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7 June 2024 (Torit) – Workshop participants urged the Civil Society Coalition for Natural Resources (CSCNR) and its partners to organize more multi-stakeholder dialogues on mining-related developments in South Sudan.
The one-day meeting organized by CSCNR on July 3, 2024 was a follow-up forum on the implementation of the 2012 Mining Act in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
A total of 26 persons including members of the State Legislative Assembly, traditional chiefs, civil society leaders, anti-corruption agencies, youth groups, women’s organizations and other relevant stakeholders attended the meeting.
According to the symposium organizers, the diverse representation was intended to ensure a comprehensive discussion of key issues affecting the mining industry and to promote collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.
The national coordinator of the civil society entity, Vens Koma, said the objective of the follow-up meeting on the implementation of the 2012 Mining Act was to assess the progress of the implementation of the regulations outlined in the Act.
This includes ensuring mining activities are carried out responsibly, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector, and addressing any challenges or gaps that may exist in implementation, he said.
Koma acknowledged the key role played by civil society organizations in monitoring the implementation of laws and policies related to mining activities in the country.
However, he stressed the need for civil society to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that mining activities comply with existing laws and promote sustainable development.
Charles Lokwaruk of the National Civil Society Network told the seminar that the diverse attendance showed the importance society places on transparency, accountability and sustainable development in South Sudan’s mining sector.
Meanwhile, the deputy speaker of the state legislative assembly, Betty Hope Awor, stressed her commitment to promoting peace, socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth through responsible mining practices.
While acknowledging the importance of the mining sector in boosting the state’s economy, she stressed the need for prudent fiscal management to ensure effective and efficient use of mining revenues to foster social and economic transformation.
“Peace and stability are what attract investment in the mining sector,” Awo stressed.
The MPs urged participants to discuss all issues and policies that promote transparency and fair distribution of benefits from natural resources”
The meeting also discussed the legal framework, with participants highlighting the need for capacity-building initiatives to enhance technical skills, knowledge sharing and institutional capabilities of regulators.
(English stone)
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