Latest news with #AnthonyNwapa

Zawya
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Lawmakers' increased skills have improved efforts to resolve conflicts in Eastern Equatoria
Residents in Eastern Equatoria State are pleased with the recently established parliamentary caucuses, which they feel are contributing to an improved way of handling intercommunal violence by adopting adequate legislation and peacebuilding strategies. 'We've been receiving lots of great feedback from local communities, who think that the work of their political representatives has become more effective,' commented Anthony Nwapa, Acting Head of the UN peacekeeping mission's Field Office in Torit. For a long time, staff serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), together with experts on a variety of subject matters, including leadership skills, protocol issues, the constitution-making process and conflict mitigation, are working hard to support Eastern Equatoria's legislature. 'It is a gradual process, but it is definitely boosting our ability to fulfill our roles and responsibilities. Our collective commitment to good governance has also increased as a result of this ongoing capacity building,' said Charles Udwar Ukech, Speaker of the Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly. According to Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, the biggest and most important part of the regular training sessions is what they can achieve in terms of creating and maintaining peace between the state's different communities. 'Managing conflicts amicably is key, and it is our responsibility to make that happen,' he affirmed as he addressed the almost 100 lawmakers and clerical staff attending the latest of the UNMISS-led workshops. It won't, however, be the last such session. 'The positive results so far encourage us. We will keep assisting the state legislature in any way we can,' pledged Mr. Nwapa, who is also a Civil Affairs Officer. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).


Zawya
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
New facility aims at supporting prisoners to complete their sentences with dignity
Poor sanitation and overcrowded facilities that leave little to no privacy for inmates at the Magwi Prison have been long overdue for replacement. This week, thanks to joint efforts by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and implementing partner, the Community Initiative for Development Association (CIDA), construction has begun on a new facility in this conflict-prone county in Eastern Equatoria state. 'It is our hope that the new cells for women, men and juvenile offenders, as well as the office spaces, will provide a protective environment for prison officers and inmates, in which dignity and human rights are respected,' said Anthony Nwapa, a Human Rights Officer at the UN Peacekeeping mission's UNMISS Torit Field Office. Once completed, the new prison is expected to reduce overcrowding, ensure human rights standards are adhered to, and minimize attempts to escape incarceration. 'Prisons should provide detainees with a second chance at life through rehabilitation programmes. To do this, inmates must be able to serve out their sentences with dignity so that they can hope to be fully reintegrated into society,' explained Abdalla Hassen Adidi, Director General, state Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. 'This project has started precisely when we need it the most, with criminality rising in our neighbourhoods,' added Aldo Ojara Akwilino, Magwi's paramount chief. Construction is set to finish in around five months, after which, Mr Nwapa says, it will be handed over to the local authorities. 'The new prison facility is part of UNMISS' Quick Impact Projects programme, where we fund small-scale projects that have a big impact in terms of addressing urgent public needs. Once we hand it over to authorities, it's up to them and community members to ensure that the facility remains in good condition and serves its purpose.' After years of civil war, such projects are crucial for lasting peace in South Sudan. 'The prison construction in Magwi aims to address gaps in the justice system such as human rights violations, weak law enforcement and slow court proceedings, all of which contribute to overcrowded prisons and police cells. Any initiative that strengthens the rule of law while keeping in mind the rights of prisoners is critical for communities to look forward to a better future,' said Grace John Kenyi, Executive Director, CIDA. 'That's why we partner with UNMISS to implement and deliver such projects.'