Africa

July 23, 2018 (JUBA) — South Sudan Health Minister Riak Gai announced on Monday the detection of three cases of Guinea worm disease in Western Lakes State.

In a joint press conference with Moses Mutebi Nganda World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Juba Gai confirmed the return of the disease thanks to the intensive surveillance system in the country.

The minister said the weapon collection campaign carried out by the government in the Lakes region and the cash reward programme contributed to the detection of the new cases.

"Over 25 worm specimens were taken for laboratory analysis in CDC Atlanta, Georgia of which three were confirmed positive," Gai said.

The three patients are two young female s and a 25-year cattle keeper.

Guinea worm disease, or dracunculiasis, is transmitted through contaminated water. It causes painful skin lesions incapacitating victims and making them unable to work.

In March 2018, Carter Center announced it stopped the Guinea worm in South Sudan and expressed hope that soon it would be entirely eliminated from the face of the earth.

In 2016, there were twenty-five reported cases of Guinea worm in the world, in Ethiopia, Niger and South Sudan which accounted over 500 cases, or around 96% of the world's remaining cases of the disease.

WHO representative said the detection of three in the troubled country is a new challenge for them and the health authorities.

"I am totally convinced that eradication of guinea worm disease in this country is on the horizon if the right measures are put in place," said Nganda.

Health experts say the ongoing civil war and massive displacement of population may hamper the full eradication of the disease in South Sudan.

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July 23, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Minister El-Dirdeiry Mohamed Ahmed on Monday has received a written message from the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir said Pompeo's message comes in response to a Foreign Minister's letter in which he congratulated him for assuming his post as U.S. Secretary of State.

According to the press release, Pompeo expressed readiness to work with Sudan's top diplomat to promote bilateral relations.

He also praised positive results that have been achieved in light of the five-track engagement plan between the two countries particularity regarding counter-terrorism efforts, regional security and humanitarian access.

The U.S. Secretary of State also expressed his interest to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the various fields.

For its part, the Foreign Ministry expressed Sudan's keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination on all issues, particularly regional peace and security.

It also stressed Sudan's determination to support and assist the warring parties in South Sudan to sign a peace document that restores security and stability in the neighbouring country.

In October 2017, Washington decided to lift economic sanctions on Sudan in line with a five-track framework reached by the two countries in December 2016. Khartoum, accordingly, authorized humanitarian access to civilians in Darfur and unilaterally declared a cessation of hostilities in Darfur, the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

The two countries agreed to resume talks on the normalization of bilateral talks and the lift of remaining sanctions particularly Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorist groups. The measure is crucial to get a debt relief and allow Sudan to get
international aid to build its economic infrastructure.

In November 2017, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, John Sullivan, was in Khartoum to launch the second phase of the normalization process and pointed to the need for reforms on human rights and religious freedom. Also, the two countries agreed to engage in written exchanges for Sudan's removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

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July 23, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Monday seized copies of Al-Jareeda newspaper for the second day in a row without giving reasons.

Sudanese men read sports news in the absence of ten political newspapers in Khartoum on November 18, 2008 (AFP)

On Sunday, the NISS confiscated entire print runs of Al-Jareeda and Masadir newspapers from the printing house without stating reasons. Al-Jareeda has been one of the most newspapers in Sudan subject to suspension and confiscation. In May 2016, the NISS confiscated copies of the newspaper four times during five days.

The Sudanese security usually issues verbal directives to the Chief-Editors banning them from publishing particular news especially those pertaining to the protests and armed movements or other issues which the security sees sensitive.

It routinely confiscates newspapers either to prevent circulation of certain stories or to punish them retroactively for breaching unwritten red lines inflicting financial and moral losses on these media houses.

On January 7, the NISS confiscated 6 newspapers for publishing reports about the popular protests against the harsh economic conditions. Also, in February 2015, it seized entire print runs of 14 newspapers in one day without stating the reasons for its decision.

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July 23, 2018 (JUBA) - South Sudanese protesters Monday attacked the facilities of aid groups in Bunj area, Maban County of Upper Nile region to protest the employment of local staff from outside the area.

The violence started when the demonstrators entered the UNHCR's premises and looted its offices and residence. Other aid groups in the area have been burned and looted, also humanitarian vehicles have been damaged.

UNMISS peacekeepers were immediately deployed after the attack to support aid workers and re-establish order in the area.

The area hosts nearly 144,000 Sudanese refugees from the Blue Nile State.

The attack was condemned by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for South Sudan, Adnan Khan, and UNHCR Deputy Representative and officer in charge in South Sudan, Vincent Kwesi Parker.

"This is an act of senseless violence towards humanitarians and deeply regrettable," said Parker before to call on the South Sudanese authorities to "ensure the safety and security of humanitarians".

For his part, Khan "strongly" condemned the attacks against aid workers and facilities in Maban and urged to immediately cease such actions.

"Aid workers, regardless of where they are from, sacrifice their time and all too often their safety to save people affected by the South Sudan crisis. They are free to work in any part of the country in line with the law of the land," he added.

The UNHCR in its statement said the security environment in Bunj remains fluid and unpredictable.

The refugees' agency in coordination with South Sudan's Commission for Refugee Affairs (CRA) continues to engage with local authorities and representatives of the host community to stabilize the situation.

(ST)

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