The National Council of Ministers, during its meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir in Juba, approved a budget of 1.75 million U.S. dollars for the upcoming World Veterans Federation conference scheduled to take place in Juba next year.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister for Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, addressed reporters after the cabinet meeting on Friday.
The decision followed a presentation by Defense Minister Chol Thon Balok, who discussed a request from the Veterans Federation to host the conference in South Sudan next year. After careful consideration, the cabinet endorsed the proposal and allocated a budget of 1,750,000 U.S. dollars for the event.
Minister Makuei Lueth stated, “After deliberation, the cabinet accepted the request, and the cost of the conference is 1,750,000 U.S. dollars, which was approved by the cabinet. The Minister of Finance and Planning is directed to make the funds available from now until 2024 so that the conference can be held in Juba in 2024.”
The annual conference, held in countries with veteran populations, will be attended by wounded heroes and veterans of the liberation struggle. Minister Makuei elaborated, “The conference will be attended by veterans from South Sudan and other veterans from around the world. They will come to South Sudan to discuss issues related to their experiences as veterans and wounded heroes.”
When questioned by reporters about the challenging conditions faced by South Sudan’s veterans, Makuei attributed their circumstances to the ongoing instability within the government.
He stated, “Veterans are not forgotten, but it is the prevailing problems that prevent us from providing them with their rightful benefits and addressing their needs appropriately. Since the inception of the peace agreement until now, South Sudan’s government has not achieved the stability required to adequately address the concerns of veterans. This is why we are still discussing interim and transitional programs. These interim periods and transitions are, unfortunately, impacting the rights of veterans, wounded heroes, widows, and orphans. We are fully aware of these challenges, but the prevailing situation has been a hindrance.”