Africa

May 25, 2018 (JUBA) - South Sudan opposition People's Liberal Party (PLP) leader said he is seeking the position of third vice-president created by the IGAD mediation.

PLP chairman Peter Mayen Majongdit who is also the leader of the South Sudan Umbrella Coalition of Political Parties for Peace and Democratic Transformation, confirmed to Sudan Tribune Thursday that he seeks as leader of the opposition group to get the position of the Third Vice-President.

“As political parties, we are saying the position of the third vice president should be taken by non-armed groups and who are the non-armed group? This is our party, Peter told Sudan Tribune.

In its Bridging Proposal, the IGAD mediation team said the structure of the presidency should be composed of the President (TGoNU); the First Vice President (nominated by SPLM/A-IO),, the Vice President (TGoNU); and the Third Vice President (nominated by Other Parties & Entities (SSOA, FDs & OPP).

The opposition leader went further to say the position of second vice president should be given to the political parties or SPLM-FDs because the positions of the President and First Vice President are given to armed groups.

Majongdit was alluding to the President Salva Kiir and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar.

However, the mediators intended to give the second vice-president position to the SPLM-IG including Taban Deng Gai.

The SPLM-IO led by Machar rejected the Bridging Proposal but the IGAD Special Envoy For South Sudan who plays the role of chief mediator asked the parties and stakeholders to think about the proposal.

The IGAD Council of Ministers is expected to meet next month to decide on the fate of the proposal and determine a new date for the resumption of the revitalization forum.

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Turkish journalist Hasan Söylemez is cycling across Africa asking people about their dreams.

May 25, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Friday called for observations by the Sudanese government and President Omer al-Bashir over the legal questions raised by Jordan over its case against the Sudanese leader.

The Hague-based court in December 2017 accused Jordan, which is a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, of failing to arrest al-Bashir - when he was on Jordanian territory to participate in an Arab League summit on 29 March 2017 - in compliance with its obligations under the Rome Statute and decided to refer the case to the Security Council.

Last March, the ICC Appeals Chamber called on the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of American States to submit observations by 16 July 2018 on the legal questions raised by Jordan in its appeal.

This time, the ICC Appeals Chamber "invited submissions, by 16 July 2018, from the competent authorities of the Republic of Sudan and Mr Omer Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir on the legal questions raised by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (“Jordan”) in its appeal pending before the Appeals Chamber," said the ICC in a statement on Friday 25 May.

Sudan since 2008 has rejected to cooperate with the ICC.

To justify its call for observations, Last March the ICC Appeals Chamber said it "noted that the legal matters raised by the appeal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan against Pre-Trial Chamber II's decision of 11 December 2017 in the Al Bashir case may have implications beyond that case".

In its appeal of March 2018, Jordan pointed out that the ICC did not take into account the immunity given to presidents. The kingdom added the Arab League charter stipulates that the host country invites all presidents.

The Appeals Chamber didn't say when it would make its decision. But it will be the first time that it considers a referral of a State Party's non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties and the United Nations Security Council.

The ICC issued two arrest warrants against al-Bashir in 2009 and 2010 for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Darfur.

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May 25, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - A United Nations agency has called to integrate Sudanese refugees in Chad within the local community as a result to their refusal to regain Darfur region 15-year after the beginning of the conflict.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there are 330 439 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad.

Despite the signing in May 2017, of a tripartite agreement between Chad Sudan and UNHCR for the voluntary repatriation of refugees only "53 Sudanese refugees returned to Darfur; and other convoys are in progress".

"The prospects for return remain limited for the majority of Sudanese refugees," said OCHA in an overview of the humanitarian situation Eastern Chad released in the French language.

The report pointed to the drastic lack of funds from donors who are concerned by new humanitarian crises in other parts of the world, while Darfur is no longer one the headlines of the media, adding "In this context, it is necessary to strengthen their integration within local communities" OCHA concluded.

The integration of the Sudanese refugees means giving them the land to cultivate and to exercise economic activities, but also provides the settlement with the needed infrastructures and services.

It is also not clear if Chad and Sudan will accept such measure.

In January 2018, Sudan, Chad and the United Nations signed an agreement for the repatriation of 20,000 Sudanese refugees from Chad to Darfur region during this year.

However, on 16 April 16, the UNHCR and Sudan's Commissioner of Refugees Hamad El-Gizouli have welcomed in Tina, North Darfur, the return of 53 Sudanese refugees from Chad.

UN reports say the security situation in Darfur has largely improved but stress that the lack of infrastructures and services prevent the return of refugees and displaced persons to their areas of origin.

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Praising efforts by African countries to alleviate poverty and build more stable societies, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres pledged his on-going support for ending conflict and building peace across the continent.

The escape of three patients infected with the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the hospital where they were being treated is “not unexpected”, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, underlining the need to step up efforts to explain the dangers of the deadly disease to affected communities.

River transport is common in DR Congo as there are few roads but the boats are often overloaded.

Despite its vast size and dilapidated health system, DR Congo says it can contain the deadly Ebola virus.

Despite its vast size and dilapidated health system, DR Congo says it can contain the deadly Ebola virus.

Following a series of armed attacks on camps hosting displaced Sudanese in central Darfur, the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission there has urged all parties to respect designated humanitarian areas, which it says should be free of weapons, threats, and violence.

Ethiopia's small businesses are being hit hard by a lack of access to foreign cash.

Why President Buhari of Nigeria is reluctant to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Increased competition in Zambia's mobile phone sector is worrying its street vendors.

Tunisian female referee Dorsaf Ganaouati has begun breaking down the barriers in a world dominated by men and she is determined to continue.

Zimbabwe international striker Knowledge Musona says he is excited about his switch from KV Oostende to Belgian rivals Anderlecht

Liverpool's Sadio Mane donates 300 shirts to locals in his hometown in Senegal so they can wear them during the Champions League final.

May 24, 2018 (JUBA) - Health partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in South Sudan, have initiated Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaigns to mitigate the risk of cholera outbreaks during the current rainy season across the country.

A child receives an oral cholera vaccine dose in the South Sudan capital, Juba (Medair Photo)

The campaigns, officials says, are targeting over 854,000 people in South Sudan's cholera endemic ‘hot spots' in the first half of 2018 and will incorporate water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions that are critical to achieve the global target of attaining a 90% reduction of cholera deaths by 2030.

“These OCV campaigns are critical for preventing recurrent cholera outbreaks in endemic areas,” said Wamala Joseph, Epidemiologist at World Health Organization (WHO) South Sudan.

“They provide protection in the immediate term and serve as a bridge to rolling out long-term and sustainable WASH interventions in cholera hot spots,” he added.

According to the WHO, since January 2018, a total of 60,614 people were vaccinated in the first round of OCV campaigns in Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site and Wau Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites, another 173,480 people vaccinated in the second round of OCV campaigns in Aburoc and Wau IDP sites, Budi county, Malaka town and Malakal PoC site.

Variations in coverage, WHO says, are due to unpredictable population movements, either due to conflict-related displacements or seasonal movement in search of water, pasture and food.

South Sudan has, since 2013, faced several outbreaks of cholera affecting vulnerable populations in IDP camps, urban informal settlements, and cattle camps as well as rural population, island dwellers and communities along River Nile.

According to WHO, more than 20,000 cases of cholera, including 436 deaths were reported during the longest and largest cholera outbreak that lasted from 18 June 2016 to 7 February 2018.

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A group of female boxers who train in a makeshift boxing ring in the dirt plan to take gold at the 2020 Olympics.

IGAD Bridging Proposal on outstanding issues in South Sudan revitalization forum

A BRIDGING PROPOSAL

TOWARDS THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES IN THE HIGH-LEVEL REVITALIZATION FORUM OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA–21 MAY 2018

After eleven (11) months of intensive engagements and negotiations to revitalize the ARCSS as mandated by the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government on 12 June 2017, ten (10) key Governance and Security issues remain outstanding. This proposal reflects a considered effort to identify middle ground between the different negotiating positions.

CHAPTER I: REVITALIZED TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY

1. Principles of Governance for the Transitional Period

1.1. Governance during the Transitional Period shall be guided by the following principles and considerations:
1.1.1. the necessity of renewing and strengthening the Transitional Government to reflect the diversity of South Sudan and to deliver the goals of the Transition;
1.1.2. the imperative for inclusive responsibility-sharing, ensuring the equitable participation of oppositional entities, women, regions, and youth;
1.1.3. the need to cooperate in the delivery of the goals of the Transition, and in the effective implementation of this Agreement;
1.1.4. separation of powers and functions between the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government;

1.1.5. maintaining effective checks and balances in the exercise of executive power;
1.1.6. collegiality and effective coordination within the Executive, and particularly the Presidency;
1.1.7. ensuring competence and efficiency in the leadership of the Transition and in the delivery of public and social services;
1.1.8. the urgency of responding effectively to the popular demand for a Federal system of government by:

(a) accelerating the devolution of power and resources to local levels of government; and,
(b) undertaking effective consultations and preparations for adopting a Federal system for South Sudan in the Permanent Constitution; and,

1.1.9. the imperative of promoting dialogue, consultation and popular participation in key national decisions, while also ensuring the coherence and complementarity of such initiatives.

Structure of the Transitional Government

2. The proposed structure of the Executive of the revitalised TGoNU shall be as follows:

(a) The President (TGoNU);

(b) The First Vice President (nominated by SPLM/A-IO)1;

(c) The Vice President (TGoNU);

(d) The Third Vice President (nominated by Other Parties & Entities (SSOA, FDs & OPP));
(e) The Ministers (42 ministries in 3 clusters); and

(f) The Deputy Ministers (15).

1 SPLM/A-IO led by Dr. Riek Machar

2.1. The First Vice President, the Vice President and Third Vice President shall oversee the Cabinet Clusters as follows:

(a) First Vice President, Governance Cluster.
(b) Vice President, Economic Cluster.

(c) Third Vice President, Services Delivery Cluster.

3. The Composition of the Government

3.1. The Incumbent TGoNU, comprising of: the former GRSS; former SPLM/A-IO (Taban Deng); and Other Political Parties allied to the GRSS;
3.2. The SPLM/A-IO (led by Dr Riek Machar)

3.3. The Other Parties and Entities (OPE) which includes the following: Former Detainees (FDs); Other Political Parties; and, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
4. Responsibility Sharing

4.1. Pursuant to the mandate of the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF), the imperative to achieve genuine inclusivity in the composition of the revitalized TGoNU, and thereby to enhance the visible representation of regions and communities; the parties shall make necessary adjustments to the power-sharing formula adopted in the ARCSS (2015), to better reflect the new realities in South Sudan and in particular, to ensure the inclusivity of the revitalized TGoNU.
4.2. In the re-allocation of responsibility, the following considerations shall apply:

(a) the political complexion, and reach of a party within the country;
(b) any shift in allegiances;
(c) the emergence of new opposition entities;
(d) the relative premium of the various high offices;
(e) the inherent advantages of incumbency;
(f) the need to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement by competent representatives; and,

(g) the imperative to inspire confidence in the transitional government, particularly within the civilian population, including displaced persons and refugees.

4.3. Allocation of responsibilities

4.3.1. Given the current configuration of parties at the HLRF, and in line with the rationales specified above, the following allocations shall apply:

(a) the TGoNU is assigned 55%;
(b) the SPLM/A-IO is assigned 25%;
(c) the OPE is assigned 20% (FDs: 5%; OPP: 5% & SSOA: 10%)

5. Structure and Composition of State Governments

5.1. No later than one month from the commencement of the Transitional Period, the leadership of the States shall be reconstituted.
5.2. The power-sharing ratio for the allocation of States Governors shall be follows:

(a) the Incumbent TGoNU 65%;
(b) the SPLM/A-IO 25%;
(c) the OPE 10%.

5.3. The above ratio shall also apply to the State Council of Ministers.

5.4. In the nomination of Opposition candidates for gubernatorial positions in Greater Upper Nile, precedence shall be given to the SPLM/A-IO.
5.5. In the nomination of Opposition candidates for gubernatorial positions in Greater Equatoria, precedence shall be given to nominations by OPE.
5.6. Inclusive Boundary Commission

5.6.1. Immediately upon the signing of this Agreement, the revitalized TGoNU shall appoint an Inclusive Boundary Commission (IBC) to review the number and boundary of the States of South Sudan.
5.6.2. The membership of the IBC shall be drawn from eminent South Sudanese and representatives of the regional guarantors and international

community within JMEC, and shall be chaired by a Judge of the Supreme Court of South Sudan.
5.6.3. The IBC should complete its work within 180 days, and make recommendations on the number and boundary of States to be adjusted during the Transitional Period.
5.6.4. The recommendations of the IBC shall be binding on the revitalized TGoNU.
6. The Transitional National Legislature

6.1. The Transitional National Legislature (TNL) shall consist of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States.
6.2. Within 90 days of the signing of this Agreement, the tenure of the sixty-eight
(68) additional members of the expanded Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) pursuant to ARCSS 2015 shall be terminated.
6.3. The TNLA shall be further expanded to four hundred forty (440) members and reconstituted as follows:

(a) The three hundred and thirty-two (332) members as at 15 December 2013;
(b) The additional One hundred and Eight (108) members shall be appointed according to the following criteria:

• SPLM/A-IO seventy (70) members; and
• Other Parties and Entities: thirty-eight (38) members.

6.4. The duration and term of the expanded and reconstituted TNLA shall run concurrently with that of the Revitalised TGoNU, until such time as Elections are held.
6.5. The selection of the Speaker of the TNLA, who shall hail from the Equatoria and nominated by the TGoNU, shall be conducted once the expansion of the membership of the Assembly is complete.
6.6. During the Transitional Period, there shall be established the office of the Deputy Speaker of the TNLA.

6.7. The Deputy Speaker, shall be nominated by SPLM/A-IO, once the expansion of the membership of the Assembly is complete.
6.8. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker shall serve for the duration of the Transitional Period. In case the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is for any reason unable to continue in office, they shall be replaced by selection based on the same criteria above.
6.9. Decisions in the TNLA on matters pertaining to this Agreement shall be by consensus and failing consensus, by a two thirds (2/3) majority of all the members.
6.10. Decisions in the TNLA on other matters not related to this Agreement shall be by consensus and failing of which by simple majority.
6.11. The functions and mandate of the TNL shall remain as stipulated in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 as amended in 2015, unless otherwise specified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.12. In the conduct of its business, the TNL shall at all times support the implementation of this Agreement and enact the necessary legislation to facilitate the transitional processes and reforms stipulated in this Agreement.

Council of States

6.13. The composition, functions and mandate of the Council of States shall continue as provided under the TCRSS 2011, for the duration of the Transitional Period, until Elections are held.
7. Question of System of Government, Federalism:

7.1. The ARCSS already recognises that a federal system of government is a popular demand of the people of South Sudan, and that there is a need to reflect this demand by way of devolution of more power and resources to lower levels of government, and to initiate preparations for the adoption of a federal and democratic system of government within the Permanent Constitution-making process.
7.2. Accordingly, the IBC shall also consider the question of the enhancement of devolution and development of federal system and shall make its recommendations to the Ministry for Federal Affairs, to the National

Constitution Review Commission (NCRC) or any other body charged with collecting information relevant to the making of the permanent constitution.

Other Proposals to be considered

8. Transition Facilitation Council

8.1. There shall be established a Six Member High-Level Transition Facilitation Council (TFC) which shall be drawn from eminent persons mandated to support the implementation of the Agreement.
8.2. The Council shall be an exclusively national body, composed of South Sudanese of high moral standing at least two of whom shall be women. Its composition shall be reflective of the diversity of the nation.
8.3. Members of the TFC shall act individually and collectively to facilitate and encourage the TGoNU, mobilise and sensitise the people of South Sudan generally to achieve the goals of the Transition and uphold cohesion of the nation and may be called upon to assist in the resolution of any problems or difficulties that might arise within the Presidency.
8.4. The TGoNU shall facilitate the TFC and provide it with a secretariat within the Office of the President. The TFC shall also receive status reports and briefings from the JMEC, and CTSAMM, on the implementation of this Agreement and undertake follow up with relevant authorities as appropriate.
8.5. Members of the TFC shall be appointed by the Presidency on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
9. Displacements from Positions - Remedies

9.1. Where, as a consequence of the allocation of positions under this Agreement a post-holder is displaced from a post, the Transitional Government shall make every effort to find an alternative position for that person, including in the reconstituted boards and commissions as appropriate.
9.2. Affected persons may include:

(a) a member of the Executive;
(b) a Governor or other office holder in a State; and

(c) a member of the TNL.

9.3. In the event that a person cannot be accommodated in a suitable alternative position, the Transitional Government shall endeavour to make an appropriate ex gratia payment or form of compensation to that person.
9.4. The Transitional Government shall establish a Fund or modality for the making of such payments.
10. Benefits and Standing of Former Leaders

10.1. Within 30 days of the signing of this Agreement, legislation shall be introduced in the TNLA to make adequate provision for the benefits, emoluments and standing of former leaders.
10.2. Legislation shall provide for benefits of a former leader, including an office, staff, protection and allocation of sufficient resources commensurate to their standing as leaders.
10.3. A former leader shall be facilitated by the TGoNU to play a consultative and advisory role in supporting the goals of the Transition, particularly the pursuit of reconciliation, healing and nation-building.
10.4. The Executive of the Transitional Government will adopt procedures and processes for enabling a former leader to fulfil this role.

May 24, 2018 (JUBA) - The IGAD chief mediator has called on the South Sudanese parties to mull over the IGAD proposals to bridge the caps over the power sharing and security arrangements during the interim period.

Speaking during the closing session of Phase II of the High- Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismael Wais pointed to the efforts exerted to reach the Bridging Proposal saying the result of intensive consultations.

He called on the parties to study the proposal, hinting that he would keep working on it until it is accepted by all the parties as an agreement on the implementation of the outstanding issues.

"I further encourage the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders to consider the IGAD bridging proposals which reflect a considered effort to identify common ground between the different negotiating positions," said the IGAD chief mediator.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) rejected the proposal saying it endorses the status quo and rewards Juba for its role in the failure of peace agreement implementation in July 2016.

The SPLM-IO "does not believe that simply distributing positions will resolve the conflict" said the main rebel group.

The IGAD Proposal seen by Sudan Tribune reinstate Riek Machar in his position as First Vice President.

Also, it creates a position for a third vice-president to be named by the other opposition groups including Former Detainees (FDs); Other Political Parties; and, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

At the level of the national government, the proposed compromise gives the current government led by President Salva Kiir 55% of the positions, the SPLM/A-IO is assigned 25%; and the remaining opposition groups are assigned 20% (FDs: 5%; OPP: 5% & SSOA: 10%)

The bridging proposal allocates to the SPLM-IO 25% of the state governors, 65% to Juba government and 10% to the other opposition groups.

However, the proposal maintains the current 32 states in South Sudan established by the President Salva Kiir, saying this regional administrative system violates the peace agreement of August 2015.

The proposal on the security arrangements dealt with five outstanding issues including demilitarization of civilian centres, cantonment of forces security of juba during the transitional period, security sector (reform/establishment) and the timeframe for the unification of forces and approach to the formation of one national army.

The IGAD Council of Ministers will determine the resumption of the peace talks and decide on the way forward.

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Click here to read the full text of the Bridging Proposal over outstanding issues on South Sudan Governance