Sudan Tribune

November 7, 2016 (NYAL) – Two children have died and over 30 people admitted following a Cholera outbreak in South Sudan's Unity state's Nyal and Ganyliel payams of Payinjiar county, health officials said.

A child receives an oral cholera vaccine dose in the South Sudan capital, Juba (Medair Photo)

The county health director, Stephen Gatliah described the situation on ground as “worrying”, owing to the lack of Cholera treatment kits.

Of the suspected cases, he said, 21 people tested positive in Nyal and 11 were confirmed to have Cholera in neighbouring Ganyliel.

Gatliah warned of possibilities of the disease escalating in coming weeks, due to the complete absence of Cholera treatment kits.

“It is sad that today, we have lost two kids simply because we do not have no enough health treatments kits for Cholera,” he explained.

Local and international non-governmental organizations on the ground also confirmed the disease outbreak in the two payams located in Payinjiar.

The county health director, however, says lack of Cholera treatment materials could jeopardize efforts to fight the water-borne disease.

He appealed to humanitarian relief agencies to quickly intervene.

“We are appealing to the international organizations and United Nations agencies to quickly come and rescues lives of innocent civilians on the ground,” he told Sudan Tribune.

Meanwhile, county officials have attributed the spread of the disease to traders conducting business with people across the river.

For the last three weeks, Cholera has affected thousands of people in South Sudan, as aid agencies redouble efforts to treat patients by creating more awareness among the population living in UN camps.

(ST)

November 7, 2216 (JUBA) - Ten civilians were wounded in an attack by unknown gunmen in Bentiu on Sunday, as they attempted to target government soldiers in the capital of Northern Liech State

Soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) on guard in Bentiu, the capital of South Sudan's Unity state on 12 January 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York that shots were fired last evening in Bentiu by unknown gunmen attempting to attack soldiers of the Sudan People's Liberation Army at a checkpoint located in close proximity to the UN base.

"As a result, ten civilians were injured. UN peacekeepers immediately responded to the incident causing the assailants to flee" Dujarric said.

The wounded received medical treatment and are in stable condition, he added citing a report from the UNMISS

(ST)

Oct 06, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Ellen Margrethe Løj, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) paid a farewell visit to Yambio over the weekend before leave the country at the end of November.

The new head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Loj (Photo: UN/Staton Winter)

Speaking to the press after a meeting with government officials, the SRSG said the purpose of her visit to Yambio was to fulfil a promise she made to visit all the South Sudanese states and to see how UNMISS staff and UN agencies are operating. The visit aimed also at assessing the cooperation between UNMISS and UN agencies with the Government of Gbudue State, as several reports say UNMISS patrols was denied access to different areas in the state.

Løj said that, as she is ending her mission as head of UNMISS, she thought of visiting all the states to speak to the citizens, to promote peace and to stop gun fire to give peace a chance which will end suffering of the South Sudanese for over 20 years now.

She added that they had a fruitful meeting with the Acting Governor of Gbudue state Victor Edward Kpiawandu who pledges support to all UN agencies and UNMISS staff to operate freely without hindrance.

Since several months, armed groups have intensified their operations in the state. As a result the state government barred UNMISS access to the conflict affected areas because of deteriorating security situation.

After conducting meeting with the Government Officials, she met with UNMISS staff, UN agencies to thank them for the tireless work they are offering to the people of South Sudan adding that, despite the challenges and killing of humanitarian personnel they should continue to deliver service to the needy people.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor Kpiawandu appreciated the SRSG's visit to Yambio even if her last visit before her departure by the end of November. He said the Government of Gbudue State will continue to support UN family and both sides should improve their communications strategy in order address issues arising.

He further urged the outgoing SRSG to consider people of South Sudan and to lobby for peace in South Sudan and continuous international support to the needy people of the South Sudan.

He added that, she should put in her handing over note to remember Western Equatoria citizens for promoting agriculture which feed people in the whole of Sudan during the 21 years of struggle. And that the Western Equatoria is a fertile land which needs investors and training to the farmers to produce more food locally than importing food from outside.

The issue of road construction was on the top of the issues raised to chief of UNMISS as to repair major roads and feeder roads to reach the farmers to bring food to the town.

Minister of Education, Gender, Child and Social Welfare Pia Philip said, UNMISS should consider that engaging youth is a productive activities if UN wants to end conflict or support the people of South Sudan.

“If UN needs to help the people of South Sudan they should embark on productive activities for the youth because the more youth are idle they will continue to create problems and enter the bush for looting on roads, killing and rape," Philip said.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Minister of Interior General Ismat Abdel Rahman Zein al-Abdin on Monday said his ministry is ready for the worst scenarios after various protests against the government austerity measures.

Interior minister Ismat Abdel-Rahman (SUNA Photo)

Sudanese government on Thursday lifted fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market. The step created limited protests in various places across Sudan.

In a press statement, the Minister of Interior pointed that police is not sure how the protests might develop, adding that the situation now is stable.

“We would not raise the state of alert to 100% until we see how things are going to develop,” he said.

Zein al-Abdin said that police received information that some people are planning activities that he did not disclose; underlining that police cannot raise the state of alert from this early stage.

“This time the situation is different from September 2013,” he stressed.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

At the time, Police failure to stop the protests, led to the intervention of the security apparatus and the use of bullets against protesters.

The minister of interior went to say that people understand the motives behind government's decision to lift fuel and electricity subsidies, adding that government has also increased salaries.

On Monday small-scale protests continued for the second day in several towns across Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, Atbara, Wad Madani and Nyala. Opposition groups called to keep the protests.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The independent doctors union, Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) on Monday said the third day of their renewed strike (Sunday) was a complete success.

On 6 October, Sudanese doctors staged a strike and refused non-emergency treatments to patients to protest the poor working conditions, lack of medicines and protection of doctors after increasing attacks on medical staff by frustrated patients and their families.

On 13 October, the CCED called off the strike following government pledges to introduce a bill to the parliament to protect doctors, improve training conditions for registrars and improve work environment in hospitals.

However, the CCSD last Tuesday announced resumption of a two-day strike every week during November, saying the government didn't honour its commitments.

In a report released on Wednesday; the striking doctors said that 60 public hospitals have participated in the strike on Tuesday. They also warned against attempts by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) to intimidate the doctors and bread the movement.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, the CCSD expressed commitment to continue the strike to meet the doctors' demands, pointing to the large support rendered by doctors to the CCSD as their sole representative body.

It added that the strike would enter its fourth day on Monday, saying that 9 doctors from the CCSD's central committee and subcommittees are being detained for the seventh day while several others have been summoned by the NISS.

(ST)

November 6, 2016 – South Sudan's main opposition party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change Party (SPLM-DC) have elected a new leader to replace its founding chairperson.

Onyoti Adigo Nyikec (mcclatchy)

This comes after Lam Akol, the party's founder, resigned in August.

He served as Agriculture minister in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Akol formed an armed opposition party, known as the National Democratic Movement, to remove President Salva Kiir from power.

However, in a vote marred by boycotts, SPLM-DC elected Onyoti Adigo, formerly leader of the minority in Parliament, to replace Akol.

Onyoti vowed he would work for the interest of all party members, including those who opposed his election to increase support base.

The party's secretary general, Deng Bior absented himself from the poll process, citing improper preparations prior to the voting day.

“The extraordinary convention of the party has no agenda and it should be cancelled,” he told reporters in the capital, Juba Monday.

But attempts by the secretary general to halt the process failed as acting party leader, Donald Gideon Azomuna insisted that discussions focuses on electing a new chairman to replace Akol.

“Deng Bior and those who boycotted the meeting will be dealt with by the new chairman and their issue will soon be resolved,” said Azomuna.

The SPLM-DC is the only entity that defeated ruling party in six constituencies during the country's 2010 general elections. The party did not win outside the Shilluk area, from where both Akol and its new chairperson hail.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

October 7, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – A member of South Sudan's armed opposition (SPLM-IO) said they released dozens of Kenyan aid workers held in Akobo state.

Those recently arrested worked for non-governmental entities in rebel-controlled areas.

The opposition movement's move against the Kenyans appears to be in retaliation to Kenya's move to deport SPLM-IO spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak to South Sudan.

Goanar Gordon Yien, secretary in the office of the chairman told Sudan Tribune that 72 aid workers arrested by SPLM-IO field commanders and governors have been freed.

Yien said the aid workers were freed after the former vice-president, Riek Machar, ordered their release, saying they were innocent and had nothing to do with Dak's deportation.

Machar's spokesperson was picked from his residence in Nairobi on Wednesday by uniformed and non-uniformed wearing officers claiming to be Kenyan authorities.

On Thursday last week, Dak was flown to the South Sudan capital and imprisoned. Although not much is known about his situation, opposition officials fear he could be killed.

“We heard he is safe but for us we are not sure .We are concerned about his situation. We can't trust Juba government”, said Yien.

He urged the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and East African regional bloc (IGAD) member states to put pressure on Juba government for his immediate release.

Dak, who is also a United States citizen, was deported after he posted a statement on Facebook welcoming United Nations Secretary General's decision to dismiss it's peacekeeping boss in South Sudan, Lt. General. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Opposition officials in Addis Ababa alleged that First Vice president, Taban Deng, proposed names of 15 South Sudanese opposition figures to be deported to Juba.

The plan, sources said, was to bring alive politicians they accuse of spreading war messages. It was also intended to discourage war mongers residing in Kenya.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (JUBA) – Nearly a dozen people were injured in a grenade attack, which occurred in South Sudanese capital, Juba on Sunday night.

A picture showing a grenade explosion (garrysmod.org)

Eyewitnesses said the injured were rushed to Juba teaching hospital.

The motive of the incident remains unknown.

On Saturday, 11 people died when a gunman shot at a group of people watching football in the South Sudan capital. 16 others were wounded.

The incident occurred at Gure, an area south-west of the South Sudan capital.

No suspect has been apprehended in connection to the Saturday incident and no group or person has claimed any responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Police have launched a joint operation to arrest the attacker.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Small-scale protests continued for a second day on Monday in several places in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum and elsewhere against government's decision to lift fuel and electricity subsidies.

Sudanese government on Thursday lifted fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

On Sunday night, dozens of people staged demonstrations in the capital of al-Jazeera state, Wad Medani and chanted “Freedom. Peace. Justice. Revolution is the choice of the people” before they were dispersed by police and security services.

In one Khartoum neighbourhood, al Deim, protesters on Sunday marched on side streets chanting anti-regime slogans.

On Monday, students from the University of Khartoum (UofK) on Monday took to the streets to protest against price increase before riot police used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Also, engineering students from Wadi El-Neel University in Atbara, 320 km. north of Khartoum on Monday afternoon staged a demonstration that roamed a number of the main streets in the city.

Hundreds of high school students took to the streets in South Darfur's capital, Nyala to protest against the rise in fuel and electricity price.

A number of students told Sudan Tribune that riot police excessive tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, saying the decision to raise fuel and electricity price has increased the suffering of their families.

They demanded the ministry of finance to reverse its decision immediately.

A reliable source told Sudan Tribune that the government has deployed large military troops on the main streets of Nyala with armored trucks roaming the streets to prevent further protests.

Meanwhile, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has continued its arrest campaign and detained the Secretary General of the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) Mastoor Ahmed on Monday just hours following the arrest of the party's former chairman Ibrahim Al-Shiekh.

However, SCoP chairman Omer al-Digair told Sudan Tribune on Monday that his party wouldn't abandon its national responsibility, saying they are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful expression.

He vowed they will continue their peaceful resistance until achieving victory for the Sudanese people, stressing that he is not afraid of detention.

In recent months, the SCoP has challenged the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and organized political activities in public and open places calling on the citizens to resist the regime and take to the streets in protest against the deterioration of living conditions at all levels.

It is noteworthy that the NISS this week arrested several SCoP's officials including its deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef , chairman of the Central Council Abdel-Qayoum Awad El-Sid, deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef and deputy Information Secretary Abdalla Shams al-Koun.

On Wednesday, the government deployed large police units and security forces on strategic buildings and streets in the capital Khartoum in anticipation of popular protests against the measures.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (EL GENEINA) - The Governor of West Darfur State, Fadl al-Mula al-Haga, has vowed to impose the state authority, rule of law and fight against all forms of crime in his state.

Addressing the residents of “Beidah” locality, 80 km south-west of the state capital El Geneina on Monday, al-Haga pledged to provide security in all parts of the state, stressing that West Darfur state is able to achieve many service projects such as health, education, water and roads projects.

He further announced his government plans to promote the national dialogue recommendations, protection of the agricultural season and repairing the social fabric and peaceful coexistence among the components of society.

The governor called on the citizens to pay attention to their children's education as the only way to create a better society.

Last August, al-Haga has been appointed governor for West Darfur State replacing Khalil Abdallah. It was the second dismissal of West Darfur governor by President Omer al-Bashir during a three-month period as result of the deteriorating security situation.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in Mara area, 60 km north of El Geneina town on the Chadian border.

Also on 23 May, armed men belonging to a militia launched a revenge attack on a mosque in the town of "Azrna", 10 km east of El Geneina, killing eight people and wounding several others. Following what, the local authorities deployed further troops in anticipation of a possible deterioration of the security situation.

For his part, “Beidah” locality administrator, Osman Youssef, confirmed that they will implement all the state government decisions which ban riding of motorcycles and wearing of Kadamool (a turban which covers the face) besides holding arms as well as enforcement of emergency measures in the border areas.

UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in Darfur conflict since 2003, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

(ST)

November 6, 2016 (GULU) - South Sudanese living in the Northern Ugandan district of Gulu find it a struggle to cope with daily activities in Kanyagoga, a town suburb which currently houses hundreds of refugees, predominantly from the war-hit nation.

South Sudanese refugees arrival at Kiryandongo settlement camp 16, 02,2014 (ST)

35-year old Rachael Ajak Dhieu says living in Gulu is not easy, while comparing her current situation to life in hell, yet she cannot return to her native country due to the ongoing conflict between rival forces.

A mother of six, Ajak and her family survive on what her husband earns from teaching in various primary schools located in Gulu town.

“I don't have any job or [receive] funding. Nothing, but at least the kids go to school through my husband's support,” she narrates.

Ajak left South Sudan when civil war broke out in December 2013, and is less optimistic of returning to the young nation anytime soon.

The 35-year old mother of six regularly attends counseling sessions provided by a local counselor at Kanyagoga, a village in Gulu town.

The counselor, Florence Atoo admits relation between South Sudanese and local communities have improved in the recent times.

“South Sudanese and the host community in my area have a fine relation. They have no issues with rent, they even chat with neighbours because they are used to them unlike in the previous days when they used to quarrel,” she told Sudan Tribune.

Atoo admitted that good relations between South Sudanese and their neighbours will enable them survive without any setbacks.

“I don't have any problem with them because they are good and peaceful since we are all the same people with one historical background,” stressed the counselor, who has been helping South Sudanese in her area acquire land as well as houses for rent.

For Chandra Lucy, Gulu town was chosen as a home for safety purposes.

“There is nothing I see here in Gulu like disturbing, fighting, beatings, breaking of doors or even being called out at night,” she says.

Chan Reec, another resident of Kanyagoga, described as wonderful the relationship between South Sudanese the host communities.

But just like other South Sudanese families, Reec's family members often interact with the locals, despite the language barriers.

Majority of South Sudanese came to Kanyagoga more than three years ago.

(ST)

November 4, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - A group of thirty two U.S. lawmakers have urged Secretary of State John Kerry to ask the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use by the Sudanese army in Darfur.

US secretary of state John Kerry (Photo: Daniel Getachew/EPA)

Late last month, 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.

In a letter to Kerry, the lawmakers expressed serious concern about “increased civilian displacement in Darfur and the recent allegations that the Sudanese government has used chemical weapons against its citizens”.

“We find the use of such measures against innocent men, women, and children appalling and urge you to take every appropriate step to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to the Jebel Marra region so that the victims of these attacks can receive the medical attention they require,” said the lawmakers.

The letter also called on the Secretary of State to ask the OPCW to investigate these allegations in Sudan, “and to strongly encourage Sudan to cooperate with such an investigation”.

“Sudan has acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and as such has a legal responsibility not to use, produce or stockpile chemical weapons” read the letter.
“If OPCW is not granted access to conduct its investigation, we will have to assume that the government is hiding its complicity in these atrocities” it added.

Following the release of Amnesty's report on the use of chemical weapons in Darfur last September, OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter requested the Sudanese government to provide “its official position and any other relevant information on the matter”.

Sudan in its response to the request reiterated its commitment to the convention and denied the allegations reported by the international human rights group, says the OPCW in a statement released on 8 October.

“Sudan would not act in any way to undermine its obligations and responsibilities towards the Convention and Organisation and emphasized that the position of the Sudanese Government on this matter had been publicly expressed and confirmed” said the Sudan's ambassador in his letter to the Hague based organization.

It is noteworthy that the letter was co-signed by House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Chairman Edward R. Royce, along with Reps. McGovern, Rooney, Lee, McCaul, Capuano, and Pitts of the Sudan and South Sudan Issues Caucus and 24 other Members of Congress.

The U.S. congressmen also underscored importance to support “a peaceful Sudan in which its citizens can enjoy increased stability, civil liberties, and economic growth”.

“However, we remain deeply concerned that peace talks have failed to bring security for the people of Darfur. We thank you for your sustained work towards these ends and await your response on this important issue” they added.

The Sudanese army and its allied militias have been fighting a number of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

Last August, direct peace talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, between Sudanese government and Darfur rebel movements under the auspices of the African Union have collapsed after rebels throw out government requests to disclose fighters' locations.

UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in Darfur conflict since 2003, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

(ST)

November 4, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese opposition has rejected the government decision to raise fuel and electricity prices and called for resisting it by all civil means.

Khaled Omer Youssef, deputy head of the Sudanese Congress Party speaks in a spontaneous meeting Al-Diam neighbourhood in Khartoum on 4 Nov 2016. He was arrested by the security service in his home in the afternoon. (ST Photo)

On Thursday, Sudanese government scrapped fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

Accordingly, the price of gasoline went up to 6.17 pounds per litre, (27.5 per gallon) while the litre of diesel reached 4.11 pounds (18.8 pounds per gallon).

Also, electricity tariff for consumers of more than 400 kilowatts has increased, in order to not affect low-income households who are classified as low energy users.

The move, which took effect at midnight local time on Thursday, comes as part of a series of austerity measures to reduce the trade deficit following the collapse of oil prices and as the economy of east African country is already affected by the U.S. economic sanctions.

The opposition National Umma Party (NUP) on Friday has declared the “civil Jihad” to resist the price increase, calling on the Sudanese people to organize general protests, strikes and sit-ins.

“We would resist these unjust policies by all means of civil Jihad”, said the NUP in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

It pointed out that the country's crises could only be overcome by establishing a new regime, describing the government decision to raise fuel and electricity prices as a “declaration of war against the citizens”.

The statement called for unifying efforts to overthrow the regime, saying the raised police preparedness level to 100 percent in concurrent with the declaration of the austerity measures in order to violently repress protests as occurred in 2013.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

NUP further described the government economic policies as unjust, failed and blundering, calling for holding a genuine national economic conference to develop alternative policies.

It added that the economic problem would only be resolved within a wider framework that addresses the entire Sudanese crises, describing the regime as bloody, corrupt and failed.

For its part, the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) has called on the Sudanese people to take to streets to protest against the price increase and to change the regime.
In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, SCoP said the Sudanese has no option but to build momentum to achieve change and overcome the troubled reality.

It added that the government policies would only further poverty and suffering of the Sudanese people, calling for public mobilization to confront the corrupt regime and its flabby security organs and political apparatus.

The statement pointed that deteriorating economic situation is a natural consequence of the lack of strategic and scientific planning; saying government policies are only driven by unruly lust for wealth and power.

Meanwhile, the Arab Ba'ath Party (ABP) on Friday said the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has arrested its member Akram Abdel-Wahab and took him to an unknown destination.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, ABP said Abdel-Wahab was arrested for distributing leaflets denouncing regime policies.

Sudan has been reclassified by the IMF in 2012 from a net exporter to a net importer after the oil-rich south became an independent state, taking with it 75% of the petroleum reserves that existed in the united Sudan.

Price of the US dollar witnessed significant increase in the black market in Khartoum since last April settling at 16, 00 pounds (SDG).

(ST)

November 4, 2016 (JUBA)- South Sudanese armed opposition leader and the former First Vice President Riek Machar has regretted a decision taken by the Kenyan government Kenya to deport his spokesperson James Gadet Dak.

A Kenyan official for the first time admitted that Dak was deported over a Facebook posting where he applauded a decision by United Nations chief firing a Kenyan general commanding the UN peacekeeping forces in South Sudan.

" (Dak) became an inadmissible person, so we cancelled his visa and he was taken to his country of origin," Kenyan government spokesman Eric Kiraithe told The Associated Press.

Machar, according to several armed opposition figures, who spoke to Sudan tribune on Friday, called the Deputy Kenyan President William Ruto by phone on Thursday to plead with him not to deport his spokesperson to Juba, “due to profound fear for his life.”

“This was unfortunate decision. All attempts were made at the highest level. Our chairman, Dr. Riek Machar himself reached out personally to top authorities in the Kenyan government. He spoke to officials at the ministry of foreign affairs. He spoke to Kenya ambassador in South Africa. He also spoke to Deputy President William Ruto appealing to him in person that Gatdet not be deported to Juba. Unfortunately all these efforts and appeals were ignored. It appears that the Kenyan government decided to take side and abandon their role in the peace process”, a high ranking armed opposition figure told Sudan Tribune when reached on Friday to comment on the matter.

He expressed fear that decision of the Kenyan government to deport SPLM-IO official from Nairobi could have an impact on the peace agreement, given that Kenya was one of the countries which played a key role in the negotiation of the peace agreement which Machar and President Salva Kiir signed last year.

While government supporters were jubilant and appears in celebratory mood, supporters and sympathizers of armed opposition reacted with fury to the news of Gatdet's arrest and deportation.

SPLM-IO Youth League leader Puot Kang wrote, “The illegal kidnapping of James Gatdet will never and ever silence any SPLM-IO supporter instead it shall radicalize them”. He added Gatdet's deportation “shall always define the relation between the two nations for the next century.”

Machar, reacting from South Africa, described Kenya as a guarantor to the peace agreement signed in August 2015 and “we do not expect that it would put in danger the life of an innocent person.”

James Dak, who studied in the United States of America returned to South Sudan after the 2005 peace agreement where he joined the office of Riek Machar as spokesperson of the Vice President of the semi-autonomous Southern Sudan.

After the eruption of South Sudanese crisis, he moved to Nairobi from where continued to exercise his duties as Machar spokesperson. After Machar return to Juba in April 2016 , he remained in Nairobi and didn't return to Juba.

Kenya was seen as safe and secure country for opponents from different east African countries who reside there.

However, human rights activists and workers say Kenya has violated international law when it deported Dak who is a UN registered refugee.

By deporting Dak "Kenya has exposed him to a serious risk of persecution," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch.

"Kenya is steadily shredding any of respect for its fundamental refugee protection obligations," Simpson further told The Associated Press..

South Sudan researcher at Amnesty International Elizabeth Deng pointed in a statement to The Associated Press. that "(Dak) is now at risk of arbitrary detention and torture" by the South Sudanese authorities

(ST)

November 4, 2016 (JUBA) - The head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operation (DPKO) of the United Nations said the world body respects the sovereign position of the Kenyan government to pull its peacekeeping troops from South Sudan.

The head of the UN peacekeeping mission, Herve Ladsous speaking in Juba (UNMISS photo)

"It is their sovereign decision but I respect that but of course I regret it and we are assessing what consequences this will have on the regional protection force that was recently decided upon by the UN Security Council that we are trying into existence as soon as possible,” said Hervé Ladsous,

Ladsous was speaking to the media at a press conference on Thursday evening at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. He was reacting to Kenya's rejection of the UN Secretary General's decision in which he recommended the sacking of the force commander, who hails from Kenya, from the UN mission in South Sudan.

Kenya argued that failure of the mission was systemic to the individual commander.

The UN chief, Ban Ki-moon asked for the sacking of General Johnson Ondieki, after an internal investigation found that the mission failed to protect civilians in Juba in July.

The UN, Ladsous said, has established a task force to carry out the recommendations of the report, which include ensuring greater accountability of the mission's leadership.

He said the recommendation of the internal report has already been approved for implementation and the world's body will just continue with the implementation.

“The Secretary-General has approved these recommendations, so we will try to move things forward as quickly as possible,” he said, further stressing that the world body was also assessing what consequences the Kenyan government decision will have on the regional protection force its 15-member Security Council approved in September.

“That of course is something we are the first to regret very much because Kenya has been a solid contributor of troops and police to the peace keeping operations,” he added.

(ST)

November 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Head of the African Union United Nations Mission In Darfur (UNAMID) Thursday welcomed the extension of unilateral cession of hostilities by armed groups in Darfur and called for the signing of a comprehensive truce.

The Sudan Liberation Movement of Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM), Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) extended on 31 October an unilateral truce to 30 April 2017.

"UNAMID's Joint Special Representative, Martin Uhomoibhi, commended the declaration and used the opportunity to, once again, call upon Abdel Wahid al Nur, leader of the Sudan Liberation Army- Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW), “to make a similar declaration to signal a genuine intent that peace is a strategic choice for him and his movement,” reads a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

“Each other party to the conflict has made gestures to indicate willingness to engage in peace; now is the time for Mr. al-Nur to make such a gesture,” emphasised Uhomoibhi who is also the joint chief mediator for peace in Darfur.

The SLM-MM and JEM, two groups of Darfur region, are part of a peace process brokered by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP). They also signed a Roadmap Agreement with the government in order to end the conflict and participate in an inclusive constitutional conference.

The SLM-AW refuses to join the negotiating table before to disarm the government militias, return of displaced population to their home villages and to end land grabbing. Also clashes between the rebel fighters and the government forces displaced thousands of people from Jebel Marra area.

Earlier this year, Uhomoibhi and U.S. Special Envoy, Donald Booth met with Abdel Wahid in Paris in a bid to persuade him to join the AUHIP process.

International officials say his refusal hampers the negotiations with the other armed groups, as his attitude encourages them to adopt a tough stance in the discussions with the government.

(ST)

November 3, 2016 (JUBA) – 11 Kenyan lawmakers visited the South Sudan capital, with assurance on Thursday that opposition politicians will be ejected from Kenya.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir waits for the arrival of his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, in Juba on May 23, 2013. (Photo Reuters)

The MPs, led by security committee chairperson, Asman Kamama, met First Vice President Taban Deng Gai and the leadership of the South Sudanese Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Wednesday and Thursday.

Kamama told reporters at Juba International Airport that Nairobi has decided to disengage from South Sudan's political game.

“We will discourage any one body trying to use any of our country as a launching pad for war. We are very categorical,” said Kamama at the end the visit.

As to whether Kenya reacted by arresting James Gatdet Dak, the spokesman for South Sudan rebel leader, Riek Machar, Kamama said no single individual was being targeted.

“We did not target a specific person but any leader from this region who is bent on trying to exert and trying to encourage people to go war; our country must not be used a laughing pad,” he said.

Kamama added that Kenya will seek support in the Eastern African region to halt hosting South Sudanese politicians promoting “violent politics.”

“What I will urge the people of South Sudan is that they should not listen to anyone inciting or trying to encourage them to take up arms or fight among each other. I think this country has high potential and if you maintain this peace, this country will prosper and it will even be one of the best countries in term of development in this part of the region,” he said.

According to family sources, Dak was deported to Juba on Thursday, a claim backed by Machar's office. There is no confirmation in Juba on Dak's arrival or his whereabouts.

(ST)

November 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese government on Thursday scrapped fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

The move, which takes effect at midnight local time on Thursday, comes as part of a series of austerity measures to reduce the trade deficit following the collapse of oil prices and as the economy of east African country is already affected by the U.S. economic sanctions.

In a press conference held on Thursday evening, Finance and Economic Planning Minister Badr al-Din Mahmoud announced the liberalization of fuel prices removing a subsidy that will allow his government to reduce its expenditures and save hard currency reserves.

Accordingly, the price of gasoline will rise to 6.17 pounds per litre, (27.5 per gallon) while the litre of diesel will rise to 4.11 pounds (18.8 pounds per gallon).

The government also, increased electricity tariff for consumers of more than 400 kilowatts, it order to not affect low-income households who are classified as low energy users.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

The full drop of fuel subsidies was announced after a recent briefing by President Omer al-Bashir to the Shura Council of the ruling National Congress Party where he said the government has no choice but take these tough economic measures.

The new austerity plan was endorsed by the government in a meeting of the cabinet chaired by President al-Bashir earlier during the day.

In its weekly meeting, the Council of Ministers also decided to increase salaries by 20%, as part of the government measures to support low-income families and reduce poverty.

In press statements after the cabinet meeting, Mahmoud said salaries and per diems will be increased by 20%, increase the spending on social security, employees will receive one-month salary bonus to cover the needs of Eid al-Fitr and a two-month salary bonus for Eid al-Adha.

Additional allowances are decided in favour of public employees to cover fees of wearing and meals. Also retreat pensions will be increased.

(ST)

Nov 04, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Authorities in South Sudan's newly-created Gbudue state have reiterated the need to end amnesty granted to all armed groups by 10 November.

The map of Western Equatoria in red

These groups declared to fight government, saying it was their right.

The mayor of Yambio town, Daniel Badagbu said, state authorities gave lengthy time for armed groups to abandon their weapons and come home to benefit from the amnesty issued by the national government and state government to all armed groups, but some continued to commit crimes and worsen the security situation in the state.

“Amnesty should have a limit and we the Government gave a humble time to armed groups to come home and benefit from the amnesty but some continue to commit crimes and worsen the security situation we shall not entertain that", said Badangbu.

According to the mayor, it is over one and half years now since the government issued amnesty to all the youth who took arms and entered the bush to fight the Government of which hundreds of civilians have been killed, many displaced, continue looting in homes and on roads, women are raped and properties destroyed.

This new development came after the renewed attacks on Police Headquarters in Yambio, and kidnaped of five policemen in Makpandu refugee camp in Yambio county.

The government continues to blame the armed group under Alfred Futuyo who showed allegiance to the armed opposition and is based in the northern part of Yambio county.

Over 500 armed groups, under the command of Futuyo, sundered to the government ever since amnesty to all those who are fighting was issued. But there are reports that most of the former armed groups who surrendered have returned to the bush to join their commander after he returned from the border of South Sudan and neighbouring Congo.

Although the mayor did not mention what steps would be taken after the expiry of the amnesty, he urged citizens in Yambio and in the state to remain calm and stay in their homes even if there are threats from the armed groups to attack and continues road blocks around Yambio town and other roads connecting to the state headquarters.

Meanwhile, a spiritual leader has urged government to leave open the amnesty period.

"And if the amnesty expires on 10th the community are in fear and some who did not flee their homes have started preparing to leave to Congo where they think in a bit safe and the situation is going to be worse in the state if the government react to the act of the armed group", he told Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

“I think as a spiritual man, the government should leave the amnesty open until those youth come to their sense and come home this will promote peace and forgiveness because it has no end," he added.

(ST)

November 3, 2016 (JUBA) -At least 290 civilians have been forcefully recruited by government forces in a four days exercise carried out in South Sudan's Mayom county multiple sources and eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune in series of interviews.

South Sudan government soldiers in the town of Koch, Unity state, South Sudan, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. (Photo AP/Jason Patinkin)

Those who carried out the recruitment reportedly targetted the youth.

Peter Magai, one of the new recruits said he was forcefully taken from his home in Mankien on Wednesday and ended up in a cargo plane to Juba for training.

He claimed the armed oppositoon members who have joined President Salva Kiir's camp ochestrated the recruitments in the oil-rich region.

"It was on Wednesday morning when uniformed soldiers came and rounded us in Mankien in our rooms and ordered us to immediately closedown shops,” said Magai.

Another youth, only identified as Simon, said he was recruited while teaching children in class and taken to Mayom county headquarters.

Currently, there are hundreds of new recruits at Buluk waiting to be transferred to Rajaf training centre, located in the suburbs located south of the heart of the capital.

Majority of the recruits are believed to be under aged children from Unity state's Mayom, Rubkotna, Guit, Koch, Leer and Mayiandit counties.

Weigoah Ruop, a formerly chairman of Mayom universities and colleges, condemned the recruitment of child soldiers, and accused the government of using a wrongful approach.

“I strongly condemn in the strongest term possible the continued recruitments of civilians especially in Mayom county by the government. It is sad to see that children are taken to be used in the conflict for individual gain,” he said.

Unconfirmed reports say South Sudan's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai personally engineered the forcefully recruitment of the youth from Unity state.

Gai's alleged involvement could not be independently verified by Sudan Tribune.

(ST)