China, South Sudan ‘working closely to sustain peace’
The Ambassador of China to South Sudan, Hua Ning, has pledged his government’s commitment to supporting sustainable peace and service delivery in the country.
Amb Hua made the promise at the launch of a youth vocational training programme in Nagishot Payam in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State, on Thursday.
The program is funded by the Chinese Embassy through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNIMISS) and implemented by Community Development Support Services (CDSS).
“My country is working closely with the government of South Sudan to sustain peace and the delivery of basic social services to the people,” said Amb Hua.
The project will empower the youth financially through agriculture and animal husbandry.
The governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, called on the community to support the project, saying their contribution was vital for the state’s development.
The commissioner of Budi County, Akileo Mboya, said the farmers in the county were affected by poor roads.
Nagishot Payam is known in the state for its production of maize, sorghum, beans, wheat, and fruits such as avocado, apples, guava, lemons, and bananas.
Peace mission
Early this week, the governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, joined hands with the Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Lokoli Amee, to reignite peace between the two areas.
The two leaders said the two tribes, Toposa and Murle, should revisit their past relationship and shun cattle raids on each other.
“This is not the time for our people to engage in conflict while people in other parts of the country are talking about development. We must denounce conflict and join the success story of nation-building, “Lobong emphasised.
The Administrator of GPAA believed in peace, cooperation, and relationships as the viable means of solving disputes.
“As leaders, we are committed to resolving the disputes among our people so that they can live in peace with one another,” Lokoli said.
China’s efforts
China had been running various projects in the country since South Sudan attained independence in 2011.
In June 2021, the Chinese government, through its embassy in Juba, promised to improve development in the country.
Amb Hua said his government would support infrastructure through development cooperation.
“Education, health care, and a road network across the state will improve the socio-economic development of this country, particularly in Central Equatoria State,” said Hua.
“We are soon starting to roll out some comprehensive programme which will be basically on small scale business to empower the local population and capacity building on various aspects,” he added.
China has also launched a curriculum that teaches the Chinese language to South Sudanese, especially those intending to work with Chinese-owned institutions.
