Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network to express disappointment over the manner with which the State Government has chosen to end her own deal made three months ago with Youths, where 800 of them were tasked to provide security patrols for a period of three months along the designated Highway which ARC is now clearing in exchange of monetary incentives of 75,000 SSP a month per person, totaling to 180,000,000 SSP from February, March and April 2023.
Youths have honored and delivered their obligation. But, the state Government dishonored her monetary obligation; by showing up with only sixteen million instead of a hundred and eighty million as promised.
This triggered the apparent situation where more than Ten-Member State Security Committee comprising of an Advisor, Ministers, Members of Legislative Assembly, among Security Officers are detained in the Army settlement in Gadiang by the Youths on the 6th of May to-date on a condition that their incentives are paid in full. It’s now six days and counting in detention.
We are appealing to the state Government to honor her obligation by meeting the demands of the aggrieved Youths – paying the incentive amount in full. The Government officials currently under detention have a right to be led-free and equally the Youths should be accorded their rightful dues.
Are reminding the Government with her security organs to never use unnecessary force against the Youth who are simply demanding their fair share.
Calling on the Governor of Jonglei State to swiftly find a reasonable solution and settle the matter once and for all. Prolonging this situation may give negative politics an upper hand, hence jeopardizing the relative peace in the state.
Appreciate the Youths for being proportionally peaceful in claiming their rights.
A nonviolent approach or civil disobedience for that matter, is legally protected in Jonglei state and South Sudan at large. we are in solidarity with you in this situation and hope that those who are directly involved in this matter will continue to resist any provocation and maintain objectivity – safety of parties to supersede any interest.
