Machar, Eastern Equatoria youth group discuss unemployment grievances

JUBA — South South’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has met in his on Thursday with Eastern Equatoria youth group known as ‘Monyomiji’ and discussed unemployment grievances raised recently by the youth.

According to a statement by Machar’s office, the group urged the First Vice President to resolve issues to do with employment in the state.

“On Thursday, 29th July,  2021, H.E the First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, met in his office with a group representing Monyomiji community from Eastern Equatoria State,” Machar’s office said in the statement seen by Sudans Post.

“The representatives of Monyomiji community congratulated H.E the First Vice President, who is also the head of Youth Unemployment Crises Committee, which was formed by President Salva Kiir to look into youth issues.

“The youth expressed their grievances towards the Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in Eastern Equatoria State, and urged the government to exert efforts to solve thier unemployment problems.

“They complained that NGOs operating in the state have been hiring staff from other places leaving the locals jobless.

“This meeting came following the petition submitted by the same group of Monyomiji citing unemployment, saying most of the people working with NGOs are foreigners.

“The group added that nobody is against foreigners, but they are demanding their rights and exercising the Labor Act, which granted 80% to the nationals and 20% to foreigners of jobs opportunities in the state.

“H.E the First Vice President told the youth of Monyomiji that their grievances have been heard and that the government will respond to such complaints.

“H.E the First Vice President assured them that Eastern Equatoria State would be the first place to be visited by his team to assess the situation.

“In his remarks after the meeting, Mr Treddie Oredi thanked H.E the First Vice President and said they are demanding their natural rights as youth of Eastern Equatoria State.”