I won’t be cowed over my remarks on NGOs, activist tells Monyomiji

The Okay African Foundation Organisation Executive Director Wani Michael has said he remains unbowed after he was criticised by Monyomiji—a group of youth—from Torit.

The group accused the activist of siding with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which Monyomiji said had developed skewed hiring policies disadvantaging the locals. Wani had remarked over the ongoing attacks on the humanitarian workers which have taken an ugly tone, forcing the international community to seek safety assurance from the government.

“The Monyomiji has attacked me for condemning any form of violence on humanitarian workers for telling them the truth that it’s not the responsibility of NGOs to provide the youth with jobs it is indeed their responsibility. I can’t be intimidated or threatened,”Wani penned on his Twitter handle.  

One month ago, Wani expressed concerns over the attacks on aid workers and NGOs in various states terming them disappointing.

 He said the youths should table their concerns before the government instead of attacking organizations delivering much-needed support to the vulnerable groups in some hard-to-reach areas around the country.

On June 5, Wani told Radio Tamazuj that he was ashamed as a youth to hear the sorry tales of attacks.

He said: “We’ve turned against each other because of NGOs jobs instead of asking our government the hardest questions; where are the jobs? Where’s the youth fund to empower us to economically sustain ourselves?

 “Where is the peace and security to boost economic and private sector development in the country to create and accelerate opportunities for us?” the activist questioned in a tweet.

 Wani said the youths have taken a wrong path based on misguided opinions, adding it was never the mandate of NGOs to provide jobs for the youth.

“When did NGOs become your government to provide you with job opportunities?” he asked.

“We need to change our mindset as young people and address the real problem facing our country. If you chase all the NGO’s away from your community; who will provide services to your people? Please think beyond,” he said.

Not us

But the Monyomiji of the Eastern Equatoria State expressed a different opinion saying “we have absolutely no reason to blame the government for the wrongdoings or shortcomings of NGOs, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations working and operating in South Sudan.’’

 They went on to say: “Consequently, it is our sincere hope that understanding our quest for concrete solutions to our concerns is credited, as we patiently look forward to moving with the state committee from one NGO, UN agency or humanitarian.

Last week, the Monyomiji denied attacking South Sudan Red Cross branch stationed in the area and have instead called on the area branch boss to apologise for linking them with the attacks.

“No property of SSRC was destroyed as alleged. We, therefore, strongly urge Mr John Lobor to stop [peddling rumours] and apologise for the gross misrepresentation of facts with insidious intentions to harm the name, image, and reputation of the Monyomiji,” the statement partly read.  

The group issued a press statement stating that the South Sudan Red Cross Branch office in Torit was closed due to staff’s refusal to work with them on various concerns that they had raised with UN agencies. They said that they had also raised same issues with John Lobor, SSRC Secretary-General in Torit.

The Monyomiji has also requested the SSRC administration in Torit to relocate one of their drivers for falsely accusing them of “mobilizing an attack” on the occupants of Safari Link Hotel.

“We, however, welcome John Lobor’s call for dialogue that must, nevertheless, be genuinely followed and sanctioned by full and unconditional cooperation of the SSRC administrations in Juba,’’ the group emphasized.