Former Labour Minister July Moyo, Chigudu Move to Southern Sudan

Financial Gazette (Harare)

30 May 2011

FORMER labour minister, July Moyo and Tinaye Chigudu, the former governor for Manicaland, have landed lucrative contracts to assist the government of Southern Sudan establish its structures.

Sudan split into two – North and South – in January this year following a referendum in which more than 90 percent of the population supported the cessation of the South after decades of a protracted war for independence.

The process of establishing government structures is now underway in Southern Sudan.

As part of the process, Moyo has been offered a job to assist that country’s administration establish local government structures while Chigudu, a former secretary in the ministry of home affairs, will use his expertise to assist Southern Sudan establish systems for the ministry of home affairs.

Both Moyo and Chigudu were not immediately available for comment.

Joey Bimha, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, confirmed the development.

He said Moyo and Chigudu were approached in their individual capacities, dismissing claims that they had been seconded to Southern Sudan by the government of Zimbabwe.

“They were approached in their individual capacities. Southern Sudan is trying to create a Ministry of Home Affairs similar to what we have here. They wanted experienced public servants who could come and assist. It is sought of a consultancy. It is not a government-to-government arrangement,” Bimha said.

Meanwhile, there are fears that clashes between the two nations on Sunday over the disputed Abyei region could reignite violence, which has previously resulted in an estimated 1,5 million people being killed.

Both the North and South claim the disputed Abyei region.

Northern troops seized Abyei region at the weekend after southern forces ambushed a convoy of its forces in the area, killing 22 people.

According to aid workers, some 20 000 people have fled the town, which has been left deserted.

On Monday the United Nations said the town had been set ablaze while gunmen were looting property following the northern take-over.

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