Statement by Adv. Beny Gideon Mabor on the occasion of welcoming ceremony in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs

Honorable Deng Alor Kuol 

Minister of East African Community Affairs;

All the senior management team of the Ministry;

My dear family members and colleagues in the Human Rights moment 

Members of the press

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning 

1.     It’s my honour to acknowledge the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan through the recommendation of the Honourable Deng Alor Kuol, Minister of East African Community Affairs to assign me the roles of the Undersecretary at this very crucial moment. 

2.     Accordingly, I’ve accepted the appointment with all its associated challenges and opportunities ahead of us. However, in the letter and spirit of teamwork, we shall overcome them and strive together. As the chief administrator of this institution, I’m ready to facilitate with wise counsel of my technical team and with close guidance of my Minister and the overall direction of the political leadership under President Salva Kiir Mayardit, to achieve the intended objective of EAC integration agenda.

3.     Today is a historic moment for me to stand before you with immense gratitude and humility as I assume the position of Undersecretary. As a former human rights commissioner of our country’s National Human Rights Commission, this isn’t just a transition from human rights mandate to something far different, but rather I see it as a continuation of representation and facilitation of our rights and duties both as a government and responsible members of the regional and international community.

4.      Therefore, I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this crucial role of the East African Community integration agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you who has extended support, and best wishes to me, with great deal of admiration since my appointment. Together as a team in our various roles and responsibilities, we’ll strive to make a difference. 

5.     With my tenure of office as Undersecretary serving under the political guidance of Hon. Minister Deng Alor, it is my considered view that since I do not need introduction to him on all aspects of public and private life, I must say without fear of contradiction that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve under his stewardship, and I am fully committed to working hand in hand with him to achieve our collective goals.

6.     I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated leadership of the Ministry led by the Hon Minister and assisted by my predecessor the Honorable Aguer Ariik Malueth, whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the progress we have witnessed so far in the East African Community. Each member of this team plays a vital role, and I look forward to collaborating with them closely to further enhance our regional integration efforts.

7.     Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to our esteemed partners within the East African Community and beyond. The support and cooperation we receive from our regional partners are key to our success. I am excited to build upon the existing collaborations and forge new partnerships that will drive positive change and prosperity in our region.

8.     As Undersecretary, my primary focus will be to enhance and strengthen the bonds between our member states, fostering greater unity, and promoting sustainable development. I recognize the challenges we face, and I am committed to addressing them through open dialogue, inclusivity, and innovative approaches.

9.     Together, we will work towards promoting trade and investment within the East African Community, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, and fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and development. We will prioritise initiatives that enhance regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and the harnessing of our collective resources.

10.  Additionally, I am keenly aware of the potential of our youth and the role they play in shaping the future of South Sudan, East Africa and beyond. Empowering our young people through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship will be a key priority with support of the government and development partners. I firmly believe that by investing in our youth, we are investing in a brighter future for our region.

11.  In conclusion, I want to reiterate my gratitude for this extraordinary opportunity to serve as the Undersecretary of the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. I am fully committed to upholding the values and principles that underpin the East African Community, and I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and diligence.

Adv. Beny Gideon Mabor

Undersecretary

Ministry of East African Community Affairs

Juba