General Salva Kiir Mayardit takes oath of office. [©Gurtong]
By Juma John Stephen
JUBA, 21 May 2010 (Gurtong) – President Kiir was sworn into office today at the Dr John Garang’s Mausoleum in the South Sudanese capital Juba by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Southern Sudan.
Upon taking oath of office, Kiir said the South Sudanese struggle would continue as he enumerated on his new government’s objectives in the next five years.
“The people of South Sudan want peace, better living standards and freedom which my government will strive to achieve. I will not be a disgrace to the people who showed confidence in me by re-electing me back to office”, he said.
President Kiir, in his trademark hat, pointed out that he will dedicate a percentage of the oil money to rural transformation in order to avoid rural-urban migration.
He added that his new government will remain focused on improving the lives of South Sudanese.
The new South Sudanese leader warned that he would not tolerate any form of corruption in his government.
“Any unnecessary misuse of funds for trips abroad, buying of expensive cars or building of luxuries houses will not be tolerated because the money has to be used to help the citizens of South Sudan to develop the agricultural system, market economy and in helping fishermen”, he said.
Speaking with an authoritative tone, Kiir termed 2010 as a year of combating child maternal mortality rate and setting up health facilities in all rural areas by 2015.
“Universal access to clean drinking water, improved physical infrastructure, efficient delivery of public services, peace and security and the rule of law shall be key in my new government”, said Kiir.
He also pledged not to tolerate any infringement to the bill of rights.
The President said that the 30 percent allocation to women he promised during his campaigns will be fulfilled by his government.
“The youth shall be provided with employment opportunities and the education sector will be fully supported. I call upon the Cabinet to make sure that this order is fulfilled during my term of office”, said Kiir.
He assured that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) will be fully implemented and added that the referendum will be held on time.
“I will lead the people of South Sudan to the direction they want”, said Kiir.
The occasion was attended by among others the Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya’s Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, the chief negotiator of the CPA General Lazarus Sumbeywo, Sudan’s Vice President Ali Mohammed Taha and dignitaries from Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa and the international community.