Covid-19 worsens the already distressed state of ‘Persons with Disability’ in South Sudan

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By Woja Emmanuel Wani and Viola Elias – AFF Cohort 3 fellows

South Sudan like other countries is battling to contain the spread of Covid-19 since the world youngest nation registered its first coronavirus case on April 5 2019 through a foreign national that travelled from the Netherlands via Ethiopia capital Addiss-Ababa and later to Juba.

For a country with 12 million people and with the poorest health infrastructure according to UN health reports, the situation of people living with disabilities could be way far devastating. 

According to the South Sudan Union of People with Disabilities, close to 11% of the population of South Sudan are probably or in fact affected by disabilities, representing over one million PwDs. Within camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) alone, it is estimated that there are up to 250,000 PwDs.

According to members of civil society, since Covid-19 emergence, the status quo of PWDs has changed drastically, ranging from their socialization, rights, freedoms, among others. Many activists say the disease increased fear, stigmatization and has worsened the health conditions of people with disability. 

A 2013 UN report stated that out of the 15% of PWDs in South Sudan, 5.8% need to be provided with services. But this has not been the case for Sarah Andrua – a physically impaired orphan who lost both parents in early 2000s when she was 1.

The 20 year old University of Juba student says she finds it difficult to transport herself from home to school due to lack of mobility. 

“Before I came to Juba to live with my uncle, I had spent most of my childhood at the orphanage home in Nimule. Growing without my parents and with parental love was not something easy at all. At some point in my life, I moved from one relative’s house to another”

Sarah narrated her ideal to 211 Check. 

Sarah stressed that as a person with physical disability, she endured stigma from her own family and community members.

“We people with physical disabilities have our own challenges which include rejection by our families and communities but when covid-19 came, it became more difficult for us. As for my case, transportation has been my main challenge to extend I at some point, I was about to quit my studies. Imagine, I commute from Gudele Jebel Yausu residential area everyday to the campus in Hai Soura”

Sarah added.

The Bachelor Degree ‘Community Studies’ student added that she almost quit due to financial constraints caused by Covid-19.  

‘I wanted to quit my studies so that I could just stay home, but I then initiated a talk with the former manager of the orphanage center, who later encouraged me. He also continues to aid me with finances, so I can further my education. As we speak”

Sarah revealed.

Andrua who appeals for mobility assistance went on to encourage people with disability to never give up during hard pandemic season. 

Constitution on disability 

The World Health Organization in a 2013 report stated that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are approximately estimated to be 15% of the Population across South Sudan, with most disabilities acquired during the liberation period. 

The right to education for all citizens of South Sudan, regardless of disability or gender, is enshrined in article 29 of the Transitional Constitution. However PWDs have not been able to realise this human right, according to South Sudanese civil society activists. 

Despite the “Education for All” campaigns, access to education by PWDs is still limited in South Sudan and particularly children with disabilities are the most disadvantaged. 

Misinformation Vs Disability

According to health experts, COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges to safety and security worldwide but most adversely on persons with disabilities.

In Juba, these challenges have been registered on the basis of Covid-19 information dissemination to the communities carried out by numerous national and international organizations, UN agencies and health authorities.

Distributing accurate and timely messages and countering the spread of misinformation is critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but this has not been the case with the visually impaired persons in South Sudan, according to Mr. Ambrose Lobijo.

The 46 year old Gudele resident who is a virtually impaired stressed that his environment has been and continues to be flooded with Covid-19 misinformation and fake news. 

The father of three states that Covid-19 myths have even made him deny coronavirus vaccination, stressing that he was advised by his family members to never take the jab because it might worsen his already existing illness.

“For the last three years, I have been suffering from a disease that makes me fall down at least once or twice a month. My family thinks if I take the jab, it will affect my well-being further”

said Ambrose

But the World Health Organization (WHO) says people with underlying conditions such as cancer, asthma, and heart disease, among others can also be vaccinated.

However, Ambrose says his health complication has been examined severally but doctors failed to identify what exactly contributes to his unpredicted collapse occurrence that often happen.

“At first, I wanted to be vaccinated but my brother told me he heard on the radio that the vaccine is not for people who have mental problems. I consider myself mentally ill because sometimes fall on the road, in the markets or even in public taxi”

Ambrose added

When contacted for comment on the vaccine myths, Dr. John Romunu – Director for Preventive Health Services at the Ministry of Health disputes the claims, adding that the vaccine does not have any negative impact on the mental health of a person.

Dr. John, instead said only persons with internal heath disorders such as respiratory infections are advised to be examined before taking the jab.

“There has never been medical proof that people suffering from internal mental disabilities shouldn’t take the jabs. The instructions from WHO are clear, only persons with respiratory conditions may be the ones at risk if they get vaccinated. My message to people is that, any information out there regarding the vaccine without scientific defense is a lie and should be considered fake”

Said Romunu

Disability is a complex, diverse, and growing global concern. Doctors believe every person with a disability has unique features and requirements in their lives.

Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reinforces the right of PwDs to achieve the highest possible standard of health and well-being without any form of discrimination based on disabilities.

The convention states that PwDs’ needs should not be ignored during an emergency lockdown – a provision which entitles them to safe and accessible formats for information on COVID-19, including the use of sign languages.

The convention also advocates for creation of an enabling environment for caregivers/peers/community members who can assist disabled persons by providing essential services.

It also calls for promotion of awareness and sensitization to health-care providers to provide equal opportunities, maintaining dignity and respect whenever a person with disability requires care in hospital.  

End..

July 2021 Social Media Health Report

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A report compiled by 211 Check

Introduction

During this reporting period, a total of 127 out 197 pages being monitored published nearly 15,000 posts at an average of 4.66 posts per day. 

The interactions were way up by +48.28% compared to the previous month. Most of the interactions were around President Kiir’s interview with Kenya’s Citizen TV Journalist Jeff Koinange and South Sudan’s decade of independence in the early weeks of the month.

Mid-month conversations centred on sports news and music. In relation to sports, much of the conversations were focused on South Sudan’s Junior National Team which had its orientation at South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) General Headquarters. The Under-23 team had their final orientation, followed by a theoretical session as they competed in the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Championship. 

In relation to music, some Facebook users were talking about South Sudanese musicians John Frog and Coozos Clan’s Meenimen, who were flaunting US Dollars and Euros on their respective Facebook pages.

Later conversations towards the end of the month were around the death of Hardlife Avenue’s artist Mantani who passed on in Kampala, Uganda following a motorcycle accident. A few other conversations were around the appointment of Jemma Nunu Kumba as the first woman speaker of the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly.

The leading Facebook pages with many interactions during the month were: Silver X, Atongoya, K-Denk, Eye Radio, Achai Wiir, Hot in Juba, Penton Keah, Lady Kola Official, Smart Family TV and Slate Nation.

The Social media landscape was widely unhealthy with notable cases of hate speech as reflected below.  

Key Issues Discussed

A video of President Kiir’s interview with Kenyan Journalist Jeff Koinange reshared by SSD TV got over 3,000 interactions, 240 comments and 1,000 shares. Mixed views were expressed in the comment section. While many commentators described their frustrations and dissatisfaction over how the President answered the questions.

South Sudanese journalists also went to social media to talk about how they have never had an opportunity to interact with the President in a formal interview. Although the post was mostly dominated by disgruntled South Sudanese, it was interesting to note that it was devoid of hate speech, misinformation and inciting comments. 

The above post by Data Gordon which seems to have been sponsored also attracted over 750 interactions, 95 comments and nearly 10 shares. It was encouraging the culture of condom use as a family planning method. Most of the comments lauded the information sharing while others placed inquiries for more information. No instances of hate speech or inciting remarks in the comments were observed.

A video shared by the America Embassy in Juba Facebook Page got over 23,000 views, 880 interactions, 80 comments and 150 shares. The video showed the embassy’s staff sharing independence messages with South Sudan’s Anthem playing in the background. Many comments were those expressing gratitude for the support offered by America to the South Sudan government.

The last hot topic was when the video of Prophet Abraham Chol’s arrest surfaced online. The video, which showed police men picking him from his bedroom in the middle of the night and included an exchange of words between him and them, created a lot of debate on both Facebook and Twitter. Many say his privacy rights were violated. Other conversations mainly revolved around a statement Abraham uttered during the ordeal saying,  “I am a Dinka, not Monydor”. Because of its tribalistic undertones, Abraham’s statement and the post itself generated some hate speech mainly between Equatorians and the Dinka on social media.

The above picture showing some Americans who participated in the Great Run in the early hours of South Sudan’s Independence day also got the attention of the page followers with over 3,000 interactions, 150 comments and 50 shares. Many commentators commended the American people for always standing in solidarity with South Sudan.

This post had several commentators wishing the young stars the best of luck in the competition. 

The appointment of Jemma Nunu Kumba as the first woman speaker of South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly was among the widely discussed topics from 23rd July. While many powered congratulatory messages, some questioned the rationale behind the nomination. “Congratulations Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, keep up the good work and the process of the peace implementation’” reads a comment. The post had over 3,000 reactions, 164 comments and 8 shares. 

On 21 July, John Frog posted a photo of him with a lot of United States Dollar notes in Kenya’s Nairobi. The following day, 22 July, Coozos clan’s Meenimen and Madit Acamcrap also pictured themselves allegedly on the same bed with the same money in a Juba hotel.

Many people on social media  condemned the move saying they should not have shown off so much wealth because there are poor people in the country and it would affect their emotions.

Murye Alex alias Mantani, a late South Sudanese music producer, rapper and a member of the Hardlife Avenue Stars, died on Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Kampala, Uganda, after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Uganda’s Moyo District on July 22, 2021. He collided with another rider, who died instantly. Hundreds of mourners have been publishing and sharing comments about his music and updates about ongoing funeral arrangements.

However, in later stages of the conversation around the musician Mantani’s death, South Sudanese took to social media to voice their displeasure with Ugandan singers for failing to show solidarity with South Sudan’s music community. The discussions were very heated with many South Sudanese taking to the comments section of Ugandan artists who extended belated condolence writing comments that constitute hate and xenophobia. Some Ugandans reciprocated.

Conclusion

Online conversations continue to be partly healthy in South Sudan’s online space. Additionally, threats against specific groups have not been common or widely shared. The use of screenshots, images or videos from unknown or unconfirmed sources has also substantially declined. As observed in the  report, factual reporting has largely contributed to the low level of disinformation and misinformation. 

The varying realities being shared on social media continue to expose digital natives to different opinions. The report concludes that the social media engagement during the reporting period was to an extent unhealthy and filled with hateful and inciting content, especially from those who blamed Ugandan and other foreign musicians for not extending early condolence messages in the wake of Mantani’s death.

End

COVID-19: Low vaccine uptake coupled with minimal adherence to preventive measures exposes South Sudan to second virus wave

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As some countries around the globe fight to contain the outbreak of Covid-19 various waves, South Sudan remains vulnerable to more infections from the expected third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, according to health experts.

Recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of the Delta Covid-19 variant in South Sudan.

As part of the campaign to minimise the virus spread, the ministry says it has so far administered 56, 587 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from both the first and second consignments that the country received from the UK based COVAX facility.  

The health institution, however, stressed that at least 4 percent of the 60,000 AstraZeneca vaccines that the country received from the Covax Facility in April this year were wasted. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Sudan is expecting to get its third batch of the vaccine in early August – this is after the second AstraZeneca vaccine consignment expired on July 18. The health ministry recently said it has stopped administering the remainder of the expired AstraZeneca vaccines.

In various interviews with 211 Check last week, health experts revealed that there has been low uptake of the vaccine, attributing the occurrence to expiration concerns, logistical challenges and vaccine misinformation.

The tendency, according to health authorities, constitutes a danger to the population especially, since there has been an upsurge in the cases of the Delta variant across the region.

Dr. John Romunu – Director General for Preventive Health Services at the Ministry of Health encourages South Sudanese to participate collectively in the reduction of the virus spread, in order to mitigate the third wave and new variant.

“The vaccines are the safer preventive measure for Covid-19 but the low number of doses South Sudan receives from the world in terms of donation, coupled with the public reluctance of citizens to take the vaccine creates more danger for the population.

“Humbly, we [Ministry] encourage people to continue following all the recommended Covid-19 preventive measures, to avoid more transmissions of the virus,” said Romunu.

Dr. Romunu went on to appeal to members of the public to adhere to all preventive measures.

Threats associated with the Delta Variant

In Mid-July, South Sudan confirmed its first case of the highly contagious Delta Variant.  

According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Delta is the name for the B.1.617.2 Variant, a SARS-CoV-2 mutation that originally surfaced in India.

The first Delta case was identified in December 2020, and the strain spread rapidly, soon becoming the dominant strain of the virus in India and then Great Britain.

As per health experts, the symptoms are similar to those seen with the original coronavirus strain and other variants, including a persistent cough, headache, fever, and sore throat.

The late July confirmation of two more cases of Delta Variants in South Sudan means the country so far has three cases of the new coronavirus variant. 

Dr Joseph Francis Wamala, a senior epidemiologist at the WHO South Sudan office says countries across the world still continue to report an upsurge on Covid-19 related deaths despite massive vaccination actions, which so far have translated to 3.4 billion administered doses globally.

“What is significant for this period is the fact that even after having effective vaccines, we continue to get very high numbers of deaths that continue to be reported among vulnerable groups”. 

Dr. Wamala warns that there are no indications for the pandemic coming to an end, as more cases continue to be reported at the global level.

He added that the global shortage of vaccines poses another serious threat to countries in dire need to vaccinate their most vulnerable populations. 

The UN health expert stressed that the new worry is the effectiveness of the current vaccine which has been reduced by the new variant.

“Some of the gaps that are really worrying include the global shortage of vaccines. Only a quarter of the global population is being vaccinated and most of the vaccinated are in a few high- and upper-income countries.

“And the reason to worry is that the new variant has actually minimised the effectiveness of the vaccines that we have,” Wamala said.

Dr. Wamala encourages governments to do readiness assessments and ensure that they have enough contingency measures such as adequate oxygen in their health facilities.

As of July 30, South Sudan had recorded 11,049 cumulative cases of Covid-19, with 118 deaths and 10, 099 recoveries.

The good news for South Sudan is that according to the Ministry of Health, the COVAX facility is said to have approved 732, 000 AstraZeneca doses for the world’s youngest nation. This development might propel South Sudan’s efforts in its fight against the Coronavirus. 

Author: Woja Emmanuel Wani – AFF Fellow – Cohort 3, edited by Garang Abraham and Eleanor Macheso. 

NOTE: This article was produced as a result of partnership between DefyHateNow and Medaan, with support from Article19. 

END…

The role of misinformation in aiding Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in South Sudan

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South Sudan recorded its first Covid-19 case on April 5, 2020, through a foreign national that travelled from the Netherlands via the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa, and then later to Juba.

After the announcement of the first case, health authorities and partners who anticipated the virus went to work. The team of united institutions created numerous programs aimed at sensitizing the public, in order to prevent and create responses to the virus.

It has been more than a year and a half since the proclamation was made, and efforts towards societal sensitization continue to shrink due to lack of funding. 

Many of the state’s Covid-19 health facilities have been shut down, as a result of  inadequate donor funding, according to the ministry of health – yet South Sudan, a country with fragile health infrastructure pumps 154,000 barrels of crude oil per day. 

Vaccine Misinformation

In March this year, South Sudan received 132,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine from CoVAX – the global initiative to ensure lower-income countries  have access to vaccines.

However, in May, the country initiated a process to return some of its vaccines after concluding it cannot administer the vaccines before they expire. Kenya immediately expressed interest to have the consignment of 72,000 vaccines. 

On  July 18, South Sudan’s second Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine consignment expired. This was after  56, 587 citizens got the vaccines.

According to the Ministry of Health Vaccination Report, Central Equatoria states led the highest vaccine consumption with 26, 195 South Sudanese vaccinated, Eastern Equatoria State followed with 3,073 immunized, while Jonglei State laid bottom with 1,788 total citizens vaccinated.

“The total number of South Sudanese below 56 years that took the vaccines is 5.72%, while a total of 94.28% personnel that took the jab are above the age 56.

“The total number of vaccines consumed from the first dose is 51,907, while 4,680 doses were consumed in the second dose” reads the report.

Since the vaccine arrival, the health authorities and partners initiated vaccine awareness programs which have largely been through mainstream media usage of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), talk shows, road drives etcetera – in a move to mobilize thousands to get the jab.

But the Health Ministry last month said at least 6,063 doses have been wasted in the 96 facilities of 35 counties, situated in 10 States across the country.

Why the low vaccine turn-up?

Kenyi Noel, a 33 old-year resident of Juba’s Gudele suburb says he has opted to stay without vaccination.

“If I get myself vaccinated and still get re-infected even after being inoculated, what does that mean? Secondly, I don’t need the vaccine because I am fine” said Kenyi. The World Health Organizations says,  “Covid-19 vaccine does not prevent you from getting the virus but prevents the disease from getting into severity because the anti-bodies the vaccine induces are a defense mechanism that fight back and reduce the number of the viruses that may cause more hurt to you and also reduces hospitalizations’’.

Dr. Garang Anthony – acting chairman of South Sudan Doctors’ Union blames Kenyi’s statement on low vaccine information, mixed with misinformation, ‘Majority are afraid of the vaccine because of a lot of misinformation and dis-information”.

“Misinformation related to vaccines is rampant. People have the information but somewhere the information got distorted and they are confused whether they should go for the vaccination or abstain” Garang added.

Meanwhile, Lusuab Memo – Eye Radio veteran journalist who has been covering Covid-19 since its emergence in South Sudan says the continuous rejection of the jab is triggered by vaccine rumors.

“The kind of understanding people have certainly coils from what they hear and whether the information is actually  from experts”.

“Some people created vaccine myths, because they have an underlying kind of attitude toward the general situation of the country like the economic crisis’’ said Memo who runs a weekly radio talk show on Covid-19.

With too much vaccine information being received, especially amongst those with access to the internet and social media – the dividing line between credible information and misinformation has become difficult.

“Malicious information driven by alternative media is also another contributing vaccine myths, especially done by individuals who sit in their houses and write to catch the attention of the person or want to sell their platforms’’ Memo added.

However, even with the rampant spread of  vaccine misinformation, some people are still willing to get vaccinated. For instance, Juba’s Hai Mouna resident who preferred to be identified as Monica said she will still get the jab regardless of the myths.

“Naiveness towards the vaccine is uncalled for. I am determined to receive my jab as soon as the second bunch arrives” Monica revealed.

Above all, it is due to acknowledge that there has been an increased number of people coming for the jab witnessed by the exhaustion of the first bunch received.

As of July 30, South Sudan has recorded 11,049 cumulative cases of Covid-19, 118 deaths and 10, 099 recoveries.

The World Health Organization has urged South Sudan to ensure at least 10 percent of the population is vaccinated against coronavirus by September 2021.

Author: Dave Boboto – AFF Fellow – Cohort 3, edited by Garang Abraham and Eleanor Macheso. 

NOTE: This article was produced as a result of partnership between DefyHateNow and Medaan, with support from Article19.  

End…

Hoax Alert: Madam Atong Foundation Scholarship is a scam, don’t apply!

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Author: 211 Check editorial team

Rigorous findings carried out by 211 Check crew have identified the notorious online Madam Atong Foundation Scholarship as fraud and deceitful page established to scam desperate South Sudanese and Sudanese students seeking scholarships online.  

According the investigations, a Facebook page named “Sudanese Scholarship 2020-2025.Madam Atong Foundation” has been making announcements bearing ‘fully funded’ scholarships to South Sudanese and Sudanese Students to study abroad.

The fraud page was created on July 27, 2020, and is primarily managed by three people in Uganda.

It on Sunday [23rd of May] made another announcement calling for applicants to seek scholarship abroad. The below screenshot bears the call for applications.

However, when fact-checked by 211 Check, the so-called “Madam Atong Foundation” is untruthful platform intended to extract money from anxious students in search of scholarship opportunities to study abroad.

Below are facts that show the page is a fraud.

Fact #1: No legitimate website and physical location

The so-called foundation doesn’t have a legitimate website from which its ‘the about information’ can be obtained. Though, the scammers claim to have a physical location at Bungoma district (a Kenyan border town neighboring Uganda) next to Electoral Commission Building, they don’t actually have an office there.

Fact #2: No legal existence

When 211 Check contacted the Uganda NGO Bureau, the prominent NGO institution said it not aware of such an organization. Refugee authorities have also denied working with Madam Atong Foundation that claims it offers scholarships to mainly to refugees in Uganda. In addition, Uganda’s list of non-governmental organizations operated in Uganda, Madam Atong Foundation can not be mentioned

Fact #3: Weaponized context:

Most of the images used on their Facebook Page are not in any way related to events of a so-called “Madam Atong Foundation”. Through Reverse Image Search, most of the pictures are of different events not of their activities as claimed. For example, one of the images used by the foundation, describing students to be lining for scholarship procedures in its office, is an image of truck drivers entering Kenya queue to be tested for Covid-19. The picture was taken by Brain Inganga, United States Associated Press journalist. See the below image to verify.

Fact #4: No Application Fully Funded Scholarships

As we all know, application processes for fully funded scholarships don’t need money. However, when contacted, the Madam Atong Foundation demanded cash of about $200 at the initial stages, even before you see the application form.

They usually want the money to be sent via MTN Uganda via Mobile Money to +256770671123 registered with the ANNE THEREZA KIGENI. Below are the contacts of institutions the organization requires the cash to be sent through. Its unfortunate Uganda’s prominent Centenary Bank is mentioned as well.

Fact #5: Errors in communication

Most of the communication shared by the administrators of this foundation have misspellings and grammatical mistakes – something a legitimate and reputable organization rarely commit.

Conclusion:

211 Check deep research findings suggest that there is no organization such as Madam Atong Foundation anywhere in the world. This is just a fake/fraud page designed to extract money from people who may fall victims.

Don’t be misled, don’t misinform others, avoid sharing such scams. Share this story with your network in order to save others from being scammed.  

To know more about fact checking, visit www.211check.org. Present a claim or rumor, it will be fact-checked, verified and immediately and resend back in a timely manner.

Disregard the trending 5,000 SSP banknote, its fake!

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By: 211 Check Editorial Team

South Sudan’s Central Bank appeals to online and offline communities to disregard the trending 5,000 South Sudanese Pounds bank note. 

This comes after many online users expressed concerns, why the bank would introduce the new note, yet the recently launched 1000 SSP bank note had not met its intertest.  

This week, a picture of a five thousand South Sudanese Pounds note (5,000SSP) went viral online on various social media platforms. Many users alleged that the Central Bank of South Sudan had plans underway to print the note which it intends to bring into circulation.

However, after 211 Check fact-checked and verified the bank note critically and carefully, the team found the image as manipulated. 

Below are the facts explaining why it is fake.

Fact #1: The figure “5” is not consistent (different font) with the 5 SSP, 50 SSP, and 500 SSP that all have the same fonts. 

In addition, the “5” looks misplaced darker than the zeros. It has also the same graphic design as the 10 SSP note. Therefore, a doctored image of the 10 SSP note.

Fact #2: There was no official communication from the Central Bank of South Sudan, stating plans of launching a new note.

Speaking at a press briefing today (Tuesday), Central Bank Governor, Dier Tong dismissed the social media rumors. He described the trending banknote as misinformation and fake banknote. 

In February this year, the same fake bank note surfaced online. But the Central Bank governor dismissed it, stressing that the bank had only launched the 1000 SSP note. 

To know about our fact-checking process check the link below, https://211check.org/how-to-fact-check/ or contact us via 211check.org to present a claim – our team will immediately fact-check it and send you an immediate feedback. 

EXPLAINER: Facts about the National Parliament

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Author: Emmanuel Bida 

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit weeks ago reconstituted the Transitional National Transitional Legislative Assembly, as stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement. 

The reconstituted national assembly now consists of 550 lawmakers, drawn from all political parties that signed the peace accord in the Ethiopian Capital Addis-Ababa on September 12, 2018. There was an addition of 150 MPs to the previous list. 

President Kiir’s appointment came a day after he dissolved the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States.

According to the deal, both R-TNLA and Council of States shall be reconstituted to include new appointees from all peace parties.

The agreement recommends for the expansion of the TNLA from 400 to 550 members, consisting of representatives from the peace signatories. 

It required the incumbent Transitional government to nominate 332 MPs, 128 from SPLM-IO, 50 from South Sudan Opposition Alliance, 30 from Other political parties and 10 from the Former Detainees – a provision that is fully implemented by all parties. 

The genesis of the National Legislative Assembly

Under South Sudan’s 2011 transitional constitution as amended, the legislative power was bicameral, comprising the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the Council of States.

After the South’s independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, the assembly which was established in August that very year, comprised a 332-member National Legislative Assembly and a 50-member Council of States. 

The NLA body consisted of members of the previous regional legislative body, the South Sudan Legislative Assembly, and South Sudanese who had seats in Sudan’s National Assembly. 

The majority of NLA members were directly elected; the rest were elected from closed lists to ensure proportional representation for women and various other groups, according to data obtained online. 

Upon independence, the Council of States consisted of all South Sudanese who had been elected by state legislatures to seats in Sudan’s Council of States, as well as 20 members appointed by South Sudan’s president. 

The 170 lawmakers of the National Legislative Assembly and the 50 member Council of States members were to serve four-year terms.

However, after the signing of the 2015 peace agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), a 400-member Transitional National Legislative Assembly was established on August 4 2016, which replaced the National Legislative Assembly. 

The term of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly was to run concurrently with the Transitional Government of National Unity (T-GoNU) until elections were held.

During the transitional period, the 50-member Council of States, established in 2011, continued to function as the upper chamber of parliament.

Current framework

Following the civil war that broke out in December 2013, a peace agreement signed in August 2015 provided for the creation of a transitional power-sharing government that would include members of Kiir’s administration as well as members from the rebel groups.

The TNL was implemented in April 2016 and was intended to function for 30 months, with, among its tasks, the goal of organizing elections 60 days prior to the end of the transitional period.

According to the deal, the incumbent president remained in place and appointed a first vice president Dr. Riek Machar, who led SPLM-IO during the negotiations. 

After the creation of the transitional government, the administration had 90 days to transform the NLA into the TNLA, which included former MPs, plus an additional 68 members.

Of the new 68 members, the matrix shows 50 were from the South Sudan Armed Opposition, 1 former detainee, and 17 from Other Political Parties.

The other legislative body, the Council of States, remained unchanged in the new transitional government.

R-TNLA’s mandate

The national legislature serves as an independent arm of the government and below in brief are some of the roles plays or should play: –

  1. Overseeing the performance of the National Government institutions.
  2. Approving plans, programs, and policies of the National Government. 

Approving budgets;

3. Ratifying international treaties, conventions, and agreements.

4. Adopting resolutions on matters of public concern.

5. Summoning Ministers to answer questions of members of the Assembly on matters related to their ministries.

6. Interrogating Ministers about their performance or the performance of their ministries. 

7. Approving appointments as required by the Transitional Constitution or the law.

8. Casting a vote of no confidence against the Vice President and any Minister.

9. Enacting legislation to regulate the conditions and terms of service of the Judiciary and its oversight mechanisms. 

10. And performing any other function as determined by the Transitional Constitution or the law.

Eligibility

In accordance to the constitution, candidate for membership of the National Legislature must:

·         be a South Sudanese. 

·         be at least twenty-one years of age.

·         be of sound mind.

·         be literate. 

·     A person who has not been convicted during the last seven years of an offense involving honesty or moral turpitude.

NOTE: Members of the National Legislature and the Council of Ministers are eligible for membership of state legislatures or state councils of ministers. 

However, a member of the National Legislative Assembly cannot also be a member of the Council of States (and vice versa). 

Previous NLA/TNLA Leadership 

NameTook officeLeft office
James Wani Igga2011August 2013
Manasseh Magok RundialAugust 20134 August 2016
Anthony Lino Makana4 August 20168 December 2019
Obuch Ojok16 December 2019Incumbent

What does the revitalized agreement say?

The Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States shall consist of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States.

The R-TNL shall be expanded to five hundred and fifty (550) members and reconstituted as follows: – 

Incumbent TGoNU – 332 members

SPLM/A-IO – 128 members

SSOA: fifty – 50 members.

OPP: thirty – 30 members.

FDs:  – 10 members.

The 2018 accord says the Speaker of the TNLA shall be nominated by the Incumbent TGoNU, one Deputy Speaker shall be nominated by SPLM/A-IO. Another one, who should be a woman, shall be nominated by the Incumbent TGoNU; and a third Deputy Speaker to be nominated by OPP.

The agreement says upon issuing the final report of the Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) in accordance with Article 1.14, the Council of State shall be reconstituted as shall be recommended by the IBC. 

However, if the IBC fails to issue its final report, the Council of State shall be reconstituted pursuant to the outcome of the referendum.

The deal added that without prejudice to the recommendations of the IBC, the Speaker of the Council of States shall be nominated by SPLM/A-IO, Deputy Speaker shall be nominated by Incumbent TGoNU, and shall be a woman, and Deputy Speaker shall be nominated by SSOA. 

It stressed that for the purpose of regional inclusivity required in a body representing the States, each of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers shall come from former regions.

R-TNLA duration

The duration and term of the reconstituted TNL shall run concurrently with that of the RTGoNU, as per the terms of this Agreement, until such time as elections are held.

The functions and mandate of the TNLA shall remain as stipulated in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 as amended, unless otherwise specified by the terms of this Agreement.

The reconstituted TNLA shall, in the conduct of its business, support this Agreement and enact legislation that enables and assists the transitional processes and reforms described in this Agreement.

Decisions in the reconstituted TNLA on matters pertaining to this Agreement shall be by consensus and failure to that, shall be by two thirds (2/3) majority of all the members. 

Decisions in the TNLA on other matters not related to this Agreement shall be by consensus and in lieu of that by simple majority. 

REFERENCES 

http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2390.htm

https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Sudan/Government-and-society#ref1213591
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Legislature_(South_Sudan)
https://docs.pca-cpa.org/2016/02/South-Sudan-Peace-Agreement-September-2018.pdf

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Fact Checked: Is Sudanese politician Malik Agar in Uganda to represent South Sudan?

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Author: Emmanuel Bida

Uganda’s government institution has misfired Sudanese politician Malik Agar as a South Sudanese and a Vice President as well, according to online information found by 211 Check on Wednesday.


A tweet by Government of Uganda @GovUganda on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 claimed in a misleading post that Malik Agar is a Vice President in the Republic of South Sudan.

What is the truth?

Malik Agar is neither a South Sudanese nor a Vice President. Malik leads a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM – North). 

Reliable sources and facts say Malik Agar is a member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council. He is in Uganda to witness the swearing in of President Yoweri Museveni on behalf of Sudan Sovereign Council.

Who are the Vice Presidents in South Sudan?

South Sudan has five Vice Presidents namely: First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Vice President for Economic Cluster – James Wani Igga, Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster – Taban Deng Gai, Vice President for Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi and Vice President for Youth, Gender and Humanitarian Cluster Rebecca Nyandeng. 

Please disregard the information tweeted by @GovUganda, it is misleading and doesn’t reflect any of the described personality in relationship to his position and country of origin.

South Sudan leads East Africa with ‘most expensive’ electricity charges

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Author: Emmanuel Bida – Associate Editor

A new 211 Check report has revealed South Sudan in the East African region the country with most expensive domestic electricity charges.

The statistics unveiled Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) as the lead company with the highest electric fee per kWh charges in the region.

The brief study carried out by 211 Check featured all East African countries and some South Sudan’s neighboring countries, to compare electricity rates per kWh. Those included were Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

According to the dreadful findings, South Sudan took the lead with $0.36 charges, followed by Tanzania with $0.12, Kenya and Rwanda grabbed the third position with $0.09 charges respectively, while Uganda came in the fifth position with $0.07.

On the last phase with less electricity charges, was Burundi who seized the sixth position with $0.03, Sudan and DR Congo ranked second last with $0.02, while Ethiopia was classified last with $ 0.01, the lowest charges.

Below is the data table:

S/No.Country1kWh in Local Currency1kWh in the U.S.DollarsRank
1Ethiopia0.54 ETB$ 0.0139
2DR Congo122.06 Congolese Franc$ 0.0167
3SudanSGD 6.35 – SGD 10$ 0.016 7
4Tanzania263 Tanzanian Shillings$ 0.1152
5Burundi62.01 BIF$ 0.0326
6Rwanda 89 – 201 RWF$ 0.09 4
7Kenya11.30 – 24.18 KShs$ 0.092 3
8UgandaUGX 250 – UGX 842.7$ 0.07 5
9South SudanSSP 148.57 – SSP 221.87$ 0.36061

Below is also data visualization table:

Did you know at least 82 people died in different plane crashes since South Sudan’s independence

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Author: Garang Abraham – Managing Editor

At least eighty-two people have died in different plane crashes since South Sudan succeeded from Sudan nine years ago, according to Aviation Safety Network.  

As per the data obtained by 211 Check, the biggest incident that claimed 41 lives happened near Juba International Airport, Central Equatoria State on November 4, 2015, when Allied Services Limited – lsf Asia Airways crashed while taking off.   

The second incident which claimed numerous lives occurred on September 9, 2018 in Lakes State, near Yirol airstrip, when South West Aviation, lsf Slav-Air crashed while landing – a heartbreaking occurrence that left 20 people dead including a bishop.   

Other crashes that killed several people include the recent South Supreme Airlines Pieri and last year’s South West Aviation incidences, where 10 and 7 people died respectively.  

The above data also shows that Central Equatoria State, Juba City registered the biggest number of incidences that claimed several lives.

Wau Airport scoped the second position of the airstrips that registered several incidences, though the number of passengers killed was less.

According to the data, there were few survivors from all the crashes. However, most of the occurrences were incident-related. There were no hijacking or criminal related incidences in all the cases.

Note: The analysis identified that the government or concerned authorities didn’t make investigations or findings of most the incidences public, apart from few.

IATA neglected call

On February 8, 2021, the International Air Transport Association in a letter encouraged South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authorities to ensure that the desired level of safety and efficiency is implemented in the lower airspace.  

The association stressed that many interventions have not resulted in a clear improvement in safety performance.

In addition, the aviation body claimed that Juba is considered a challenging operational environment due to the following reported deficiencies:

  • Air Traffic Services.
  • Industrial action by civilian air traffic service personnel.
  • Deployment of military air traffic controllers to replace civilian personnel.
  • RNAV/GNSS approach procedures are deficient. Previous procedures were cancelled and are no longer valid.
  • Frequency congestion as a result of combined Ground, Tower and Approach control services on a single frequency.

IATA recommended that airlines operating within the South Sudan Airspace at a minimum should: –

1.Treat the operation as specialized, and continue to exercise robust risk management practices pertaining to the operation.

2.Ensure crews are well briefed of the above challenges.

3.Operators should continue reporting issues/concerns in the above airspace using safety reporting mechanisms and, where applicable, the IATA GADM IDX program.

But the call seems to have gone in vain or authorities might be implementing the appeal undercover.

Below are three graphs summarizing the above data…..

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