Sudan Tribune

February 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Seven cattle herders from the Hawazma tribe have been killed and one injured on Friday morning near Al-Hujairat area, some 30 kilometres west of Kadugli, South Kordofan capital.

Reliable sources in Kadugli told Sudan Tribune, that a band of marauders have committed the crime and stole 1500 heads of cattle, ruling out that elements from the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) were involved in the incident.

They said the incident occurred at a remote area away from the rebel-controlled areas, pointing out that a similar incident took place few days earlier in the same area.

According to the sources, the marauders deliberately followed a pathway leading to the rebel-controlled area of Galad, saying most of the dead fall in the age group between 15 to 18 years old.

The same sources added that the list of the dead include Suleiman Khamis Mohamed Yaqoub, Hussein Khamis Mohamed Yaqoub, Abdel-Rahman al-Hag Tamim, Mohamed Musa Ahmed Mohamed, Adam al-Toum Yaqoub, Khalil Yaqoub Mohamed and Musa Ahmed Mohamed.

They pointed that an injured herder by the name of Mohamed Yaqoub Adam was transferred to the hospital while search is ongoing for three missing herders.

SPLM-N DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN THE INCIDENT

Meanwhile, SPLM-N said it has nothing to do with the incident, pointing its army has no presence in the Al-Hujairat area.

In a statement seen by Sudan Tribune, SPLM-N leadership said it has “set up a committee to investigate this crime”, pointing the movement condemns it “in the strongest words”.

It pointed that the SPLM-N enjoys good relations with the Hawazma and Misseriyya tribes and the rest of the tribes, describing these ties as “blood and common destiny” relations.

The movement added that it has been present in South Kordofan for more than 30 years, saying such crimes are not part of its agenda.

It pointed to some reports that have mentioned presence of outlaws from government militias who carryout armed robberies in the Al-Hujairat area.

The SPLM-N leadership further offered deepest condolences to the Hawazma tribe, stressing the movement would cooperate with them to capture the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.

(ST)

February 10, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan President Salva Kiir has issued an executive order sacking the governor of his newly created Imatong state in Eastern Equatoria region.

Governor Nartisio Loluke Manir

President Kiir, according to the order broadcast by the state owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, removed Nartisio Loluke from his position and replaced him with Tobiolo Alberto.

The order did not cite any reason for moving out office an official who portrays himself in the area as the staunch supporter of the president and his leadership style.

However, his supporters extend an accusing finger to his predecessor Louis Lobong Lojore, governor of Namurnyang now changed to Kapaeta State, citing previous differences between the two officials.

Nartisio was the first deputy governor of Lojore after his appointment governor of Eastern Equatoria state in 2010. But later he was removed from his position after he fell out with Lobong due to conflict of interests and political ambitions.

(ST)

February 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Zambia's Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba Friday has arrived in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum in an official two-day visit, said Sudan's foreign ministry.

Kalaba's visit is considered the first of its kind by a senior Zambian official to Sudan during the last thirty years.

In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir, said Kalaba was received by Sudan's foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour at Khartoum airport.

“The visit which is considered the first of its kind aims to discuss bilateral cooperation opportunities in the economic, cultural and trade domains besides [developing] mechanisms to enhance political coordination in the various regional and international issues” read the press release

According to the foreign ministry, the two ministers will chair a joint session on Saturday to discuss ways to promote bilateral relations in the various fields.

Zambia's top diplomat, who came to Khartoum upon an invitation from Ghandour, is expected to meet a number of Sudanese officials.

In July 2008, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), abruptly canceled a scheduled trip to Zambia to attend the Smart Partnership programme for developing nations.

Zambia is a party to the Rome Statue which forms the basis of the ICC and has the legal obligation to apprehend al-Bashir if judges issue an arrest warrant for him.

(ST)

February 10, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan Finance Minister, Stephen Dhieu Dau, said fuel subsidies will be scraped after Members of Parliament approved his request.

People queue at a fuel station in South Sudan's capital, Juba on 18 October 2014 (ST)

Fuel prices, which is fixed currently at 22 South Sudanese Pound (SSP) or about 20 United States cents a litre, will be determined by market forces of demand and supply. In the black market, a litre cost 100 SSP - a price expected in the aftermath of lifting subsidies.

Local media quoted Dhieu claiming that lifting fuel subsidies will "save money" for the government to narrow deficit gap of about USD 200 million.

Economic experts say fuel subsidies cost the government United $40 monthly. A liger of diesel or petrol is purchased at about $1 from East African countries and sold at 20% of the actual market price in Juba by state-owned NilePet company.

However, fuel is scarce in Juba and long queues that last several hours are common in Juba. It is not clear when the lawmakers recommendation will be implemented but economists are divided on the effects of the decision.

"South Sudan lack of hard-currencies will continue to inhibits private sector from importing fuel and hence fundamental problem of supply and demand won't be resolved (sic)," writes economist Garang Atem, reacting to removal of fuel subsidies by the government.

Atem said prices of basic commodities such as food items and water will surge, further deteriorating the economic situation. He said NilePet will struggle to supply sufficient fuel, affecting the common man.

"Such reforms should be done in a comprehensive way so that compensation for public sector are reviewed," he said.

Other economists said the move is "excellent" and the subsidies were creating the black market because fuel dealers were creating scarcity.

(ST)

February 9, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Thursday expressed its discontent with what it described as ''tactical moves" of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement- North (SPLM-N) over the U.S. humanitarian proposal.

The SPLM-N last November declined an American proposal to transport humanitarian medical assistance directly to the civilians in the rebel-held areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan .

Last Saturday the SPLM-N leader Malik Agar said they are ready to discuss the proposal and the amendments they filed to the former U.S. envoy Donald Booth. He further stressed that what they refuse is Khartoum's control of the whole humanitarian operation.

The NCP leadership council held a meeting on Thursday headed by the President Omer al-Bashir who is also the chairman of the ruling party. The participants discussed the ongoing efforts to to end war in the two Areas.

The official news agency SUNA said the NCP leadership reiterated the government readiness to reach a comprehensive and a lasting peace in the country, pointing to the governing six-month declaration of unilateral cessation of hostilities and the approval of the US. humanitarian proposal.

"The leadership council expressed its frustration that the other party remains in a tactical phase as after nearly two months they continue talking about studying the U.S. (humanitarian) proposal," said Ibrahim Mahmoud, presidential aide and chief negotiator on the peace talks with the SPLM-N.

"It is time to stop war, and that Sudanese start looking to the future of the nation, and the future of new generations," he stressed.

The SPLM-N sticks to its demand for a humanitarian corridor through the Ethiopian border town, Asap, to directly deliver 20% of the humanitarian aid to the civilians in the conflict affected areas.

But the government rejects the idea saying it is a breach for the state sovereignty and a manoeuvre from the rebels to bring arms and ammunition to their locked rebel-held areas in the Two areas.

"Now the whole world wants to stop the war in Sudan immediately, without procrastination," he said, pointing to the devastating effects of the war on the Sudanese people.

The presidential assistant, according to SUNA, referred to the statements of the former U.S. Special Envoy Donald Booth criticizing the SPLM-N refusal of his humanitarian proposal, saying "these (armed) movements have no interest in the issues of the citizens; but only seeks personal ambitions as it was said by the American envoy".

(ST)

February 09, 2017 (JUBA) - Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), David Shearer, visited area controlled by allies of former First Vice President Riek Machar in Unity state to discuss humanitarian and peace processes.

The Special Representative of the U.N Secretary General in South Sudan David Shearer, February 1, 2017 (ST)

Shearer, returned to Juba on Thursday from a two-day field visit to Bentiu and Leer, which have been most-affected by the country's ongoing conflict.

In Bentiu, he reportedly met state government officials, as well as internally displaced people who are living in the largest protection of civilians site in the country.

In Leer, he visited the mission's temporary operating base to assess UNMISS' success in mounting robust patrols which push the mission's presence deep into the field.

"He [Shearer] held discussions with local officials and also took the opportunity to travel to an opposition-controlled area to meet with pro-Machar representatives so he could hear all shades of opinion on how to facilitate humanitarian assistance and advance the peace process," the mission said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The local opposition reportedly the head of the UN mission in South Sudan that they support the current localized cessation of hostilities and remain in a defensive position which they hope will encourage the return of humanitarian agencies to Leer.

"Both the local authorities and the opposition praised the UN for its efforts to facilitate communications between them," noted the statement, adding,"Shearer heard that they both recognize that an inclusive national dialogue will assist the peace process"

This was the first time UNMISS visited Machar's territory since fighting resumed in July 2016 forcing the armed opposition leader to flee the South Sudanese capital.

According to UNMISS, pro-Machar supporters have accepted an inclusive peace process.

"The local opposition told Mr Shearer that they support the current localized cessation of hostilities and remain in a defensive position which they hope will encourage the return of humanitarian agencies to Leer," further noted the U.N statement.

(ST)

February 09, 2017 (WAU) – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with last week's murder of the first lady's driver in South Sudan's town of Wau, the municipal council mayor disclosed.

Mel Aleu Goc said state authorities zeroed on the two suspects after investigations found out that they played roles in the killing.

“One of them is a young woman, who is accused of coordinating the killing of Arabi Ramadan through inviting the guards for an evening meal in her house,” said Goc.

The suspect woman, according to the mayor, admitted that she invited the guard and later informed the killers to execute the act.

The late Ramadan was found dead in the house of the woman at Jazeera residential area in Wau town on Wednesday, last week.

“The security agents have so far arrested two people, including the woman who invited the presidential guard into her house on Wednesday evening where he was killed and now the two which are still at large are being perused,” said mayor.

State authorities condemned the murder, calling for thorough investigations.

(ST)

February 9, 2017 (EL-FASHER) - European Union envoys to Sudan Thursday discussed with the North Darfur officials the state government post-conflict plans to collect arms and recovery strategies.

The European envoys are visiting Darfur to assess the efforts of the Sudanese authorities to deal with the post-conflict environment which is characterized by insecurity and lawlessness, badly functioning economies, and a lack of social services and social cohesion.

Following a meeting with the visiting EU delegation, North Darfur Deputy Governor Mohamed Birama told reporters that the delegation of 16 European diplomats asked them about disarmament issues.

"We conveyed to them that the issue has received a considerable attention from the state government and the Sudanese presidency, and that the collection of arms is implemented in accordance with a specific strategic plan designed by the central government," he said.

"We explained to them that the purpose of the visit to the state of the Vice President of the Republic these days, is to deliver a strong message to citizens who possess weapons without a license that they have to prepare themselves to arms-collection campaigns and as a state we are ready to implement it. "

Last April, President Omer al-Bashir, denounced the tribal fighting in Darfur and announced the formation of a national body to collect illegal arms in Darfur region, pointing that the region now is pacified and rebel groups are defeated.

The EU diplomats will also visit West Darfur to measure the security situation and discuss the challenges facing the development of the region.

The EU considers to participate in the development and recovery programmes of the region which has witnessed a 14 year armed conflict as it pledged in the international donor meeting for Darfur in April 2013.

The French Ambassador, Bruno Aubert told Sudan Tribune the meeting discussed development issues but also the peace process and stability in the region, adding that the EU relations with the Sudan are at a turning point and entered a new phase characterized by the dialogue.

The deputy governor said the EU diplomats confirmed their readiness contribute to the development and infrastructure programmes in the state and to support the voluntary return programme of displaced people to their villages.

The visiting delegation also paid a visit to the headquarters of Darfur hybrid peacekeeping operation, UNAMID, where they were briefed about the Mission's efforts to protect civilians and support humanitarian operations in the region.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

February 7, 2017 (ADDIS ABABA) - A rebel official from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) has dismissed allegations that the group is preparing to relieve its leader, Riek Machar, and to elect another one.

First Vice President, Riek Machar, accompanied by SPLA-IO officers, Juba, 27 May, 2016 (ST Photo)

An opposition source who requested anonymity on Monday told Sudan Tribune that the SPLM-IO leadership at the headquarters in Pagak is set to elect a new leader to replace Machar.

The source pointed that Machar's presence in Johannesburg complicates the decision making process, stressing that he cannot continue to run the movement remotely from South Africa.

But an opposition official dismissed this false "rumours and malicious propaganda", pointing an accusing finger at the government in Juba saying they are "fabricating" such unfounded reports.

"The government in Juba is behind this malicious and baseless propaganda and it should not surprise anyone because this is not the first time for the fascist regime in Juba to manufacture lies with the intention to create confusion and mistrust within the leadership of the People's Movement under the leadership of Riek Machar," said Peter Oyoyo Kleto, SPLM-IO deputy representative to Republic of Tanzania told Sudan Tribune.

"I want to assure and inform all our comrades and all South Sudanese inside and outside the country that the leadership of SPLM/A IO is fully behind the leadership of our Chairman Riek Machar and his deputy Henry Odwar" he further said.
Kleto called upon President Salva Kiir to accept peace through the revival of the August agreement.

He went to say that the armed opposition movement under Machar leadership has huge support both inside and outside the country, warning that "any attempt to sideline him from the country's affairs will never bring peace to the country"

the rebel official called on the African union, Troika countries, European Union and the UN to work for a political process to revive the August agreement to end any further bloodshed and end the suffering of the people.

The SPLM-IO leader and former First Vice President is currently South Africa since October 2016. In November of the same year he attempted to regain the headquarters in Pagak near the Ethiopian border.

But the Sudanese and Ethiopian authorities barred him from entering into their territory, in line with a regional decision to prevent the resumption of hostilities in the young nation.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan and Bahrain Tuesday have agreed to increase bilateral coordination and consultations at the level of regional and international organizations .

Sudan's foreign ministry building in Khartoum (SUNA)

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Undersecretary at the foreign ministry A Abdel-Ghani al-Naeem and his Bahraini counterpart Wahid Mubarak Sial at the end of a consultations meeting held in Khartoum on Tuesday.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Garib Allah Khidir said the meeting discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements signed by the two countries.

"The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to improve bilateral coordination at the regional and international levels, as well as increasing consultations in the diplomatic, economic, cultural and security fields, with a special focus on investments," Khidir futher said.

The tiny kingdom of Bahrain has joined the other Gulf monarchies which are engaged in agricultural projects in the Sudan.

Manama implements " Bahrain's bounties " project, which represents one of the largest Arab investments in Sudan. The agricultural projectwhich occupies an areas of one hundred thousand acres, is located in the Northern State.

On a related development, the meeting coincided with a visit to Khartoum by a high ranking military official from the Gulf region.

The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, concluded Tuesday a two-day visit to Khartoum where he met with the President Omer al-Bashir and his defence minister Awad Ibn Ouf.

The content of the military talks was not disclosed.

Sudan and the UAE are part of a Saudi-led regional coalition fighting the Shiite Houthi militants in Yemen.

President Bashir recently announced that Khartoum is preparing to dispatch more troops to the Saudi Arabia from where they will move to Yemen .

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (PAGAK) - South Sudan's former military attaché in Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, Gai Chatiem has joined the armed opposition led by South Sudan's ex-first vice president Riek Machar.

South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar addresses a news conference in Uganda's capital Kampala January 26, 2016 (Reuters photo)

Chatiem, in an interview with Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, said he decided to join the armed opposition faction to fight for a "just war".

He claimed the Juba regime was using a “divide and rule” policy, described it as the worst ideology for governing South Sudan.

“I have been serving in the government for the longer time and I thought their tribal policy could have improved after several objections from the people, but only learned that the direction pursued by the government is hell to the South Sudanese,” he said.

The former military attaché called for a mass defection from members within the government to join the rebellion in the country.

The armed opposition spokesperson, Col. William Gatjiath Deng, confirmed the former military attaché's to the armed opposition.

“This morning Monday, February 06, 2017, Brigadier General Gai Chatiem, who served as South Sudan defense attaché in Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, joined the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Gen. Chatiem reported to the SPLM/A-IO Headquarters Pagak and was warmly received by the top SPLA-IO military leadership and command,” Deng said in a statement.

Chatiem is reportedly at the SPLA-IO headquarters in Pagak, where he allegedly vowed to resist the “autocratic” and “authoritarian” leadership and policies being perpetuated by the Jieng Council of Elders (JCE).

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (JUBA) – At least two people have died as a result of hunger in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria state, officials have said.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in Kapeota region, reflects the food security challenges facing the world's youngest nation.

Kapoeta state governor, Louis Lobong, said thousands of people have fled due to food insecurity to Uganda, amidst fear some die before reaching their destinations.

"Two women died in the way to Uganda. They were fleeing hunger in the state," Lobong said on Tuesday.

He accused humanitarian organisations of neglecting the plight of the local communities who were starving.

“The pastoral communities have gone far, crossing over to either the neighboring states or the neighboring countries because they are vulnerable, hungry, and weak. We have never seen any humanitarian agency that is coming in for any help,” Lobong told Eye Radio.

He said no food deliveries or assessment by international and local organisations have been conducted by Tuesday, repeating his request for "urgent assistance."

In a related development, Tonj state's deputy governor, Manhiem Bol said souring market commodities have spoilt the purchasing power of poor people, blaming poor harvest in 2016 farming season for the food gap.

"There is an alarming hunger situation across the state because of crops failure during the last farming season,” said Bol, calling for immediate humanitarian assistance.

"I am appealing to humanitarian organizations to also look at the issues to do with humanitarian problems in South Sudan and in Tonj in particular," he added.

The conflict that broke out in mid-December 2013 has uprooted more than two million people from their homes, forcing one million South Sudanese across borders into neighbouring nations.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan authorities released the head of external office of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP), Abdel Moneim Omer, one month after his detention at Khartoum airport.

head SCoP office abroad Abdel Moneim Omer (ST Photo)

Abdel Moneim Omer, was briefly tasked with the party's leadership during two months in November December 2016 when the Sudanese authorities detained the SCoP chairman and his deputy following calls to protest new austerity measures.

The National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) didn't filed any charges against Omer or provide any explanation for his detention.

"The party has not to welcome his release. The NISS robbed the freedom of the head of SCoP office abroad who had been arbitrarily detained without charge or trial," SCoP Vice-Chairman, Khalid Omer Youssef told Sudan Tribune.

"Our freedom is insecure as long as the security apparatus has the right to detain people whenever they want and the release them whenever they wants," he further stressed.

Rights groups call to reform the current security law of 199 and to limit the broad powers of arrest, detention, search and seizure. Also, they call to include key safeguards in the law such as the right to be immediately informed of charges, the right to be brought promptly before a judge, and the right to be tried within a reasonable time.

Omer pointed to the need to amend the National Security Forces Act of 1999 and to "dismantle the totalitarian state structure and laws that allow the NISS to arrest activists and political opponents.

The opposition parties and armed groups demand the creation of a conducive environment before to participate in a constitutional conference inside the country. According to an African Union road map the matter should be discussed within the framework of a national dialogue preparatory meeting.

Sudanese authorities arrested 32 leading members of the SCOP following the announce of austerity measures in a bid to avoid attempts to mobilise the Sudanese street against the government.

Despite the restrictions' of freedom the SCoP, which is a member of the Sudan Call forces, remains very active and organizes information campaigns, they also hold spontaneous public meetings to raise political and economic issues.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (KAMPALA) – At least 52,000 South Sudanese fled the country into neighbouring Uganda in January alone as continued fighting risks creating a situation of mass atrocities, the United Nations special adviser on genocide prevention said Tuesday.

Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, addresses a press conference in Juba on Friday 11, 2016 (UNMISS Photo)

Adama Dieng said those displaced, mainly from Kajo-Keji in the country's Central Equatoria state gave horrific accounts on killing of civilians, destruction of homes and several cases of sexual violence.

“President Salva Kiir has made a commitment to end the violence and bring about peace, yet we still see ongoing clashes, and the risk that mass atrocities will be committed remains ever-present,” he said.

The senior U.N official said he was particularly alarmed by the situation in Kajo-Keji where fleeing civilians warned of mass violence.

South Sudan descended into war in late December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and over three million people displaced.

The U.N official, however, said despite the serious security situation in the country, access of the its peacekeeping mission to and around Kajo-Keji has been restricted as peacekeepers were initially blocked from accessing the area.

“The freedom of movement of residents has also reportedly been limited. Some have reportedly been instructed to leave Kajo-Keji,” Dieng said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Others who fled their homes and moved towards the border area between South Sudan and Uganda were reportedly intercepted by government forces,” he added.

According to the U.N official, some of those seeking refuge reportedly used a number of informal border crossing points to enter Uganda, as armed groups prevented the use of major roads, forcing them to travel through the bush, without access to food and water.

Various areas in the Equatorias, the U.N said, have been similarly targeted, and some 20,000 people were displaced from Wau Shilluk in Upper Nile last week, following violence that left many without emergency health care, safe drinking water, food and shelter.

In November 2016, Dieng drew attention to the dire situation in Yei River State, following his visit to Yei River town, where credible information suggested that a scorched earth campaign was underway, targeting suspected opposition members and civilian communities believed by authorities to be their supporters.

He reported the expulsion of farmers from their land, looting of property, burning of villages and brutal violence against civilians.

During the African Union summit held in Ethiopia last month, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations expressed their deep concerns, in a joint statement, over the continuing spread of fighting and risk of inter-communal violence escalating into mass atrocities in South Sudan.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan president Salva Kiir has insisted there was no other viable alternative to end the ongoing war in the country, apart from resolving existing differences through a national dialogue.

President Salva Kiir addresses the nation at the South Sudan National Parliament in Juba, November 18, 2015. (Photo Reuters/Jok Solomon)

“There are people who believe in war as the only way to resolve differences, I think these are wrong. War is not the viable way to end differences. War is war and you know it is very destructive. I don't want you, the people of Yei to follow people who think the only solution to whatever issues we have in this country is through war,” said Kiir, while addressing a large gathering in S. Sudan's Yei town.

He added, “Let us work together with our religious leaders for peace”.

The president said ending the war will be an opportunity for politicians wanting to take power from him in an atmosphere free of war so that they campaign and allow the citizen to vote peacefully.

“People who want to become of this country have to accept that they cannot become the president when there is war. They need to denounce violence and stop war. When the war is stopped anyone wants to contest whichever positions he wants will be free to contest,” stressed the South Sudanese leader.

“So let's work together to stop the war and let the political forces sit down to organize themselves so that the parties are registered before time,” he added.
A huge crowd has gathered Yei town to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the existence of Episcopal Church in the area.

President Kiir also used the opportunity to announce the national dialogue initiative he declared in December last year, saying it officially starts in the first week of March and will run for four months.

The national dialogue, he said, seeks to end long civil war in Africa's newest nation.

The South Sudanese leader further reiterated that said a panel of "eminent personalities and people of consensus" would guide the national dialogue process, which would involve "all the people of South Sudan" but did not say who the panel members would be.

“The national dialogue is a matter of urgency so that we see what will be the next step. Now our members of the national legislature are on recess, they will come back in the end of this month, so when they come, we will kick off the sessions of the national dialogue”, he said.

The leader of the country's armed opposition faction, Riek Machar has, however, dismissed Kiir's dialogue initiative, saying the process can only succeed if peace has been restored in the war-torn nation.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since violence broke out between the country's rival factions in mid-December 2013.

(ST)

By António Guterres

Far too often, the world views Africa through the prism of problems. When I look to Africa, I see a continent of hope, promise and vast potential.

I am committed to building on those strengths and establishing a higher platform of cooperation between the United Nations and the leaders and people of Africa. This is essential to advancing inclusive and sustainable development and deepening cooperation for peace and security.

That is the message I carried to the recent African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — my first major mission as United Nations Secretary-General.

Above all, I came in a spirit of profound solidarity and respect. I am convinced that the world has much to gain from African wisdom, ideas and solutions.

I also brought with me a deep sense of gratitude. Africa provides the majority of United Nations peacekeepers around the world. African nations are among the world's largest and most generous hosts of refugees. Africa includes some of the world's fastest growing economies.

The recent resolution of the political crisis in the Gambia once again demonstrated the power of African leadership and unity to overcome governance challenges and uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

I left the Summit more convinced than ever that all of humanity will benefit by listening, learning and working with the people of Africa.

We have the plans in place to build a better future. The international community has entered the second year of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an all-out effort to tackle global poverty, inequality, instability and injustice. Africa has adopted its own complementary and ambitious plan: Agenda 2063.

For the people of Africa to fully benefit from these important efforts, these two agendas need to be strategically aligned.

It starts with prevention. Our world needs to move from managing crises to preventing them in the first place. We need to break the cycle of responding too late and too little.

Most of today's conflicts are internal, triggered by competition for power and resources, inequality, marginalization and sectarian divides. Often, they are inflamed by violent extremism or provide the fuel for it.

The United Nations is committed to working hand-in-hand with partners wherever conflict or the threat of conflict endangers stability and well-being.

But prevention goes far beyond focusing solely on conflict. The best means of prevention and the surest path to durable peace is inclusive and sustainable development.

We can speed progress by doing more to provide opportunities and hope to young people. More than three out of five Africans are under 35 years of age. Making the most of this tremendous asset means more investment in education, training, decent work, and engaging young people in shaping their future.

We must also do our utmost to empower women so they can play a full role in sustainable development and sustainable peace. I am pleased that the African Union has consistently placed a special focus on gender equality and women's empowerment.

I have seen it again and again: When we empower women, we empower the world.

I travelled to Africa as a partner, friend and committed advocate for changing the narrative about this diverse and vital continent. Crises represent at best a partial view. But from a higher platform of cooperation, we can see the whole picture – one that spotlights the enormous potential and remarkable success stories in every corner of the African continent.

With that perspective, I have no doubt we can win the battle for sustainable and inclusive development which are also the best weapons to prevent conflict and suffering, allowing Africa to shine even more vibrantly and inspire the world.

António Guterres is Secretary-General of the United Nations

February 6, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) leader Malik Agar reiterated their readiness to discuss the U.S. proposal to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in the rebel-controlled areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, stressing what they refuse is the control of the whole operation by the government.

in a bid to break the deadlock in the peace talks between the Sudanese government and SPLM-N, the former U.S. Special Envoy Donald Booth last November proposed that the USAID will deliver medical humanitarian aid to civilian in the rebel held areas by air directly after its inspection from the government.

The SPLM-N declined the proposal insisting on the need to transport 20% of the humanitarian aid directly from Ethiopian border town of Asosa to the rebel areas.

In an audio statement obtained by Sudan Tribune, Agar who was speaking last Saturday in the SPLM-Controlled areas in the Blue Nile said the SPLM-N didn't reject the "Sudanese American proposal", as he said.

The proposal provides that the USAID will deliver specific humanitarian assistance through an internal corridor to the United Nations workers in the SPLM areas, explained Agar in remarks delivered at a promotion ceremony for SPLA Second Division officers on Saturday.

"This gives the Sudanese government the upper hand in the (humanitarian) operation, and we should keep in mind the experience of UNAMID in Darfur," he added.

The SPLM-N rejected the Sudanese government control of the humanitarian operation but didn't decline the U.S. proposal or the proposal of the African Union mediation which provides to deliver the aid across Asosa town on the Ethiopian Sudanese border, he said.

The SPLM-N sticks to the direct delivery of 20% of humanitarian assistance through Ethiopia, pointing that the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) supports this idea.

Sources close to the file disclosed that the SPLM-N in its response to the U.S. proposal underscored that the safe humanitarian corridor through Asosa would enable the SPLM-N to transport its sick or wounded fighters for treatment from the land-locked controlled areas. Also this corridor enable the rebel leadership and delegates to reach the venue of peace talks and return to their bases for consultations, they said.

Sudanese government rejected Asosa corridor, saying it's a violation of the state's sovereignty and also allows the rebel to bring arms and ammunition from outside.

However, Agar called to not exclude Asosa corridor from the negotiating table stressing that there are "two proposals on the table, that one of the AUHIP and "the U.S. proposal with the proposed amendments''.

"And we are ready to discuss the two proposals," he said.

Recently it was reported that the AUHIP mediators filed new proposals for the negotiating parties, and it is expected to convene a meeting between the armed groups and a Sudanese committee tasked with the implementation of the national dialogue outcome.

But Agar denied being invited to resume talks with the government. Also, he said they are not concerned by the outcome of the government-led dialogue process but they call for an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue, and a preparatory meeting to discuss the creation of a conducive environment before this constitutional process, in line with the African Union Roadmap Agreement

He further said they expect that an invitation be extended by the AUHIP for a consolations-meeting.

He said the SPLM-N is ready for peace and war alike.

"The regime challenged us in the past and can challenge us again but we are ready to take up the challenge until the Sudanese get their full rights. We will not accept half-solutions and will not postpone the war for future generations," he added.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (BOR) - Promoting sport could be one of the best ways of ensuring peace in South Sudan's Jonglei state, the United Nations Mission in the country, said.

UN peacekeepers in South Sudan with one of their helicopters (UNMISS)

This was revealed Saturday after a tournament in which the U.N team, comprising of South Korean peacekeepers defeated Jonglei football team 2-1.

“We can keep the young men and women busy, and in that process, we can promote peace and tranquility”, said Alfred Zulu, the acting coordinator in the state.

“With the support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, we will do everything possible to ensure that can organize these young people here, we can support them in term of facilities and in term of football medicines, in term of coaching”, he added.

Jonglei state governor, Philip Aguer, said sports was the only thing that appeals to people from all works of life and that meaningful peace can be achieve through sports.

“We are very happy to see our children here, embracing sport, and when we were going across found all the names, we found Pal, Marial, Mahamed, this shows that this[sport] is the culture of everybody," said Aguer.

"Congratulations for United Nations for supporting this”, he added.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (JUBA) – At least 46 children were reportedly abducted in South Sudan's Jonglei state last year, while nearly 100 people died in raids blamed on criminals from rival communities.

Jonglei state governor, Phillip Aguer speaks during the independence occassion July 9, 2016 (ST)

Unveiling a new report his office compiled, Jonglei state governor Philip Aguer described the unrelenting trend as “painstaking.”

“The 2016 security report [indicates] 46 children abducted, 92 innocent lives lost, 101 [people] wounded and 15,611 cattle raided by Murle armed men over the period of 12 months from January to December 2016,” partly reads excerpts from the report.

“21 incidents occurred in Twic East counties, 29 incidents took place in Duk and seven incidents transpired (sic) in Bor counties,” it added.

The report further stipulates that a total of 57 attacks blamed on raiders from Murle tribe from Boma state were recorded in total.

Jonglei state was divided into four states in 2015, largely along tribal lines. The newly-created Jonglei state is home to Bor Dinka, whereas the Murle now occupy Boma state with Anyuak, Jie and Kachipo.

The Lou and Gawaar sections of Nuer tribe occupy other states.

Despite the division of state along ethnic lines, cattle raiding and child abduction persisted. The Dinka Bor point fingers on Murle for continue raiding, accusations strongly denied by Boma state authorities, yet efforts to reconcile these rival communities hit a snag in late last year when more raids were blamed on the Murle.

Aguer vowed to pursue the path of peaceful reconciliation and rule of law enforcement, but urged intervention of other stakeholders.

“The international community, national government of South Sudan and the two state authorities have not been in position to return the stolen cattle, compensate the lives lost or reach everlasting solution to settle this conflict despite many attempts of peace conferences held either in Pibor or Bor town,” he said in a statement.

He did not reveal when the stolen children would be recovered or when long disputes between the two communities will be resolved.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (JUBA) - A delegation of Sudanese lawmakers is Juba for talks with their South Sudanese counterparts on how the two countries could cooperation.

Suleiman Adam, the Council of States speaker led the Sudanese team.

The visit is reportedly in response to an invitation South Sudanese lawmakers in the Council of States extended to their counterparts during a visit to Khartoum last year.

The delegation, according to South Sudan's speaker of the Council of States, will have ample time to meet and interact with different officials and leaders in the country.

The speaker of South Sudan's Council of States, Joseph Bol Chan told reporters that the Sudanese delegation will meet President Salva Kiir and other government officials.

“Today, we are honored and also happy as your plane touched down in response to our invitation to you to come, and we continue the dialogue between us,” said Chan.

“We continue working together in the regional and international forum in the interest of our two countries and definitely, you are not a stranger here, because we are one people in two countries,” he added.

The three-day visit, according to the speaker of Sudan's Council of States, would cover issues of common interest on how to consolidate relations between two neighbouring countries and also strengthen relations between the two institutions.

“We are pleased as Council of States of the Republic of Sudan that we have accepted the invitation of our brothers from the Council of States of South Sudan,” said Adam.

Bilateral relations between South Sudan and Sudan were officially started on 9 July 2011 following the former's independence from the latter. Sudan became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of South Sudan.

However, since South Sudan's independence, relations between Juba and Khartoum have been poor and frantic with counter accusations of backing each other's rebels.

(ST)