Africa

December 10, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Saturday has seized copies of Al-Jareeda newspaper for the seventh time within thirteen days from the printing house without giving reasons.

Sudanese newspaper vendors talk to each other at a bus station in Khartoum, Sudan (AP)

Al-Jareeda has been one of the most newspapers in Sudan subject to suspension and confiscation. Last May, the NISS had confiscated copies of the newspaper four times during five days.

In a short statement posted on its Facebook page, the independent daily announced it would hold a press conference on Monday to discuss the repeated confiscations and launch a campaign entitled the “Prudent Reader” to support the newspaper financially.

It pointed that the campaign comes in response to continued demands by its readers to participate in the struggle to restore press freedoms, saying the main goal of the campaign is to enable each reader to donate price of one seized copy.

“This campaign would send a strong message to the NISS to respect freedom of opinion and expression and to resort to the law and it also seeks to establish free and independent press” read the statement

The NISS routinely confiscates newspapers either to prevent circulation of certain stories or to punish them retroactively on previous issues.

It uses seizures of print copies of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

Last July, Al-Taghyeer newspaper decided to suspend publishing and laid off its staff following large financial loss incurred due to repeated confiscations.

The statement further pointed that the seized paper copy of the newspaper is available on its website and the Facebook.

Journalists working for Al-Jareeda told Sudan Tribune on Friday that the NISS seeks to put pressure on the newspaper to mitigate the harsh criticism of the government contained in the Op-ed articles and in particular by columnists Osman Shabona and Mohamed Wida'aa.

However, the newspaper's administration refuses to succumb to the NISS's pressures and rejects the idea of dismissing any journalists or columnists.

Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of expression but laws subordinate to the constitution such as the National Security Forces Act of 2010 contains articles that can be potentially used to curtail press freedom and instigate legal proceedings against newspapers and individual journalists.

The state-run Sudanese National Council for Press and Publications (NCPP) rarely interferes to stop the security punishments although it is the official body responsible for running the work of newspapers in the Sudan.

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Condemning, in the strongest possible terms, a terrorist attack outside the seaport in Somalia&#39s capital, Mogadishu, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the country said that the bloody act will not stop the momentum of the electoral process.

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December 10, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan army (SPLA) chief of staff, Gen. Paul Malong Awan has warned diplomats in the country to avoid making unverified statements in relation to the military's plan to launch offensives against rebels operating in Equatoria region.

S Sudan's President Salva Kiir is received by Chief of General Staff of the SPLA Paul Malong Awan at the airport in Juba March 6, 2015 (Reuters)

In a statement broadcast on the state-owned SSBC on Friday, Awan admitted the existence of new recruits being trained, but stressed that they were purely for professional purposes.

"The SPLA general command would like to issue stern warning to all those in the international community who are propagating fear and issuing the divisive statement in the country to refrain from such undertakings," he told reporters at the military headquarters in Juba.

The United Nations and United States have separately warned of possible escalation of violence in Equatoria region, especially in areas around Yei River state and Yambio. A U.N special envoy, for instance, said there was evidence of preparations for large scale conflict leading to genocide, a statement the government denied.

The army chief has admitted the existence of military training for 400 soldiers in Luri, the outpost of presidential guards known as the tiger unit, but insisted there is no law broken to professionalize the army.

"South Sudan as a sovereign nation has right and the capacity to protect its citizens and in doing so it must deal with both internal and external aggressors in order to maintain law and order in the country," said Awan.

"Some foreign diplomats accredited to the Republic of South Sudan, and who by virtue of their status can verify facts, have simply accepted live rumors (sic)," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the army, Lul Ruai Koang described as “baseless” the alleged military buildup in Equatoria regions.

"Let me make it clear to the general public and the whole world that all those evidence they raised are false and baseless. [The evidences] are created by those who like to tarnish the image of the national army and also want this country to collapse and they take over," said Koang.

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December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir called to involve all the signatories of the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS) in the implementation process of the peace deal.

According to the official Sudan news agency (SUNA), al-Bashir made his call during a meeting of the IGAD heads of states and governments in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, to discuss the situation in South Sudan and the postponement of presidential election in Somalia.

The Sudanese president said his country is supportive to the efforts for peace in South Sudan pointing that it was part of the Sudan.

"We were one nation and brothers and we have a responsibility." He added, "Sudan harbours his South Sudanese brothers who enjoy all the rights of the Sudanese nationals."

"The peace in South Sudan implies to involve everyone in the (implementation of) the agreement that they signed. There will be a partial peace," he stressed.

Last October , President Salva Kiir said peace can only be implemented with his current first vice-president Taban Deng Gai.

He further said Machar should stop violence and remain outside the country during transitional national unity government era or return to South Sudan as a normal citizen.

The IGAD leaders agreed to work for an inclusive process and to speed up the deployment of the regional protection force as Juba now accepts it deployment without conditions.

They further called on Kenya to reconsider its decision to withdraw its troops from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) after UN chief Ban Ki-moon sacked the Kenyan commander of the peacekeeping force.

Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said the meeting emphasised on the need to return the war affected people, internally displaced and refugees, to their home areas and stop the fighting in the country.

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December 9, 2016 (JUBA) – The Former Political Detainees (FDs), who also describe themselves SPLM leaders group have called for “inclusive dialogue” in the troubled country to resuscitate the shaky peace agreement signed a year ago.

Former cabinet affairs minister and G-10 team leader Deng Alor with former justice minister, John Luk Jok, after their arrival at Juba Airport on 1 June 2015 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

In a 14-page document titled ‘A new roadmap to rescue and restore hope in South Sudan' seen by Sudan Tribune, the group said that the United Nations Security Council authorized Regional Protection Force (RPF) should be deployed urgently to help secure the capital, Juba, for a meaningful dialogue for the warring political leaders.

“To find the right formula that will not only resolve the conflict but also be acceptable to South Sudanese across board, we propose that an all inclusive dialogue be initiated to critique ARCISS [Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan] and to chart the way forward. The purpose of the all-inclusive round-table is to build consensus for a new transition,” partly read the SPLM leaders' document.

According to the peace agreement signed in August 2015, all the factions of the SPLM are represented in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

However, the resumption of hostilities in July 2016 forced Machar to flee the country and he has been replaced by his former chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai. The former detainees retained two ministerial positions in the government but their leader Amum remains in exile, citing unfavourable political environment.

The eruption of war in Juba last July, according to the SPLM leaders, necessitates urgent deployment of regional forces before a round-table discussion on the future of the country commences.

“Deployment of the Regional Protection Force with a robust mandate: An inclusive National Dialogue in an environment free of fear and intimidation will likely ensue. Such political engagement may lead to resuscitation of ARCISS, with modifications, restore stability and allow for a new political process,” the paper reads.

It further suggested a new “political deal” that retains reform agenda enshrined in the peace agreement including security reforms. The dialogue, the paper claimed, should discuss a new political leadership for the war torn country.

“To put an end to the current cycle of violence and misgovernment by the political elite there is urgent need to establish a hybrid care-taker administration,” the politician added without suggesting what they described as “eminent personalities.”

Such a caretaker administration will have executive of technocrats and eminent personalities, legislature of 200 in Lower House and 30 in Upper House, all “selected through consultation based on defined and agreed criteria.”

Regional and international bodies will play through Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC)

The government of President Kiir has also called for round table dialogue but illusive on details.

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December 9, 2016 (EL-FASHER) - A huge fire broke out on Friday evening at the headquarters of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur known as UNAMID.

Flames and think smoke could be seen rising at kilometres from the building in the capital of North Darfur State, El Fasher.

UNAMID fire fighters brought the fire under control. No human casualties have been reported as of press time.

Also, the mission didn't issue a statement on the incident or its cause.

A UNAMID security member told Sudan Tribune that the blaze was likely caused by a cooking gas leak in the kitchen at the headquarters.

The sources who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, said the fire was extinguished without loss of life.

This is not the first blaze at the UNAMID headquarters in El Fasher.

On 20 April 2009, a fire caused a $5 million worth of damage to the communications equipment, office furniture and a water treatment laboratory.

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December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Friday has seized print runs of the independent daily Al-Jareeda for the sixth time within twelve days from the printing house without giving reasons.

Journalists working for Al-Jareeda told Sudan Tribune that the NISS seeks to put pressure on the newspaper to mitigate the harsh criticism of the government contained in the Op-ed articles and in particular by columnists Osman Shabona and Mohamed Wida'aa.

NISS has recently intensified crackdown on newspapers for publishing news reports and articles on the nationwide civil disobedience act which took place between 27 and 29 November. During the last couple of weeks, it seized copies of various dailies 22 times.

Al-Jareeda has been one of the most newspapers in Sudan subject to suspension and confiscation. Last May, the NISS had confiscated copies of the newspaper four times during five days.

The NISS routinely confiscates newspapers either to prevent circulation of certain stories or to punish them retroactively on previous issues.

It uses seizures of print copies of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

The state-run Sudanese National Council for Press and Publications (NCPP) rarely interferes to stop the security punishments although it is the official body responsible for running the work of newspapers in the Sudan.

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By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

December 9, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – Chairperson of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Friday urged Kenyan Government to reverse its decision to withdraw its troops from war torn South Sudan.

IGAD chair, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn made the calls at the 29th IGAD extraordinary summit of heads of state and government opened today in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“South Sudan still remains on critical juncture and the economy stays in sever progress and humanitarian situation also calls for serious attention” Hailemariam said in his opening remark.

He said peace in South Sudan is equally crucial for peace and security in the volatile east African region.

He noted Kenya is an anchor for peace and security in South Sudan and at the region at large.

“I therefore appeal up on the Kenyan government to reconsider its decision to withdraw its forces from South Sudan and to consider its participation”

Last month Kenyan government ordered an immediate withdrawal of its troops deployed in South Sudan, and discontinues plans to contribute to the Regional Protection Force.

A week later Kenya withdrew a first batch of around 100 troops.

Kenya's decision to withdraw its troops who had served in a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan was in response to the sacking of Kenyan commander of the UNMISS force.

UN has accused UNMISS of failing to respond to an attack on a Juba hotel during fighting in July leading to killing of civilians.

In response, UN secretary general, Ban Ki Moon's fired UNMISS force Commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Here at the IGAD summit, the Ethiopian premier lauded South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, for allowing deployment of regional protection force in to the youngest nation.

He stressed a need for the rival parties to unconditionally cease fire and refrain from hostilities if the world's youngest nation is to secure durable peace and security and to achieve sustainable development.

Hailemariam further said emerging demand by some parties for the reversion of the peace deal is unacceptable.

He added peace agreement is the only roadmap for sustainable peace in South Sudan.

Discussion and consultations on the current situation in South Sudan and Somalia are top on agenda.

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December 9, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudanese government has expressed disappointment to the threat of targeted sanctions and arms embargo proposed by the United States at the United Nations Security Council.

In a letter seen by Sudan Tribune the government states that the proposals seriously undermine the sovereignty and internal processes to consolidate peace in the war ravaged nation.

“The government of South Sudan holds the view that the threat of sanctions against government officials are aimed at derailing the entire peace process, perpetuating a state of crisis in South Sudan and to justify International action in the country, so the government rejects the U.S. proposal entirely,” reads the letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council on 6 December.

The Minister in the Office of the President, Mayiik Ayii Deng, who signed the letter, highlighted progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August 2015. Also, he pointed that to the measures being undertaken by the government in order to rebuild a consensus on the peace agreement through national dialogue.

“The threat of sanctions against prominent government officials has been seen as an act of bad faith intended to weaken the government by creating divisions and raises the suspicion for a regime change agenda”, he stressed.

Last November, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power proposed to impose sanctions on former First Vice President Riek Machar, SPLA Chief of Staff Paul Malong and Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth.

The proposed sanctions include also an arms embargo.

But Washington abandoned the idea after opposition by the veto-power Russia and several other members.

The government argued that taking away the coercive power of the state weakens it from being able to maintain law and order and exacerbates uncontrollable anarchy in the country.

The letter further denies claims that South Sudan is on the verge of Genocide and described it as a tool of objective propaganda for those who want to take over South Sudan as a colony.

It objects to the arms embargo and argued that attempts to deny the government access to weapons could presumably be used to carry out genocide as devoid of merit, saying genocide could be committed with crude inexpensive weapons.

The letter highlights improvement in foreign relations between South Sudan and its neighbours in the interest of peace internally and across the region.

The government implores the members of the Security Council to reject any such proposals, saying it needs now political, financial and moral support to consolidate peace, promote reconciliation and to end violence in the country.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan needs the Security Council as a partner for peace, not as a party to the conflict and such proposals that punish peacemakers go contrary to the partnership and controvert efforts to ensure international peace”, the letter concludes.

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December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) Friday said it wouldn't participate in the opposition forces' workshop organized by the Carter Center in Nairobi to discuss peace in Sudan.

SPLM-N leader Malik Agar (C) his deputy Abdel Aziz al-Hilu (L) and SG Yasir Arman pose for a picture in undisclosed location in the rebel controlled areas in March 2014 (AFP/Getty Photo)

The Carter Center, on Wednesday, said a delegation of experts would conduct meetings to explore ways to bring peace in Sudan, pointing the meetings “are not part of the official mediation that the African Union is conducting, but rather supplemental, exploratory gatherings designed to begin to identify points of common ground among all key Sudanese parties”.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, SPLM-N peace file spokesperson Mubarak Ardol said they apologized for not attending the Carter Center workshop for the opposition forces in Nairobi, pointing they thanked them for extending the invitation.

“There are several reasons why we apologized for not attending the workshop including the government's continued use of food as weapon and refusal to open humanitarian corridors besides targeting of the Two Areas residents on racial bases and the ongoing aerial and artillery bombing of civilians,” read the statement .

“Also, SPLM-N leadership has decided to stop all political contacts with the regime and to give humanitarian issues priority over political issues,” it added.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile states, also known as the “Two Areas” have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.

The African Union has been seeking to end the conflict for several years. However since last August the peace talks are deadlocked over cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access deals.

Ardol further added that among the reasons why they apologized for not attending the proposed workshop is their demand to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use by the Sudanese army in Darfur, saying there are signs that it might have also been used in the Two Areas.

Last September, Amnesty International reported that over 200 people had been killed in Darfur Jebel Marra area by banned chemical weapons since January 2016. But the government denied the claims.

Ardol also pointed to the mass detentions of political leaders and activists and recent crackdown on press freedoms, saying this “atmosphere is not conducive for dialogue”.
He underscored SPLM-N's support for the December 19th civil disobedience call and urged opposition forces to play an active role in the event.

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