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Updated: 6 days 12 hours ago

Heavily armed Ethiopian troops entered S. Sudan: eyewitness

Wed, 04/05/2016 - 06:30

May 3, 2016 (BOR) – Heavy armed Ethiopian troops entered South Sudan territory in search of children abducted in last month's raid in the Horn of Africa nation, sources said.

Governor of Ethiopia's Gambella region pictured with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn during a visit to the region (FILE photo)

An eyewitness said he witnessed over 20 tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) patrolling areas in Pochalla town.

“A lot of troops from Ethiopia slept in Pochalla and in the morning of May 3, they started their journey toward the direction of Pibor, with heavy weapons. We also saw, this morning, jet fighters, flying over from the direction of Gambella towards Pibor and returned. They come to look for their abducted children”, said the eyewitness.

The Boma state coordinator in Juba said he was informed about the presence of Ethiopian troops, who were in different places, including Jebel Raat, Akobo and Pochalla.

“The Ethiopian troops are either in or around these areas right now,” Gabriel Amokori told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.

He, however, said the Boma state governor and South Sudan government were in all contact with their Ethiopian counterparts regarding the fate of the children abducted.
“Our government is telling the Ethiopian government to hold on a bit so that the children are searched for and handed over to them [Ethiopians]”, said Amakori.

The Boma state information minister, Julius James Otong, said he had heard about the entry of the Ethiopian troops into Boma state territory, but said her office had not got full information about their whereabouts over the last two days.

“I heard about them, but I have not got full information about where they are today,” said Otong.

According to the minister, state authorities, with the help of the area local chiefs had managed to rescue 32 children from Likuangole county through a village-to-village search.

“The president issued an order that the abducted children from Ethiopia should be collected and returned to their families. So the deputy governor went and met the chiefs in Likuangole to bring the children. So the chief went and brought 32 children. These children are still in our hands in Likuangole. We want to hand them over to UN so that they are flown back to their area in Gambella,” said the minister.

“We still expect more children to be recovered from Likuangole so the search is ongoing in villages”, she added.

Likuangole, bordering Akobo to the north, Uror to north-west, Duk and Twic East counties to the west, is the home area of the governor of Boma state, Baba Medan Konyi.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudanese security says opposition failed to mobilize masses

Wed, 04/05/2016 - 06:29

May 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) said the opposition parties and rebel groups failed to mobilize the streets and stressed it wouldn't allow the latter to export the armed conflict to the capital, Khartoum.

A student throws stones during a confrontation with the police outside the University of Khartoum on Wednesday April 13, 2016

The Sudanese capital witnessed recently a wave of student protests where two students were killed in Omdurman and El Obied. The bloody incidents came after calls by the opposition groups to overthrow the regime through peaceful means.

NISS deputy director Osama Mukhtar said the security of Khartoum is a “red line”, stressing they would prevent the armed groups from exporting violence to the outskirts of the capital.

Mukhtar , who addressed the graduation ceremony of a new batch of NISS on Tuesday, said the Sudanese people no longer trust the rebel groups and opposition forces, describing the latter as mercenaries and agents of foreign hostile forces.

“The opposition leaders call on the Sudanese people to take to the streets while they are staying at the hotels and resorts and that is why they hasn't and won't respond to their calls,” he said

On Sunday, the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) also accused the armed and political opposition groups of bringing violence from the peripheral conflict areas to the Sudanese universities, particularly in Khartoum.

Mukhtar pointed that the government has opened the doors for the national dialogue and welcomed the opposition work within the legal institutions, saying those who opt for illegal work would pay a heavy price.

he added they wouldn't allow the country to plunge into chaos and unrest, pointing to the example of important nations in the region.

The security official further pointed to the military victories in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, saying the rebellion would soon be crushed and the regular forces will establish security across the country.

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

Also, the border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile state have been the scene of a violent conflict since 2011 when fighting broke out between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) and Sudanese army.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Foreign aid groups work in Darfur “unsatisfactory”: official

Wed, 04/05/2016 - 06:29

May 3, 2016 (EL-FASHER) - The deputy governor of North Darfur state Adam al-Nahla said the work of the foreign aid groups active in the state was unsatisfactory and has met only 12% of the targeted needs.

UNAMID's Police Advisers from Sortoni, North Darfur, interact with the newly displaced seeking refuge in the vicinity of the Mission's team site On 27 January 2016 (UNAMID Photo)

On Tuesday, al-Nahla discussed with the United Nations Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Darfur, Emmy Martin, the security, economic and humanitarian situation as well as the IDPs conditions in North Darfur.

He told reporters following the meeting that the two sides agreed to cooperate to carry out the work according to the agreed upon mandate, pointing the government continues to provide all possible facilities for the foreign aid groups.

“However the actual work [of the foreign aid groups] is weak and unsatisfactory”, he said
The governor denied that the authorities has placed restrictions on the movements of any foreign aid group in North Darfur, noting it is the government responsibility to secure the highways and establish security in the conflict areas before allowing aid groups to deliver relief to the needy population.

Al-Nahla acknowledged that the northern part of his state suffers from water shortage due to the large numbers of cattle, saying that is why the herders seek to get water from the farming areas which cause clashes between them and the farmers.

He added that he discussed with Martin ways to provide water in order to end the clashes between the herders and the farmers.

For her part, Martin said she discussed with the governor several issues including the humanitarian situation and the conditions at the IDPs camps in Tawila and Sortoni.

Last December, the Sudanese government suspended Tearfund, an international aid group active in Darfur, accusing it of violating the law and interfering in the internal affairs of the country.

Immediately after the first arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sudan's president Omer al-Bashir in March 2009, Sudan expelled 13 aid groups from Darfur accusing it of collaborating with the war crime courts.

Since then, the activities of foreign aid group in Darfur are strictly controlled and more organizations were evicted through the years.

Sudan refuses to allow new aid groups to work in the region.

The government also banned the access of foreign groups to the rebel-held areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile as well as the establishment of camps for the displaced civilians, stressing the experience of Darfur camps should not be repeated in the two states.

Categories: Africa

Relatives protest prolonged detention of former Rumbek commissioner

Wed, 04/05/2016 - 06:28

May 3, 2016 (RUMBEK) - A family member of the former commissioner of Rumbek Central County Matur Majok Magol is protesting the prolong detention without charges.

Matur Majok Magol former commissioner of Rumbek Central County Lakes state (ST Photo)

Mary Rol Ater, wife of Magol said her husband has been arrested since March 3, 2016 by state government without charges.

Rol said that Magol was taken to Malou military barracks and all his telephone was confiscated and no clear information being provided by state government with regard to his detention.

However, Western Lakes State Minister of Information and Communication Daniel Dut Makuet have denied the arrest of former commissioner of Rumbek Central County, saying that Magol is kept in Panda Hotel as part of precautionary measures because his relatives were suspected to be involved in revenge killings inside Rumbek Central County in March.

“ Matur Majok was not arrested, his relative got involved in march clashes . The security organs were trying to follow up the accused () But Matur was not arrested. He was taken to Panda Hotel to protect him from revenge.”

Meanwhile, former commissioner spouse Mary Rol Ater said Panda Hotel is turned into military secret prison since the time of former governor Matur Chut Dhuol.

She further stressed that he is in jail at that hotel since last March.

The former commissioner was reportedly arrested following inter-communal clashes in March 3, 2016.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Khartoum and Juba vow to settle disputes peacefully

Wed, 04/05/2016 - 06:28

May 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM/JUBA) - following the formation of the new transitional national unity government in Juba, Sudan and South Sudan expressed hopes to settle the post-separation issues peacefully and to have good cooperation.

South Sudanese president Salva Kiir (L) and his Sudanese counterpart, Omer Hassan al-Bashir, attend a press conference at Khartoum airport on 4 November 2014 (Photo: AFP/Ashraf Shazly)

In September 2012, both Sudan and South Sudan signed a series of cooperation agreements, which covered oil, citizenship rights, security issues, banking, border trade among others. But only the oil transit deal was implemented.

Sudan and South Sudan still speak about presence of rebel groups in the two countries. Also, Abyei referendum and border disputed areas are still to be resolved as the two countries have to reach an agreement on border demarcation.

In a speech before the parliament in Khartoum Tuesday, Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said that his government welcomed the transitional government of national unity and expressed hopes to work together for peace and stability in the region.

In Juba the South Sudanese cabinet minister Martin Elia Lomoro,said his government does not need to fight with the government of neighbouring Sudan from which it seceded in 2011 to settle the unresolved issues

South Sudanese cabinet affairs minister Lomoro told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday his government has a clear and unique approach to settling post -secession matters with Sudan.

“We don't need to panic and fight in order to claim our rights. The issues which have not been resolved can be resolved amicably through peaceful dialogue" said Lomoro.

"The Sudanese themselves are rational. They know what is right and wrong. And even if they are tempted to claim what does not belong to them, they will never be secured and they will never feel free psychologically because you know when you have taken something which does not belong to you, you will always remain suspicious and trying to understand the reasons for which the person permitted you to take what does not belong to you”, he further said.

South Sudan, according to Lomoro, is currently in an unstable relations with Sudan but that does not mean the world youngest country and its leadership would compromise on sovereign matters.

“We will continue to dialogue with them because South Sudan and Sudan are not going to make a miracle to avoid being neighbours. We will continue to remain as neighbours in the same region and this is why it is very important to keep good relationship with neighbours because the two countries are going to remain neighbours forever,” he explained.

The minister called on Sudanese government to engage his country in direct negotiations to resolve unresolved post secession issues in the same way the 2005 peace agreement was reached or resort to international arbitration as the best approach to resolve differences related to border.

South Sudan broke out from Sudan in July 2011 after a referendum on self-determination held in January 2011.

In January 2016, Sudan opened border and allowed border trade between the population from the two sides. However two months later, President Omer al-Bashir ordered again to close border, and accused Juba of supporting the rebel groups.

However , the Sudanese foreign minister told the lawmakers that his government welcomes the new coalition government which is formed in line with a peace agreement between the warring parties after two year and a half of violence, adding they hope it would be a "honest partner" and cooperate with Khartoum.

"We welcome the new government, including the appointment of Deng Alor as a Minister of Foreign Affairs" Ghandour said and stressed his readiness to work with him in the interest of the two countries in order to build a model relationships in the region.

Alor, is from the disputed area of Abyei. His appointment was seen by many in Juba as an obstacle for good relations between the two countries, but the G10 insisted he is their candidate for the post in this coalition government.

In response to a question by the legislators, Ghandour said his government would work for the stability support peace in the neighbouring country.

He stressed that "security and stability of the South Sudan means also the security of Sudan" and urged Juba to stop supporting Sudanese rebel groups.

This week, the semi-official news service SMC said that a group of Darfur rebels who returned recently form South Sudan, has provided new evidence of Juba support to the rebels groups and their camps.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

S. Sudan religious leader calls on MPs to visit constituencies

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 10:51

May 2, 2016 (JUBA)- A South Sudanese religious leader has asked members of parliament and cabinet ministers to stay close to the people so that they are able to understand their challenges and the needs.

South Sudanese MPs stand during a parliamentary session in Juba on 31 August 2011 (AFP)

“People are living like abandoned orphans because of members of parliament don't find time to stay in their constituencies," said episcopal Bishop of Akot diocese, Isaac Dhieu.

“There is a gap between the grassroots and leaders because leaders are not among the people. The focus this time should in the community where change is supposed to start from. Change does not start with the president; change starts with the grassroots and it is the reason why MPs run away and go for positions of minister, deputy minister and abandon the people like the way they are [doing] right now”, he added.

He said politicians were busy running after their own interest and changing allegiance from one political group to the other in pursuit for their own interests and not that of the common person.

“Everyone who failed in the government is running to the SPLM-IO, so what kind of change are we crying for? Every day you are crying but there's no one to listen to you. People are being attacked at night by the unknown gunmen because there's no leadership to protect them. I know people know people who are more than capable to deliver services to the people but they have been given the opportunity to serve," said Dhieu.

People should be allowed to remove garbage in their constituencies and ensure each household has clean and running water on prepaid basis. They will provide basic needs for all the people and help people have title deeds and own decent shelter”, he added.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudan ruling party accuses opposition of exporting violence to universities

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 10:13

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Sunday accused the armed and political opposition groups of bringing violence from the peripheral conflict areas to the Sudanese universities, particularly in Khartoum.

Leaders of the opposition "Sudan Call" sign an agreement on the alliance's structures in Paris on 22 April 2016

The Sudanese capital witnessed recently a wave of student protests where two students were killed in Omdurman and El Obied. The bloody incidents came after calls by the opposition groups to overthrow the regime through peaceful means.

In a meeting headed by the Presidential Assistant and Deputy NCP Chairman Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid on Sunday, the political sector of the ruling party condemned what is called attempts by the armed groups to export violence to universities campuses.

"The Political Sector expressed its indignation over the use by the (opposition) Sudan Call of political tactics including attempts to export war to the universities campuses and to involve students in it," said the NCP spokesperson, Yasir Youssef on Sunday.

"We condemn violence, whether in the Two Areas or attempts to export it to the universities," Youssef further said.

He said the extraordinary meeting discussed the political and security situations in the universities, adding that it returned to normal in the capital and the other states.

Also, he called on the armed groups to sign the Roadmap Agreement, adding it is the "Only way out to stop the war and to promote peace in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile".

Pointing to a recent meeting held in Paris, he said "opposition rushing to Europe and holding a meeting in Paris or elsewhere will not lead to a solution" adding it is inside the country and in the Two Areas.

The opposition Sudan Call forces held a meeting in Paris from 18 to 21 April where it reiterated its rejection of the Roadmap Agreement and called on the African Union to review its plan for peace in Sudan, in a way to dissociate the ongoing dialogue conference inside the country from the national dialogue process proposed by the African Union in its initial plan of the decision 539.

Sadiq al-Mahdi, leader of the opposition National Umma Party, told Sudan Tribune last Thursday they plan to meet the African Union mediators to discuss the roadmap to demand the inclusion of more opposition groups in the process and to take into account the need to release political freedoms.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Rights body welcomes S. Sudan's unity government

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 08:25

May 2, 2016 (JUBA) - The African Center for Transitional Justice (ACT-J) has welcomed the formation of Transitional Government of National Unity by the parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

President Salva kiir(C) FVP; Riek Machar (L), and VP, Marilyn, raise their hands after swearing in ceremony of Machar on April 26, 2016. (Photo Lomayat Moses)

In a statement issued on Saturday, ACT-J's executive director, Peter Gai Manyuon, stressed the need for justice and accountability in the young nation.

“It is therefore, very crucial for the parties who caused the conflict to account for the crimes they have committed beginning from 2013 to 2016, in order for the peaceful co-existence of South Sudanese people in Country,” said Gai.

“The culprits who have killed innocent civilians should be brought to book and answers what lead to massacre, cannibalism, tortured, raped, killings of the civil population in the country,” he added.

South Sudan rebel leader, Riek Machar was last week sworn in as the country's first vice president as part of a peace deal that ended 21 months of South Sudan conflict.

Tens of thousands of people were killed and over two million displaced during the conflict, which broke out in December 2013 following disputes in the country's ruling party.

According to ACT-J, the warring party leaders must strive to identify the culprits who were responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and cases related to genocide, in order to achieve reconciliation, truth seeking, tranquillity, reforms and democratization processes in South Sudan.

The peace implementation without proper accountability and national reconciliation is meaningless, the entity said.

It said there is need to form a hybrid tribunal, which will boost efforts to uplift national justice systems in South Sudan.

“Otherwise if the parties who committed crimes against humanity are not question by the world, then peace and reconciliation initiatives might not go as many people wishes,” stressed the human rights body.

A non-political, non-governmental organization, formed by professional South Sudanese Journalists and Lawyers in 2014, ACT-J works to address issues of transitional justice mechanisms, advocacy on accountability, human rights monitoring and documentation, democracy, governance and peace-building in South Sudan.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudan, Saudi Arabia expect to earn $ 20 billion from Atlantis II project

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 08:07

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan on Sunday expressed hopes to attract more Saudi investments in mineral sector, and expected that the revenue of the two countries from Atlantis II mining project in the Red Sea reach 20 billion.

Saudi Arabia Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, will pay a one-day visit to Khartoum on Wednesday to discuss joint collaboration in a project to extract metals from hydro-thermal basins some 2,000 meters deep in the Red Sea known as Atlantis II project.

Sudan Authority for Geological Research Director, Mohamed Abu Fatma, revealed that Red Sea bed is rich in minerals. Estimates for minerals in the common area between Sudan and Saudi Arabia show that there are over 47 tons of gold, 2 million tons of zinc, 500,000 tons of copper, 3,000 tons of sliver and huge amounts of other valuable minerals.

“Sudan, Saudi Arabia are expected to earn $ 20 billion from Atlantis II project. The two parties will discuss utilization of these minerals in their imminent meeting in Khartoum,” Abu Fatma told the official news agency (SUNA), calling for creating smart partnership in minerals exploitation.

Sudanese Minister of Minerals, Mohamed Sadiq al-Karori, on his part, said that Sudan has allocated 100 mining blocks for both local and international investors.

Al-Karori discussed with the Saudi Ambassador to Sudan, Fisal al-Mala, the final arrangements for al-Naimi visit to Khartoum to attend the meeting of Sudanese-Saudi Standing Committee on Joint Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Red Sea.

“Sudan is interested to attract more Saudi investments in minerals sector” said al-Karori, while Saudi Arabia aims to diversify income resources and to end oil dependency,.

The Saudi ambassador said his country is keen to invest in all sectors in Sudan including minerals. Al-Mala further said that he hopes Sudan and Saudi Arabia to focus on accelerating efforts to utilize Red Sea bed minerals.

Since the secession of South Sudan in July 2011 and the loss of two thirds of its oil reserves, Sudan has developed mining industry to increase its national revenue.

In February 2012, Khartoum and Riyadh signed an agreement on exploring minerals in the joint territorial water in the Red Sea. Atlantis II goes back to 1970s, when Sudanese government had plans to exploit the Red Sea bed with Preussag AG, a German mining company. But the project was abandoned due to the lack of suitable exploration technologies at the time.

In 2010, the Canadian Diamond Fields International and Saudi Manafa International Ltd. were licensed by the Saudi Sudanese Committee to conduct exploration activities in Red Sea rift valley.

In a feasibility study conducted in 2012, Diamond Fields International expected that Saudi Arabia and Sudan will make big profits from the extraction of copper, silver and zinc from Red Sea bed. At the time, it expected to start production in 2014 once technical studies are terminated.

Sudan and Saudi Arabia relations have recently improved after years of tension caused by Sudan-Iran connections. The development of bilateral relation was crowned by Sudan's participation in the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi militants in Yemen and in the military exercises “Thunder of the North” in Saudi Arabia.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

USAID earmark $3.2m for S. Sudan's coffee sector

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 07:29

May 2, 2016 (JUBA) - The U.S. aid arm (USAID) has earmarked $3.18 million over the next three years to train smallholder farmers in the coffee sector within South Sudan.

A woman handpicking Arabica cofee (restorethebean)

The funding, officials say, is part of a public-private partnership with Swiss coffee maker Nespresso and international development consultancy TechnoServe.

The introduction of coffee as South Sudan's export commodity will reduce the nation's dependency on oil resources, given the declining prices of crude oil in world markets.

In October last year, Nespresso reportedly shipped its first volumes of coffee production from South Sudan, marking the first non-oil exports to come out of the country in over a generation.

Since it started revive coffee production in the war-torn nation in 2011, around 1,000 smallholder farmers have reportedly been trained in agribusiness techniques and about three-quarters of them now commercially-engaged.

At least six coffee cooperatives have been established, in addition to having in place the first wet mill processing unit.

Farmers receive premium prices from Nespresso for their beans as part of a shared value strategy by the company to invest in farmer training in exchange for top dollar crops.

Ambrose Lokodi, a South Sudanese farmer, admits that involvement in coffee production would reduce farmers' dependency on other crops.

“Poverty is reducing and most farmers have a better life. We advise everyone to plant coffee to uplift our nation,” he says.

According to Nespresso, the company's investment of over US$ 2.5 million in reviving the production of high-quality South Sudanese coffee since 2011 demonstrates the potential for commercial coffee production in the country.

As part of the expansion of its sustainably quality program in African, however, Nespresso says its aim is to ensure it has invested over US$ 3.4 million in the project by end of 2016. The program focuses on improving yields and coffee quality through establishment of central wet mills and by providing training to farmers to improve agricultural practices.

“With this ambitious project, we wish to bring our consumers a new exceptional coffee experience, directly from the cradle of coffee,” said Nespresson's Jean-Marc Duvoicin.

“The high quality Robusta we have found in South Sudan had truly unique aromas. South Sudan is the only place in the world where Arabica and Robusta grows,” he added.

By 2019, Nespresso says it aim is to train 1,500 local farmers. The company has a goal of training 10,000 coffee farmers.

Although South Sudan has vast and largely untapped natural resources, beyond a few oil enclaves, it remains relatively undeveloped, characterized by a subsistence economy. South Sudan is the most oil-dependent country in the world, with oil accounting for almost the totality of exports, and around 60% of its gross domestic product.

On current reserve estimates, oil production is expected to reduce steadily in future years and become negligible by 2035. According to the World Bank statistics, livelihoods in South Sudan are mainly concentrated in low productive, unpaid agriculture and pastoralists work, accounting for around 15% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudan's Constitutional Courts lift ban on newspaper

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 06:30

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Constitutional Court on Sunday has ordered to allow Al-Tayyar newspaper to resume publishing following more than four-month suspension by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

Al-Tayyar editor in chief Osman Merghani (L) speaks in a press conference with his lawyer Nabil Adeeb on Wednesday December 16, 2015 (ST Photo)

In June 2012, NISS suspended al-Tayyar indefinitely and allowed it to reopen in March 2014 upon a ruling of the Constitutional Court. However, it suspended the newspaper again on December 15, 2015.

Following the recent suspension, the newspaper's legal advisor Nabil Adeeb said the ruling of the Constitutional Court underscored that the NISS doesn't have the power to suspend newspapers.

He pointed that article (24) of the Constitutional Court Act prohibits resorting to any other law following its decision not to use it, adding that NISS has repeated its action by suspending al-Tayyar in clear defiance of the law and the court.

Adeeb added that he submitted a claim for the protection of a constitutional right to the Constitutional Court, saying he would use the court's ruling about the unconstitutionality of the suspension decision as a precedent.

On Sunday, publisher and Chief Editor of Al-Tayyar Osman Merghani said the Constitutional Court informed them of its decision to lift the ban on the newspaper, pointing the court ruling was based on the 2014 precedent.

“The publishing of the newspaper has now become legal but we have [internal] administrative and professional arrangements. We would meet to determine the date for resuming publishing within a couple of days,” he said.

Merghani added that the court ruling is considered a resounding victory for the justice and a bright spot for the Sudanese judiciary, describing the ruling as the second “historic decision” by the Constitutional Court.

He described the ruling as a victory for the Sudanese state, pointing they would move forward without holding a grudge against anybody.

For his part, Adeeb described the Constitutional Court's decision as a victory for the concept of the freedom of press, saying however the decision should have been made five months ago.

He stressed that the NISS must respect the court's rulings and refrain from suspending the newspaper again, pointing to the previous court decision which clearly stated that the NISS don't have the power to suspend newspapers.

Last February, Al-Tayyar launched a campaign to collect one million signatures to demand the lift of ban on the newspaper.

Also, in March, the journalists at Al-Tayyar went on a hunger strike to protest against the suspension of the newspaper.

However, a mediation committee comprising members of the Sudanese Journalist Union met with the strikers committee and proposed end the strike in exchange for a pledge that the case be referred to the Constitutional Court.

The mediators who said they are mandated by "official bodies" vowed that the government would be bound by the judge's decision whatever it may be.

Legally, Sudanese press is protected under the provisions of the 2005 interim constitution but in fact the press is harshly controlled by the NISS which censure, confiscate and ban newspapers.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

SPLM-N acknowledges escape of government POWs in S Kordofan

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 06:30

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) said that a Sudanese security agent has facilitated the escape of government prisoners of war (POWs) in South Kordofan.

SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi (ST Photo)

On Saturday, the semi-official Sudan Media Center (SMC) said that a special force from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has freed seven oil workers who have been kidnapped by the SPLM-N while they were returning from work.

However, SPLM-N spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, denied that the POWs were freed by a special rescue operation as the NISS claimed, saying the latter doesn't have the capacity to carry out such operation.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, Lodi said the NISS prisoners escaped from Julud area in Dilling County with the help of their night guard Abdel-Haq Mohammed Saeed who joined SPLM/N in 2011 and was a NISS agent.

He stressed that the prisoners have released very confidential information pertaining to the NISS, saying the latter offered to pay 5 billion pounds (SDG) (about $370,000) ransom to secure their release but the movement rejected the offer because it violates its policies and laws in dealing with the POWs.

On Saturday night, the official news agency (SUNA) said the hostages have arrived in the capital, Khartoum.

Meanwhile, Lodi said that his movement was responsible for the crash of a Sudanese army aircraft on Saturday in the capital of North Kordofan state, El-Obied, 588 km south of Khartoum.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami, said that a military plane Antonov 26 crashed while landing in El Obied airport due to a technical failure.

“All the crew members including three officers and two soldiers were killed in the accident,” said the statement.

However, Lodi said their air defences heavily opened fire at the Antonov plane which was bombing civilians and destroying civilian institutions in SPLM/N controlled areas.

He pointed out that the shooting caused a significant damage to the plane and the crew failed to carry out an emergency landing at El-Obied military airport.

Fierce fighting is taking place in the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan following a large-scale campaign launched by the government army against rebel positions.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.

Last December, negotiations between Khartoum and the SPLM-N stalled after the government delegation insisted that the objective of talks is to settle the conflict in the Two Areas, while the SPLM-N team has called for a holistic approach to resolve ongoing conflicts across Sudan.

Categories: Africa

Northern Liech state mourns death of spiritual leader

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 06:30

May 1, 2016 (JUBA) - Authorities in the newly created Northern Liech state have issued a statement expressing sympathies and condolences to family members and relatives of the departed spiritual leader, Dhiador Turoal Thaibany.

Nuer traditional cultural dancers on Sunday at Bentiu Indepedent stadium in Unity state. 10 November 2013 (ST)

The spiritual leader, according to the official statement by Northern Liech government, died on 30 April in his home village of Turakiel. Officials attributed the cause of his death to a long-time illness.

“The Government under the leadership of Governor Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil sent out the state's heartfelt condolences to the Greater Bentiu and particularly the family of Dhiador Turoal Thaibany, who passed away yesterday in his home village had called Turakiel. It is very untimely death and unwelcomed by the entire people of Bentiu and its authority,” the official statement from Northern Liech government extended to Sudan Tribune reads in part.

Late Dhiador Turoal, according to the official government statement, had been the centre piece that glues together the communities of Bentiu and as a visionary leader with wisdom greater beyond any measurable term.

“We the Bentiu communities have learned everything that the late had taught us in tough times and in good times. He had played his role as a responsible man surrounded by not only Leek People but the entire people from South Sudan.”

His home area in Turkiel, the statement added, is home to every person in our country, adding the Leek people in particular regret and mourn the loss of their paramount spiritual leader, who had been in number of years performed miracles that had seen people staying alive and communities staying in peace.

The statement further stated that not only Leek community will be in pain for losing a spiritual leader but the entire state and even the country.

The departed spiritual leader loved and had been survived by a number of children, wives, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives. He lived his life as a hero among his community and his generation.

“He is a symbol of hope to unity among the people. He fed the hungry and shelters the needy in his home village. He is a selfless person with a heart of love and humility. Dhiador had been leading the Leek community and even the neighbouring communities.

The spiritual leader, according to information minister, Lam Tungwar, died at the same time when the transitional government of national unity was being sworn and at the time peace was returning to the country.

Peace has come to our dear State; I am sure because of his bright heart, he dies after seeing peace is finally here,” explained minister Tungwar.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudan denies U.S. officials visa in retaliatory move

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 06:29

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has denied United States officials visa in a tit for tat move against Washington because it had previously refused to grant an entry visa to senior Sudanese officials to participate in international meetings.

Sudan's foreign ministry building in Khartoum (SUNA)

Sudan State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Kamal Ismail, told reporters on Sunday, that Khartoum's embassy in Washington received visa applications from U.S. officials and decided to implement reciprocal measures.

However, the minister did not disclose the names of the U.S. official whose visa requests were denied or their reasons to visit Sudan.

Last Tuesday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the acting chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum Benjamin Moeling.

The Deputy Under-secretary of Foreign Ministry, Sirraj Eddin Hamid, conveyed Sudan's protests against delay and denial of visa to enter the United States to Sudanese officials attend United Nations, World Bank and other international forums meetings.

Last week, Ambassador Kamal Ismail, warned that Sudan will deny U.S. officials visa to Sudan.

“Sudan will treat U.S. the same way if Sudanese official further denied visa or their applications delayed” said Ambassador Kamal Ismail, confirming that Sudan has its own measures as well and will give visa only to those who safeguard Sudan's interest.

Recently, Washington refused visas to senior Sudanese officials, including the ministers of interior, education and the state minister for health.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

S. Sudan's Kiir calls for cooperation among cabinet ministers

Mon, 02/05/2016 - 06:29

May 1, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, has reiterated his calls for cooperation among new cabinet ministers in the newly formed unity government, saying the ministers should now see themselves as colleagues and work together as one unit to deliver basic services to the people.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C) poses for a picture after the government swearing in with his first deputy Riek Machar (R) and second deputy James Wani on 29 April 2016 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

President Kiir also said he would recognize those ministers who perform in their jobs.

“It will not be a usual business. Things will have to change. This time I will be watching closely because people need services and with this government they are expecting a lot. The expectations are high,” said Kiir on Sunday.

The president also encouraged competition in performance among the ministers but warned that it should be a healthy competition with the intention to deliver.

“There is nothing wrong with competition. What is wrong is rivalry that ends in hatred and undermining each other. But I would prefer to have a cabinet that is competing. If one is praised today you will say tomorrow I want to be praised more; this is what teamwork is all about and this is how we will achieve our objectives in a shorter period of time,” he said.

He told the cabinet ministers to always remember that they are one family and as a family team and as patriots, they should always remember that if one team member is down, all of them have failed the person.

He again stressed the need to work as a team saying nobody has the solution to everything except the God.

“Only the Almighty God knows all the problems and all the solutions as he has everything. Therefore, we need to work together as a team basing our hope, faith and destiny in the capable hands of the Almighty God,” he said.

Well, all areas are challenging and if the team captain thinks that work is difficult, what about the coach who would have to bear the responsibility for the performance of the team? But, where there is faith in God there is bound to be success[ful] and I have no doubt that we will succeed as a nation and we will build a type of great nation that we all yearn for and make this nation a better reference point in all positive human endeavours for the rest of mankind.”

The former rebel commander turned politician and became the president of the young country averred that he has more confidence in government than ever before.

“Because, the country has the resources that it takes to bring about an economic superpower status. But the resources have to be suited and used for the purpose. What are the resources I am talking about? I am talking about the human resources, human capacity,” he added.

President Kiir also informed the gathering that the country had the requisite natural resources that if used properly could propel the country into a greater nation.

He also stressed the need for attitudinal change and for people to be sincere and honest to themselves as well as the country.

“Many a time you see people castigate others that are honest and hardworking patriots of this country. Oh! That's the president's friend! Is it a taboo to be the friend of the President? If you are delivering you will be my friend,” he further remarked.

The South Sudanese leader went on to stress that whoever is hardworking and loyal to the nation is his friend, reiterating that his objective is to develop the country.

“So let us work as a team. The most important thing is that as a leader in your department and ministry you are the role model. The under-secretary is watching you and the director general is watching the under-secretary and the minister and everybody is watching. When the minister suffers from such negative attitude, the under-secretary, director general and all other people to the last person including the driver all become affected. What does that translate into? Nothing is done on time in that ministry. Undue favouritism is unacceptable too,” he stated.

The president made it clear that undue favouritism will have no place in his government this time around, decrying instances when people are treated nicely no matter what they do, while others are treated badly no matter what they do.

He also stressed the fact that people should remember that one day everyone will be judged by the performance, where there will be no driver and everyone will be treated according to their performance.

Speaking at the same getting together lunch, the vice president, James Wani Igga, also thanked the president for his foresight in the appointment of the new ministers, who he noted, are not new faces in cabinet as they have served previously.

He challenged them to continue their hard work, while praying that God continues to guide them to enable them to excel in their respective duties. He further remarked that with the accumulated experience they have different area, he is confident they will live up to the tasks.

“As I mentioned earlier, the work is more urgent now than before and under the leadership of comrade President we need to double our efforts. It's a very turbulent but peace and stability reigns in the country, because of the guidance and protection of God Almighty and the sort of leadership we have,” he said.

The president told the ministers that their coming on board will help the country maintain that peace and stability to concentrate on more development.

We are here as one family trying to meet the objectives and the vision of the SPLM ,” he said.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Renowned Leek Nuer spiritual elder dies at 101

Sun, 01/05/2016 - 10:30

April 30, 2016 (BENTIU) – A respected Leek-Nuer elder from South Sudan's Rubkotna county has died at the age of 101.

The map of Unity state in red

Dhiaydor Tutroal Bany, officials said, died from an unknown sickness in Tuarkiel village located south-west of Rubkotna.

Gen. Ruai Kuol Jal, an opposition appointed governor in Liech state said he received reports he received new on the sudden death of the renowned elder Saturday afternoon.

He said Bany's death was a great loss to the people of Unity state, particularly the Leek-Nuer hailing from Rubkotna county.

“I, Lt. General Ruai Kuol Jal Thor, Governor of Lich State, do hereby, formerly announce to the general public about the passing of uncle Gat Tutroal. With the heartfelt condolence from the bottom of my heart, comforting the bereaved families of the deceased who lost a great man like him,” he said.

Kuol described Bany as a uniting factor whose legacy could only be compared to Ngundeng, a famous Nuer prophet

“His death will be a great loss to the people of Lich state as well as the whole country. The people of the state will never forget him throughout the history,” he further stressed.

Lam Tunguar Kweiguong, the minister of information and culture of Northern Liech state said the region will miss the presence of a respected and great elder from Leek-Nuer.

Many say his death occurred at a time when South Sudan had just formed a Transitional Government of National Unity.

Bany had 80 brothers. One of his grandsons is currently the head chief of Bentiu town.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

S. Sudanese refugees hope to return home after peace

Sun, 01/05/2016 - 09:48

April 30, 2016 (BWEYALE) - South Sudan refugees in Uganda say they now feel relieved after the country's warring factions formed the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).

Leaders of South Sudanese refugees address a rally at Bweyale camp, April 30, 2016 (ST)

At an occasion at Bweyale resettlement camp in Uganda, most of the refugees expressed willingness to return home after several months of the conflict.

Malow Riak, the vice chairperson of the community in Bweyale, said South Sudanese refugees in Uganda are now free to return home and being another life in their nation.

“The return of first vice president to Juba has now given us hope to go back to South Sudan because this is real peace,” he said.

Riak said life in exile makes one not free and is unable to participate in development and decision making process.

“It is always here in Bweyale, we say one day we will go back home. From today and tomorrow many of us shall return home,” stressed.

John Junub, a musician who fled the country after the crisis in December 2013, said South Sudanese were tired of war.

He, however, believes the signed peace accord between warring parties will hopefully re-unite people after the war.

“The peace signed by Dr. Riek Machar and president Salva Kiir shall be the last end of war in South Sudan. We believe their coming once more on the table by forming transitional government of national unity is a good sign for us,” he said.

The renowned singer vowed to carry out peace-related messages through his music to unite South Sudanese, adding that it's through music that people will shun tribalism.

Martha Nyakume, a church leader in Bweyale, said the peace be embraced by South Sudanese leaders and citizens.

More than 20 months of the conflict, she said, traumatised women, many of who were raped and exposed to suffering.

Deng Thomas, a refugee from Jonglei state, said he would go back to his country as soon as stability was restored.

The conflict, which broke out in December 2013, has negatively impacted on the country's citizens, including pushing the country to the brink of famine with 5.8 million people, almost half of the population—in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, according to a recent joint United Nations assessment on food security.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Saudi, Sudanese oil ministers to discuss Atlantis II project

Sun, 01/05/2016 - 08:04

April 30, 2016 (Khartoum) – Saudi Arabia Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, is expected to pay a short visit to Khartoum on Wednesday, to discuss joint collaboration on minerals.


Al-Naimi and his delegation will discuss with his Sudanese counterpart ways to utilize the mineral resources in the Red Sea rift valley, which is known as Atlantis II.

In February 2012, Khartoum and Riyadh signed an agreement on exploring minerals in the joint territorial water in the Red Sea. Atlantis II is dated back to 1970s, but was not implemented due to the lack of suitable exploration technologies at the time.

Minerals estimates show that there are 97 million tons of various minerals, which include two million tons of zinc, 500,000 tons of copper, 4,000 tons of silver and 80 tons of gold and other valuable minerals.

Sudanese Minister of Minerals, Mohamed Sadig al-Karori, told reporters in Khartoum on Saturday, that the two countries are closely cooperating on minerals exploitation.

“The visit of the Saudi minister to Khartoum aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and attracting more Saudi investments to minerals sector in Sudan. This cooperation aims to provide more employment and introducing new mining technologies that would bring added value,” said al-Karori.

Saudi Arabia tops the list of Arab investments in Sudan with over $ 4 billion, and the second-largest Sudan's trading partner after China.

In addition, the minister said that the discussions will include the activities of the Saudi-Sudanese committee for the joint exploitation of mineral resource in Red sea bed in the common area between the two countries.

In 2010, the Canadian Diamond Fields International and Saudi Manafa International Ltd. were licensed by the Saudi Sudanese Committee to conduct exploration activities in Red Sea rift valley.

In a feasibility study conducted in 2012, Diamond Fields International expected that Saudi Arabia and Sudan will make big profits from the extraction of copper, silver and zinc from Red Sea bed. At the time, it expected to start production in 2014 once technical studies are terminated.

Sudan and Saudi Arabia relations have recently improved after years of tension caused by Sudan-Iran connections. The development of bilateral relation was crowned by Sudan's participation in the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi militants in Yemen and in the military exercises “Thunder of the North” in Saudi Arabia.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Troika urges S. Sudanese leaders on women quota in governance

Sun, 01/05/2016 - 06:53

April 29, 2016 (JUBA) — Members of the Troika countries on Friday welcomed the formation of South Sudan's transitional government of national unity, but warned against violating key provisions of the agreement, including under representation of women.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C) poses for a picture after the government swearing in with his first deputy Riek Machar (R) and second deputy James Wani on 29 April 2016 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

The western nations, in a statement, said formation of the 30-month interim government was a step forward, calling for cooperation between the former foes.

"In that regard, decisions undermining provisions the parties agreed to in negotiations, such as not fully meeting obligations for women's participation in the council of ministers, sets a concerning precedent at the beginning of the transition," the statement reads in part.

President Salva Kiir and first Vice President Riek Machar appointed ministers on Thursday. President Kiir selected four female cabinet ministers as required by the agreement, but vice president Machar nominated only one woman yet the deal demands two.

The Troika also applauded statements issued by the president and his first vice president on Tuesday, pledging cooperation, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.

"We call on South Sudan's leaders to continue this spirit of cooperation and to start the difficult task of rebuilding their country. While formation of the transitional government is a step forward, with thousands dead, widespread atrocities committed and millions displaced from their homes during the conflict, this is no time for celebration," noted the statement, adding that the international community stands united in urging the transitional government to start to work for the people of South Sudan.

"The fighting must stop, decisive action must be taken to tackle the economic crisis and there must be full cooperation with the UN and humanitarian agencies to ensure aid reaches those in need; formal and informal impediments must be removed," Troika, which sponsored the regional broker peace deal noted.

The Troika members vowed to remain long term partners and friends of South Sudan's people. We stand ready to support the transitional government if it shows it is serious about working for the good of the country and implementing the peace agreement in full. We expect the transitional government to honor its commitments.

"The people of South Sudan deserve nothing less", the statement stressed.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

British warning regarding security situation in Khartoum “exaggerated”: FM

Sun, 01/05/2016 - 05:57

April 30, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's foreign ministry has downplayed a warning issued by the British government last week asking its citizens to avoid students' protests which have sparked violent clashes in several parts of Sudan.

Wounded student carried by his colleagues to hospital after clashes with the police at at Omdurman Ahlia University (OAU) on April 27, 2016 (Photo Activists)

Two students Mohamed al-Sadiq of Omdurman Ahlia University and Abu Bakr Siddiq of Kordofan University were killed during violent clashes between government and opposition supporters respectively on 27 and 19 April.

Following what, the opposition supporters Thursday and Friday organized several protests in different universities accusing the security services of targeting pro-opposition student groups and called to overthrow the regime.

On Wednesday, the British government, in an advisory on its website, urged its citizens in Sudan and particularly in the capital Khartoum and its twin city of Omdurman to remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings.

It said that the protests are no longer isolated to universities and the possibility of further demonstrations can't be ruled out.

However, the deputy Under-secretary of Sudan's foreign ministry Siraj al-Din Hamid described the warning as “exaggerated”, stressing that the security situation in the country is stable.

He told the official news agency (SUNA) Saturday that the warning doesn't mean the security situation is unstable to the extent that it prevents British citizens from travelling to Sudan and described it as a mere advice.

The United States embassy in Khartoum on Friday also asked its citizens to exercise caution in light of anti-government demonstrations and violence at several universities in the Sudanese capital.

“As a result of ongoing unrest, the Embassy is exercising heightened caution by temporarily restricting Embassy staff from the vicinity of the affected universities,” said a message sent by the Embassy to the American nationals in Khartoum.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

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