As a friend of mine called the rather drastic
move made by the president to fire the vice president, all the ministers
and their deputies, a few weeks ago. We’d complained of the fat- well… this was
the ultra-slim fast diet. Bold and shocking (to me at least).
Things were quite tense in Juba the days after the
announcement - no one was sure what would happen. Would the army remain
neutral? What would be the reaction of the Nuer? Rumours abound. Every single
incident was blown up and out of proportion- for example, there was a conflict
among traders in Konyo Konyo market, Juba town and a fight broke out, a few
people started running and next thing you know, there was pandemonium- it’s a
return to war! The UN sent out security alerts to all staff to go home and into
hibernation mode, and to update evacuation plans. On the road to Yei, some
soldiers got into an argument- I believe this also resulted in a fight and the
news was… soldiers from two factions are fighting on the road to Juba town and
are heading into Juba town! It was so difficult to get anywhere close to truth
(a friend of mine said we really need twitter)
I was surprised though; many people were quite
pleased by the move. I hadn’t realized just how overwhelmingly unpopular this
government is. I think we were all hoping to see a major change from the status
quo. Getting rid of all the corrupt ministers, deputies, cronies… and an ushering in of a results oriented, and
slimmer cabinet. I am not sure we got what we wished for. When the presidential
decree installing the new ministers was read, there was a sense of puzzlement
in some of the choices. It’s a slimmer cabinet, yes… we are waiting to see if
it’s a better cabinet, and worth all the drama and tension. Parliament has
thrown out the nominated minister of Justice- over whether or not he is
qualified. I still don’t understand this political process- I thought vetting
of candidates happens before they are nominated? Not after?
We are still waiting for a VP
