Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) - The decision of the Government of Southern Sudan (independent since July 9) to move the capital of the country from Juba to Ramciel is arousing controversy, especially on behalf of the inhabitants of Juba. This is what emerges from a forum organized by Radio Bakhita, sponsored by the local Church, during which the audience discussed the issue. The criticisms made by participants concerns both the timing of the move (according to a listener it is too early for the new State to think about the creation of a new capital, the priority should be given to the economic stability) and the opportunity to move the capital to Ramciel, where people still build huts made of leaves because they cannot afford to build concrete buildings. Moreover, the costs of such move have to be taken into consideration, especially when the new State must strengthen its finances and its organizational structures. Southern Sudan is affected by instability which derives from the presence of some armed groups in different areas of its territory and the fighting between rebels and Khartoum troops in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, the territory belonging to northern Sudan, but borders with the south. While new fighting between Khartoum troops and men belonging to the Movement for the Liberation of the People in Sudan-North (SPLM-N, near South Sudan) still continues, in Blue Nile the Sudanese authorities have declared a state of emergency. The Khartoum authorities also prevent, for "security reasons", access to international aid workers. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/09/2011)
