The Council of Ministers on Friday approved a request from the Minister of Justice, Ruben Madol Arol, to begin implementing the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act (2024) and the Compensation and Reparation Act (2024).
Speaking to reporters following the Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth explained that while both acts were passed last year, they had not yet been activated due to additional requirements.
“These two commissions require foreign representation, and there are various institutions and stakeholders that need to be involved. The minister presented his request to the Cabinet for approval to engage the relevant institutions, including the UN and the African Union,” Makuei said.
He added that the Cabinet granted the minister full authority to establish a panel responsible for identifying board members and other key personnel to ensure effective implementation of the two laws.
Makuei, who is also the government spokesperson, emphasized that these laws were enacted as part of the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which mandates the creation of such institutions to promote peace, security, compensation, and reparations for affected individuals.
“The Cabinet approved the minister’s request and directed him to proceed with the operationalization of these two acts,” Makuei concluded.
Cabinet commends security forces
Separately, Minister Makuei reported that Interior Minister Angelina Teny briefed the Cabinet on recent protests that occurred on January 16 and 17, following the killing of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani, in Sudan’s Al Jazira State.
He stated that the Cabinet commended South Sudan’s security forces for successfully managing the situation and restoring order. “Our security forces worked tirelessly to maintain control and protect lives and property. The Cabinet appreciates their efforts,” Makuei said.
He also highlighted the crucial role played by President Salva Kiir’s call for calm, which he said helped de-escalate tensions. “The President’s appeal for restraints, urging the public to allow the government to handle the situation, brought immediate calm to the country. The Cabinet is grateful for the patience of the South Sudanese people and their restraint in not resorting to taking law into their own hands,” he added.
Regarding casualties, Makuei confirmed that they were minimal. He noted that Sudanese nationals seeking protection in South Sudan were being given options for their future.
“Those wishing to return home have already done so, while others have expressed a desire to leave South Sudan. This will be done in accordance with international law. Some are asking to be repatriated to Sudan voluntarily, and the UN will facilitate this process,” he explained.
Makuei also mentioned that a plane had been sent from Khartoum to repatriate Sudanese nationals, but none chose to board, and the plane returned without passengers.
The situation is being monitored, and as of now, it remains stable, he concluded.