The government of South Sudan has reinstated Joseph Africano Bartel as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, effective immediately. Bartel's suspension, which began in February, had disrupted access to international climate finance and delayed environmental legislation. Caretaker Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro issued an order on September 28, lifting Bartel's suspension and directing him to resume his duties. The decision was made to ensure continuity of government services following the dissolution of the cabinet and the absence of a substantive environment minister.
Bartel's suspension had created uncertainty over his role as South Sudan's national designated authority for major international climate funds. As the national designated authority, Bartel was the focal point for the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Global Environment Facility. His suspension had significant implications for the country's ability to access climate finance, with Bartel stating that South Sudan had missed a funding cycle and that projects worth tens of millions of dollars could be delayed.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry confirmed that projects already under implementation had continued during Bartel's suspension. However, Undersecretary for Forestry Jaden Tongun Emilio noted that the main disruption involved new funding and projects in the pipeline. The suspension had also delayed two major pieces of legislation covering environmental protection and forestry, which had undergone consultations and validation before being submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
Bartel stated that he was never informed of the reasons for his suspension in February and that no disciplinary process was completed within the required period. Despite this, he decided to return to work without seeking confrontation and would focus on reviving environmental legislation, climate-finance proposals, and programs to tackle deforestation. South Sudan faces growing environmental pressures, including drought, flooding, and widespread dependence on charcoal and firewood.
The country's environmental challenges are significant, with Bartel calling for greater investment in alternative energy sources such as solar and hydropower. Reducing reliance on charcoal is essential to protecting the country's forests, he emphasized. The reinstatement comes as South Sudan operates under a caretaker government following the dissolution of the cabinet, with the country also yet to pass a national budget.
Bartel expressed his commitment to working towards the betterment of the country, stating, "We are not here to save ourselves, but our nation." His reinstatement is seen as a positive step towards addressing the country's environmental challenges and ensuring continuity of government services. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will continue to play a critical role in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection in South Sudan.
The reinstatement of Bartel has been welcomed by stakeholders, who hope that it will help to revitalize the country's environmental sector. With the country facing significant environmental pressures, the effective implementation of environmental legislation and climate-finance proposals will be crucial in addressing these challenges. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will need to work closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the country's environmental goals are met.
Key points
- The government of South Sudan reinstated Joseph Africano Bartel as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
- Bartel's suspension had disrupted access to international climate finance and delayed environmental legislation.
- The country's environmental challenges include drought, flooding, and widespread dependence on charcoal and firewood.
