Top Nuer Politicians with the Gov’t Worried about their Positions in the Interim Gov’t

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Kiir promises to retain loyal Nuer in transitional govt–Radio Tamajuz

“…I will do all I can to protect the interests of my Nuer brothers and sisters who stood with me during this difficult time. Your interest will never be affected; I will ensure all of you remain in your current position and add also more portfolio to what you currently have.”…….Salva Kiir Mayardiit reassures the top Nuer politicians in Juba

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir met top loyalist Nuer politicians over the last few days in Juba where the politicians expressed concern over their positions if peace is reached with the rebels.

Ateny Wek Ateny, the president’s press secretary, told Radio Tamazuj that the Nuer politicians wanted assurance from the president that their positions would not be affected in any transitional government of national unity.

The officials include Manase Magok Rundial, Riek Gai Kok, John Gai Yoah, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Kuong Danhier Gatluak, General James Hoth Mai, and various members of parliament.

Ateny said that Kiir reassured them that their positions will not be affected by the peace talks, but pointed out that members of the next government will be based on merit.

“A Nuer official will not be removed because there is another Nuer in opposition coming in to take over, thus all the Nuer who are in opposition faction will get chances in a transitional government,” he said.

The spokesman further said the issue of the internality displaced persons (IDPs) who are sheltering in UN bases across the country was also discussed as well as the reconciliation process.

Ateny said nearly 70% of contentious issues at the peace talks have already been completed, adding the main hindrance in the talks is powers of the prime minister.

He indicated that South Sudan is being governed by a presidential system which gives powers to the president only not prime minister as demanded by the rebels.

“The rebels want to change the system to a parliamentarian, but that one needs referendum with participation of citizens ـــــ and that should be done after elections,” he said, likely referring to the proposed 2015 vote.

Kiir to meet Bashir

Ateny also said that Kiir’s long-awaited visit to Khartoum is not cancelled, but he disclosed that they have not yet been notified by the Sudanese government on the visit.

He said Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has been busy with his party’s general convention which concluded over the weekend.

Ateny pointed out that the visit was a request by Kiir to meet al-Bashir to discuss the implementation of the Joint Cooperation Agreements between Juba and Khartoum.

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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