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Let Us Love Our Country, Atong Kuol Urges South Sudanese

South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, has urged citizens to love their country and work together to make it a better place for future generations.

Speaking on Thursday at the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards during the reception of the institution’s new Executive Director, Minister Atong said the responsibility of improving the country lies with South Sudanese themselves.

“We need to understand that nobody else will come and change these little things for us,” she said.

She stressed that building a better nation requires collective effort from citizens and institutions alike.

“For our country to be lovable, and for it to be better for our children and the children of our children, it is up to us to make that change and make South Sudan a better place,” she asserted.

The minister also appealed to government institutions to cooperate and work together to strengthen the country and support national leadership.

Atong further encouraged the new Executive Director and staff of the Bureau of Standards to work diligently to ensure that goods imported into the country are safe for consumption.

“This Bureau of Standards is the lifeline of our country. Our lives—all of us, whether young children, pregnant mothers, or anyone else—depend on what you do in this institution,” she said.

South Sudan largely depends on neighboring countries for many food commodities, including fruits, beverages, and some vegetables.

SSPDF Announces Recapture of Akobo, Calls for UNMISS to Return

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson, Major General L*l Ruai Koang, has announced that government forces have recaptured Akobo town in Jonglei State, which had been under the control of the SPLM-IO for 13 years.

Addressing reporters in Juba on Wednesday, Koang said SSPDF forces entered the town on Tuesday after encountering light resistance from rebel forces along the way.

“So I would like to announce to you that on the 10th, that was yesterday, our gallant forces recaptured Akobo town without resistance,” L*l explained.

He added that more than 50 rebel soldiers and 13 government soldiers were killed during the operation. According to the spokesperson, seven vehicles and several pieces of heavy artillery were also captured from the rebels.

Koang further revealed that the recapture of Akobo enabled the reinstatement of James Kueth Makuach as the Commissioner of Akobo County. Makuach had previously been removed from office by SPLM-IO authorities.

“When we recaptured Akobo, he went with our forces and was escorted to his office, where he officially resumed his duties as the legally appointed commissioner of Akobo County,” L*l said.

Koang stated that the town is now secure and called on civilians who had fled the area to return. He also urged the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian organizations to resume their operations in the town.

However, the claims could not be independently verified due to limited access for journalists to the area. Efforts to obtain immediate comment from the SPLM-IO were also unsuccessful.

Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, graced the International Women’s Day celebration organized by Nyan Cit Arialbeek, a women-led youth association from Twic East.