By Akol Madut Ngong
Government abruptly called off the signing ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2025 scheduled for Thursday yesterday delaying it for two weeks following President Salva Kiir’s urgent mission to undisclosed country.
President Salva Kiir who was supposed to preside over the ceremony declined to show up and reportedly went for some other engagement outside the country to undisclosed place yesterday according to the National Ministry of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro who had to announce the adjournment of the event apologizing to the UN and international organization dignitaries who were already seated at the Freedom Hall waiting for the President to no avail.
Dr. Lomuro stepped to the podium to only announce that the signing ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023/2025 has been extended for another two weeks due to the other commitment of the President.
The event was organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in collaboration with the National Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning bringing in different stakeholders from UN and International non-governmental agencies, government dignitaries, diplomats, civil society group, youth representative and youth with disability.
Addressing the participants yesterday, Minister Dr. Lomuro apologized on behalf of the President saying he regretfully, honourably and honestly extend the gathering two weeks’ time ahead to prepare again for the signing.
“We want him to be present to be able and lead and find this important event,” he said adding “I stand here to express our apologies that H.E. the President would not be able to make it today and would like honorably and honestly to postpone this gathering today for another two week,” Lomuro told the dignitaries.
He explained that the event has been postponed for two weeks to allow President Kiir return to the country, and part-take in the important course.
The Cabinet Affairs Minister said the President recognizes the importance of that gathering and they wanted him to be present to be the lead and sign the important documents.
“To give ourselves time for the President to return back and also to be able to allow some of your colleagues who are travelling. I hope this apology is received in good faith and with honesty,” he stated.
The event was supposed to discuss about the process and objectives of the documents, key priorities of the 2023 to 2025 for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, national priorities from the 2021 to 2024 Revitalized National Development Strategy (R-NDS.)
Furthermore, it includes the perspective and expectation from the youth voices and stories in the field, bilateral development partner perspective.