Civil Society Coalition Urges Unity State Government to Swear-in Community Development Committees for Progress

The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) has called upon the Unity State Government to expedite the swearing-in process of the Community Development Committees (CDCs) in the state. In a one-day round table discussion organized by CSCNR, it was revealed that the CDCs, crucial for managing the 3% Net Petroleum Revenue for Petroleum Producing Communities, are currently non-functional due to delays in the swearing-in process.

Gizam Moses, the Programme Officer of CSCNR, emphasized the importance of operational CDCs, stating, “Without functional CDCs, the National Government in Juba shall not allow the 3% Petroleum Revenue to flow for community development in the state.” The call for action was supported by Hon. Simon Jalduang, MP in the State Legislative Assembly, who highlighted the significance of the CDC fund for county development.

“The CDCs 3% Net Petroleum Revenue is meant for the Development of our Counties. We the MPs argue the State Government to Swear-in the CDCs formed in 2023,” said Hon. Jalduang, stressing the need for prompt action to unlock development opportunities in Unity State.

In a separate development, the CSCNR update meeting held in Bentiu on June 5th, 2024, witnessed overwhelming support for the request to indict former executives of OMV AG for collusion in war crimes committed during their operations in Unity State. The participants, including state legislators, victims, witnesses, and civil society organizations, welcomed the move as a step towards justice and accountability.

Gizam Moses of CSCNR reiterated the coalition’s stance, stating, “All entities that operated alongside Lundin Energy Company are suspects in the Trial and criminally responsible for the violation of fundamental human rights.” The call for justice was echoed by Ann Reagan Tut, Youth Representative, who expressed hope that the perpetrators would be held accountable as a deterrent for future violations.

Hon. John Manyiew Nhial, MP in Unity State Legislative Assembly, commended CSCNR for organizing the update meeting and stressed the importance of civil society in disseminating crucial information and advocating for justice on behalf of the community.

The push for the swearing-in of CDCs and the call for indictment of former executives highlight the ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and justice in natural resource management in Unity State.