Africa

May 14, 2017 (DOHA) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir Sunday disclosed his country is hosting about two million refugees and asylum seekers saying the first Sudanese law regulating asylum was enacted in 1974.

Al-Bashir, who addressed the opening session of the 17th Doha Forum Sunday, said “Sudan has been committed to international conventions and laws on refugees for half a century and until today”, pointing that a number of neighbouring countries suffer from internal crises.

He praised the Doha Forum efforts to achieve intellectual and scientific solutions to the issues of security and stability in the world, saying the theme of the current session touches on human, moral, political, economic and social issues.

The Doha Forum brings together a large number of experts, academics, politicians, decision-makers, specialists, businessmen and civil society organisations from around the world, to discuss ways to achieve stability, regional and global prosperity, and how to address the challenges hindering stability in the world.

The theme of this 17th session of the forum which is taking place from 14 to 15 May is entitled “Development, Stability and Refugee Crisis”.

According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Bashir said the number of refugees around the globe has reached 250 million people, pointing to the adverse impact of the phenomenon on the stability and development of the refugee-producing and receiving countries.

He stressed that refugees in Sudan “enjoy full rights”, saying his country was the first to introduce a law regulating asylum since 1974 followed by two laws to combat human trafficking in 2014 and 2015.

The Sudanese president described his country's experience in dealing with refugees as “pioneering”, pointing to the implementation of voluntary repatriation and resettlement programs.

Al-Bashir further pointed to ways to eliminate the phenomena of asylum and illegal migration, demanding the international community to play its humanitarian role in helping refugees and tackling the roots causes of the phenomenon.

WESTERN DIPLOMATS WALK OUT

Meanwhile, three Western diplomats walked out of the opening session of Qatar Forum on Sunday in protest against the participation of Al-Bashir who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC issued two arrest warrants against Bashir in 2009 and 2010 for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Darfur. Al-Bashir is the first sitting head of state charged by the Hague-based court since its inception in 2002.

According to Reuters, the United States, Canada and Australia ambassadors to Doha boycotted the opening session after Al-Bashir's name appeared on the list of the speakers.

Three European diplomats who attended the event said they walked out before Bashir addressed the forum.

“The Sudanese president is wanted by the ICC so it would not be appropriate to be present for his remarks,” one of the diplomats told Reuters.

(ST)

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May 12, 2017 (KAMPALA) - A South Sudanese activist has been recognized by Women Refugees Commission for efforts to bring youth together and enable them reach their potential as agents of peace and positive change in Uganda.

South Sudanese refugees at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, on 17 February 2014 (ST)

Malual Bol Kiir is the founder of African Youth Action Network (AYAN), an organisation operating in Kampala, Uganda.

The 2017 Voices of Courage accolade was given to Bol because of his continued effort to bring together the divided South Sudanese refugees youths in Uganda.

Since 2015, AYAN has reportedly been partnering with the United Nation High Commissioner of Refugee agency to reach out to other NGOs and bridge the gap between national youth and especially from refugee communities.

Bol said they have recruited young people to work together as agents of peace and conflict prevention.

So far, 2,000 youth have been united with South Sudanese refugees and other community members in Uganda.

Bol, a 23-year South Sudanese refugee, spent half of his life during wartime, witnessing an array of conflicts on the massacre of civilians and continued human rights abuse in South Sudan.

The award was presented to him in New York by Chelsea Clinton, who is the vice president of Clinton Foundation.

“Being a refugee is something none of us is proud of! You stand to be discriminated. You stand to be humiliated. You stand to be killed. You stand to have no freedom. I never thought I would spend three-quarters of my life in a camp,” said Bol.

Bol, Halima Mohamed from Somalia and Yusra Mardini from Syria were recognized at celebrations to mark the 42nd anniversary of Women's Refugee Commission in Washington DC.

Voices of Courage award is given to groups of individuals making a difference around the world through innovative initiatives led by brave and inspirational work often in dangerous circumstances and at considerable personal risk.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (BOR) - South Sudan's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai has pledged to support the university, whose facilities remain in a sorry state.

South Sudan first vice president Taban Deng Gai arrives in Bor May 9, 2017 (ST)

Deng made the pledge while addressing students and the university's teaching staff when he paid them a short visit during his trip to Jonglei and Boma states.

Student representatives presented to the First Vice-President a list of problems, which the institution faces, citing lack of accommodation, lecture halls and internet.

“Some of the lectures are now being conducted under trees. This hall is our dining hall, lecture hall, this is everything. We also have a problem of accommodation, since 2013. Two lecture rooms are used for students' accommodations”, said a student representative.

The university has more 700 regular and irregular students, sharing limited facilities.

“There are now enough toilets for the students, only five available for used by over 500 students. Insufficient power for the university, as the generator runs for only four hours a day, leading to shortage of water supply at the university”, he added.

Students also cited disagreements between the university's Vice chancellor and the deputy in-charge of academics and administration, saying the abnormality forced some professors to resign, leaving a gap among the teaching staff.

Some courses would remain untaught as a result of no lecturers, many complained.

“The university top leadership disagreement has affected the lectures at the University, as the staff are divided up, some supporting the Vice Chancellor and others supporting the deputy vice chancellor. Issue of power struggle between the top leadership has also affected us as students. This affects us," a student said.

On his part, the South Sudanese First Vice President said he would do any possible to alleviate conditions, which the university currently faces.

“There is no money in Juba, just like there is no money here. The little money we get goes for national security. But we will do our best to help you these. I will stand behind for the issues you had raised”, said Gai.

He donated SSP100,000 ($1,000) to support the university for the meantime.

Gai was accompanied by the minister of gender, child and social welfare, Awut Deng, Jonglei state governor, Philip Aguer and the other state officials.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese army Saturday said two of its troops were killed and several others injured in Yemen where it participates within the Saudi-led “Decisive Storm” coalition against the Iranian-allied Houthi militants.

Sudanese soldiers carry the coffin of Haytham al-Tayeb, the first Sudanese soldier to die in Yemen at Khartoum airport on Friday January 29, 2016 (ST Photo)

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, army spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami said the Sudanese troops carried out a series of successful operations in Yemen on Friday and Saturday, saying two soldiers were killed and several others injured.

In January 2016, the Sudanese army announced that unexploded ordnance caused the death of a Sudanese soldier while he was burning a mass of rubble at the headquarters of Sudanese troops in Aden. Also, last April the army said five soldiers were killed and other 22 wounded in military operations in Yemen.

The Sudanese army has been participating in the Saudi-led military coalition since 2015 in a regional effort to back the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after he was ousted from the capital Sanaa by the Houthis.

The coalition backed Hadi's forces hold most of Yemen's territory in the south and east parts of the country, while the Houthis control mainly population centres in the north-west, including Sanaa, the largest city in Yemen.

At least 10,000 people have been killed and the country is on the brink of famine in this proxy war to define the balance of power in the Middle East.

The number of Sudanese soldiers in Yemen is not known but in October 2015 Yemeni army said they expect 6,000 troops. Also at the time, security sources told the Associated Press (AP) that Sudan plans to send a total of 10,000 soldiers.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Secretary General has called On U.S. congressmen and activist to protest against the participation of President Omer al-Bashir in a regional meeting with President Donald Trump next week.

President Trump during a two-day visit to Riyadh (20-21 May), Saudi Arabia, will meet leaders of Islamic countries to discuss a joint action against terror groups who represent the major terrorist threat facing the United States and the western world.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Saturday, Yasir Arman said the announced participation of President Omer al-Bashir in this meeting with President Trump has "created a wider concern among the victims of genocide and war crimes in Sudan".

He said that the regime of President al-Bashir used the religion to infringe on the rights of millions of Sudanese, executing many of them and arbitrarily arresting thousands of them, bombarding civilian populations, denying humanitarian access, and discriminating based on religion against its own people and in particular the Christian Sudanese.

"We appeal to the U.S. Administration, the U.S. Congress, the Commission for Religious Freedom in the U.S., the American media, civil societies, religious leaders and human rights activists worldwide to voice their concern, to speak out against the participation of General Bashir in this summit" with President Trump.

Former U.S. President Barak Obama decided a partial lift of sanctions on Sudan last January. Also, President Trump is not expected to restore the embargo. The deal between the two countries does not include the human rights in Sudan.

Also, the two countries have initiated a rapprochement based on the counterterrorism cooperation and regional interests.

In a report to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on 11 May, the Director of National Intelligence Daniel R. Coats said "Khartoum probably hopes to continue constructive engagement with the United States following Washington's decision in January 2017 to suspend some sanctions on Sudan".

Also, it was purported that U.S. intelligence agencies particularly the CIA and FBI are preparing to enhance counterterrorism cooperation with Sudan to include money laundering and organised crime.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (JUBA) - The Aweil community in South Sudan have issued a statement condemning the move to stop the former chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan from travelling to his home village, days after he was sacked.

They further called on their sons to distance themselves from the President Kiir and to leave the army to protest the move.

Former South Sudanese army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan speaking at a Dinka Malual community meeting in Juba on 1 November, 2012 (ST)

The community leaders accused the director general of internal security service, Akol Koor and others for what they said was unfair treatment of Awan.

“The community leadership commends the members of the community for resolving to stand together at this time of difficulties and trying moment and asks all the sons and daughters of this great community serving in different organs of the army and security sector to abandon their position and assemble at the safest point for further directions from the community”, the statement reads in part.

The community, however, commended the Yirol community for hosting for former South Sudanese army chief and his accompanying officers and guards, despite mounting pressure from Juba to forcefully disarm them.

They demanded that Awan is allowed to travel without any pre-conditions.

The community leader appealed to their sons and daughters residing in and outside the country to mobilise funds for transporting Aweil sons serving in the security units across the nation back home for further consultations.

"We equally ask you to be on maximum high alert for eventualities", says the statement.

The former chief of the army returned to the South Sudanese capital, Juba on Saturday to "hear why he was stopped" from reaching his home state.

President Kiir appointed General James Ajongo Mawut to replace Awan who was at the helm of the country's top military command for about four years.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan President Salva Kiir Saturday has appointed a new commander of the presidential guard, days after sacking the army chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan.

President Salva Kiir speaks during the inauguration of the new SPLM premises in Juba on 15 November 2013 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

President Kiir according to a presidential order announced through the state-owned South Sudan broadcasting corporation promoted the former commander of the presidential guard Major General Marital Ciennoung Yol to the rank of lieutenant General and subsequently removed from his assignment as the general commanding officer for presidential guard force.

In a separate order, the president promoted Brigadier General Lual Wek Guem to the rank of Major General and has appointed him as commander of the presidential guards unit, the Tiger Division.

No reasons were given for new promotions in the army.

Observers the decision comes within the framework of a number of preventative measures taken to tighten security measures around the head of state.

Middle level officers in different strategic and sensitive areas are appointed and deployed by the former SPLA chief of staff since his appointment in 2013.

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May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir Saturday has pledged to crush the rebel groups stressing the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are ready to declare the country free of rebels and mercenaries soon.

Al-Bashir, who addressed the graduation ceremony of 1450 RSF troops in Khartoum, said the graduation of the new batch aims “to show force and terrorise the enemies”, pointing the decision to establish the RSF was the best decision he ever took as president.

“We say to all those who reject peace that the armed forces and the RSF are ready to declare Sudan a country free of rebellion and mercenaries,” he said.

The RSF militia, which is widely known as the Janjaweed militias, were originally mobilised by the Sudanese government to quell the insurgency that broke out in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

The militia was activated and restructured again in August 2013 under the command of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) to fight rebel groups in Darfur region, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states following joint attacks by Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebels in North and South Kordofan in April 2013.

Earlier this year, the Sudanese parliament passed RSF Act which integrates the notorious militia in the Sudanese army and provides that its commander is appointed by the President of the Republic.

Al-Bashir further gave the RSF open mandate to interfere to stop tribal clashes and the lawlessness situation in Darfur, saying the force fulfilled its national duty by protecting the border against human trafficking and illegal arms and drug smuggling.

He said that his government did everything possible to achieve peace; pointing that Sudan is entering a new phase following the formation of the government of national concord.

For his part, SRF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) said his troops are working side by side with the armed forces and other regular forces, pointing they are performing their national duty and defending the homeland against external and internal threats.

He said the RSF calls for peace and works to maintain it, pointing it also seeks to resolve tribal conflicts and fight against human trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, and arms and drug smuggling.

Daglo stressed that the new RSF batch is ready to respond to any challenges facing the country, saying they received the necessary training and became physically and spiritually prepared to carry out their duties.

The Sudanese army has been fighting Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) rebels in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, also known as the “Two Areas” since 2011 and a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

Talks between the warring parties for a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access are stalled since last August.

(ST)

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May 13, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudanese former chief of the army, General Paul Malong Awan, returned to the capital Juba on Saturday to "hear why he was stopped" from reaching his home state.

General Malong was dismissed by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday and left Juba at night causing anxiety among South Sudanese who are sacred by political wrangling turning violent. Gen. Malong's journey to his home state of Northern Bahr El Ghazal. Where he was a governor for nearly ten years was halted in Yirol at the instruction of President Kiir.

"I wanted to go home after being relieved of my duties to stay with my family. I have a good family but was told to come back. I don't know why. But I have come and will listen," said Malong, speaking to reporters at Juba Airport flanked by Governor of newly created Eastern Lakes State, Bor Philip and his one of his elders, son Garang Malong.

"I don't want to stay here because some people may start anything and blame on me. I will go to my family after hearing why I was called," he added.

Thousands of supporters thronged Juba Airport Road to welcome the respected army commander, a former senior rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army officer, who became a prominent national figure after taking the helm of South Sudan chief of staff during the fight against rebels fighting President Kiir government in 2014.

President Kiir appointed General James Ajongo Mawut to replace General Malong as chief of staff. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Kiir said General was in "fighting mood" during a phone conversation and described his attitude as "rather wild." Kiir accused Malong of "failing to congratulate him for appointing him as chief of SPLA staff for four years" and called it a mistake that he did hand over office "peacefully " before leaving Juba.

Malong insisted his intention was peaceful depicted by facts that he "never insulted anybody or killed anyone on the road" after leaving Juba on Tuesday.

(ST)

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May 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Blue Nile Liberation Council (BNLC), a regional body for the SPLM-North in the Blue Nile state, has confirmed its loyalty to the leadership of the group says a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

"The BCLC affirms its loyalty to the leadership of the SPLM, consisting of its Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General, who are a source of inspiration, and pride in their long years of revolutionary struggle," said a statement cosigned by 34 members of the regional body.

The called to hold government agents and mouthpieces to account and punish them for spreading false lies through the media outlets usurping the name of the Council or any of the movement's institutions.

Last April, was circulated a false statement attributed to the Blue Nile Liberation Council claiming the dissolution of the leadership council and the freezing of negotiations with the government. It also called to hold a meeting for the council in Yabous area within 60 days.

The move follows a rift led by the Nuba Mountains Liberation Council which on 25 March decided to sack the SPLM-N Secretary General who is also the chief negotiator and suspended the negotiations with the government.

The decision of the Nuba Mountains body followed the resignation of the SPLM-N deputy chairman Abel Aziz al-Hilu who accused Arman of disregarding his demand to include the self-determination in the agenda of peace negotiations.

(ST)

By Steve Paterno

Admittedly, revenge or the act of it is inherently human in nature. The human beings since biblical times could not dissuade from the proverbial practice of an 'eye for an eye.' Even the most advanced civilisation of the day still practices the same. For example, if a Palestinian boy hit an Israeli soldier with a rock, not a rocket, you bet, tanks will roll and the entire neighbourhood will be bulldozed a ground in an act of vengeance. In the same vein, if you mess with America, cruise missiles and all sort of bombs, even the ‘mother of all bombs' will fly your way. The Americans euphemism for revenge is rather a fancy phrase known as ‘retaliatory response.' The Americans can beat their chests hard and then invoke the phrase, without displaying any sense of barbarism or remorse. Just ask those of Maumar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Bashar al-Assad, Osama Bin-Laden, and the rest of them, for they know it too well as to what that means.

As much as humans are naturally prompt to vengeance, they are also at the same time attracted to righteousness, a genuine act of just being good for its sake. Therefore, the human being is capable of both evil and good but does not want to live either to the extreme. Hence, they tend to strike the balance. For sure, the Israelis, with their powerful weaponry can cause much more damage to the Palestinians and the Americans can also do the same to their enemies, but yet they never go all out. With the kind of the stockpiles of nuclear weapons today being possessed in the world, if put into use, it is not an exaggeration to say that humanity will be extinct in a blink of an eye. However, those with such powers are exercising them in a measured way, proportional to the perceived crimes. This is to say in other words that by nature, they exercise self-control and that is when humanity is at its best, once they exercise self-control.

Nevertheless, when it comes to South Sudan, a country full of conflicting cultures—a country trying to forge a common destiny, the act of revenge is taken totally to a tragic level. Take for example the current escalation of violence between the two communities of Bor and Murle. The conflict between these two neighbourly communities is of course time immemorable, even though presently, it increases in intensity, due to plentiful of deadly modern weaponry systems. This, however, not also to say that there have never been times of tranquillity between these communities. Theirs, just like other communities in South Sudan, is a vicious cycle of violence, which is reoccurring for generations, but made worst under the current modern system.

The cycle always starts with peace and tranquillity. In such times of peace and tranquillity, a few stubborn and spoiler youths will go on a raid to the neighbour. The neighbour of course by nature will retaliate. This will follow with counter-retaliations until the next peaceful settlement is reached, which will mark a full vicious cycle of violence and peace. The tragedy of it all, during this cycle, the damages caused can never be recovered.

This cycle is happening in a vacuum, where there is no third party and that third party under current circumstance is the government security apparatus. Unfortunately, those from the warring communities who are serving in the government and are supposed to be responsible as a third party, pitifully, abandon their public service duties and are jumping into the fray. They further exacerbate the already worsening crisis. Just imagine a scenario where both Michael Makuie and David Yau Yau are given nuclear codes, with options of wiping each community out. Then, you guess the rest.

Anyway, since this is a pattern, that keeps reoccurring, and often starts with peace and tranquillity, is it then not possible to stop this cycle within the period of peace by preventing it from further escalations into violence???

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at stevepaterno@yahoo.com

May 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBoS) on Thursday reported that inflation has inched up to 34,81 in April from 34,68 % in March.

A vendor sells vegetables during Ramadan at a local market in north Khartoum August 3, 2012 (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

According to the CBoS monthly bulletin, the consumer price index in April reached 737.98 points, up 14.90 points from March while the general food and beverage price index rose by 26.06 points in April.

It pointed out that the price index for goods and services continues to increase monthly, saying the highest price rise was registered in November 2016 due to the economic measures applied by the government.

The CBoS added that the food and beverage group contributed to the overall price rise by % 1.91, while the other 11 goods and service groups contributed % 0.16, saying the general price index in the rural areas has increased by 17,88 points.

In November 2016, the government lifted fuel, electricity and drug subsidy for the third time since 2011 in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

Also, Central Bank of Sudan introduced an incentive policy, increasing the exchange rate in commercial banks by 131%. As a result, the U.S. dollar exchange rate went up in banks to 15.8 SDG from the official rate of 6.5 SDG.

Projected deficit in Sudan's 2017 budget is estimated at 2,1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to 1,6% in 2016.

According to the budget, the growth rate would decline from 6,4% in 2016 to 5,3% and the targeted average inflation rate is 17%.

Prices and services have soared in Sudan since South Sudan seceded in 2011, taking with it three-quarters of the country's oil output, the main source of foreign currency used to support the Sudanese pound.

The Sudanese pound has lost 100% of its value since South Sudan's secession, pushing inflation rates to record levels given that country imports most of its food.
Ordinary citizens continue to complain from cost of living increases that impaired their access to basic commodities.

(ST)

May 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Around 20,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan's border areas during a week, fleeing the surge of violence in the Upper Nile region, said the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

"Nearly 20,000 South Sudanese refugees are reported to have fled across the border into Sudan between 29 April and 6 May, arriving in White Nile and South Kordofan," the UNHCR said in a flash update issued on

The report further pointed that around 1300 people arrived in the White Nile per day from the Shilluk area through Joda and Meganis in the Upper Nile. It further indicated four other entry points via the South Kordofan: Gedeid, Qurayd, Sirijiya and Abu Jabaiha.

This recent wave of refugees comes after intense fighting near Kodok and Tonga in Upper Nile state of South Sudan. It is also triggered by the deteriorating humanitarian situations due to rising needs and security concerns in areas.

Humanitarian groups point that may South Sudanese are stranded along the border because they cannot afford onward transportation.

"Refugees have reported that their transportation into Sudan costs up to 1,000 SDG (150 USD), which has left many refugees unable to pay and stranded near the border at Renk, South Sudan, or forced to embark on a 4 to 7 day journey by foot," the Update says.

Aid workers say that between 35,000 and 50,000 internally displaced people may try to cross into the Sudan before the rainy season which may limit their movement.

"Given the higher than anticipated arrival figures, UNHCR and inter-agency partners are now anticipating up to 180,000 new refugee arrivals into Sudan by the end of 2017," said UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)-Sudan in its bimonthly bulletin.

The UNHCR estimates the total number of South Sudanese who sought shelter in Sudan since December 2013 stands at over 375,000 refugees.

(ST)