Praise for S. Sudan's new ambassador to China

November 11, 2014 (WAU) – Members of South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) in Western Bahr el Ghazal (WBeG) state have welcomed former health minister Michael Milli Hussein’s appointment as the country’s first ambassador to China.

Michael Milli Hussein (Photo credit: Larco Lomayat)

State political figures gathered at the party’s premise in Wau on Tuesday to congratulate Hussen, who hails from WBeG.

President Salva Kiir appointed Hussein last month.

“The appointment of Dr. Milli Hussen to head South Sudan in the powerful nation in the world is a great significance, particularly to the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal state and in generally to the Republic of South Sudan,” said SPLM state deputy chairperson Anthony Waderif.

“We are wise to tie a strong relationship between South Sudan and China,” he added.

Government official James Arnest Makuei said the appointment of Hussen will help foster a positive economic relationship between China and South Sudan, as well as encourage direct engagement with Chinese investors to the country.

Zenab Akech of the SPLM Women’s League also applauded Hussen’s appointment, appealing for him to engage China in supporting development in the country’s health sector.

Addressing party members at the function, Hussen said he was “delighted and thankful” to be appointed in the position.

“Am very happy to visit you and listen to your reactions since I was appointed as South Sudan’s ambassador to the Republic of China,” Hussen said.

“I am also very delighted and thankful to our president, Salva Kiir, for his trust by appointing me to represent him in China,” he added.

Hussen also expressed regret over the country’s descent into conflict since an internal rift in the SPLM turned violent in mid-December last year, killing thousands and displacing more than 1.5 million people.

He urged his SPLM comrades to be honest and respectful of one another for the sake of promoting unity and peace among the people of South Sudan, adding it was vital to restoring trust in the party and to help the nation move forward.

“SPLM is your party, it is like your mother and father, whatever their shapes is, you can’t abandon them, you still love them,” he said.

Hussen served as Western Bahr el Ghazal’s state minister for health from 1995 to 2000 before being appointed governor in 2001.

Following the signing of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement with the north, which paved the way for South Sudan’s independence, Hussen held various senior roles, including as presidential advisor for food and security and national minister for education.

Prior to his appointment Hussen was South Sudan’s minister for health.

(ST)