Politics

Hullabaloo Over Janitorial Service Contract

Published

3 weeks ago

April 13, 2025

Hullabaloo Over Janitorial Service Contract

Introduction to the Controversy

A letter from a government-contractor company recently surfaced online, sparking outrage among the public due to the amount involved. The controversy surrounds a six-year janitorial service deal between the Ministry of Finance and Planning and Geners Company Ltd., signed in March 2023.

The Details of the Deal

According to a letter of complaint from Geners management, the government institution was supposed to pay $113,000 per month for six years. However, the government failed to pay up for two years, raising questions about the deal’s legitimacy and the use of public funds.

Public Reaction

The amount has caught the attention of many, with some believing that the deal is a scam meant to steal public money. Prof. Jok Madut expressed his concern on Facebook, stating, “So we are clearly determined to destroy our country, if we are giving such bogus contracts while claiming that the country is broke!”

Understanding the Services Rendered

Before delving into the mathematics of the deal, it’s essential to understand the nature of the services provided to the ministerial complex, which is arguably the most visited government institution. Thousands of visitors, including contractors, senior government officials, army generals, and villagers seeking financial handouts, flock to the ministry daily.

The Challenges of Maintaining Cleanliness

The high volume of visitors results in significant wear and tear on the facilities. The constant use of urinals and toilets, paper towel and toilet roll usage, mud on rugs, and disposal of thawut (snuff) on floors and rugs pose significant cleaning challenges. Additionally, some visitors unfamiliar with water closets squat on cisterns, causing damage that requires frequent repairs by plumbers.

The Cost of Maintenance

Considering the market prices, Geners’ workers’ pay, tile and toilet maintenance fees, transportation, and lunch for workers, plus the company’s profit, the cost of the services seems reasonable. The over 100 cleaners working at the three sites are always on their toes, ensuring the offices remain clean.

The Real Issue

Instead of questioning the legitimacy of the deal, the focus should be on the senior officials at the ministry who have failed to honor the contract. It appears that they have contracted another company, Deng and Daughters, to work concurrently with Geners, handling the new building at a cost of $291,000 per month.

Transparency and Responsible Public Spending

The ministry’s decision to contract two companies raises concerns about transparency and responsible public spending. Can the ministry afford to pay both companies a total of $404,000 per month? This lack of transparency and potential mismanagement of public funds is the real issue that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the amount involved in the janitorial service deal may seem excessive, it’s essential to consider the challenges and costs associated with maintaining cleanliness at the ministerial complex. The real concern lies with the senior officials who have failed to honor the contract and the potential mismanagement of public funds. The government must prioritize transparency and responsible public spending to avoid such controversies in the future.

Politics

Parliament will reopen soon, date unmentioned

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Peter James

Parliament will reopen soon, date unmentioned

Parliamentary Sitting in Juba: TNLA Set to Resume Sessions Soon

Introduction

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) in South Sudan is gearing up to resume sessions after a long recess, with Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba indicating that the reopening date will be announced shortly.

Delayed Resumption

The TNLA was supposed to reconvene in April 2025 following parliamentary procedures.
However, the reopening was delayed, with Speaker Nunu recently meeting President Salva Kiir to discuss the matter.

Focus on Peace and Security

During their meeting, Speaker Nunu and President Kiir emphasized the importance of peace and security as crucial elements for South Sudan’s development.

Agenda for Parliament

Once the TNLA reopens, lawmakers are expected to tackle key issues such as the political and security situation, national priorities, governance, economic reforms, and the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Announcement of Reopening Date

While the exact date for the TNLA’s reopening was not specified, Speaker Nunu assured that it will be announced soon.
President Kiir reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and urged all parties to collaborate for national stability.

Conclusion

The impending resumption of sessions in the TNLA reflects a renewed focus on addressing critical issues facing South Sudan, with peace and security at the forefront of discussions between parliamentary leadership and the President.

Politics

Activist criticizes leaders’ inability to achieve peace as South Sudan’s allies close embassies.

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2025

Peter James

Activist criticizes leaders’ inability to achieve peace as South Sudan’s allies close embassies.

Activist Points to Disappointment with Lack of Commitment to Peace

Activist Edmund Yakani recently expressed his concerns about the closure of embassies and consulates by South Sudan’s traditional allies. He believes that this reflects their disappointment with the lack of commitment from the country’s political leaders to deliver lasting peace.

Foreign Nations Express Disappointment

Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), stated that the closure of diplomatic missions in South Sudan is a clear expression of great disappointment. He highlighted the sluggish efforts by South Sudanese leaders in transitioning the country from chronic violence to peace as the main concern that foreign nations may not have expressed.

Western Nations Taking Action

The trend of embassy closures in South Sudan has been exemplified by recent decisions from Western nations. The Cabinet of the Kingdom of the Netherlands approved a proposal to close embassies in South Sudan and other parts of the world, while the Norwegian government temporarily shut down its embassy in Juba due to security concerns.

Need for Change in Strategy

Yakani emphasized the need for South Sudan to have a change of strategy and approach to the political transitional process in the country. He warned against weaponizing information for political objectives, stating that it is a crime to spread hate speech, propaganda, or fake news.

Implications of Embassy Closures

The closure of embassies by South Sudan’s traditional allies reflects a broader trend of shrinking Western diplomatic footprints in the country. This could potentially isolate South Sudan from its international partners and hinder efforts towards peace and development.

Final Thoughts

Yakani’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peace and stability in the country. The closure of embassies and the withdrawal of diplomatic missions highlight the urgent need for concrete actions towards lasting peace in South Sudan.

Politics

Nuer leaders demand Dr. Lomuro’s resignation for ‘ethnic profiling’ comments

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2025

Peter James

Nuer leaders demand Dr. Lomuro’s resignation for ‘ethnic profiling’ comments

Nuer Political Backlash: Cabinet Affairs Minister Faces Resignation Calls After “Hostile vs. Friendly” Remark

Juba, South Sudan | May 2025

Nuer political backlash erupted after Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr Martin Elia Lomuro branded several Nuer-inhabited counties “hostile” during a 26 April press briefing. What began as a routine update has become the most serious ethnic controversy since the 2018 revitalized peace deal.

What Triggered the Outrage?
Nuer Leadership Peace Forum Responds
SPLM Lawmakers Turn Up the Heat
Demands: Resignation, Retraction & Legal Action
Government’s Clarification Attempt
Historic Role of the Nuer in Liberation
Implications for National Stability
Way Forward: Healing Through Inclusive Dialogue

1. What Triggered the Outrage?

During an Eye Radio–covered press conference, Dr Lomuro categorised nine Nuer counties as “hostile” to government and seven as “friendly.” Critics say the terminology revives wartime language that once inflamed violence across Upper Nile and Jonglei.

2. Nuer Leadership Peace Forum Responds

A joint communiqué signed by Labour Minister James Hoth Mai, former Interior Minister Michael Chiangjiek, Dr John Jooyul, Hassen Deng Gatpan and Wiu Kuon condemned the remark as “derogatory and inflammatory,” warning that ethnic profiling violates the nation’s constitution.

3. SPLM Lawmakers Turn Up the Heat

Nuer Members of Parliament in the Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly echoed the outrage, stressing that community labelling threatens the fragile unity government painstakingly built since 2020.

4. Demands: Resignation, Retraction & Legal Action

Immediate dismissal from the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and all peace-oversight roles.
Public apology and full withdrawal of the “hostile vs. friendly” categorisation.
Pursuit of legal remedy if corrective measures are not enacted within 14 days.

5. Government’s Clarification Attempt

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Joseph Geng Akech later claimed Lomuro’s reference was aimed only at “organised armed groups,” not the wider Nuer populace, and pointed to the reconciliation chapter of the peace agreement as the mechanism to address local militias.

6. Historic Role of the Nuer in Liberation

Critics argue the remark erases the Nuer’s pivotal role in the liberation struggle—from the Fangak 1993 defence to frontline leadership by Generals James Hoth Mai and Peter Gadet. Their contributions remain central to South Sudan’s independence narrative.

7. Implications for National Stability

The controversy surfaces as elections approach and security-sector reforms remain unfinished. Analysts warn that polarising language from senior officials could erode public trust and destabilise regions already grappling with communal conflicts.

8. Way Forward: Healing Through Inclusive Dialogue

Church leaders and civil-society groups propose a televised town-hall meeting where Lomuro addresses grievances directly with Nuer elders. Advocates say transparent dialogue can reaffirm that no community is inherently “hostile” or “friendly” but equally South Sudanese.

Conclusion

The Nuer political backlash against Dr Martin Elia Lomuro illustrates the enduring sensitivity of ethnic rhetoric in South Sudan. Whether through resignation, apology or constructive dialogue, the outcome will test the nation’s commitment to inclusive governance and lasting peace.

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