Sudan Tribune

June 9, 2017(BOR) – A child was killed, two others injured while another was abducted in South Sudan's Jonglei state, officials said.

The map of Jonglei state in red

The incident, which occurred Thursday, violates terms of a ceasefire agreement signed in the capital, Juba last month.

The commissioner of Bor West county, Simon Thon Ayuen, said a number of goats were also confiscated during the same attack.

“Two people were injured and one killed in an attack in which suspected Murle ethnic tribesmen abducted a five-year old boy”, he said.

He said the attackers attacked a home at Char-akau in Bor West, injuring a four-year old girl as well as killing the deceased relative.

The incident a clear indication of the series of violation to the ceasefire agreement that was signed in Juba under the chairmanship of First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (NEW YORK) - Egyptian and Ethiopian diplomats have called on the United Nations Security Council to suspend the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir, who is charged with masterminding a campaign of genocide in Darfur.

United Nations Security Council meeting which unanimously adopted resolution 2228 (2015) extending the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) June 29, 2015 (UN Photo)

In a report to the Security Council on the situation in Darfur on Thursday, the ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, urged the 15-member body to take concrete action that would help to arrest suspects of alleged genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, including President Omer al-Bashir.

Commenting on her report, Egypt's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, said the ICC proceedings against al-Bashir lust be suspended.

"The Court must be careful not to jeopardise peace and security on the African continent," he said.

Referring to South Africa, Aboulatta disagreed with any action taken against an African State under the pretext that the State had not complied with the Court because it had not arrested President Al-Bashir and handed him over to the Court.

In April 2017, at an unprecedented hearing at the ICC, the South African government denied flouting international law and broken its obligations to the Court when it refused in June 2015 to arrest President al-Bashir who attended an African Union meeting in Pretoria.

The African Union had called for the withdrawal of Darfur-related matters and had expressed concern that the Security Council had not responded to that request.

For his part, the Ethiopian Ambassador to the United Nations Tekeda Alemu cited the disappointment of African countries by the manner in which the Court had been operating.

Also, Alemu reiterated the African Union's request for the Court to end its pursuit of a case against the Sudanese president and called to finding home-grown solutions.

He added that the African Union "was convinced that the referral of the situation in Darfur to the Court would cause more harm than good while seriously undermining ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict".

On the ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Darfur, he said peace process had shown significant progress, but more remained to be done.

"The Council should do its part, including by exerting pressure on armed movements to put an end to the suffering of the people of Darfur," he said and called on the rebel groups to lay down their arms.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - UN Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom discussed on Thursday with the Sudanese foreign ways to reinvigorate regional and international efforts to bring peace in South Sudan.

Nicholas Haysom appointed UN special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan (UN photo)

The visiting South African diplomat also discussed the ongoing rift within the rebel SPLM-N with Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, a presidential aide and chief negotiator for the peace talks and the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) leader Sadiq al-Mahdi.

According to the foreign ministry spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir Haysom discussed with Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour ways to activate the ongoing regional and international efforts to achieve peace and stability in South Sudan.

Khidir added the discussions included the "preparations for the IGAD Summit on the situation in South Sudan, which will be held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on June 12."

Ghandour stressed Sudan's keenness to achieve peace in South Sudan and the pivotal role of Sudan in all efforts and initiatives aimed at ending the over three-year crisis in the neighbouring country.

The Sudanese Foreign Minister, according to the statement, further said that Sudan has exercised the utmost wisdom, self-restraint and patience with the South Sudan which he accused of supporting the Sudanese armed groups.

The IGAD leaders will discuss ways to bring the warring parties to end the fighting and allow humanitarian access to the needy in the war affected areas.

They also intend to see how they can hold an inclusive national dialogue process including the main armed group SPLM-IO which Juba does not want to see in the political process for the time being.

SPLM-N RIFT

Haysom who facilitate the efforts of the African Union mediation to end the conflict in the Two Areas discussed the ongoing crisis in the SPLM-N and its impact on the peace process.

"We held a fruitful meeting with the head of the government negotiating delegation, in which we clearly expressed our concern about divisions within the SPLM-N and ways to speed up the implementation of the African Union roadmap," the UN special envoy told reporters after the meeting.

He added they agreed that is too early, at this stage, to predict the consequences of divisions within the SPLM-N, adding they will continue to monitor closely those developments.

Haysom also met with the NUP leader Sadiq al-Mahdi but both didn't made any statement about the meeting.

"The meeting discussed the current political situation and the latest developments and developments at the local and international levels," said a short statement released by the opposition group after the encounter.

Al-Mahdi is a political ally of the SPLM-N. The NUP and the SPLM-N are signatories of a roadmap agreement brokered by the African Union mediation.

The Sudanese opposition groups keep silent over the rift in the armed group as Abdel Aziz al-Hilu who is appointed to replace Malik Agar by the Nuba Mountains body calls for self determination for his region.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (ADDIS ABABA) - The Ethiopian parliament on Thursday deliberated over a draft budget for the upcoming Ethiopian fiscal year of 2010 which begins from August 2017-June 2018.

State Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Abraham Tekeste, Thursday presented the draft budget proposed last week to Parliament for discussion.

Last Friday the council of ministers proposed 320.8 Birr (USD 13.8 Billion) which the new budget had seen a rise of $ 2.02 billion (16.9%) to that of the current fiscal year.

Of the total, some $ 4.9 billion are allocated for capital expenditures while some $ 3.55 billion are slated for regular expenses.

Over $ 5.08 billion (some 36.6%) is allocated to subsidies regional states.

Some $ 303 million are allotted to enforce the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The new budget has seen $ 2.02 billion (some 16.9%) rise to that of the just-ending fiscal Ethiopian year.

State minister, Abraham said the draft budget was designed taken to account the socio-economic devolvement activities and impact of continental and global economic situation as well as pledges of international aid donors.

At the Parliament hearing today, Abraham said the country is expected to register 11.1% of economic growth in 2017/18 Ethiopian fiscal year.

After discussions, the Parliament has referred the draft budget to the budget and finance affairs to further scrutiny.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Thursday renewed calls to arrest the Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir and other suspects of alleged war crimes and genocide in Darfur region.

The Hague-based court issued arrest warrants for Bashir in 2009 and 2010, accusing him of committing genocide and other atrocities during a counterinsurgency campaign in western Sudan region of Darfur.

However, Bashir continues to defy the arrest warrants and travel across the world including in ICC state members where he is welcomed by its leaders. Also, Sudan last March criticised a UN spokesperson for calling to arrest and hand over Bashir to the war crimes court.

“Not one of the suspects for whom warrants have been issued has been arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court,” ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the United Nations Security Council.

Further, she said that the victims and their families should not despair or abandon hope, pointing that the international tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia were reminders that persistence and determination could result in the arrest and surrender of suspects many years after the issuance of arrest warrants.

The UN Security Council referred the Darfur case to the ICC for investigation in March 2005 under a Chapter VII resolution since Sudan is not a member of the ICC.

“The States that form this Council have the power, independently and collectively, to positively influence and incentivize States, whether or not parties to the Rome Statute, to assist in the efforts to arrest and surrender the Darfur suspects,” she said, adding that regional organisations can do the same.

Bensouda noted that to date, the Court has made 13 decisions on non-compliance and referred them to the Security Council.

“Yet not one has been acted upon by this Council,” she said. “By failing to act in response to such Court decisions, this Council is, in essence, relinquishing and undermining its clear role on such matters,” she stressed.

Regarding his trips South Africa, the prosecutor said the ICC pre-trial chamber plans to decide whether South Africa acted in non-compliance with the Statute when it failed to arrest and hand over al-Bashir in June 2015.

By the end of March 2017, the Sudanese president travelled to Jordan to attend an Arab League meeting, but Jordan declined to arrest and surrender him.

“Inviting, facilitating or supporting the international travel of any person subject to an ICC arrest warrant is inconsistent with a commitment to international criminal justice,” she said. “It is also an affront to the victims in the Darfur situation,” she said.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir will not attend regional bloc's (IGAD) extraordinary summit due in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa on Monday, his office announced on Thursday.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (L), South Sudanese President Salva Kiir (C) and Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta in Juba, December 26, 2013 (AP)

The summit, to be attended by IGAD heads of state and government, is expected to discuss the dire security and humanitarian situation facing South Sudan and the obstacles to the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August, 2015.

An official at the office of the South Sudanese presidency confirmed Kiir's absence.

“He [Kiir] will not attend the IGAD summit. The president has already sent a letter of apology through the minister in his office,” said the spokesperson for South Sudan presidency, Ateny Wek Ateny.

“There are no reasons, but the president is attending to other things here in South Sudan. The team that will represent the president has not yet been formed,” he added.

Ateny said the South Sudanese leader had other commitments in the war-torn nation, adding that government was implementing the 2015 peace accord.

Several military and government officials attributed Kiir's change of mind to advice from security and the Jieng Council of Elders (JCE), who reportedly think regional leaders may force Kiir to make concessions in favour of armed opposition forces.

Others claim the main reason for the president's absence stems from fears that he could be blocked from returning to the country since the army is divided after he sacked the army chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan from his post in May.

There are also concerns from the leadership on why the summit was called at the time when the armed opposition forces have stepped up their activities in the region.

The summit is among others, expected to help find amicable remedies to the dire security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

The extraordinary summit was called by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also the current chairperson of the regional bloc.

Desalegn said the implementation of South Sudan's 2015 peace deal was lagging behind and fighting still rages on, despite declaration of a unilateral ceasefire and the recent launch by the recent launch of the national dialogue.

South Sudan descended into civil war after President Kiir fired Riek Machar as vice president in 2013. A peace deal signed in 2015 is yet to be fully implemented.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (JUBA) - More than 10 people were killed and dozens wounded when unknown gunmen attacked vehicles travelling on the Juba-Nimule highway Thursday.

General view of Juba Nimule road leading to Nimule Park and neighbouring Uganda (Pinterest photo)

No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The police spokesman, Brigadier Daniel Justin confirmed the incident, which occurred near Moli village in Eastern Equatoria state.

The attackers, according to the police spokesman, overpowered the military escort, resulting in the death of three government soldiers while three others were wounded as they escorted buses.

"What happened was a barbaric act, it is a banditry activity. And so it is unfortunate that 14 people have lost their lives, 10 have been injured and the cars in which they were travelling have been burnt,” Justin told reporters in the capital, Juba Thursday.

He added, “The police and other organised forces have stepped up measures to restore law and order".

The attack highlights a rise in insecurity and casts doubt on the sustainability of a unilateral ceasefire President Salva Kiir declared.

The 192 km Juba-Nimule highway is the only paved road in South Sudan and is vital for supply of goods from neighbouring countries to the young nation.

(ST)

June 8, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The newly appointed chairman of the People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, Thursday has accepted to temporarily assume the leadership of the group in order to overcome the crisis the armed group experiences since several months.

Abel Aziz al-Hilu (Reuters file photo)

"Taking into consideration the leadership vacuum caused by the crisis and the rift caused by the unfortunate events in the Blue Nile region, in addition to the absence of a Manifesto and national structures, I hereby accept the temporary assignment to contain the crisis on the one hand, and work with the two Councils (of the Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile) to accomplish the following tasks: 1-break the rift (the group is experiencing) 2- complement and build the temporary national structures to prepare for the General Conference," said al-Hilu in a statement he released.

In a meeting held on Wednesday in the SPLM-N controlled areas in South Kordofan, the Nuba Mountains Liberation Council (NMLC) decide to relieve Malik Agar from the chairmanship of the group and appointed al-Hilu to replace him.

Last March, the NMLC declined to accept al-Hilu's resignation and sacked Yasir Arman, the SPLM-N secretary-general and chief negotiator. The latter was accused by al-Hilu of refusing to include the demand for self-determination in the agenda of talks with the Sudanese government.

However, al-Hilu in his statement said Agar and Arman have contributed to the struggle of the group and have the right retain their membership in the Movement, to take part in the general conference, and to run for any position in the organisation as any other member.

"Thus, it is clear that my mission is limited to creating a conducive environment and achieving unity and harmony between the different components of the Movement until the General Conference, after what I will hand over the responsibility to the leadership elected by the Conference," he asserted.

Agar didn't react to the decision of the Nuba Mountains body to dismiss him from the leadership of the group. However, a source close to the rebel leader says they are expected to riposte to these developments soon.

Also, SPLM-N spokesperson for peace talks Mubarak Ardol released a statement where he accused al-Hilu of plotting take power adding that the NMLC decisions have no value and that the new leader is not a factor of unity within the SPLM-N nor in the Nuba Mountains.

CALLS FOR SUPPORT

Nonetheless, SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi has called on the leadership and members of the armed group to contribute and support the new leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.

Wednesday's decisions were "eagerly awaited by the people of the SPLM for a long time ago to reform Movement and direct it to fulfil the desires and aspirations of the marginalised, and in support of the decision of the Blue Nile Liberation Council," he said in a statement released on Thursday.

He said the Nuba Mountains Liberation Council was forced to take these decisions because of its keenness to accomplish the vision of the New Sudan and to preserve the SPLM-N unity.

He further expressed the hope that all the "comrades" would stand by the new leadership and appealed the SPLM member and all those who support the New Sudan project to support and contribute with their opinions and ideas.

He stressed that "the next phase under the new leadership will witness the establishment of the SPLM institutions at all levels."

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan rebels say they repulsed several attacks by pro-government forces in the eastern and western part of the country's former Central Equatoria states on Friday morning.

The map of Western Equatoria in red

The armed opposition's deputy spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul said both attacks were foiled with “heavy losses” suffered by the attackers.

“Government forces attacked SPLA-IO base around Yeri in Amadi state at about 6:30am. This provoked our forces and as a result the aggressors were repulsed and pursued up to the county headquarters and at about 9:00am, Yeri county was liberated,” Lam said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

During the attack, he added, rebels captured 33 AK-47 guns in good condition, while pro-government forces allegedly lost 10 fighters.

Sudan Tribune could, however, not independently verify the rebels' statement.

Meanwhile, a separate attack reportedly occurred on the armed opposition base around Mundiri-Rumbek junction at about 10: am on Friday.

Lam said four pro-government soldiers died and eight were injured.

The attacks, however, come less than two week after South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced unilateral ceasefire with the country's rebels following the launch of the national dialogue initiative.

The armed opposition leader Riek Machar criticized the initiative as a “one-sided” process that ignores participation of the political groups.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in the country's worst violence since its independence in 2011.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai has urged the United Nations Security Council to desist from communicating to the country's armed opposition leader, Riek Machar.

Taban Deng Gai addresses delegates after he was sworn-in as South Sudan FVP inside the Presidential Palace in the capital of Juba, July 26, 2016 (Photo Reuters/ Jok Solomun)

Gai, in a 1 June letter, claimed Machar was using the Security Council of the world body to legitimize the brutal and bloody policy of incitement and tribal agenda to continue waging war.

The policy of incitement, he said, continues to displace ordinary citizens from their areas and prolong the suffering of the people.

"Such brutal and sadistic behaviour of Riek Machar must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. He should have not been allowed to use a noble forum such as the UN Security council to preach his outdated and unfounded claims against the president of the republic of South Sudan and the Transitional Government of national Unity,” partly reads the letter to the Security Council.

It further said the engagement of the U.N Security Council with the South Sudanese rebel leader was an “insult” to the lives of innocent people who are victims of barbaric acts of Machar and his group.

Gai, in his letter, urged the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-Plus to desist from engaging with the armed opposition leader.

“He [Machar] is using the blood of Nuer community to attain power and this cannot be tolerated anymore", further reads the letter.

Machar's engagement with the world leaders, it adds, frustrates efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the young nation.

Gai, a former rebel chief negotiator, was hastily appointed the country's First Vice President after Machar was pushed out of Juba in the aftermath of the violence that erupted in Juba in July last year.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (BOR) - The mayor of Bor town in South Sudan's Jonglei state, Akim Ajieth has criticized the judiciary over a letter, which calls for the immediate dissolution of the bench court in the state capital.

Ajieth said the letter, written by high court president in the state, Jairo Ajang, violated provisions of the country's transitional constitution.

He said he acted within his powers and did not violate any law.

“I have not violated any article, what they were actually complaining about was that I should have consulted them before taking any action. Otherwise the powers to dissolution and powers to appoint rest only with the mayor. And it is up to me to consult them or not to consult them,” the mayor told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

He also described the decision he undertook as an “administrative issue” which had nothing to do with the judicial powers in the state.

“What they usually do is to confer powers up on the new members, that means I appoint and they [judiciary] confer judicial powers,” said the mayor,” Ajieth said.

He further said the judiciary had special interest in the bench, having allegedly refused to cooperate on several occasions in the past.

“There was no need to consult this time because in the past I had consulted them but they did not cooperate with us, they were not in good faith, they were delaying. I think they have interest in the bench court. I did not know they had some interest in it,” said Ajieth.

“Judiciary is trying to interfere in our work, they should step backward a little and give us a space to breath”, he further added.

The high court president, in the letter, requested government and public to consider as “null” and “void” the dissolution of the bench court and its newly appointed members.

Ajieth, however, insisted the letter was addressed to the whole world.

“What they [judiciary] have done is totally unbelievable. And this clearly shows that they interest, they have hidden agenda. The way they had written their letter, it was not addressed to me, I was not copied. I don't know to whom they were writing their letter to, they were just writing it to the air, writing it to everyone who may be concern which is to the whole world. I just assumed that I have not received any letter from them”, said the mayor.

He said the four-year term of members of the bench court expired and many of the cases they had handled are being challenged before the court of appeal in the state.

“Members in the bench court were incompetent, no experience, they had not served before as judges. They fought in the court, they engaged in physical confrontation, which is very unacceptable. That is why we decided to bring in people who are very competent, people who know what to do”, said Ajieth.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Liberation Movement Transitional Council (SLM-TC) has rejected to negotiate with the Sudanese government saying the regime of President Omer al-Bashir is not serious about peace.

SLM-TC leader Nimer Abdel Rahman (ST file Photo)

In coordinated operations with the SLM-Minni Minnawi, the holdout rebel group recently fought the Sudanese government army and militias in North and East Darfur.

However, the group suffered significant losses after the killing of its general commander Mohamed Abdel Salam Tarada in East Darfur and the capture of its leader Nimer Abdel Rahman in Ain Siro, North Darfur.

In a statement on the SLM-TC position on the cessation of hostilities and the negotiations with the Sudanese government, the group said

Transitional Council for the Sudan Liberation Army Movement's position on the process of cessation of hostilities and to negotiate with the regime.

Based on the past experiences, and the deals the government signed with other groups "We have concluded that there is no point in wasting time with an evasive regime that does not commit itself to the signed agreements''.

"The ethnic cleansing regime in Khartoum does not want a peaceful solution or peace in Darfur or the rest of Sudan" rather it seeks to "build it its racist, Arabic and Islamic state" further said Mohamed Saleh Rizallah, the SLM-TC head of external and diplomatic relations.

"We in the Transitional Council are working with all our strength to reunite the ranks of the true revolutionary forces and to work together to bring down this bloody regime," further said the statement.

Rebel sources said the foiled military operation meant to reach the mountainous area of Jebel Marra where they can establish a base and launch attacks on the government forces in the region.

The SLM-TC which is formed by breakaway rebels from the SLM-Abdel Wahid is the second group to reject negotiations with the government.

The SLM-AW says it can only negotiate the root causes of the conflict, adding the regime has to repair all the consequences of the war including the financial compensation, restitution of confiscated lands and trial of the culprits responsible for atrocities and war crimes.

The SLM-MM and the Justice and Equality Movement are participating in a peace process brokered by the African Union.

However, the process is stalled over the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur as the government says it should be the basis of the talks and the two groups demand a new framework agreement for peace in the western Sudan region.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Chadian armed opposition elements have participated in the recent fighting in North Darfur alongside the Sudanese rebel groups, said the head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Saturday.

RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) (SUNA photo)

RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune said Chadian opposition forces were involved in the clashes with the two Sudan Liberation Movement factions led by Minni Minnawi and Nimer Abdel Rahman.

He further said the Chadian rebels led by Colonel Gardi participated in Wadi Hawar and Ain Siro battles with the SLM factions, adding that after their defeat in the second combat they fled to Fonu area not far from the area where resides the Mahameed tribal leader Musa Hilal.

"Our information confirms that there is a coordination between the Sudanese and Chadian oppositions. We know who finances the latter harbours and supports it logistically," said Hametti.

"This Chadian rebel force has been stationed in the area of Fonu, near the settlement of Sheikh Musa Hilal for more than two months," further stressed Hametti without accusing Hilal who is the head of his tribe of colluding with the rebels.

Hametti statement was released following accusations last week directed by Hilal against the RSF saying they attacked his area after Ain Siro battle.

A leading member of the Revolutionary Awakening Council chaired by Musa Hilal, Haroun Mdaikhir confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the RSF hunted Chadian rebels who took part in Ain Siro battle and sought refuge at Musa Hilal settlement.

He added that the RSF began to provoke Hilal's partisans but apologised to him after that.

Hametti in his statement was keen to say that he directed his forces to retreat from Fonu area "in order to protect the lives of civilians".

The Chadian President Idris Deby was in Khartoum the day of Ain Siro battle where he held a meeting with President Omer al-Bashir and left back to Ndjamena without any statements to the press.

Chad and Sudan have agreed in 2010 to unify they efforts to fight armed insurgents in both countries and to prevent their presence within their territories.

Sudan says Darfur armed groups carried their attacks from Libya and South Sudan.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (JUBA) - The former South Sudanese political detainees have issued a statement stating that ending the war in the country should be the priority before to hold a national dialogue or to discuss the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)'s reunification .

Former SPLM secretary-general Pagan Amum attends his court trial in the South Sudan capital, Juba, on 11 March 2014 (Photo: Reuters/Andreea Campanu)

"We note with dismay that the current war which resumed in earnest in July 2016, and its myriad effects of cruel targeting of civilian populations, has sadly spread to cover the whole of Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria states as well as parts of Lakes, Warrap and Aweil states, with catastrophic consequences", reads a June 2, 2017 statement bearing signature of Pagan Amum Okiech, leader of the former political detainees.

The statement their refusal to join the dialogue process or other political efforts to end the three-year crisis was taken after a meeting where they deliberated on issues of war and peace in South Sudan.

"The issues discussed included; The proposed National Dialogue, rampant insecurity and its effects, critique and implementation of ARCISS (peace agreement), SPLM reunification, the current humanitarian catastrophe and the collapsed economy," said the statement.

The group said they support, in principle, the national dialogue as a concept for resolving the deep national crisis "that the government of the day has led the country into"

But the opposition group voiced they have "grave concerns and reservations with the manner and the modalities" set up by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to conduct this political process.

"The manner and the modalities set up by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, which, in our view, are not in line with the known best practices. these include, among others, lack of consultation with other stakeholders on agenda and nomination, unilateral determination of modalities, ground rules and guidelines, lack of transparency of the process, absence of inclusivity and integrity," it adds.

Amum, however, said they are disposed to engage on the matters they have enumerated with the view of finding remedies or initiating a new independent and inclusive process.

The former detainees and several other opposition groups call to create a conducive environment and to implement a number of confidence building measures like the cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access and the inclusiveness of the national dialogue process.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese government Saturday said the security organs have taken the necessary measures to apprehend the perpetrators of the killing of the peacekeeper to bring them to justice.

A Nigerian soldier from the African Union-United Nation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) was shot dead by unknown gunmen in a carjacking incident in downtown Nyala, South Darfur capital on Wednesday.

On Friday, the members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) called on the Sudanese government “to swiftly conduct a full investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice”, saying “attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law”.

In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune, Sudan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Gharib-Allah Kidir condemned the killing of the Nigerian blue helmet and offered condolences to his family and the government and people of Nigeria.

“Sudan's government affirms that it would pursue the perpetrators until they are arrested and brought to justice,” said the press release.

The killing of the Nigerian soldier on Wednesday brought UNAMID's death toll since the creation of the Mission to 64 peacekeepers.

Last June, the UNSC extended the mandate of the mission until 30 June 2017, stressing that the situation in the western Sudan region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

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)

June 3, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour has described the Sudanese-Egyptian relations as “sacred” appealing to media on both sides to be “messengers of good” to preserve the eternal ties between the two countries.

Ghandour, who arrived in Cairo on Saturday morning, handed over a message from President Omer al-Bashir to the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. He also held a closed meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

At a joint press conference with Shoukry Saturday, Ghandour said they had frank and transparent discussions on contentious issues, saying he handed over a message from al-Bashir to al-Sisi pertaining to ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

He added that al-Sisi was frank and transparent, saying the Egyptian president instructed to hold a monthly meeting for the foreign ministers alternately in Khartoum and Cairo.

According to Ghandour, al-Sisi also instructed to activate the work of the cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, particularly in the security and military domains.

The Sudanese top diplomat added the meeting covered all economic, political, social and cultural aspects of bilateral relations besides coordination between the two countries at the regional and international levels.

He called on the Sudanese and Egyptian media to play a positive role to preserve the historical relation between the two countries, saying official relations could get tense sometimes but “we have to maintain ties between the two peoples”.

Commenting on the Egyptian airstrikes in the Libyan city of Derna and the possibility of establishing a buffer zone on the border triangle between Sudan, Egypt and Libya, Ghandour said the border between Egypt and Sudan extends over more than 1200 km and no country can protect its border on its own.

Ghandour added that he proposed to the Egyptian leadership to establish a joint border patrol force, pointing to Sudan's experience with Chad and Ethiopia which managed to protect the joint borders against terrorist activities.

The minister stressed that each country has the right to protect its borders on its own, pointing out the presence of Sudanese forces on the opposite side of the border to prevent the infiltration of any terrorists.

He added that the Darfur mercenary groups came to Sudan through the border with Libya, saying “we could have avoided that if we had put joint coordination mechanisms on the ground”.

Sudan's top diplomat pointed the imposition of entry visa for the Egyptians who seek to travel to Sudan was not meant to put restrictions on the citizens but to prevent the entry of terrorists, saying the measure was taken following the Egyptian media campaign which claimed the presence of terrorists in Sudan.

Ghandour added he will instruct the Sudanese embassy in Cairo to resolve any issues relating to granting entry visa for the Egyptian citizens, pointing to the joint consular committee between the two countries.

He pointed that Sudan's decision to ban the imports of Egyptian farming products is a technical decision, blaming the politicisation of the measure to the bad timing, saying the move has no political dimension.

Ghandour stressed the decision to ban Egypt's agricultural products is not linked to the recent attack of Darfur rebels who came from Libya, saying it was based on technical grounds and must be resolved in this context.

Commenting on the recent accusations of Egypt's involvement in the Darfur rebels' attack, Ghandour said he furnished the Egyptian leadership with all information in this regard, saying the bilateral meetings between al-Bashir and al-Sisi would resolve all these issues.

For his part, Shokry affirmed that the “Egyptian policy towards the brotherly country of Sudan is firm”, saying they seek to promote rapprochement and integration between the two countries in all fields.

He stressed that “this enables us to promote economic progress to achieve the interests of both peoples”, saying they fully respect the sovereignty and stability of the Sudan.

The Egyptian top diplomat said his meeting with Ghandour was “candid and transparent”, stressing the Sudanese-Egyptian relations would remain strong and will overcome any difficulties.

He added they discussed ways to promote economic cooperation and overcome any recent restrictions to achieve the joint interest, saying he will work with Ghandour to remove any misunderstanding between the two sides.

Shokry said they agreed to activate the existing mechanisms of dialogue between the two countries, particularly in the security and military fields.

Tensions between Khartoum and Cairo have escalated following the former's decision to restrict imports of Egyptian farming products which was reciprocated by Cairo's decision to raise residency fees for Sudanese living in Egypt.

The deterioration of bilateral relations between the two countries goes back to the attempt to assassinate President Hosni Mubarak in June 1995 followed by the deployment of Egyptian troops in the disputed area of Halayeb triangle.

Since then, Khartoum has been moving to improve its ties with the eastern and western neighbours, instead of its strategic ties with Egypt.

Khartoum further went to back the construction of a dam in Ethiopia, which Cairo says will hurt its water needs. Also, the Sudanese government recently signed investment agreements with Gulf countries. Accordingly, they will establish huge agricultural projects that require the full use of Sudan share of the Nile water, a move which is seen in Cairo as another threat to Egypt.

(ST)

June 3, 2017 (JUBA) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement - In Opposition 'SPLM-IO Saturday has confirmed the defection to the current First Vice President Taban Deng Gai of two security officers tasked with the protection of the former South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar.

In a statement released on Friday, the SPLM-IO led by Taban Deng Gai announced that Col. Khan Elijah Hon Top, Spy Chief of the Body Guards of Riek Machar and Lt. Col. Koryom Wang Chiok, Chief Accountant of the Body Guards of Riek Machar have joined their movement.

Reached by Sudan Tribune, the rebel deputy military spokesperson Col. Lam Paul has confirmed the defection of the two officials from Khartoum, a day after their arrival to the South Sudanese capital Juba.

He said their defection to the government would not hamper the movement struggle, but instead wished them best of luck.

“It's true the two joined Taban Deng Gai. The SPLA-IO under Dr Riek Machar thanks them for their services and wishes them well in their quest. In the course of struggle, such events are bound to happen and it's both ways,” he said.

He further said the departure of two officers has no impact on the movement, pointing that the SPLA-IO would remain stronger and powerful despite the defection of two individuals who have chosen the side of the government.

The defector officers met on Friday upon arrival with the First Vice President Taban Deng Gai who welcomed their decision to abandon Machar camp.

"The leadership warmly welcome them back to the fold of the movement after accomplishing a successful mission in the Riek and Angelina family business," said the SPLM-IO Taban Gai

However, SPLA-IO led by Riek Machar downplayed the significant of the two officers although insiders within the camp claimed they had successful role and their quitting would be a big blow to the rebel movement.

It is not yet clear why the two guards left Machar, despite their recent promotion to the rank of Colonel and Lt. Colonel.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (JUBA) – Thousands of South Sudanese displaced people in Jonglei state are at risk from a cholera outbreak, warned the medical group Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Friday.

Displaced people who fled from violence in Jonglei state capital Bor queue outside a clinic run by MSF in Lakes state's Awerial town on 2 January 2014 (Photo: AP/Ben Curtis)

"Malnutrition and suspected cases of cholera are escalating amongst people sheltering in the bush near Pieri, South Sudan," said MSF in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The first cases of cholera were reported on 9 May after a general increase in patients with watery diarrhoea among the IDPs who are in desperately short of food, water and shelter.

"MSF has opened a treatment unit in Pieri, where teams have treated more than 30 patients so far and set up seven rehydration points and a number of chlorinated water points," further said the statement.

Last February, over 27,000 people fled their villages in Yuai and Waat after clashes between the government troops and SPLM-IO rebel fighters.

MSF's local staff are now running three primary healthcare clinics around Pieri, as part of the group's efforts to support the IDPs.

Two weeks ago, MSF staff members reported a rise in malnutrition levels amongst children under five.

''32 percent of the children are suffering from general acute malnutrition and 12 percent suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is life-threatening," said the medical group.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan Liberation Movement - Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) has welcomed a call by the Troika and the European Union countries to stop the fighting in Darfur and to resume peace talks and called for international pressure on Khartoum.

In this file photo. Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Minnawi poses for a pictures with some fighters

"These new incidents of violence underscore the urgent need for the parties to finalise a negotiated cessation of hostilities and an agreement to return to political negotiations leading to a sustainable peace," points a statement issued by the Embassies of the Troika and the EU in Khartoum on Thursday.

The statement was referring to the fighting that began on 20 May in North and East Darfur states between the government forces and a joint rebel force composed of the SLM-MM and SLM- Transitional Council (SLM-TC), an armed group that is not part of the African Union-brokered peace process.

"The SLM welcomes this statement and expresses its appreciation for the great efforts made by the international community to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace that addresses the root causes of the crisis in Darfur," said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday signed by the SLM-MM chief negotiator Ali Trayo.

"However, this peace cannot be achieved unless the parties to the conflict are willing to peace and supported by a strong international will, pursuing the implementation of Security Council resolutions related to the conflict in the Region and put required pressure on the NCP regime in Khartoum," Trayo further said.

The Troika and EU countries said the hostilities resumed in the region ''after a reinforcement from outside Darfur by the armed opposition elements". However, SLM-MM chief negotiator emphasised that "international inaction" encouraged the Sudanese government to attack the SLM strongholds in Darfur in an attempt to impose its peace through the barrel of a gun.

"The result of this aggression was a humanitarian disaster on innocent civilians, including killing, raping, looting their properties, burning their homes and massive displacement," he further said.

The rebel official called on the Troika and the European Union to step up pressure on the Sudanese government to allow aid groups to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in the conflict- affected areas and to stop gross violations of human rights.

In addition, he reiterated their call to involve the European Union in the African Union-led mediation, saying they should play "a key role" in the political process.

Last week, the Sudanese government called on the international community to condemn the rebel attacks, claiming the assailants came from Libya and South Sudan.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan, Chad and the United Nations Wednesday in Khartoum have signed three agreements for the voluntary return of refugees from both countries.

More than 350,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur region are officially registered in Chad and additional 650,000 unregistered. Since 2015 there were efforts to return them to their original villages.

According to the communiqué issued by the three parties on Wednesday, the signing of the “agreements alone does not mean that the assisted return movements will begin tomorrow”.

“There is still work to be done by the Tripartite Commissions, which will oversee the implementation of the Agreements, in order to ensure that returns occur in conditions of safety and dignity as well as ensuring that such returns are lasting” read the communiqué.

It points out that the formalisation of the framework for repatriation “has been informed by the freely expressed wishes of those who have returned, or who have expressed the wish to be assisted to return”.

The three parties noted there have been “sizeable spontaneous returns of Sudanese refugees from the camps in Chad as well as firm expressions of the intention to return home on the part of Chadian refugees living in the Sudan”.

They pointed out that the security situation has “generally improved for the better in most potential areas of return” in Darfur region.

“The Parties will ensure that those refugees who decide to return do so based on up to date and accurate information on the prevailing conditions in intended areas of return,” added the communiqué.

The parties said they “will work closely to mobilise necessary resources to ensure that the returns are both dignified and lasting”, pointing the “two governments and peoples look forward to welcoming back their citizens and fellow compatriots.”

The Sudanese army has been fighting a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003. UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in the conflict, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

(ST)