Metro

South Sudan, Kenya trade accusations over border encroachment

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2023

South Sudan and Kenya are currently locked in a war of words over an accusation by Sudan that the East African country was trying to steal disputed territory along their border after communal clashes claimed the lives of eight people dead.

Sudanese parliamentarians on Friday, piled up pressure on President Salva Kiir to recall the House from recess so they can discuss the border dispute.

Local media reports that heavy fighting occurred in and around the town of Nakodok, a few miles from an oil field on the Kenyan side of the border.

The South Sudanese government accused Kenyan troops of trying to take control of Nakodok, an area of Kapoeta East County, which the Kenyans believe belong to them.

Abdullah Angelo Lokeno, the Sudanese county commissioner, confirmed that so far, 10 people have been reported killed from the Kenyan side.

Lokeno said the situation, though now calm, could likely resurface, while urging the government of South Sudan “to return the people of Kenya to their place so that citizens can get to rest. The government should come and control the situation,” he added.

The disputed territory has been a source of concern as far back as 2009 when Kenya and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the then ruling party, had signed an agreement to establish a temporary border control post at Nadapal to facilitate cross-border movement of people, goods and services.

A South Sudan lawmaker, Juol Nhomngek, who spoke to journalists, said the agreement no longer holds, as it is not anchored in any legislation passed since South Sudan won independence from Sudan in 2011.

“Even if there were an agreement, it could not be given without the consent of the parliament that represents the people,” Nhomngek said.

Dau Deng Dau, deputy minister foreign affairs for South Sudan, said his nation “is called a country because of a defined territory and population, and we want to inform our youths to be calm, be patient, your country is addressing all these matters.”

Related Topics:#crisis Border Featured Kenya South Sudan

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Metro

Catholic bishops in Zambia decry ‘shrinking democratic space’, hounding of opposition parties

Published

12 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has decried what it describes as a shrinking and deteriorating democratic environment, marked by the arrests and prolonged detention of opposition leaders.

In a letter signed and issued by all 11 Catholic Bishops in Zambia in Lusaka on Sunday, the clerics lamented that at least six opposition leaders were currently facing charges linked to their political activities, highlighting what they termed as a significant restriction of democratic freedoms.

“We are gravely concerned by the shrinking democratic space in the country. For example, about six or more opposition leaders are facing the law simply because of their participation in political activism,” the letter stated.

The Catholic Bishops called on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to ensure fairness in the political landscape.

“We urge the government to tolerate divergent views and promote democracy in the country,” they said.

The Bishops also condemned the prolonged detention of political figures, journalists, and other individuals without trial, asserting that such practices undermine democratic principles.

“Of concern is the detention of individuals, journalists, and opposition political leaders for expressing their views on governance issues,” the letter read.

The pastoral letter also criticized the UPND government for its use of derogatory language against the Church, referencing UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda’s labelling of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda as “Lucifer.”

“The Church expected Mr. Imenda to apologize for his remarks, as they were not only an insult to Archbishop Banda but to the entire Catholic Church,” the Bishops emphasized.

The letter further condemned the deployment of police officers to the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, viewing it as a form of intimidation.

Metro

Nigerian economy to grow in leaps and bounds in 2025, VP Shettima predicts

Published

17 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has predicted that the country’s economy will grow in leaps and bounds in 2025 due to the reforms put in place by President Bola Tinubu.

Shettima, who made the projection at a retreat organized for presidential aides in Abuja, gave reasons for his optimism, citing economic improvements recorded so far, including crude oil production reaching 1.8 million barrels per day.

Shettima emphasized that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, the nation’s economy was on the path to growth due to Tinubu’s policies and determination to transform the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“President Bola Tinubu is determined to change the fortunes of the nation. We all want to bequeath to the younger generation a united and progressive country,” Shettima said.

He emphasized that though the Nigerian economy is facing challenges, the current government is doing everything possible to turn things around.

“Yes, the economy has faced and is still facing challenges, but we have turned the corner. As of now, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The economy is on an upward trajectory, and I believe that in the new year, the economy will grow in leaps and bounds.”

“The country is greater than all of us. I urge you all to work as a team and as a family.”