Democracy, Transparency and Integrity will Prevail in South Sudan
I have been an observer of events in Sudan and South Sudan for some
twelve years. I believe some recent events in South Sudan are
deserving of activism. I am asking for your participation in a
letter/email campaign.
Reading the article “South Sudan: Letter to Central Equatoria” by
Steven Wöndu, (Sudan Tribune and AllAFRICA.COM) 15 January 2013.
I do not choose to bring undesired attention to Mr Wondu, Auditor
General of Central Equitorial State, nor is it my intention to degrade
Auditor Generals in other states. (Perhaps my sketchy research has
overlooked honesty and professionalism of other Auditor Generals). But
there are several actions in which Mr. Wondu has shown exemplary
professionalism.
Mr. Wondu published a complaint “nearly a year ago” that the
government of Central Equatoria… neglect[ed]… the important roads
linking Lasu, Yondoru, Isebi, Tore and Wuji to the trunk Juba-Kaya
artery.
Mr. Wondu now offers congratulations to government of Central
Equatoria (Governor Clement Wani Konga and his cabinet) for its “plans
to construct roads and distribute seeds and fertilizers” which
“breathed fresh air into my [Mr. Wondu’s] ears.”
Additionally, Mr. Wondu brought attention [Sudan Tribune: South Sudan:
Auditor General Implicates Govt, Parliament in Financial Losses, Sudan
Tribune, 16 July 2012] to possible financial mismanagement
(misappropriated funds) in 2007 by six government
ministries and the Southern Sudan legislative Assembly (SSLA).
Millions of dollars of oil revenue were reportedly undisclosed in
several accounts.
Also, bringing attention to fake contracts and inflated payrolls [see
“S. Sudan: Billions lost in fake contracts, inflated payrolls” Sudan
Tribune, 18 July 2012], the Auditor General reported “Unspecified
billions of taxpayers’ money went unaccounted for in 2008, either
through dubious award of contracts to unregistered companies or
inflated payrolls in South Sudan government ministries and agencies,
an audit report of its financial statements reveal.”
I am one that holds the belief that democracy, transparency and
integrity will prevail in South Sudan. That freedom and justice and
equal opportunity will find their way through the glare heineous
travesties (Lakes state: Revenge clashes leave 25 dead and 30 wounded
Saturday 19 January 2013; killing of unarmed protestors and civilians
in Wau, the Western Bahr el Ghazal state capital, the death of Isaiah
Diing Abraham Chan Awuol, the tragic retaliatory attacks and murders
between Nuer, Dinka and Murle in Jonglei. The list seems infinite).
It is only through efforts like those of Mr. Wondu that South Sudan is
going to find the justice promised in the South Sudan Constitution.
Is it fair to ask administrators throughout South Sudan to imitate the
honesty that Mr. Wondu emits?
Dare we ask that Steve Wondu distribute his efficiency and integrity
to other states of South Sudan?
AS A COROLLARY, I would like to reiterate the progress Beny Gideon Mab
describes [“Media Legislation: A Litmus Test for Democracy In South
Sudan” Sudan Tribune, 20 January 2013] regarding the passage of media
legislation (Media Authority Media Authority Bill 2012, Right of
Access to Information Bill, 2012 and Broadcasting Corporation Bill,
2012). The bills are now before the Honorable August House for
deliberation. The public hearing organized by the Specialised
Committee of Information in the National Legislative Assembly was
significant in developing the progressive legislation.
It is beyond me why overwhelming support from the people and the media
significants – letters, phone calls, emails – is not being presented
to the National Legislative Assembly.
I ask for participation on three issues.
I ask – in my most humble demeanor – that South Sudanese – in South
Sudan and in diaspora – support the media legislation in any way
possible AND provide support – letters, email, phone calls – for
administrative efforts of the Auditor General’s office toward
redeeming financial integrity and transparency within the Sudanese
government.
Lastly, please offer thanks to Mr. Steven Wondu, for his commitment
and exemplary performance in offering the South Sudanese people a
government which they well deserved.
Addendum, Please read “The Dura Saga Fat Cats” by Holy Crook (SSNA)
January 7, 2012
Respectfully,
Dennis E. Paul
Des Moines, Iowa USA
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