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South Sudan Constructing Oil Pipeline South Sudan has started the constructing two oil refineries in Upper Nile and Unity State. 13 July 2012 Unity State residents gather for the first anniversary independence celebrations at Bentiu Stadium on 9 July 2012. [Gurtong] JUBA, July 2012 [Gurtong] -President Salva Kiir told the first Independence Anniversary celebrations in Juba on Monday that construction of the new refineries is aimed at addressing some of the key economic challenges the new nation is facing. “This will solve our problems though it will not solve all the issues”, Kiir said. The President reiterated his government’s efforts to construct alternative oil pipelines following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. The President admitted the economic challenges accruing from the oil production shutdown early this year but said the government is im

President Kiir To Downsize Government A Year Into Independence South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has announced plans to downsize his government in order to reserve moneys for development.   July 2012 South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit alongside top military officials and dignitaries during celebrations to mark the first anniversary of South Sudan’s independence on July 9 2012. [Gurtong/] JUBA, 10 July 2012 [Gurtong] –  “The size of our government in the payroll is very large compared to other countries”, said Kiir. President Kiir was speaking at the first Independence anniversary celebrations at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum in Juba.    He said his government cannot afford the huge payroll at this time of tough economic measures occasioned by the February shutdown of oil production. President Kiir warned of tough challenges ahead as the new nation grapples with internal and external challenges. “We still depend on others, our liberation i

South Sudan Tames Uganda in Maiden International Friendly South Sudan’s Bright Stars held Uganda Cranes in a two-all draw at Juba National Stadium. 11 July 2012 South Sudan’s Bright Stars celebrate their second equaliser against Uganda Cranes at Juba National Stadium in the match that ended 2-2. [Gurtong/] JUBA, 11 July 2012 [Gurtong] - The football match dubbed as “the Independence game” was South Sudan’s first international friendly since becoming a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Kizito Luanda put the Cranes ahead in the sixth minute of first half but the Bright Stars equalised about 20 minutes later through Richard Justin from a spot kick. Uganda Cranes however had to play without left back Joseph Okaya, who got a second yellow card minutes after the Bright Stars’ equaliser. Julius Ogwang restored the Cranes lead with a second goal. The Bright Stars with enormous support from the enthusiastic fans got an equ