Africa

Olivier Assoua migrated to Europe at 16 - years later he returned to Cameroon to make a film about migration.

A church and a social club remain as echoes of a once thriving group which played an important role in the country.

The British Army is preparing to send troops into Mali, to join a UN peacekeeping mission.

Not everyone is happy that the Oxford English Dictionary now includes several unique Nigerian words.

February 29, 2020 (JUBA) - South Sudanese Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior and the head of the UN mission David Shearer discussed the situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Protection of Civilians (POC) sites.

There are 188528 IDPs in the POCs including 115,479 in Bentiu, 27,924 in Malakal, 29,948 in Juba, 1,934 in Bor, and 13,243 in Wau according to a report released on 26 February.

The meeting discussed the return of the IPDs in the POCs across the country, said De Mabior told reporters according to a statement issued by the presidency.

They "agreed to speed up the process of the returned of the IDPs before the start of the rainy season," further said the statement.

For his part, Shearer indicated that the meeting also discussed the preparation to face the global coronavirus outbreak.

The international official further stressed the UN readiness to support the government efforts to return the displaced people to their areas of origin.

De Mabior who was nominated by the FDs group is the Vice President for Gender and Youth.

(ST)

February 29, 2020 (JUBA) - The transitional government and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) have not yet reached an agreement on the state governors and the transitional parliament, according to the parties and the mediation on Friday.

The SRF says that the appointment for the two institutions should be done after the signing of a peace deal so that they can get their people appointed for these positions.

However, the issue of the governors and the legislative assembly, are not part of the peace negotiations as the parties agreed to form a separate ad-hoc committee including the FFC delegates to discuss them.

Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi, spokesperson of the government negotiating delegation said on Friday that the agreed with the Darfur armed groups on 80% of the peace talks agenda.

However, he admitted that the two sides failed within the determined frame time to agree on the issues of the state governors who should be appointed during the transitional period.

"The SRF still holding on to its position, while the government spoke about the urgent need to fill the administrative void In the states and appointing civil rulers," he further said.

Al-Taishi went further to repeat that the appointment of governors is temporary and will be reviewed once a peace agreement is signed.

The government has almost finalized the peace talks with other factions of the SRF except for Darfur region.

For the talks with Darfur groups, the two sides have not yet reached a deal over the formation of a regional entity for the whole region. Also, the file of the displaced people and refugees still on hold, because their representatives have not arrived in Jua due to technical issues.

The government and the armed groups on 14 February extended the talks for three weeks. But, the statement of the member of the Sovereign Council hints that the parties would not sign an agreement next week.

Minni Minnawi, SRF deputy chairman, in a tweet on Friday, confirmed that they did not strike a deal on the governors and the transitional parliament.

"The appointment of governors and legislative assemblies violate the Juba document," he said.

"(Also) it is considered as unjustified escalation," stressed the SLM leader who used to criticize openly the transitional government and the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC).

In separate statements, Dhieu Matouq the spokesperson of the South Sudanese mediation confirmed that the two sides disagree on the state governors and the transitional parliament.

In press statements after a briefing to foreign diplomats in Juba about the talks for peace in Sudan, Matouq said that the SPLM-N of Abdel Aziz al-Hilu would resume talks with the government next week.

He added that the meetings held with the rebel group by the FFC delegation which arrived recently from Khartoum have contributed to convincing them to resume talks.

It worth mentioning that Shams al-Din Kabbashi who heads the government delegation for the talks with the SPLM-N al-Hilu arrived Friday to Juba.

The SPLM-N al-Hilu says they want the government to include the secular state and self-determination in the agenda of the peace talks but the government rejects to discuss these issues during the peace talks.

(ST)

Dan Abisi learnt how to make brass instruments after he noticed a rise in popularity in schools.

By James Gatdet Dak

Lack of political will, lack of commitment and eroding trust-building, particularly on the part of the SPLM-IG, seem to have resurfaced AGAIN among, and between the main parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS)------as now shown by their current delay or failure to agree on the selection/distribution of 35 ministries and 10 states, etc.

The Presidency of the 'big six' (President, First Vice President, and four Vice Presidents) of the slowly budding Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), was formed since 21 February 2020, but seven days later the Parties could not form a revitalized unity government: Cabinet, Parliament, States governments, etc.

South Sudan's government is now a paralyzed government of the 'big six' as heads of institutions and states governors and would-be revitalized parliamentarians, who should have provided policy guidance across the nation, are nowhere to be named or seen.

SPLM-IG, led by President Salva Kiir, wants to take almost all the important governance and economic ministries, such as Defense, Interior, Petroleum, Finance, etc. How should this be in a coalition government, composed of different parties, some with separate huge armed forces?

SPLM/A-IO, the main opposition party, led by the First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar, is supposed to be leading the Governance Cluster, and lead the reform agenda as well, in accordance with the R-ARCISS, and so by denying them some of such vital governance and economic ministries, it sadly means the reform agenda is nibbed in the bud.

No IG party nominated ministers in charge of all these governance ministries will be cooperating with Dr Machar, who will be heading the Governance Cluster, in order to initiate reform policies on good governance in the new Cabinet. Reform agenda will be suspended until further notice.

Now the IG, led by President Kiir, has sadly applied the game of divide and conquer the other weaker opposition parties by giving them their whatever ministries through the back door, sidelining the IO, led by First Vice President, Dr Machar, in a process which is suspiciously not transparent.

As a result of these disagreements, the whole government in Juba and in the states has come to a standstill without the needed appointments of ministers and governors and a revitalized transitional national legislature.

Where is IGAD-Plus, as guarantors, in this unhealthy stalemate in Juba? Where is their sustained pressure on the Parties to ensure that they do the selection fairly and transparently and form a revitalized transitional government of national unity, not simply the uncooperative Presidency?

Is it not time for IGAD and the rest to step in again, and to remind the respective leaderships of the Parties that if they can't agree as gentlemen and a woman, or as main Parties, then they should refer to what the Agreement says, and that is to select the 35 ministries on "rotational" basis. This means IG selects one ministry first, followed by IO, followed by SSOA, followed by FDs, followed by OPPs, and the cycle continues until each party gets its power-sharing ratio per the R-ARCISS, and the IG that has 20 ministries collects the remaining ministries.

IGAD and AU, and the wider international community, should not repeat the mistake they made in 2016, when they relaxed their pressure on the Parties, leaving the whole process to blow up again.

And who knows, somebody might be delaying the formation of the R-ARCISS in order to delay priority discussions on pending issues on the security arrangements, etc., and hence delay implementation of the security sector.

I hate to believe that pushing the IO into prematurely forming a unity government first, without implementing the security arrangements and protection of VIPs and vulnerable citizens in Juba and in other major towns, was to make IO and other Parties negotiate the pending pre-transitional issues from a weak position.

And it is risky by the way, but God is great.

Again, IO's goodwill and trust-building approach and love for peace, stability and recovery of the lives of the suffering people of South Sudan, is being betrayed in daylight and in the watchful eyes of IGAD and the wider international community.

IGAD-Plus and their partners should intervene immediately and save the R-ARCISS if the Parties will not agree by Sunday, 2 March 2020.

The international community should not relax, but keep sustained pressure on the Parties until the Agreement is fully implemented and free and fair elections are held by 2023, God willing.

We should not quickly forget that the R-ARCISS itself was made possible through intense regional and international pressure

And IGAD-Plus should also be reminding itself that it was responsible for pushing Dr Riek Machar into JUBA in 2016, without proper security arrangements put in place first, and it is the same scenario repeating itself today, and maybe even worse, given this intransigence on the part of IG. God forbid.

May God bless and take care of the ever-suffering people of South Sudan, and impose a positive divine intervention in the hearts and minds of their leaders.

Peace!

The author is a concerned citizen who loves his country and its people. His email address is jamesdak2018@gmail.com.

February 27, 2020 (KHARTOUM) - German President Frank Walter Steinmeier on Thursday pledged that his country would back the democratic transition process in Sudan and support its integration in the international financial institutions.

In a rare visit by the head of a western country to Khartoum, Steinmeier was warmly received by the Sudanese leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan head of the Sovereign Council and Abdallah Hamdok the Premier Minister.

Sudanese who are in quest for recognition from the international community after their revolution have appreciated the various visits to Khartoum and the recent invitation for their premier to Berlin giving him the opportunity to appear with the grands of the world.

Speaking in a press conference with Hamdock, the visiting president said that his country is committed to working with the Friends of Sudan group "to remove barriers to cooperation with international financial institutions and remove Sudan from the sanctions lists that prevent German companies from cooperating with it," he said.

Steinmeier was hinting to the U.S. sanctions which are more and more difficult to understand for the ordinary people after reports - widely echoed in Khartoum - about an expected judgment by the Supreme Court confirming over $10 billion of compensation their poor country has to pay.

He further called on the international community to enable Sudan to gain access to the international financial institutions saying that the officials leading the transitional government are not responsible for the problems caused by the previous regime.

This must be overcome and that the Sudanese people and its government should not bear these charges, he further said confirming what Sudanese repeat every day when they speak about the difficulties they face on a daily basis.

"There is a historic opportunity for Sudan, and we are interested in using it to improve the living conditions and prosperity of Sudanese," he said in German translated in Arabic.

He pointed out that they must act quickly to ensure Sudan's access to international financing institutions, and to open the way for loans, noting that there is no other way than to involve the international financial institutions and Sudan obtaining loans.
Steinmeier, however, pledged Berlin's support for Sudan as a reliable partner in the development and economic cooperation after the vote by the German parliament "Bundestag" authorizing the resumption of development cooperation with Sudan after 30 years of ban.

President Steinmeier said that German companies would resume investment activities in Sudan and announced his country's readiness to implement the agreement between the German Ministry of Development Cooperation and Sudan to provide 80 million Euros to support vocational training for young people.

He said that this support the first step and there are additional efforts by the German Foreign Minister to support peace in Sudan, and bilateral cooperation in the areas of education and governance.

For his part, Sudanese Electricity Transmission Company (SETCO) General Director Salim Mohamed Mahjoub, told the official SUNA that Germany will rehabilitate the main control centre for the Sudan Electricity Network.

Expressing his support for the democratic transition in Sudan the German president said that Sudanese should be proud of the revolution they made

"The Sudanese people should be proud of overthrowing a humiliating regime that they have suffered a lot from, and my visit today comes out of respect for these people."

For his part, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok reassured President Steinmeier that Sudanese are determined to move forward despite the economic difficulties they face.

"The change that took place in Sudan is radical and profound as it has covered all parts of Sudan."

"We have two options during this transition, either crossing successfully, or crossing successfully," he stressed

He said that the reform of the army and security institutions is essential and is one of the transitional agendas in accordance with the Constitutional Document.

He said that the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in Juba require this reform, given that the negotiations include the security arrangements chapter, which deals with the integration of the armed groups in the national army.

In his meeting with the head of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Steinmeier affirmed his country's support for Sudan's efforts to overcome the challenges facing it.

He stressed that it is not fair for the current government to be held accountable for the economic hardships caused by others and to isolate Sudan from the world.

In turn, al-Burhan described Steinmeier's visit as a "strong signal" of Germany's support to Sudan.

"We seek to be partners with Germany and the European Union," and called for support to remove his country from the United States' list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

Before his visit to Khartoum, the German president pointed out that it was important for the international community to support and show solidarity with Sudanese people

"It is important now to show first that the path they are taking now is a brave one, and that we value and support it," he said.

Before his departure to Berlin on Friday morning he will py a visit to a power station in Khartoum state.

(ST)

February 27, 2020 (JUBA) - The U.S. will adopt a wait-and-see approach towards the South Sudan transitional national unity government, hoping that cooperation between the parties will bring Washington to support them.

In an anonymous briefing, a senior State Department official told journalists by telephone on Wednesday that his administration will watch how President Salva Kiir and his FVP Riek Mach will behave during the 36-month transition which witnesses the implementation of political and economic reforms before to hold general elections.

"So everyone's looking to see: Will this new unity government work? Will it remain an inclusive and unified government? What will their work habits be? And really, what I – the main take is if it works, if the parties work collaboratively, it has a chance of working. If they continue to be competitors within this government, it's – it has a lot less chance of working," said the official.

"So a collaborative approach is what we're looking for. We're looking for signs of that collaboration, attitudinal changes," he further stressed.

Kiir and Machar delayed twice the formation of the transitional national unity government due to the failure to implement the pre-transitional measures particularly security arrangements and the number of states.

However, the two leaders have made major concessions that led them to form the national unity government on 22 February: Kiir accepted the re-establish the 10 states while Machar returned to Juba without his army as Kiir's bodyguards are protecting him.

The State Department official pointed out that there is still uncertainty in the relationship between the two leaders. He further underscored they will keep watching their behaviours in different areas.

"Are they taking responsible decisions that are focused on the needs of their people, or are they taking self-interested decisions based on their own kind of political needs or their needs for power or corrupt finances?" He said before to add more interrogations "Will this new unity government work? Will it remain an inclusive and unified government? What will their work habits be?"

He stressed that they will keep watching the transitional government looking for signs of collaboration between the main partners and "attitudinal changes".

Nonetheless; the official admitted that up to now the two sides have made considerable concessions and showed the needed goodwill

"But really, collaboration is the word of the day there, I think. It was a compromise leading up to this. The parties had to compromise to get here, but they've done that," he said.

He expressed hope that in the future they will demonstrate with more "signs that this is different than before," as he said.

We hope "there are assertions by all parties that it's different this time, assertions which have to be tested and watched very carefully," he stressed.

In a statement released on 25 February, the International Crisis Group (ICG) went in the same direction and described the concessions made by the two leaders as "A major step toward ending South Sudan's civil war".

The groups said the two sides will no doubt be focused for days, weeks or even more to discuss over government positions. But despite all the shortcomings encountered, the think tank stressed that there is a willingness to work together this time.

" The magnitude of the compromises they have made suggest that both Kiir and Machar are more willing participants in this unity government than in the last failed one," ICG said.

(ST)

Lack of political consensus on national priorities could threaten further progress in Somalia which is preparing to hold its first “one-person, one-vote” election in 50 years, UN Special Representative James Swan told the Security Council on Monday. 

The second round of the United Nations-facilitated talks to end fighting in Libya concluded on Sunday in Geneva with “seriousness of purpose and goodwill” in Geneva on Sunday, the UN said today.  

The Ethiopian government is asking citizens living abroad to return home and help expand its economy.

February 27, 2020 (JUBA) - South Sudan needs about $119 million to meet the humanitarian needs of displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

400 x 267 pixels 18.9 kb 08/03/2016 3 uses IOM offers maternal care for mothers in Bentiu ( Photo IOM)

Aid agencies estimate that some 7.5 million South Sudanese are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Some 1.5 million people remain displaced internally while a further 2.2 million are in neighbouring countries as a result of the over five-year civil war.

Also, the country has been hit by an invasion of desert locusts that are threatening the food security situation of millions.

In response to this calamities; the IOM launched a "Consolidated Appeal for 2020" to cover its humanitarian plan for South Sudan saying it needs $"119,311,000 to meet the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host community members and migrants throughout the country".

"The effects of years of conflict and displacement continue to impact South Sudanese throughout the country and abroad," said IOM which ensures life-saving responses in support of IDPs, returnees, and host communities across the country.

“In 2019, IOM received immense support from the donor community, and we are hopeful that this year will be no different,” said Jean-Philippe Chauzy, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission.

“We call on the donor community to continue providing support to the people of South Sudan as they rebuild their lives towards a durable peace as promised by the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” Chauzy added.

IOM said its 2020 plan supports the social cohesion in South Sudan and impacts positively on the efforts of the national unity government to increase its technical knowledge and strengthen institutional capacity on migration and border management.

(ST)

By Panom Nien

There have been different sentiments, jubilations, and excitements upon the swearing-in of five (5) Vice Presidents in the Republic of South Sudan. Thousands of citizens overwhelmed with joy and hope that the peace has finally returned to the country, after almost seven (7) years conflict that has left nearly two million people displaced inside, while outside the country there are over two million refugees, mainly in Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda.

WHAT COULD SOUTH SUDAN LEADERS DO?

South Sudanese leaders should take full responsibility on their shoulders to heartily and passionately implement this peace agreement not just for sake of South Sudanese citizens, but it is their mandate and me quote ‘' responsibility is accepting that you are the cause & the solution of the circumstance''. Our leaders have huge tasks and challenges as the entire world is watching closely in the midst of the implementation of the peace agreement.

However, as a patriotic citizenry of this beautiful nation (South Sudan), anticipate our leaders to do thorough peace rallies and preach message of peace jointly into grassroots communities, internal displaced persons and those seeking refuge in neighbouring countries to disseminate message of Love, Peace, inclusivity, diversity, anti-tribalism, and Unity of purpose, reconciliation, and forgiveness amongst one another. Peace should not be proclaiming in hotels in Juba, because the majority of South Sudanese people are less confident and losing faith in their very own government.

WHAT COULD SOUTH SUDAN CITIZENS DO?

Do we really proud of South Sudanese citizens?
Are you patriotic citizens of this breathtaking or spectacular nation, with full of potential natural resources?

Subsequently, why do we always give ourselves sort of names illustratively Dinka, Shilluk, Nuer etcetera, our truly proud identity is South Sudan, let us embrace love, tranquillity, and Unity of purpose. However, how can we achieve sustainable peace in South Sudan?

First and utmost, we must find it within ourselves by sharing our inner peace with our neighbours, and spread message of love, unity, tranquillity, and anti-tribalism, raising our children satisfactorily and teaching them to respect and love their neighbours, rather than educate them about nepotism, prejudice, discrimination, and tribalism, thus promote forbearance.
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In whatever way, they will learn the joy of peace and togetherness in the near future. The peace process should be a predominantly preventative measure, should likely start at a grassroots level, and thereby create trickle-up peaceful processes.

Do we really proud of South Sudanese citizens? unity, social cohesion, and nation-building and be agents or ambassadors of peace rather than preaching hatred, tribalism, and nepotism. Therefore by mitigating these vices, those magnify hate speech and impede peaceful co-existence in our country, do away with culturally rooted norms and beliefs.

YOUTH DEPRIVED OF TRUST IN THEIR GOVERNMENT

Build trust between youths and governments, youth mobilization in peace-building efforts is more likely to be successful if young people are given the capabilities and opportunities to work with local and national governments.

The government should initiate & create spaces for youths to express their opinions and listen to them, rather than simply acknowledging them as victims or perpetrators of violence yet they were the most culprit of the armed conflict imposed onto them; it is indispensable to engage youths as social actors with their own sights and pennywort. Youth and own voices in peacebuilding are present in all places, but occasionally not recognized.

Furthermore, the creation of spaces for youth to express their opinion to decision-makers and broader society ensures that they have the opportunity to be heard. With few constructive avenues to influence local and national politics, young people tend to view governments as beset by corruption. Conversely, the government often fails to take into account the views of youths in policymaking and may have different priorities for peace.

Nonetheless, think about what we could accomplish if we all work together to create true nation-building inclusivity. We could eliminate or do away with tribalism, discrimination, starvation, reduce poverty, jobs creation and work towards common goals such as justice, peace universal education system and social amenities. Finding peace is not just about learning how to obtain it, but also learning how to hold onto it without slipping back to angry ways. If we do want to achieve lasting peace in our beloved country, do not talk only to your family, relatives or friends, but rather, let's all embrace or take up diversity of sixty-four (64) ethnic groups in South, regardless of sex, religion, gender, race, tribe, and clan.

‘'Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.” John F. Kennedy
God bless Our Country, South Sudan.

The writer can be reached on nienj2020@gmail.com

February 27, 2020 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) accused the Sudanese army of denying international aid groups from reaching war-affected civilians in the Jebel Marra area.

"On Monday, February 24, 2020, the Khartoum government forces in the Sarnog region prevented UNOCHA and a number of international organizations and UN agencies from reaching the SLM/A-AW controlled areas of Manbo and Darsa, where are thousands of civilians in dire need for humanitarian assistance and health care".

The Khartoum forces have given no reason to explain the ban of access to these humanitarian organizations, further said the armed group.

The SLM-AW is not taking part in the ongoing peace process in Juba between the transitional government and the armed groups.

The exiled group leader al-Nur recently said he would launch an initiative for a peace conference inside the country.

"The Khartoum government must stop these actions and not play with fire," said the statement before calling to allow access for humanitarian relief to civilians in need.

(ST)

February 27, 2020 (KHARTOUM) - Three Sudanese banks have struck a deal with Visa Inc allowing them to issue its payment cards in Sudan within three weeks maximum.

Visa cards (Getty Images)

The deal was concluded after long negotiations between the American multinational financial services corporation, the Central Bank of Sudan and its technical arm Electronic Banking Services (EBS).

Omer Hassan Omerabi EBS General Manager told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday that three banks are licensed to issue Visa cards in Sudan: Bank of Khartoum (BOK), United Capital Bank (UCB) and Qatar National Bank.

The Visa card will be issued after the opening of an account in foreign currency and then he can use it inside the country and abroad, Omerabi further said.

The three banks will start soon issuing Visa cards, and installing ATMs and points of sale that allow all foreigners to use their Visa cards.

The withdrawal and payment limit of the card is set at $3000 monthly.

Omerabi said this step is an important breakthrough because it will encourage the entry of hard currencies to the country.

"But it may not represent much importance for low-income people who are paid in Sudanese pound only" he added.

The Sudanese pound has lost its value due to the negative impact on the balance of trade. The country imports more than exports.

Recently, the pound fell to its lowest level on record as the dollar selling price reached 100 pounds.

The Sudanese official said more banks will join Visa payment system in the upcoming period, citing foreign banks working in Sudan such as Bank AlJazira, Credit Agricole, Arab Bank.

In statements to Sudan Tribune, banking and financial consultant Taha Hussein considered the agreement between Visa Inc and Sudanese banks is a clear indication of lifting the banking ban on Sudanese banks on financial transactions with Sudan.

The banking and financial consultant Taha Hussein considered in an interview with (Sudan Tribune) granting the permit to Sudan a clear indication to lift the banking ban on financial transactions.

He said that this move contributes to the return of foreign companies and firms and will attract new investors to Sudan.

(ST)

The United Nations and the African Union (AU) should do more to ensure all Africans see their futures in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)and the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Tuesday in Zimbabwe.

February 26, 2020 (JUBA) - South Sudanese collegial presidency on Wednesday called for forgiveness and national reconciliation in the country and predicted a breakthrough in the talks without holdout groups.

The revitalized presidency held its first meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir and with the participation of his First Vice-President Riek Machar and the four other vice-presidents: James Wani Igga. Taban Deng Gai, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol and Mama Rebecca de Mabior.

"The President and all the Vice Presidents have forgiven each other and urged all the South Sudanese also to forgive them and pray for them so we embark on reconciliation, forgiveness and healing of our broken social fabric," said the presidency at the end of the meeting.

The statement further called on the displaced people living in the UN-hosted Protection of Civilian sites and refugees to return to their areas of origin.

"The Government will do its utmost best to ensure they are supported to resettle in their home areas," stressed the statement.

The statement confirmed that the peace partners are discussing the formation of the cabinet adding that the national unity government will be announced as soon as the committees finish the task.

The presidency further said it will hold its meetings on a regular basis and that the calendar will be announced ulteriorly.

Calls for peace

The Presidency, also, called on the holdout South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) to join the peace revitalized process.

"The government expects the upcoming meeting with SSOMA in Rome to produce a breakthrough in this process," said the statement.

Following the appointment of the Machar and the other vice-presidents, SSOMA on Monday called on the national unity government to use this opportunity to negotiate with them to achieve a comprehensive peace in South Sudan.

The government and the alliance of the non-signatory opposition groups signed the Sant Egidio brokered Roma Declaration for peace in South Sudan on 12 January and recommitted itself to the cessation of hostilities on 14 February.

(ST)

Meeting in Zimbabwe with young leaders from across the African continent,UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Monday encouraged the lively gathering to “use your youth power, for it’s your future to define”, telling them to use technology effectively to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).