Sudan Tribune

July 19, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Ibn Ouf Wednesday discussed with the head of UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) Jean-Pierre Lacroix the implementation of the Security Council's resolution to reduce the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Last month, the UNSC unanimously approved a resolution to extend the mandate of the UNAMID until 30 June 2018 and to reduce by a half its troops.

The hybrid mission will be reduced by withdrawing the military personnel by 44% and that of the police component by 30%, the closure of 11 team sites in the first phase and the withdrawal of the military component from another 7 team sites in the second phase.

According to the official news agency SUNA, Ibn Ouf praised UNAMID's efforts to achieve peace and stability in Sudan, welcoming the U.N. decision to downsize the mission.

He said the decision indicates the stability of security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, expressing hope that the mission would continue its efforts to convince the rebel movements to join the peace and dialogue process.

The defence minister further expressed army's readiness to provide all forms of assistance and facilities to enable the mission to implement the reduction decision in coordination with the joint committees formed for this purpose.

For his part, Lacroix thanked the Ministry of Defence, hoping for further coordination in order to achieve the desired goals and make a positive shift in peace-related issues, including empowering the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to carry out its duty and to complete the Joint Monitoring and Verification Committees.

The newly appointed French diplomat will visit Abyei to meet UNISFA chief and inspect the situation in the disputed border area, after what he will move to South Sudan to meet South Sudanese officials and UN peacekeeping mission in the restive country.

The hybrid mission has been deployed in Darfur since December 2007 with a mandate to stem violence against civilians in the western Sudan's region.

It is the world's second largest international peacekeeping force with an annual budget of $1.35 billion and almost 20,000 troops.

(ST)

July 19, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan president Salva Kiir has assigned the governor of Tonj state, Aker Tong Aleu, to spearhead the state of emergency situation he declared in Wau, Aweil East, Gogrial and parts of Tonj states.

President Salva Kiir addresses the nation from the State House on September 15, 2015, in Juba (Photo AFP/Charles Atiki Lomodong)

Aleu is expected to visit each of the states where emergency was declared or summon the governor in each of the state for briefings and provide guide on what needed to be done to improve the security situation in these areas.

He said it was an honour to oversee the security situation in the four states for three months. Some of the area where emergency was declared have witnessed significant unrest in past months, mainly communal conflicts in Gogrial, Jonglei and Tonj states.

Observers have, however, interpreted the order to mean an attempt by the president to deter supporters of the former chief of staff Paul Malong Awan from resorting to armed opposition in protest over the manner in which he was treated.

Awan remains under confinement since he returned to capital, Juba, after he abruptly left immediately following the announcement of his removal from the position. All his supporters in the military and other key institutions have been removed from influential positions and placed under strict security surveillance.

Kiir on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting of the national security committee in the capital, Juba a day after declaring a state of emergency in parts of the country.

The meeting followed the communal clashes in four states. The state of emergency covered parts of Aweil East, Wau, Gogrial and Jonglei states.

The order did not mention which specific places in the state were affected. It not known which areas will be affected since such a declaration is usually followed by the introduction of special measures such as increased powers for the police or army, usually connected to civil unrest or natural disasters like earthquakes.

Martial laws apply for civil unrest in the area and in most cases, the measures affect operations of local schools and other economic activities since it hampers movement.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir and the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday have discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries besides recent developments in the region.

FILE - Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir shaking hands with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz (Riyadh newspaper)

Al-Bashir arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for the second leg of his Arab Gulf tour that also took him to the UAE.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two leaders “reviewed relations between the two brotherly countries and developments in the region”.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to work together to promote cooperation to serve the common interests of the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Governor of Makkah Region Prince Khaled Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz and the Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers, Prince Mansour bin Mteib bin Abdul Aziz from the Saudi side.

It was also attended by the Minister of State Fadl Abdallah Fadl, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour, Minister of State, Director of the Office of President Hatim Hassan Bakhit, and Sudan's Ambassador to the Kingdom Abdel-Basit Al-Sanousi from the Sudanese side.

Last month, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt severed ties with Qatar accusing it of supporting Islamist terrorist groups and arch-foe Iran. But Doha vehemently denies the charges.

Sudan is among the Arab states that refused to take part in the ongoing diplomatic crisis and declared its support for the Kuwaiti efforts to settle the rift.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - President Omer al-Bashir agreed to a Saudi request to continue positive engagement with the US administration and its official agencies for the permanent lift of economic sanctions on Khartoum, announced he Sudanese government Tuesday.

Last week, the Sudanese president decided to suspend the participation of his government in a joint committee on the permanent revocation of sanctions In response to a decision by President Donald Trump to postpone his decision on the embargo for three months.

At the time, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour minimised the decision saying it does not mean the suspension of bilateral communications between the different agencies in the two countries.

In a joint statement read by the Sudanese foreign minister at the end of his visit to Riyadh where he met with the Kind Salman and the Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, al-Bashir publically cancelled his previous decision and accepted that his government officials resume the bilateral meeting on the sanctions.

"In response to the request of Saudi leadership, the President agreed to continue to communicate positively with the U.S. Administration and its official agencies in the coming period, in order to ensure the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan, in addition to removing Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and resolving all existing problems between the two countries," says the joint communiqué.

On 12 July, Washington said it needs to discuss with Khartoum the human rights situation and religious freedom in the east African country, besides its commitment to UN sanctions on South Korea.

The three matters were not part of the five-track framework negotiated between the two countries last year but the Administration was under huge pressure from 53 Congressmen and activists.

The statement further said that al-Bashir thanked the Saudi leadership for the efforts exerted to improve relations between the Sudan and the United States.

"The two sides stressed the importance of fighting terrorism and extremism and combat its financing because it represents a threat to peaceful societies around the world. They also reiterate their commitment to all international resolutions in this regard. "

The Saudi Arabia pledged in the past to support the lift of economic sanctions on Sudan.

There were reports saying that Riyadh supported the delay of permanent lift due to Khartoum refusal to cut relations with Qatar. But the Sudanese foreign ministry denied these reports.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KWAJOK) – A least 18 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in clashes involving the Apuk and Aguok communities of South Sudan's Gogrial state, an official disclosed.

Map of South Sudan showing Warrap state in red

“Some of our people are now moving to the side of the former Western Bahr el Ghazal and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states for fear of their lives,” said the state information minister, Ariech Mayar Ariech.

Ariech, however, said tension remained high as some group of youth suspected to be from the Aguok community attacked the Apuk, burning down villages and forcing residents to flee their homes.

“We need the intervention of many troops to have the state special forces that are now at the places of the clashes,” he added.

Tonj state governor, Akech Tong Aleu and his Gogrial state counterpart, Gregory Deng Kuac have reportedly camped in Gogrial state as they try to persuade the youth to stop fighting.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting of the national security committee, a day after a state of emergency was declared in parts of the country.

The meeting followed the communal clashes in four states. The state of emergency covered parts of Aweil East, Wau, Gogrial and Jonglei states.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan has reported an outbreak of fall armyworm pest in its Equatoria region, including Magwi, Yei and Juba, Northern Bahr el Gazal and in parts of Jonglei states.

Central Equatoria farmer, Regina Awate, in a field after a visit by the state Minister of Agriculture after the launch of a community seed and agricultural project in Yei County. (Source: Alfred Poverty Taban)

Fall armyworm is reportedly a new pest in Africa, preferring maize plants, but feeds on sorghum, millet and vegetables, among others.

However, as maize and sorghum are staple foods in the war-torn nation, there are fears the emergence of the deadly crop pest is likely to put an increasing number of people at risk of hunger.

“It is nearly impossible to eliminate this pest from South Sudan – now that it is here, it will stay. Following its initial detection in Magwi Country, it is spread to nearly all areas of the country at an alarming rate,” said Serge Tissot, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) representative in South Sudan.

“Given FAO's experience with the pest in other countries in Africa, we can say this could be a significant blow to prospects of agricultural recovery,” he added.

In the wake of the outbreak of the pest, FAO in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are continuing with assessment of fall armyworm infestation across the country.

“The results of these assessments will give a more accurate picture of where the pest is found, and extent of crop yield losses incurred in the affected areas,” said Tissot, adding “It is likely that it will spread both geographically and in intensity unless farmers learn to manage it.”

The fall armyworm arrival is an additional challenge for South Sudan which currently faces an unprecedented food crisis. More than 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.

“Experiences that have been shared in three regional technical meetings on fall armyworm convened by FAO point out difficulties that farmers are facing in controlling the pest,” said Lawrence Kedi, a FAO Agriculture officer.

“The range of options available for immediate response are limited as the knowledge of control interventions are low, and costs are high, leaving them out of reach for the majority of farmers in South Sudan,” he added.

The fall armyworm pest, experts say, has developed resistance to several pesticides and this reportedly calls for more coordinated research on the pest to understand how it adapts to the local environments and training of farmers in how to manage it.

South Sudan has a wealth of untapped agricultural resources. With 30 million hectares of arable land across six agro-ecological zones, the East African nation is capable of producing an array of agricultural products, from cereals to oil seeds, horticulture, and specialty products such as Shea butter and Gum Arabic.

However, despite the huge agricultural potential it possessed, only about 5% of the country's land is cultivated. Moreover, South Sudan also offers abundant water resources in the Nile basin, and forestry assets are plentiful, with tens of thousands of hectares of teak and other high-value hardwoods available for sustainable harvesting.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KAMPALA) – South Sudan government has admitted that it blocked access to the Paris-based Sudan Tribune website over its “hostile” news coverage.

“If they [Sudan Tribune website] have been disseminating hostile messages towards us then we have the authority to close them,” information minister Michael Makuei Lueth told Bloomberg Tuesday.

“So many countries have been closing down, even giving total blackout to such media houses which create hostility,” he added.

Multiple sources, however, confirmed that two other news websites were inaccessible on Monday after authorities directed internet providers to block them.

However, the Sudan Tribune and other banned websites remain reachable for our readers in South Sudan when they use Tor Browser or install applications like Fire Onion, Orfox and Tor nado on their smartphones.

The move comes barely two weeks after authorities arrested the head of the state-owned television, Adil Faris Mayat after the station failed to broadcast President Salva Kiir's Independence Day speech.

Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for the immediate release of Mayat, who has reportedly been held incommunicado since 10 July.

“We call for this journalist's immediate release,” said Cléa Kahn-Sriber, the head of RSF's Africa desk, adding “Frequent arbitrary measures of this kind by the security services and the accompanying impunity are killing media freedom in South Sudan and are holding back a return to peace and national reconciliation.”

After South Sudan obtained independence in 2011, a civil war broke out in 2013 and the ensuing political and security crisis has not spared the media. News outlets have been suspended, newspaper issues have been seized, and journalists have been detained arbitrarily, tortured, harassed, forced to censor themselves or forced to flee abroad.

The war-torn East African nation has fallen 20 places in RSF's World Press Freedom Index since 2015 and is now ranked 145th out of 180 countries.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Ministry of Minerals on Tuesday said revenues of gold exports during the first half of 2017 has amounted to $1,6 billion.

Gold bullion blocks pictured at a gold refinery in Khartoum on 11 October 2012 (SUNA)

According to the ministry's semi-annual performance report, the gold production of the first half of this year reached 50.22 tonnes during the first half of this year, saying the share of traditional mining sector reached 42,6 tonnes.

The report pointed that the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS) has exported 16,1 tonnes while the private sector exported 2,2 tonnes.

Meanwhile, the minister of minerals Hashim Ali Salim has called for the need to form a committee to review policies pertaining to buying and selling of gold, demanding revising mining laws and the fees imposed on gold prospectors.

Sudan currently ranks third in gold production behind South Africa and Ghana but aims to land in the first place by 2018.

Gold has become one of Sudan's largest exports which partially compensated for the loss in oil revenues, which accounted for more than 50% of income until 2011 when South Sudan seceded, taking with it most of the country's oil reserves.

Sudan approved a law to regulate traditional mining by granting licenses and specifying areas to work in to protect them from hazardous conditions and smuggling.

It is believed that traditional mining employs more than a million Sudanese but it is still difficult to obtain credible data.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Foreign Ministers of the east African regional bloc (IGAD) will meet in Juba on Sunday to discuss the report of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) on the implementation of South Sudan's peace agreement, said Sudan's Foreign Ministry.

President Salva Kiir (L) and rebel leader Riek Machar (R) attend the signing a ceasefire agreement during an IGAD summit on the South Sudan crisis in Addis Ababa on 1 February 2015 (Photo: Reuters/Tiksa Negeri)

South Sudan's peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa in August 2015 failed following the eruption of hostilities in the capital, Juba in July 2016. The conflict has since spread to Equatoria and Bahr El Ghazal regions, which were initially considered peaceful during the earlier periods when violence broke out in mid-December, 2013.

Last month, South Sudan's Minister of Information Michael Makuei said Juba would host a meeting for the IGAD countries and the Chiefs-of-Staff of Chiefs of the countries participating in the regional protection force during July.

The director of the Neighbouring Countries Department at Sudan's Foreign Ministry Bukhari Ghanim said his country's delegation to the IGAD meeting in Juba would be headed by the foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour.

He told the semi-official Sudan Media Center (SMC) Tuesday that Sudan works within the framework of the IGAD countries to achieve peace in South Sudan, pointing to the existence of a number of joint committees between Juba and Khartoum.

The Sudanese diplomat called for the need to make further official and popular contacts between the two countries, pointing to the importance to achieve understandings on the outstanding issues between Juba and Khartoum.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9th, 2011 following a referendum on whether the semi-autonomous region should remain a part of the country or become independent. 99% of the southern voters chose independence.

(ST)

July 18, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting of the national security committee in the capital, Juba a day after declaring a state of emergency in parts of the country.

South Sudan president Salva Kiir at a meeting with security officials, July 17, 2017 (ST)

The meeting followed the communal clashes in four states. The state of emergency covered parts of Aweil East, Wau, Gogrial and Jonglei states.

The order did not, however, mention which specific places in the state were affected. It not known which areas will be affected since such a declaration is usually followed by the introduction of special measures such as increased powers for the police or army, usually connected to civil unrest or natural disasters like earthquakes.

Martial laws apply for civil unrest in the area. And in most cases, the measures affect operations of local schools and other economic activities since it hampers movement.

South Sudan's First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, Vice the President James Wani Igga, Adviser for Security Tut Gatluak, Minister of National Security, Obuto Mamur, Minister of Defense Kuol Manyang, Minister of Interior, Michael Chiangjiek, Minister of Justice Paulino Wanawilla and the Minister of Information, Broadcasting & Postal Service, Michael Makuei Lueth attended the meeting.

However, the other officials and officers who attended the meeting were the minister in the office of the president, Mayiik Ayii, finance minister, Central Bank governor, the inspector general of police, deputy chief of defense forces, director generals for internal and external security bureaus of the security service, Akol Koor Kuc and Thomas Duoth and director of army military intelligence, Gen. Marial Nuor.

The country's minister of interior, who doubles as the spokesperson of the committee, Michael Chiangjiek said that the meeting discussed security situation in the Countrywide and the measures to be used to resolve the matters

Chiangjiek emphasised on the recent communal clashes between Jonglei state and Boma states were part of the agenda of the meeting held today. The committee, he said, condemned in "strongest" terms the attacks in which 30 people lost their lives, 18 wounded and 7,000 herds of cattle allegedly taken.

It was not clear which community took cows from which community in the region.

Unconfirmed reports, mainly on social media, blamed the ethnic Murle over the raid.

Chiangjiek said that the committee had agreed to form an investigation committee to look into the incident urgently. He said that the Boma state government had been ordered to collect all cattle that were raided and sent back to Jonglei state in order to avoid revenge from the youth of Jonglei state.Other issues discussed at the meeting were the deteriorating security situation in Gogrial state.

The committee reportedly agreed to deploy the army in the area to provide security and protect citizens.

(ST)

July 13, 2017 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir has issued a republican order sacking 14 judges who spearheaded a campaign seeking to improve working conditions in the the country's judiciary.

The republican order, read on the state-owned SSBC on Thursday, affected five courts of appeal judges, two from the high court, five first grade county judges and two second grade county judges.

President Kiir did not give reasons for the move and neither the office of the president nor that of the country's chief justice commented on the matter.

The chairperson of the judges and justices committee, Khalid Abdulla Mohamed and several colleagues who went on strike, demanding higher wages and the chief justice's resignation are among those affected.

The directive came after negotiations between judges and a committee formed by the president to hear their grievances failed to meet the demands set by the judicial officials.

The committee chaired by the minister of justice, his information and cabinet affairs counterparts did not, however, make any public comment about recommendations they presented to the president in relation to the grievances of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the courts of appeal judges sacked by the president include Khalid Mohamed Abdallah, Malek Mathiang Malek, Geri Raymondo Lege, George Anger Riing and Charles Abyei Jok.

High court judges affected include, Nyok Monyrok Akwai, Awol Moyak Deng, while the first grade county judges affected are, Thor Andrew Makur, Geri Leon Wani, David Eriko Kati, George Phillip Laku, Maker Tong Kiir. Also, the second grade county judges affected by the president's order are Bullen Isaiah Kulan and Paulino Duk Wayo.

(ST)

July 13, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan government admitted that its forces launched offensives to take control of Pagak, a stronghold of rebels loyal to former First Vice-President Riek Machar.

SPLA soldiers sit at the back of a pick-up truck in Malakal, Upper Nile state January 12, 2014. (Photo Reuters/Andreea Campeanu)

The presidential adviser on military affairs, Daniel Awet Akot said Thursday that the move resulted from the rebels' failure to observe the declared ceasefire.

“What can one do when the other side does not reciprocate the good gesture and the will to end the conflict? There are people who continue to advocate war. They have refused dialogue and refused to observe ceasefire,” Akot told Sudan Tribune.

He added, “They [rebels] did not declare ceasefire, instead what they are doing is attacking civilians and holding them hostage and using them as their bargaining card”.

Meanwhile, the information Michael Makuei Lueth said the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Kiir does not include Pagak area, a war-time opposition headquarters when the civil war began in 2013.

The minister equally justified the military offensives taken against the armed opposition fighters, saying rebels loyal to the exiled former First Vice-President had rejected the government's offer of a ceasefire.

“The SPLA-IO [Sudan People's Liberation Army-In-Opposition] movement led by Riek Machar does not recognize the peace agreement. It is saying the signed peace agreement is over, so they are not part of the peace agreement. The area of Paged has nothing to do with the ceasefire deal,” Lueth said on Thursday.

He, however, said the coalition government only recognizes the armed opposition faction loyal to Machar's successor, Taban Deng Gai, saying the latter recognizes the existence of the August 2015 peace agreement.

“We don't have any problem with the peace wing led by Taban Deng. The president had declared a unilateral ceasefire, but the rebels of Riek Machar failed to reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire and started attacking our positions, then we have the right to defend ourselves”, stressed the South Sudanese information minister.

About 5,000 civilians, the United Nations said, have been forced out of their homes in Pagak.

The head of the U.N mission in South Sudan said thousands of South Sudanese civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia as government troops advance towards Pagak, expressing grave concern on the growing refugee crisis.

“At least 25 aid workers have been forced to relocate from Pagak and surrounding areas due to increased insecurity,” said Shearer.

Stressing there was no military solution to the South Sudan conflict, the senior U.N official called upon all the warring both factions to stop the fighting.

“It's unacceptable that 250 innocent children, and the people who care for them, find themselves in no-man's land between the warring parties,” stressed Shearer.

The South Sudanese conflict started in mid-December 2013 when President Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people have died and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

July 13, 2017 (WASHINGTON) - U.S. officials Wednesday praised the efforts exerted by the Sudanese in the five-track engagement stressing that their decision to postpone the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan was just motivated by the need for more time to conclude this robust process.

On Wednesday the State Department organised a press background briefing to explain a decision by an interagency team to extend the review period for the revocation of the economic embargo on Sudan for additional three months. However, the three officials who are members of the assessment team preferred to remain anonymous during the call.

The three-month delay came after a tense campaign carried out by human rights activists and Congressmen to maintain the sanctions, insisting on the human rights record of the Sudanese government. Although there were some doubts over Khartoum commitment to the humanitarian access, the pressure remained high on human rights particularly when the activists pointed that the 1997 sanctions were also imposed against the bad human rights record of the Sudanese government and not only its support to terrorist groups.

"Sudan has made significant progress in these areas (five tracks) over the last six months, but given that a new administration came in January and looking at where we've gone and where we will go, the administration decided that it needed more time to review Sudan's actions and to establish that the government has demonstrated sustained, positive actions across all the areas that are set out in the executive order," said the senior administration officials.

They further reiterated that Washington remains committed to continuing this discussion on the five tracks but also to engage Khartoum "on other vital issues outside of the five-track arrangement", including "dialogue on improving Sudan's human rights and religious freedom record, and also to ensure that, like we are on track with that throughout the globe, committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea".

Angered by the additional postponement, the Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir ordered on Wednesday to suspend the ongoing discussions with the American administration over the normalisation of bilateral relations and the lift of sanctions.

But the senior officials minimised the decision saying they are waiting for official notification and more accurate details on the suspension.

The five track agreement, which was negotiated by the former U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Donald Both, includes the counterterrorism cooperation, the humanitarian access to the conflict areas, Sudan support to regional efforts to end the South Sudanese conflict and to fight against the Ugandan rebel group Lord Resistance Army.

Asked about the impact of the campaign by human rights activists and the Christian right group hostile to Khartoum, the senior officials ruled out such influence pointing that they haven't made a decision yet on the sanction but only delayed it.

Further, they went to explain that the three-month delay was motivated by the five tracks and the humanitarian access particularly.

"Humanitarian access has always been a real problem, and I think we've succeeded in reversing a number of longstanding impediments. The extended review period is going to let us do even more, and we want to make sure that our principle – which is unfettered humanitarian access in all contexts – is something that we could go forward with the Government of Sudan, and (those) restrictions on travel and other issues - that are inconsistent with the freedom of movement- are addressed and overcome," they said.

NORTH KOREA

"The implementation of Security Council resolutions in North Korea, and especially efforts to stem North Korean missile proliferation and financing activities, is a top security priority for the President," said the officials to explain why they included it in agenda of bilateral talks even if it is not part of the five-track process.

Hover ever they stressed the North Korean matter has not been added to the five track framework but "it has been a continual concern we have with the Sudanese Government, and we've expressed that all along".

During a visit to Seoul on 1 November 2016, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour announced that Khartoum had severed its diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and added there was no longer any military cooperation with the government of South Korea.

In March 2017, a report released by UN experts said that North Korea in 2013 supplied Sudan with sophisticated air-to-ground missiles that use satellite guidance systems.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (WAU) – The governor of South Sudan's Wau state, Andrea Mayar Acho has slightly reshuffled his cabinet.

Those affected were the deputy governor, two ministers, two commissioners, the state security advisor and the town mayor.

Acho, in a gubernatorial decree issued Tuesday, relived his deputy, Anthony Charles Barende, state security advisor, Dominic Emilio Bafuka, local government minister James Joseph Uyu, among others.

Also sacked was the council of ministers' secretary general Acho Modesto Wol.

Although no reason was given in the decree, the governor thanked the outgoing officials for the services they delivered during their time in office.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan's armed opposition forces on Wednesday dismissed claims that they detained three aid workers working with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in Pagak.

South Sudanese rebels pictured in Jonglei state on 31 January 2014 (Photo: Reuters/Goran Tomasevic)

UNICEF said three of its subcontractors have been detained in Pagak, the headquarters of the armed opposition faction loyal to Riek Machar.

A deputy rebel spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul, said their forces never abducted humanitarian workers as alleged.

“The SPLA-IO strongly refutes accusations made yesterday in the joint press release of Taban Deng Gai's loyalists that our forces abducted and detained three UNICEF contractors in Pagak,” said Lam.

He added, “SPLA-IO under the leadership of Riek Machar Teny does not harass NGO [Non-Governmental Organizations] or UN staffs”.

Over the years, aid workers have been increasingly targeted in various conflict zones in the country, where at least 80 humanitarian workers have been killed since conflict began in December 2013.

The South Sudanese conflict started in mid-December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people been killed and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (KAMPALA) – War-torn South Sudan is due to host the first ever dedicated energy and infrastructure conference in the nation's history.

Organized by Africa Oil & Power and fully commissioned by the government, the event will take place in the capital, Juba from 11-12 October.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir is expected to deliver the keynote address at the conference where industry experts, government officials and private sector leaders will advance discussions on the extraordinary investment opportunities in energy and infrastructure.

“This is a historic event for South Sudan, a country that is demonstrating its commitment to peace and stability and where oil and gas are the bedrock of the economy,” Guillaume Doane, CEO of Africa Oil & Power said in a statement.

He said South Sudan, East Africa's only oil producer, has a profound legacy in oil and gas, stressing that “we are eager to work with our government partners to attract the interest of companies”.

“We are witnessing the emergence of a country with vast potential,” he added.

South Sudan Oil & Power will reportedly assess the security, technology and infrastructure needs for developing all segments of the industry, and how to finance, build and operate new projects.

The program, an official said, will also explore local content, supporting infrastructures such as roads and telecoms, gas monetization and power investment, with a focus on regional integration.

“South Sudan Oil & Power is an outstanding opportunity for our country to showcase its incredible potential in both energy and infrastructure,” said South Sudan's Petroleum Minister, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.

“We welcome any and all visitors to discover the wealth of natural resources we have and the accommodating investment environment being created by our people,” he added.

South Sudan's major petroleum companies, including Nilepet, Dar Petroleum Operating Company, Greater Pioneer Operating Company and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company, as well as locally based private enterprises, will attend the event.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan government troops launched offensives against a rebel stronghold in north of the country, the head of the United Nations mission in the country said.

SPLM (IO) Chairman, Riek Machar, addressing the 2nd National Liberation Council (NLC) meeting in Pagak, November 5, 2015 (ST Photo)

David Shearer said there was "heavy fighting" and an "extremely worrying" situation around the town of Pagak, in the Upper Nile region, over the past week, forcing civilians and aid workers to flee.

Pagak has been a military stronghold for the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) loyal to former First-Vice President, Riek Machar.

At least 5,000 civilians, he said, have been forced out of their homes.

According to Shearer, thousands of South Sudanese civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia as government troops advance towards Pagak, expressing grave concern about what is already the world's fastest growing refugee crisis.

“At least 25 aid workers have been forced to relocate from Pagak and surrounding areas due to increased insecurity,” said Shearer.

Stressing there was no military solution to the South Sudan conflict, Shearer called upon all the warring both factions to stop the fighting.

“It's unacceptable that 250 innocent children, and the people who care for them, find themselves in no-man's land between the warring parties,” said Shearer.

The South Sudanese conflict started in mid-December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people been killed and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudanese legislators have ended several months of dispute over how to distribute parliamentary seats between parties in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

South Sudanese MPs stand during a parliamentary session in Juba on 31 August 2011 (AFP)

In a parliamentary announcement on Wednesday, the lawmakers approved Twenty-five chairpersons and their deputies, who were appointed to the Specialized Parliamentary Committees. The announcement puts to rest a stalemate on the matter.

The Committees were dissolved in May to pave way for the formation of a new leadership that includes all the political parties represented in the Parliament as per the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

The appointment procedure became controversial after previous appointees were rejected by MPs on the ground that the speaker's selection criteria were inappropriate and did not reflect regional balance.

The SPLM party leadership then decided to increase the number of parliamentary committees from 18 to 25 in order to accommodate all political parties in line with the signed peace agreement according to Atem Garang, the SPLM Chief whip.

Anthony Lino Makana said the latest appointment was done in coordination with Chief Whips of parties represented in the Assembly and was free, fair and transparent.

List of the new Chairpersons and Deputies

1- Committee on Security, Defence and Public Order

Hon. Daivid Okwier Akuay

Hon. Maker Thiong Maal

2-Committee on Legislations and Justice.

Hon. John Clement Kuc Achol

Hon. Gatluak Ruon Nyuot

3- Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Hon. Prof George Bureng Nyombe

Hon. Mary Nayrieka Lorjok

4- Committee on Information Communication Technology.

Hon. Paul Yoane Bonju

Hon. Philip Jiben Ogyal

5- Committee on Members, Affairs, Ethics and Integrity

Hon. Martin Tako Moyi

Hon. Mary Nyiyom Lual Kadjok

6- Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

Hon. Daniel Dhieu Matuet

Hon. Mary Puru Michael

7- Committee on Federal Affairs

Hon. Otim David Paul Okot

Hon. Michael Rwot Koryom

8- Committee on Regional Integration

Hon. Lydia John Jok Chol

Hon. Aisha Abbas Akuei

9- Committee on Government Assurance: Monitoring, Evaluation and Follow-up

Hon. Grace Amo Alex Abalang

Hon. David Dokori Alili

10- Committee on Labour, Public Service and Human Resources.

Hon. Madut Biar Yel

Hon. Victor Omuho Ohidei

11- Committee on Finance and planning

Hon. Dr. David Nailo Mayo

Hon. Jonathan Jongkuc Kulang

12- Committee on Public Accounts

Hon. Kot Martin Mirich

Hon. Ayak Ngor Athian

13- Committee on Petroleum, Energy and Minning

Hon. James Lual Deng Kuel

Hon. Suzan Peter Machar

14- Committee on Trade, Industry and Investment

Hon. Kom Kom Geng

Hon. Ayen Luka Ngor

15- Committee on Food Security, Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries

Hon. Deng Tong Kuol

Hon. John Mayual Nyot

16- Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure

Hon. Eng. Majok Dut Mwuorwel

Hon. Martha Atong Monsur

17- Committee on Environment, Forestry, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism

Hon. Rejoice Bauda Simon

Hon. Akuot Chan Kawac

18- Committee on Water Resources and Irrigation

Hon. John Gatnyai Thot

Hon. Leticia Ihure Santino

19- Committee on Constituency Development Fund

Hon. Adeng Leek Deng

Hon. Allajabu Samson Sabur Oryam

20- Committee on Transport, Roads and Bridges.

Hon. Paul Pur Liah Liew

Hon. Said Saleh Uku

21- Committeee on Gender, Child, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs

Hon. Dr. Martha Martin Dar

Hon. Bernardo Kpasira Martin

22- Committee on Health

Hon. Catherine Peter Laa Ajawin

Hon.Riek Manyiel Ayuel

23- Committee on Education, Research Science and Technology.

Hon. Ahmed Mohamed Musa

Hon. Simon Udum Aye

24- Committee on Culture, Youth and Sports

Hon. David Unyo Demey

Hon. Gege Morris Konyi

25- Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.

Hon. Imelda Aluel Bol

Hon. Ramadhan Al-Amin Musa

(ST)

July 12, 2107 (KHARTOUM) - Share price of Sudanese companies listed on the UAE capital markets fell sharply during trading on Wednesday after the U.S. President Donald Trump delayed the lifting of trade and financial sanctions imposed on Sudan.

An engineer stands in front of a new electronic trading board at the Khartoum stock exchange April 25, 2011 (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

On Tuesday, Trump delayed the lift of economic sanctions on Sudan for a three-month period until next October saying more time is needed to appreciate the permanent revocation of the 20-year embargo.

According to the Turkish Anadolu Agency, the share price of the Sudanese, Al-Salam Bank listed on Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has declined by 3,85% topping the list of the losing stocks.

Also, the share price of the Sudatel Telecom Group (STG) listed on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (A.D.X.) has dropped by 3,64%.

Last January, former President Barack Obama eased the 19-year economic and trade sanctions on Sudan allowing resumption of trade exchange and banking transactions between the two countries.

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said his government is committed to the lift of sanctions within three months “if the Government of Sudan (GOS) sustains the positive actions that gave rise to” the initial decision taken by the former President Barack Obama.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan has announced plans to remove a fuel subsidy; sparking fear such move could increase prices of basic commodities in an economic crisis caused by the unabated conflict.

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

Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said removing fuel subsidy would allow the government to use what it would save from the cut to paying salaries of the civil servants on time.

“We need to seriously consider reducing or eliminating the fuel price subsidy managed by Nilepet – this is the single most viable option for increasing resources for Government spending in 2017-18.

If we eliminate the fuel price subsidy, we will be in a position to pay salaries on time, something we have struggled to do this year,” said Minister Dau.

The Africa's youngest nation is also experiencing a severe fuel shortage, with consumers queuing for hours outside fuel stations and often paying way over the new price for black-market products.

The minister told reporters on Wednesday that it was time to take painful decision to salvage the situation instead of burying heads in the sand hoping for miracles to fall from the sky.

“There can never be miracles to the current situation. It requires political will and the decision of the leadership to stand behind current reforms. We share the pains of the current situation with our citizens but the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of current times imply that we must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues. We cannot just sit down and watch the citizens wail haplessly. That is the best way to handle the situation. Something has to be done to alleviate this suffering,” he appealed.

Observers say the cost of fuel will rise from 22 South Sudanese pound per litre if the subsidy is removed after the budget is approved by parliament after it has been approved by the council of ministers.

(ST)