South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The National Ministry for Wildlife Conservation and Tourism on Thursday signed mutual partnership agreement with the African Tourism Board in a bid to boost the tourism prospects of the country after years of insecurity.
The deal signed between Lt. Gen. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, the Minister for Wildlife Conservation and Tourism and Cuthbert Ncube, President of the African Tourism Board aims to promote the country’s tourism sector, funding and technical know-how.
Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President for Economic Cluster assured that tourists traveling to the country will be safe and secure.
“We in South Sudan we need to involve the local communities also in the tourism sector, the protection of animals needs the involvement of all especially those in rural areas,” Igga said during the signing of the partnership agreement in Juba.
South Sudan is often viewed as a place of conflict but the country also boasts unique attractions, from the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers to ancient temples and pyramids.
Lt. Gen. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, Minister for Wildlife Conservation and Tourism said that the mutual partnership agreement will help promote the country’s tourism sector.
“What we have inked is about the silence diplomacy, how to change the narrative of South Sudan. What we have inked is about promoting tourism, funding, and technical know-how,” Zakaria said.
He said the deal would connect and market the country to the outside world and portray South Sudan positively.
“They are here to collaborate with South Sudan and to change the narrative about us because when the African Tourism Board talks about South Sudan, it will not be like Minister Rizik speaking about the country,” Zakaria said.
Cuthbert Ncube, President of the African Tourism Board said that they have joined hands with authorities to paint a positive image of South Sudan internationally.
“No matter how they tried to paint us (Africa) negatively, there is not a continent that can surpass what God has endorsed upon this beautiful continent,” Ncube said.
“The honour for you and me to stay and clean our position, we don’t apologize when we address these issues. I am confident, therefore, that this great initiative will be a result of success,” he added.
