who can make a positive difference in the lives of all South Sudanese through the right policies, commitment and selflessness. South Sudan needs a Leadership with a Vision to bring about unity among all South Sudanese; to cater for the security of all South Sudanese regardless of tribe; to bring about law and order; to root out corruption and tribalism; to harness the human and natural resources of the country wisely; to bring about economic growth; and to provide opportunities to all citizens. USSP is the only Party that will implement all the above standard values.
USSP is the only True Alternative that is committed and is capable of bringing about a Genuine Change. So, Vote USSP and South Sudan will be a better place in the next five years!
Vote wisely and do not waste your vote on the unacceptable status quo.
Vote USSP!
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
Download Elections Message here [PDF] ...
Friday, 25 December 2009
Christmas and New Year Message To South Sudan
Fellow South Sudanese, on behalf of United South Sudan Party (USSP), I wish you merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
I hope that the Year 2010 brings us real peace and independence. Independence will not come easily or automatically, though, as some would like to think. South Sudan must take the right steps and the right actions in the remaining period leading up to the referendum. It is still possible that the South could lose out totally if it does not seriously and meticulously push for a complete implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Any changes to the CPA now, as some anti-CPA forces are suggesting, will totally undermine and nullify the CPA and the South will automatically be back to square one. That will benefit only the North and not the South. So, Southerners, watch out! Don’t be deceived! Let us all insist in one voice that the original CPA remains and must be implemented to the letter. I am sure the South is not naïve to be bribed or duped into rejecting the very independence it has fought for, for many decades, unless something is fundamentally wrong. South Sudanese, you can rest assured that you will all, without exception, be much, much better without the North. Any difficulties you are facing now are temporary and will fade away under a proper, better and more capable South Sudanese leadership. A more reputable and visionary South Sudanese leadership will be able to lead the South out of the existing deplorable state of affairs.
The present tribalism, corruption, mismanagement and lack of good governance have, understandably, prompted some of you to think you would be better off under the North. That is a serious illusion, not worth contemplating for even a second. There is nothing at all good in being under the North. We have been there all our lives and have gained nothing apart from the status of second class citizenship. Come on, South Sudan! Be confident and believe in yourself and not in the North. Don’t you ever think that the North will do anything to your advantage. He who wants to enslave you will never advise you to be free! You must be wary of any advice he pretends to offer you! That is common-sense wisdom.
So, South Sudan, be consistent and determined in your push for independence. Don’t despair. Instead, focus on how to achieve your aspiration.
God Bless you all. Long Live USSP.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
[PDF version]
I hope that the Year 2010 brings us real peace and independence. Independence will not come easily or automatically, though, as some would like to think. South Sudan must take the right steps and the right actions in the remaining period leading up to the referendum. It is still possible that the South could lose out totally if it does not seriously and meticulously push for a complete implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Any changes to the CPA now, as some anti-CPA forces are suggesting, will totally undermine and nullify the CPA and the South will automatically be back to square one. That will benefit only the North and not the South. So, Southerners, watch out! Don’t be deceived! Let us all insist in one voice that the original CPA remains and must be implemented to the letter. I am sure the South is not naïve to be bribed or duped into rejecting the very independence it has fought for, for many decades, unless something is fundamentally wrong. South Sudanese, you can rest assured that you will all, without exception, be much, much better without the North. Any difficulties you are facing now are temporary and will fade away under a proper, better and more capable South Sudanese leadership. A more reputable and visionary South Sudanese leadership will be able to lead the South out of the existing deplorable state of affairs.
The present tribalism, corruption, mismanagement and lack of good governance have, understandably, prompted some of you to think you would be better off under the North. That is a serious illusion, not worth contemplating for even a second. There is nothing at all good in being under the North. We have been there all our lives and have gained nothing apart from the status of second class citizenship. Come on, South Sudan! Be confident and believe in yourself and not in the North. Don’t you ever think that the North will do anything to your advantage. He who wants to enslave you will never advise you to be free! You must be wary of any advice he pretends to offer you! That is common-sense wisdom.
So, South Sudan, be consistent and determined in your push for independence. Don’t despair. Instead, focus on how to achieve your aspiration.
God Bless you all. Long Live USSP.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
[PDF version]
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Summary of USSP Leader’s Recent Talk on Miraya FM
The Leader of United South Sudan Party, Clement Mbugoniwia, spoke Tue, 15 September, with United Nations’ Miraya FM at their studios in Juba, South Sudan. Below is a brief summary of their discussion [a full transcript and/or audio may be published if available]:
The talk focused on the key objectives of USSP, namely, the independence of South Sudan; the unity of South Sudanese people in an independent South Sudan devoid of tribalism and corruption; and the recognition of individuals’ efforts to contribute constructively to nation building. He discussed at length why South Sudanese were currently disillusioned and divided because the government is discriminatory and corrupt.
He criticised the idea of forming coalitions between the SPLM and the Umma Party, on the one hand, and the Popular Congress Party, on the other. Both leaders of the aforementioned parties [Sadiq Al-Mahdi of Umma and Hassan El-Turabi] visited Juba recently and held talks with the SPLM. “In my view, the intention is to enable these parties to come to power in the forthcoming elections so that they could re-negotiate the CPA,” said Mr Mbugoniwia. He said even the census before the elections has not been a success because, according to him, the SPLM mismanaged the conduct of the census and, as such, is now not able to reach an agreement on the population [of South Sudan] as well as its geographical constituencies. He suggested that they [the SPLM] include all political forces to help resolve the crisis.
The USSP Leader further warned against politicians who take money [bribe] from the enemy and still believe that they can represent the aspirations of the people of South Sudan freely without hindrance, which is not the case because such funding is given for a purpose. He also warned that
“South Sudanese need to be vigilant and careful of politicians who play double games by inconsistently saying one thing here in South Sudan and, when in other parts of Sudan or the world, say different things.”
The atrocities committed by the Ugandan LRA rebels were also discussed as a failure of the government to keep up to its role of protecting its citizens and their properties. He concluded that nowhere in the world has any government allowed the protection of its international borders to be left in the hands of the local population, as is the case in Western Equatoria State, for instance, where local people are told to defend themselves, given that the areas in question lie along international borders [Uganda, DRC, and CAR].
Notes:
LRA = Lord’s Resistance Army
DRC = The Democratic Republic of the Congo
CAR = Central African Republic
The talk focused on the key objectives of USSP, namely, the independence of South Sudan; the unity of South Sudanese people in an independent South Sudan devoid of tribalism and corruption; and the recognition of individuals’ efforts to contribute constructively to nation building. He discussed at length why South Sudanese were currently disillusioned and divided because the government is discriminatory and corrupt.
He criticised the idea of forming coalitions between the SPLM and the Umma Party, on the one hand, and the Popular Congress Party, on the other. Both leaders of the aforementioned parties [Sadiq Al-Mahdi of Umma and Hassan El-Turabi] visited Juba recently and held talks with the SPLM. “In my view, the intention is to enable these parties to come to power in the forthcoming elections so that they could re-negotiate the CPA,” said Mr Mbugoniwia. He said even the census before the elections has not been a success because, according to him, the SPLM mismanaged the conduct of the census and, as such, is now not able to reach an agreement on the population [of South Sudan] as well as its geographical constituencies. He suggested that they [the SPLM] include all political forces to help resolve the crisis.
The USSP Leader further warned against politicians who take money [bribe] from the enemy and still believe that they can represent the aspirations of the people of South Sudan freely without hindrance, which is not the case because such funding is given for a purpose. He also warned that
“South Sudanese need to be vigilant and careful of politicians who play double games by inconsistently saying one thing here in South Sudan and, when in other parts of Sudan or the world, say different things.”
The atrocities committed by the Ugandan LRA rebels were also discussed as a failure of the government to keep up to its role of protecting its citizens and their properties. He concluded that nowhere in the world has any government allowed the protection of its international borders to be left in the hands of the local population, as is the case in Western Equatoria State, for instance, where local people are told to defend themselves, given that the areas in question lie along international borders [Uganda, DRC, and CAR].
Notes:
LRA = Lord’s Resistance Army
DRC = The Democratic Republic of the Congo
CAR = Central African Republic
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
National Elections 2010—Advice to South Sudanese Electorate
United South Sudan Party is the party for independence and all South Sudanese who want to vote for independence in 2011 need to vote USSP in the 2010 elections to ensure that they achieve their aim. Because USSP is totally committed to independence, it is the best party to prepare South Sudan for the referendum. ... South Sudan should be very clear in what it does from now on. If a party claims to be for independence, it must be clearly seen in their actions and behaviour which must be open and public. ... Southerners should not vote for politicians just because they are their tribesmen and/or -women. They must assess and evaluate politicians carefully. ... Some Southern politicians have accepted bribes from the enemy and have been heard saying: “You take the money from the enemy and just do what you want to do.” That is a very cheap lie which is an insult to the intelligence of the South Sudanese people. Do not vote for them! Also, do not allow [such] politicians to bribe you for your votes. Politicians who offer bribes to the electorate are the politicians with a wrong agenda. Beware!
You, the South Sudanese people, have the power over politicians through your votes!
Vote USSP for independence!
USSP is clean, untainted and led by a new brand of South Sudanese politicians, capable of handling the intricacies of the 21st century to defend the interests of South Sudan, protect citizens, give opportunities to all South Sudanese regardless of their background, fight tribalism mercilessly and bring true progress to South Sudan, which all will be proud of!
Long Live USSP!
God Bless South Sudan!
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
Download entire Elections Advice [PDF] ...
You, the South Sudanese people, have the power over politicians through your votes!
Vote USSP for independence!
USSP is clean, untainted and led by a new brand of South Sudanese politicians, capable of handling the intricacies of the 21st century to defend the interests of South Sudan, protect citizens, give opportunities to all South Sudanese regardless of their background, fight tribalism mercilessly and bring true progress to South Sudan, which all will be proud of!
Long Live USSP!
God Bless South Sudan!
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader, USSP
Download entire Elections Advice [PDF] ...
Friday, 4 September 2009
USSP Condemns Javier Solana’s Imposition of Unity on South Sudan
Sudan Tribune of 3 September 2009, reported European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, as declaring in Cairo, Egypt, on 2 September, 2009, that “… It is very important to have that country united,” referring to Sudan.
United South Sudan Party (USSP) joins Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, Mr Solana’s proposal for a one solution (unity) for Sudan, a solution which has been tried many times since the independence of Sudan in 1956 and has failed all along. Does Mr Solana think that South Sudan’s struggle for freedom and independence since the eve of Sudan’s independence in 1956, as a result of which an estimated 3 million people have lost their lives, as something to be reversed just because of his personal and inconsiderate wishes? Mr Solana’s stand shows that, because he lives a comfortable and dignified life under independence and freedom, he does not actually care how those of us in places such as South Sudan suffer from oppression, humiliation, dehumanisation and indignity. Mr Solana, who is a leader in a democratic system, thinks democratic rights are an exclusive prerogative of only certain types of human beings like himself and his friends in Northern Sudan and Egypt. What right does Mr Solana have of undoing what has been done through a great deal of effort by many international bodies and governments and which has culminated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)? Organisations such as IGAD and governments such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Norway and others that have been genuinely impartial, worked tirelessly to try and find a just solution to the irreconcilable differences between South Sudan and Northern Sudan and that is why we have the CPA today which empowers the oppressed people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right of free choice. Here, Mr Solana, who is supposed to uphold democracy, is, in fact, trying to deny South Sudan of that very democratic right. What a double standard?
Any peace-loving nations of the world should pay no heed to what Mr Solana is advocating because his suggestion is the surest way to plunge South Sudan into another round of civil war and further loss of human lives. The surest way to sustain the current fragile peace and make it permanent is to support the total and transparent implementation of the CPA and to allow South Sudanese to make their free choice.
Another thing Mr Solana needs to know is that much of the insecurity in South Sudan is actually created by Northern Sudan. Incidents of Khartoum-backed Janjaweed who make incursions into South Sudan to loot, burn villages and kidnap women and children, is well documented. It is common knowledge in South Sudan, and Mr Solana may carry out his own research to establish the facts for himself, that Khartoum has all along supported the Ugandan rebels, Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), who are presently causing insecurity and havoc in South Sudan. Khartoum has also been arming militia in South Sudan. Khartoum has time and again used the tactic of ‘divide and rule’ in South Sudan to cause conflict among South Sudanese in order to further its own agenda. This means that, once Khartoum’s influence has been cut off, South Sudan will settle down much more harmoniously than at present. So, the case for the independence of South Sudan is more compelling than any alternative arrangement. However, what is more acceptable is to let the democratic process of allowing the people of South Sudan to choose for themselves what they want, instead of Mr Solana imposing an unpopular solution on them because that approach reminds us of colonialism!
USSP wants to assure concerned individuals, organisations and nations that South Sudan will be a viable nation under a proper leadership. The present poor image which hangs over South Sudan is just because of an unelected poor leadership. Things will be much, much better under a democratically elected competent South Sudanese leadership. Therefore, South Sudan should not be denied its right.
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader
United South Sudan Party
Printable PDF version ...
United South Sudan Party (USSP) joins Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, Mr Solana’s proposal for a one solution (unity) for Sudan, a solution which has been tried many times since the independence of Sudan in 1956 and has failed all along. Does Mr Solana think that South Sudan’s struggle for freedom and independence since the eve of Sudan’s independence in 1956, as a result of which an estimated 3 million people have lost their lives, as something to be reversed just because of his personal and inconsiderate wishes? Mr Solana’s stand shows that, because he lives a comfortable and dignified life under independence and freedom, he does not actually care how those of us in places such as South Sudan suffer from oppression, humiliation, dehumanisation and indignity. Mr Solana, who is a leader in a democratic system, thinks democratic rights are an exclusive prerogative of only certain types of human beings like himself and his friends in Northern Sudan and Egypt. What right does Mr Solana have of undoing what has been done through a great deal of effort by many international bodies and governments and which has culminated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)? Organisations such as IGAD and governments such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Norway and others that have been genuinely impartial, worked tirelessly to try and find a just solution to the irreconcilable differences between South Sudan and Northern Sudan and that is why we have the CPA today which empowers the oppressed people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right of free choice. Here, Mr Solana, who is supposed to uphold democracy, is, in fact, trying to deny South Sudan of that very democratic right. What a double standard?
Any peace-loving nations of the world should pay no heed to what Mr Solana is advocating because his suggestion is the surest way to plunge South Sudan into another round of civil war and further loss of human lives. The surest way to sustain the current fragile peace and make it permanent is to support the total and transparent implementation of the CPA and to allow South Sudanese to make their free choice.
Another thing Mr Solana needs to know is that much of the insecurity in South Sudan is actually created by Northern Sudan. Incidents of Khartoum-backed Janjaweed who make incursions into South Sudan to loot, burn villages and kidnap women and children, is well documented. It is common knowledge in South Sudan, and Mr Solana may carry out his own research to establish the facts for himself, that Khartoum has all along supported the Ugandan rebels, Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), who are presently causing insecurity and havoc in South Sudan. Khartoum has also been arming militia in South Sudan. Khartoum has time and again used the tactic of ‘divide and rule’ in South Sudan to cause conflict among South Sudanese in order to further its own agenda. This means that, once Khartoum’s influence has been cut off, South Sudan will settle down much more harmoniously than at present. So, the case for the independence of South Sudan is more compelling than any alternative arrangement. However, what is more acceptable is to let the democratic process of allowing the people of South Sudan to choose for themselves what they want, instead of Mr Solana imposing an unpopular solution on them because that approach reminds us of colonialism!
USSP wants to assure concerned individuals, organisations and nations that South Sudan will be a viable nation under a proper leadership. The present poor image which hangs over South Sudan is just because of an unelected poor leadership. Things will be much, much better under a democratically elected competent South Sudanese leadership. Therefore, South Sudan should not be denied its right.
Brian Badi
Deputy Leader
United South Sudan Party
Printable PDF version ...
Friday, 28 August 2009
Disunity and Tribalism in South Sudan
Disunity among South Sudanese makes outsiders think that South Sudan cannot stand as a nation and needs to remain in a united Sudan,” argues Brian Badi, USSP Deputy Leader. “I want to reiterate that this conclusion is false. South Sudan is capable of standing as a nation, given the right leadership.”
“The main cause of disunity in South Sudan is tribalism. Tribalism catapults the wrong people to key positions where they mess up things for everybody. Opportunities become restricted to the members of the privileged tribe and their misbehaviour is not checked. That, obviously, causes resentment. Most people and the rest of the tribes begin to feel that the government does not belong to them. To make things worse, the government turns a “blind eye” and does nothing about it. By condoning tribalism, the government is, in fact, encouraging it.”
“The main cause of disunity in South Sudan is tribalism. Tribalism catapults the wrong people to key positions where they mess up things for everybody. Opportunities become restricted to the members of the privileged tribe and their misbehaviour is not checked. That, obviously, causes resentment. Most people and the rest of the tribes begin to feel that the government does not belong to them. To make things worse, the government turns a “blind eye” and does nothing about it. By condoning tribalism, the government is, in fact, encouraging it.”
You may download the entire printable article [PDF] here ...
South Sudan and the Elusive Unity
“Can the badly needed unity among the South
Sudanese be brought about by mere talking?”
Sudanese be brought about by mere talking?”
asks USSP Secretary–General Dr Justin Ramba
South Sudanese have in many cases complained of lack of unity within their ranks. However, not many have questioned why unity, that magic word, remains ever elusive to South Sudanese. Its achievement has remained one of the greatest challenges to South Sudanese. So, would it not be a wise thing to find out why people tend to live in disunity when it should have been better for them the other way round? It is high time we realised that unity does not just come about as mere human wish. It is one of those things that you actually have to work for as opposed to only talking about it and, may be, hoping one morning to wake up and find the people united. Many have so far used it no different to any of the many empty slogans raised by governments who feel immune to opposition-tabled reforms. Centuries have passed since man recognised the central fact that the unity of the people, in fact, simply lies in the confidence and trust they have amongst themselves. If so, it means that to build unity, we actually need first to build confidence and trust among ourselves before we ever expect to be a united people.
Friday, 21 August 2009
Signed “action plan” on CPA significant but not enough
After Wednesday’s signing of an “action plan” by partners aimed at ensuring that key elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement were fully implemented, BBC’s Network Africa talked with USSP Deputy Leader, Brian Badi, in their London studios, asking him if he thought this action plan was a significant step forward for the CPA.
Mr Badi: “I think it is. It’s a big step because it puts a new impetus into the process. The Sudanese do need some kind of encouragement and I think this encourages them both—the North and the South. And not only that, but from our experience, Khartoum works better under pressure. And if there’s no pressure, they will actually not even implement these things.”
BBC: “So you feel reassured that through the action plan the elements of the CPA will be implemented.”
Mr Badi: “Well, that is not enough, but that is just the beginning. And I think that I would really call upon the international community to keep [up] this pressure. This is step one. Step two is that they must make sure that the people on the ground are able to function, to work well, especially when it comes to the time of elections. They must make sure that there is security for ... the politicians and all the parties that would like to talk freely in elections. Otherwise it’ll just be a farce.”
BBC: “You mention the elections, [and] there’s also the issue of the referendum. Of all the elements in the CPA, are there some that you think won’t be implemented?”
Mr Badi: “Well, the question of the North-South border has not been concluded yet, because we must know where the border of South Sudan is... and then that will help us towards the elections. First of all, you know that the question of census was disputed between the SPLM and the NCP. The South is saying that the eight million [population of South Sudan] is not true, in fact the census were not carried out correctly, so there’s a disagreement over that. Although very recently, the leader of the South Sudan Government was saying well they would maybe accept this. But as far as I’m concerned, if the South is to go [independent], whether there are eight million of us they want to say, or whether there are more than that, all of them saying ... if fifty percent of them say they want their South, they should go.”
BBC: “So a national plan has been signed. What would you like to see now in order to ensure peace in Sudan?”
Mr Badi: “One is security of all the people—of all the people in the South. Just last week one MP, one leader of the NCP in Yambio was assassinated in her own house, a single mum. Now how did that come [about]? It needs to be investigated. And if this is, as most Southerners seem to think that it might be a political assassination, then we wouldn’t want such things to happen during the elections, otherwise the elections will not be fair. And so we would want ... really we are asking the international community, not just the action plan today and they turn their backs and go away, we want them to be standing by, all the time, because otherwise without them things would not go very well.”
Here’s an audio clip from the BBC Network Africa Web site
Mr Badi: “I think it is. It’s a big step because it puts a new impetus into the process. The Sudanese do need some kind of encouragement and I think this encourages them both—the North and the South. And not only that, but from our experience, Khartoum works better under pressure. And if there’s no pressure, they will actually not even implement these things.”
BBC: “So you feel reassured that through the action plan the elements of the CPA will be implemented.”
Mr Badi: “Well, that is not enough, but that is just the beginning. And I think that I would really call upon the international community to keep [up] this pressure. This is step one. Step two is that they must make sure that the people on the ground are able to function, to work well, especially when it comes to the time of elections. They must make sure that there is security for ... the politicians and all the parties that would like to talk freely in elections. Otherwise it’ll just be a farce.”
BBC: “You mention the elections, [and] there’s also the issue of the referendum. Of all the elements in the CPA, are there some that you think won’t be implemented?”
Mr Badi: “Well, the question of the North-South border has not been concluded yet, because we must know where the border of South Sudan is... and then that will help us towards the elections. First of all, you know that the question of census was disputed between the SPLM and the NCP. The South is saying that the eight million [population of South Sudan] is not true, in fact the census were not carried out correctly, so there’s a disagreement over that. Although very recently, the leader of the South Sudan Government was saying well they would maybe accept this. But as far as I’m concerned, if the South is to go [independent], whether there are eight million of us they want to say, or whether there are more than that, all of them saying ... if fifty percent of them say they want their South, they should go.”
BBC: “So a national plan has been signed. What would you like to see now in order to ensure peace in Sudan?”
Mr Badi: “One is security of all the people—of all the people in the South. Just last week one MP, one leader of the NCP in Yambio was assassinated in her own house, a single mum. Now how did that come [about]? It needs to be investigated. And if this is, as most Southerners seem to think that it might be a political assassination, then we wouldn’t want such things to happen during the elections, otherwise the elections will not be fair. And so we would want ... really we are asking the international community, not just the action plan today and they turn their backs and go away, we want them to be standing by, all the time, because otherwise without them things would not go very well.”
Here’s an audio clip from the BBC Network Africa Web site
[© BBC—accessed 2009-08-20]
Security Will Be USSP’s Top Priority
In the wake of insecurity in South Sudan perpetrated by elements such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), it is no wonder that “Insecurity has been a major problem in South Sudan since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)”, as USSP Deputy Leader, Brian Badi, writes. “Majority of law abiding citizens and civilians are living in fear. Many people get killed, harassed and intimidated by perpetrators who are never brought to justice. That encourages the atrocities to continue. Many people have had their land seized by force, very often, under gun-point. That is not what South Sudanese had expected to happen in their country after the civil war. They had expected to live in a country that would protect them and enable them to go about their lawful businesses without hindrance, a country that would treat them as equal citizens and offer them equal opportunities. This situation naturally alienates most citizens who feel the government does not belong to them. That is not a good feeling for people, who have a right to be in the country, to have. They feel betrayed, although they may not say anything because they are too scared to speak out. This is obviously a gross failure of the system instituted after the civil war.”
The sources of insecurity in South Sudan are clear and may be divided into five categories:
1. LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) of Uganda
2. Ambororo/Janjaweed—armed Arabs on horseback from the North
3. Armed groups (militia)
4. Individuals possessing illegal weapons and/or firearms
5. Soldiers who take the law into their own hands and use official arms to commit crime because: (a) they do not clearly understand their own national role and obligation to citizens and the civilian population; and (b) they are not paid salaries.
You may Download the entire article here...
The sources of insecurity in South Sudan are clear and may be divided into five categories:
1. LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) of Uganda
2. Ambororo/Janjaweed—armed Arabs on horseback from the North
3. Armed groups (militia)
4. Individuals possessing illegal weapons and/or firearms
5. Soldiers who take the law into their own hands and use official arms to commit crime because: (a) they do not clearly understand their own national role and obligation to citizens and the civilian population; and (b) they are not paid salaries.
You may Download the entire article here...
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