Kiir has just formed the best cabinet ever formed in South Sudan!

By: Deng Riek Khoryoam, South Sudan


President Salva Kiir. Photo: AFP



August 27, 2011 (SSNA) -- The first president of the republic of South Sudan, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has set a right precedent for the newly born nation, the republic of South Sudan. It has been almost two months of intense lobbying for our politicians seeking ministerial portfolios in the new cabinet but that is over now, with the announcement of the new cabinet. Some of the jobs seekers spent sleepless nights between their houses and those of their colleagues and the appointing authority; it was also reported by the media that it reached a point where others had resorted to visiting witchcrafts to get fortunes. The announcement on Friday 26th August came as relieve for the politicians as well as for the citizens, who were equally eager to know who would make it back to the cabinet and under which ministry/role. Many would say it was long overdue as it was long expected to be announced by H.E. the president!

South Sudan attacks 'leave 600 dead'

At least 600 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in South Sudan's eastern state of Jonglei, the UN says.






Some officials say the violence began over cattle raids



Up to 985 people have been wounded in the unrest, the UN estimates. "This cycle of violence must stop," said UN special representative Hilde Johnson.



The clashes took place on Thursday when members of the Murle group are said to have attacked the majority Lou Nuer, stealing nearly 40,000 cattle.

Jonglei is one of the newly-independent country's least safe areas.

The fighting took place, according to several sources including the state governor, when young Murle men attacked several locations inhabited by the Lou Nuer in and around the town of Pieri. Much of the town has apparently been burnt down.



The Murle were apparently seeking revenge for a recent attack by the Lou Nuer.

Security challenges