Information Minister Michael Makuei speaks to reporters after the cabinet meeting in Juba on Monday, 21 August 2023 (Radio Tamazuj)

Juba: National council of ministers meeting updates

South Sudan’s Council of Ministers, in a meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday, approved a new land policy presented by Michael Changjiek, Minister of Land, Housing, and Urban Development.

South Sudan’s Council of Ministers, in a meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday, approved a new land policy presented by Michael Changjiek, Minister of Land, Housing, and Urban Development.

The issue of land in South Sudan has been a longstanding problem. Michael Makuei Lueth, government spokesperson, explained the purpose of the policy: “to give the principles, the structures, and the process of ownership of land, the control of land, administration of land, the use of land, and sustainable land management.”

The constitution of South Sudan clearly states that land is owned by the people of South Sudan, not by specific communities, and the government is tasked with regulating its usage. The cabinet passed the policy, and it will now be presented to the national legislative assembly for consideration.

Unified vocational education policy

The cabinet has given its approval to a unified national and vocational education and training policy for South Sudan. The policy aims to unify training centers and establish vocational training centers to provide much-needed training in the country. After a thorough discussion, the policy was passed, and the minister is directed to operationalize it accordingly.

$1.2 million for EAC games

South Sudan will participate in the second edition of the East Africa Community Games in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 20th to 30th, 2023.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Albino Bol Dhieu, recommended the country’s participation, emphasizing the importance of showcasing South Sudan’s abilities to the African and global community.

The estimated cost of participation, amounting to $1,244,171 for over 100 participants, was approved by the cabinet. The Minister of Finance and Planning is directed to allocate the necessary funds for the team.

South Sudan cleared of money laundering violation

The cabinet received a report from James Morgan Pitia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, regarding his visit to the United States. South Sudan had faced charges of violating money laundering policies from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potentially leading to suspension from the SWIFT code system.

However, Minister Morgan’s negotiations and an assessment revealed that South Sudan complies with financial regulations, leading to the country being cleared of any financial action against it.