"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
The SPLM Secretary General Mr. Pagan Amum Okech sworn in today Saturday 23rd July 2011 before the President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit as the care taker minister for Peace in the National Government of south Sudan. After the swearing in ceremony, the care taker minister for peace H.E Amum appreciated H.E the President of the Republic for stressing on him and handing over to him the responsibility of taking care of the ministry of peace. H.E Amum said he will work hard in supporting the President and implement his policies on the ground in this current critical stage as south Sudan has been declared as a Nation. He added that he is happy of being part of SPLM and part of the Government under the leadership of H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit. Care taker minister of Peace reassured his happiness for the new state of south Sudan is being recognized by 192 Countries worldwide, and he called on the people of south Sudan to forget the past and free themselves for the building of the newborn Nation.
22 July 2011—(Juba) —The Caretaker Minster of the CPA Implementation in the Republic of South Sudan, Pagan Amum says his resignation from the government and the SPLM will give space for the growth of a new generation of leadership.
In an interview with SRS from Juba, Amum said that he is still a member of the SPLM.
[Pagan Amum]:“Actually, I resigned from my position as a minister from the government of South Sudan to give space for other comrades. But also I resigned from my position as SPLM secretary general. I have asked to resign from it but I am still awaiting a response from the leadership hoping that they may accept my resignation and if they don’t accept I will still remain loyal and a disciplined member of the SPLM. I will always abide by the decision of the party. We have just achieved the dream of our people for freedom. For me, it was not about the power but it was all about liberation and freedom and also believed that there are many great people in the SPLM that I have actually believed at this moment to give them the space and for me to support them to be able to take the burner forward, and I’m here.”
Amum however said that he will be part of the development of the new nation.
22 July 2011—(Juba) —Pagan Amum said that President Salva Kiir may face difficulties in the formation of the next cabinet as many south Sudanese would like to be ministers.
Pagan was speaking in response to a statement by President Kiir on Thursday in Juba that his next cabinet must be lean and professional.
He spoke to SRS from Juba on Friday.
[Pagan Amum]: “I expect him to form a new cabinet but it is difficult because there are so many southern Sudanese who want to be ministers and that is really a problem. He has a very difficult choice to make. But there are so many able comrades who would like to take the assignment to lead our government in this crucial stage basically of building our foundation of our new home. And I believe they will make it. And I believe our President will have all our support. We understand the challenges of the beginning and we must give him our undivided support.”
The previous Government of Southern Sudan was composed of 32 ministers who are currently Caretakers in their ministries.
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.
