Sudan Tribune

April 22, 2018 (JUBA) - A sexual minority activist has fled South Sudan after facing threats from the country's national security operatives.

Asan Juma, the executive director for Access for All [AfA], said she ran into trouble for championing the rights of gays and lesbians.

She claimed his community-based organization is being targeted by the South Sudanese security operatives, who have accused her of promoting the rights of sexual minorities in the war-torn nation.

Asan said it is hard to talk about same-sex marriages in South Sudan.

Juma claimed about six members of their community-based entity were arrested last year, but released after three months in detention.

“Four members were arrested at Intra-Health office in Kokomo, these four members are peer educators of AfA who usually do access some of the health services from Intra Health offices,” she narrated.

According to Asan, AfA office was closed by national security operatives on 6 December 2017 after authorities accused their organization of promoting gays and lesbians in South Sudan.

“The national security froze our bank account which had the organization funding and took office's furniture, which included, tables, chairs, solar panels and batteries donated by the USA [United States of America] embassy, documents that include the stamps, registration Certificate and other valuable documents,” she said.

Most of the organization's staff members, Asan further disclosed, have since fled to Uganda, Sudan and Egypt for fear of being killed.

AfA is a community-based organization that was founded in 2015.

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's gold production has reached 36.5 tons during the first quarter of this year, said a report released Sunday by the Sudanese Minerals Resources Company (SMRC), the monitoring arm of the Sudan Minerals Ministry.

The SMRC performance report revealed that the "production of gold for the first quarter reached (36.5) tons with a performance rate of (162%) while the revenues during the first quarter reached 778.548 million Sudanese pounds ($43 million) with a performance rate of 104%," said a statement released by the minerals ministry.

During a meeting chaired by the Minister of Minerals Hashem Ali Salem, SMRC Director General, Mujahid Bilal, said that the production of traditional mining represents 88% of production during the first quarter of 2018.

Gold production is now Sudan's main source of hard currency after the secession of South Sudan where are the two third of its oil reserves before 2011.

However, restrictions on the hard currency by the Central represents a big challenge impeding the development of the mining industry but also encourage traditional minors to smuggle their production to neighbouring countries.

Sudanese officials said they hope to increase gold production to more than 140 tons during this year and make Sudan the first gold producer in Africa by 2018.

(ST)

April 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Military chiefs of staff from Chad, Niger and Sudan held a consultations meeting in Khartoum on border security following the increase of transnational crimes in the sub-Saharan region.

Took part in the meeting Lt. Gen. Kamal Abdel-Marouf Chief of the General Staff of the Sudan Armed Forces, Lt Gen. Ahmed Mohamed Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Niger, and Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Saeed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Chad.

"The meeting tackled ways to enhance solidarity and joint action to confront the challenges of border control and security, combating transnational crime, combating terrorism and rampant groups and achieving security and stability," says a statement released by the official news agency after the meeting.

Earlier this month, military from the three countries and Libya discussed in the Niger's capital Niamey, ways to enhance cooperation to fight jihadist and rebel groups and to stop human trafficking.

The political instability in Libya after the collapse of Muammar Kadaffi's regime impacted negatively the whole region and particularly, Niger, Chad and Sudan. al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and Boko Haram pose a serious threat to Niger and Chad while Sudan seeks to prevent trafficking of arms to Darfur and migration of mercenaries to Libya.

The statement said the three countries agreed to hold an expert-level meeting in Ndjamena next month to draft a framework document for the mechanism of monitoring and securing the common border between the three countries.

Sudan is not part of the multi-national military force in Africa's Sahel region dubbed " G5 Sahel force" which includes Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

The UN-backed force is tasked with policing the Sahel region in collaboration with 4,000 French troops deployed there since intervening in 2013 to fight an insurgency in northern Mali.

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (JUBA) - South Sudan vice-president, James Wani Igga has, in an unexpected move, accused the clergy of promoting violence in the young nation by allegedly spreading hate messages.

South Sudan's vice-president, James Wani Igga, speaks at the opening of the national reconciliation and peace conference in Wau on 2 September 2014 (ST)

Igga, while addressing the congregation at All Saint Cathedral Church of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan in Juba Sunday, claimed some said some clergymen were orchestrators of violence.

"Some clergymen have resorted to preaching against personalities in this country. They misinforming believers that President Salva Kiir and the government are bad," he was quoted saying on Sunday.

The vice-president did not, however, name any of these clergymen he accused.

South Sudan descended into violence on December 2013 following political disagreements within the country's ruling party. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over 3 million.

According to Igga, the violence in the country could have ended by now if some church leaders desisted from misleading the people.

He dismissed claims by some clergy men that the government had failed in its mandate to protect the population during this civil war.

"They [clergy men should not mix politics with religion," Igga stressed.

The church, despite the vice-president's utterances, is also known to have played positive roles in efforts to end the five-year civil war.

In February, for instance, Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church declared 23 February as a day of fasting and prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

The Pope, in a message, appealed to those who are faithful to seek spiritual intervention by fasting as well as praying for peace. The Pontiff also invited non-Catholic faithful to play a part in the search for peace in the two countries and around the world.

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) Sudan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday said arrangements are underway for the upcoming visit of China's President Xi Jinping to Sudan during this year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, September 1, 2015. (Photo Reuters/Parker Song)

The Sudanese Ambassador to Beijing Omer Issa Ahmed said the Chinese President has accepted the invitation extended to him by President Omer al-Bashir to visit Sudan.

He pointed out that the joint team tasked with arranging for the visit is working to set a date that fits into the schedule of the two presidents.

According to the ambassador, al-Bashir has instructed to implement the strategic agreements signed between the two countries, saying China seeks to increase its investments in Sudan particularly in oil, energy and industry sectors.

China has been Sudan's largest foreign investor, particularly in oil and telecommunications after western firms shunned the East African nation due to conflicts and sanctions.

It has invested more than $20 billion in Sudan mostly in the oil sector during the past two decades. Beijing provides low-interest loans and weapons transfers in return for oil.

Sudan hopes to attract new Chinese investments after Beijing had refrained from implementing a number of projects agreed upon with Khartoum following the latter's failure to settle its debts.

Sudan's total debt is estimated at $ 10 billion, accounting for about one-fifth of Sudan's estimated $ 50 billion foreign debt.

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir on Sunday has discussed with the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smail Chergui the regional security and the situation in Libya.

President Omer al-Bashir speaking at the opening of the second parliamentary session 19 Oct 2015 (Photo SUNA)

Al-Bashir on Sunday morning received the AU official at his place of residence in the Ethiopian city of Bahr Dar on the sidelines of the 7th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.

According to the official news agency SUNA, Chergui expressed appreciation for the positive development in Darfur region, pointing to the downsizing of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

He pointed out that the AU would continue to consult with Sudan in all issues of common concern.

It is noteworthy that al-Bashir returned to Khartoum on Sunday from Ethiopia where he attended the Tana Forum from 21 to 22 April in Bah Dar.

The Tana Forum is an independent initiative that seeks to provide an informal platform for African Heads of State and Government to engage in open and frank discussions with a wide spectrum of non-state stakeholders on the most pressing peace and security issues confronting the continent.

The theme of the 7th meeting was “Ownership of Africa's Peace and Security Provision: Financing and Reform of the African Union.”

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)'s Chief of the General Staff, Lt General Kamal Abdel-Ma'arouf and his Saudi counterpart, Lt General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwayli have discussed military cooperation between the two countries.

On Sunday, Abdel-Ma'arouf returned to Khartoum following a 3-day visit to Saudi Arabia during which he attended the closing ceremony of the joint military exercise “Gulf Shield-1”.

The two chiefs of staff discussed a number of issues of common concern besides ways to promote military cooperation between Sudan and Saudi Arabia in all fields.

The meeting also discussed Sudan's participation in the Saudi-led war against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

It is noteworthy that Sudan was among 23 countries that took part in the “Gulf Shield-1” military drills that began on March 18, 2018.

For years, Khartoum's regime maintained close relations with Riyadh's arch-rivals in Tehran.

However, in January 2016, Sudan severed ties with Iran after an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran amid a row over the execution of a Shiite Muslim cleric.

Sudanese troops are deployed in Yemen since October 2014 within a Saudi-led Arab coalition against the Shiite Houthi militants.

In February 2016, the Sudanese army participated in a regional military exercise including Saudi and Gulf armies, Egypt, Jordanian, Pakistani, and Sudanese armies.

Following reports about the killing of dozens of Sudanese soldiers in Yemen's northern province of Hajjah earlier this month, several legislators called to withdraw the troops from Yemen.

However, the Minister of State for Defence Ali Mohamed Salim defended Sudan's participation in the war and described it as "normal".

Last October, President Omer al-Bashir thanked Saudi Arabia and UAE for their strong support to the lift of 20-year U.S. economic embargo. The two countries vowed to continue supporting Sudan removal from the list of countries supporting terrorism.

(ST)

April 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Liberation Movement - Abed Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) Sunday released a short statement claiming that its fighters are under fierce attacks of the government forces in northern Jebel Marra.

Last March and during the first two weeks of April, the SLM-AW spoke about fighting in eastern and southern parts of Jebel Marra, stressing that civilians are in dire need of humanitarian aid.

The rebel group since Friday have released three statement speaking about clashes with government forces in different areas of northern Jebel Marra saying a significant number of civilians fled their villages as result of the attacks.

"Our forces are engaged in a fierce battle against government forces in Katti area of Jaldu locality," said the SLM-AW in a short statement on Sunday.

On Saturday the group mentioned the displacement of thousands of civilians in northern Jebel Marra, saying the government forces were waging a scorched earth campaign and burning villages.

On Friday the holdout group claimed that the government militias burnt the villages of Hilla Hajja Madina, Sankara, Loki warrro, and Gharab Waffir. The inhabitants of these villages fled to other areas forests and mountains to protect themselves.

The statement added that the villagers fled their areas of Slo, Dardro, Vtakrja, Kry, Kaya, Hilla Ow Moya, Caginari, Dar Al Aman, Mery, Aw Gharb, Kata, Hilla Oh Abdo Ahmed and Kara.

The SLM-AW estimated the number of displaced persons at 30,000,00, but neither the UNMAID nor humanitarian actors in the Central Darfur State were not reachable for comment on these figures.

Also, none of the two observers issued a statement speaking about a massive displacement of civilians recently.

The rebel group, on the other hand, kept silent on the casualties of the group or among the government force.

The Central Darfur government used to point to the unilateral cessation of hostilities declared by President Omer al-Bashir and speak about limited operations against rebel elements in Jebel Marra to stop "looting on commercial convoys and other criminal activities".

In a briefing to the UN Security Council on 14 April, UNAMID chief Jeremiah Mamabolo said the Jebel Marra Task Force is being operationalized within the framework of the mission's reconfiguration after the reduction of 40% of its troops.

However, Mamabobo pointed to the persistence of some administrative restrictions preventing the access to some areas without indicating if these areas in Jebel Marra or elsewhere.

The SLM-AW rejects negotiations with the government demanding the disbandment of government militias, the return of displaced persons and financial compensations.

Mamabolo called on the Security Council to "use leverage with Abdul Wahid, to prevail upon him to acknowledge the futility of war and to join the peace process".

(ST)

By Miroslav Laják

When the United Nations was created, its founders envisioned a different kind of world.

A world in which disputes were resolved in meeting rooms and not battlefields. A world in which wars were stopped before they broke out. A world that didn't wait for lives to be lost before springing into action.

But violent conflicts are on the rise in many parts of the world today. They're becoming more drawn out, complex and deadly. Civilians are no longer killed in cross-fire; they are now the targets of direct attacks. We are also seeing an unprecedented number of people leaving their homes, out of fear and desperation.

And that is why the UN needs a new approach to peace.

I will convene a High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace in New York on 24 and 25 April. It will bring world leaders together to focus on conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and diplomacy. This is part of a wider effort by UN Member States to help our Organisation do better at fostering peace.

And when I say peace, I'm talking about the kind of peace that can be taken for granted. The kind of peace that won't disappear at the next election cycle. The kind of peace that is measured not in months or years, but in generations.

This is what we call “Sustaining Peace”. And this is what we should be working for – rather than scrambling for solutions, once conflict has broken out.

Some might say that true lasting peace is impossible in certain parts of the world. But it is not. I have seen this firsthand. When Montenegro split from Serbia, peace was not a given. In fact, some people were predicting serious violence. But through intense diplomatic efforts, and real political will, peace persevered. And it has lasted – with no signs that it will waver in the future.

Last month, I travelled to western Colombia and was inspired to see indigenous communities working with the UN to build peace through strengthening social bonds. I was inspired to see villagers, some of whom had suffered through more than 50 years of war, excited about their futures. One woman told me about her people's determination not to slide back into conflict.

These are the examples of Sustaining Peace, which are taking place now – all around the world. We may have the bulk of our discussions in New York. But they should be led by experience from the ground. We need to highlight what the real peacebuilders are doing – from those running women's peace huts in Liberia, to those organising mediation workshops in Kyrgyzstan. That's why the High-Level Meeting will pool actors from across different countries, sectors and societies, and allow them to share their insights.

Of course, it won't matter that everyone buys into Sustaining Peace if there are no funds to make it happen. We need more investment in prevention. When conflict causes societies to collapse, social fabric tears. Buildings are destroyed, and no one fixes them. Salaries stop getting paid. Water stops flowing out of taps.

So then we spend money on rebuilding – but so much more than what we'd spend on preventing conflict in the first place. Aside from the suffering that we're failing to avert, that just doesn't make financial sense. Increasing investment in even a handful of countries can result in billions of dollars of savings for the international community.

At the end of the day, what we can't forget is that the UN was founded for peace. That's what its flag should stand for. Its success in preventing conflict should be the norm – not the exception.

It must be the world's broker for peace.

Miroslav Laj?ák is the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

April 22, 2018 (JUBA) - The former political detainees in South Sudan have described the country's fallen army chief of staff, General James Ajongo Mawut as “a friend, a liberator and a colleague”.

The late General James Ajongo Mawut (Juba24 News photo)

Mawut died in Cairo, Egypt on Friday after a short illness.

The group, in a 20 April condolence message to the deceased family and the public, expressed shock over Mawut's death.

“It is with shock that we have come to learn of the untimely passing on of General James Ajongo Mawut. We join the people of South Sudan at large in condoling the family and friends of the late Ajongo as they try come to terms with this great loss. General Ajongo was a friend, liberator and colleague, who had stood shoulder to shoulder, fought alongside, agonized, cried and laughed together with many of us, during the liberation years”, partly reads the statement.

The former political detainees, in the statement, also described the deceased as a “humble” and “honourable” person widely respected not only within the army, but in the larger society as well.

“Today General Ajongo joins many other liberation heroes and heroines who had gone before him. As South Sudanese mourn and honor his memory, we pray that his demise, sad as it is, will serve to shine light on the plight of war veterans, fallen heroes and heroines of the war of liberation, especially the plight of the families of those who have passed on, after having made the ultimate sacrifice,” adds the statement, signed by Kosti Manibe.

South Sudan president, Salva Kiir earlier described the fallen army chief of staff as a “remarkable” man and committed founder member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

“He [Mawut] served this nation with dedication and honour and shall be remembered as [a] hero,” Kiir said in a statement issued Friday.

Although it still remains unclear what caused the general's death, a family member said he spent months in Kenya before he was relocated to a Cairo-based hospital.

Meanwhile the government has declared three days of official mourning of Mawut and ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast.

Mawut, who joined the southern-based rebel movement in 1983, became army chief of general staff in May 2017 after South Sudan President Salva Kiir sacked General Paul Malong Awan.

(ST)

April 21, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Over fifty human rights defenders form Sudan, United Kingdom and the United States have called on the African Union and United Nations to put the needed pressure on Khartoum government to end arbitrary detention and improve the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan.

In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, African Union Commission, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the signatories said the release of 50 political detainees on 10 April 2018 does not address the human rights crisis in the country, pointing that hundreds of detainees particularly from Darfur region are still jailed under harsh conditions.

"We wish to express our deep concern about the frequent arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals for political reasons in Sudan as well as the selective and discriminatory treatment of political detainees, particularly those coming from the conflict-affected areas," reads the letter.

"We are also deeply concerned about the extremely harsh conditions in Sudanese prisons, especially in detention facilities run by the security forces, where detainees are often subject to physical and mental torture and inhumane and degrading treatment, as well as being deprived of adequate food, medicines and other daily necessities," it further added.

The letter pointed to over 160 rebel fighters arrested after a coordinated attack in North and East Darfur states in May 2017, 61 local leaders from the Maaliya tribe imprisoned since nine months ago. The Janjaweed leader, Musa Hilal and about 300 of his supporters arrested in mid-November 2017 and hundreds of IDPs and political activists from the IDP communities.

The human rights and advocacy activists called to press the Sudanese government to "guarantee the safety, physical integrity and well-being of all persons" and "put an immediate end to the use of torture".

They additionally called to try without delay the detainees and allow their lawyers to challenges the legality of their arrests and conditions of detention.

Furthermore, they urged the need for a comprehensive reform to the security apparatus pointing that the government "should amend or repeal measures that allow security officials carte blanche to commit human rights violations" and to end the immunity provided to the army and security members if they committed human rights crimes and violations.

(ST)

Click here to read the full text of the letter

UN Secretary-General, New York
African Union Commission, Addis Ababa
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva

Friday, 20 April 2018

The human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate in a disturbing manner. Serious regression is witnessed in almost all walks of life with the deepening economic crisis and the inability of the population to cope with growing hyperinflation and hikes in the price of consumer goods. The release of some fifty political detainees on 10 April 2018, like many other previous nominal good-will gestures taken by the Government of Sudan (GoS) from time to time, is yet another token measure that fails to address the root causes of the human rights and humanitarian crisis in the country or signify any meaningful improvement in the GoS's human rights record.

This latest decision by the GoS on 10 April 2018 to release another batch of political prisoners illegally arrested and detained for exercising their rights of peaceful protest against the Government's austerity measures comes a few days ahead of the scheduled visit of the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, Mr. Aristide Nononsi. This is just another attempt to camouflage the gruesome reality of human rights in Sudan and has been preceded by numerous similar decisions in recent years, including the release on 18 February of another batch of prisoners arrested for the same reasons. It is to be noted that hundreds of opposition figures, activists and ordinary citizens were arbitrarily detained in January and February 2018 in connection with peaceful protests and were held for a prolonged period without being charged and without proper access to their families, lawyers or essential medical treatment. Their arrest and release in this arbitrary manner at the whim of the GoS, reveals the state of lawlessness and repression that prevails in Sudan.

In the absence of radical reform of the GoS's powerful security apparatus, there is no guarantee that other individuals and groups will not be arrested at any time for exercising their legitimate constitutional rights. Sudan's National Security Act of 2010 bestowed on the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) broad powers of arrest and detention of individuals without charge or trial for prolonged periods of time, contrary to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Article 151 of Sudan's Interim National Constitution which limited the powers of NISS to information gathering, analysis and advice. In January 2015, the Sudanese Parliament amended the Interim National Constitution to endorse this expansion of NISS's mandate and transform it from an intelligence agency into an all-powerful security agency.

Moreover, in August 2005 President Bashir issued a decree amending the Sudan's People's Armed Forces Act to provide members of the armed forces with immunity if they committed human rights crimes and violations, including arrest and detention of perceived government opponents. In practice, the provisions of this Presidential Decree were extended to include all militia groups and other security forces allied with the GoS in conflict-affected areas, thus consolidating impunity for the widespread commission of human rights crimes in Sudan.

It is a cause of particular concern that, although the Government's announcement about the release of political prisoners allegedly covers all political detainees, its implementation has been selective and discriminatory in nature. Hundreds of political prisoners from Darfur and other war-torn regions of the country were not included and they continue to languish in miserable conditions, often without court rulings or orders, either in detention facilities run by the NISS or in well-known prisons such as Kober prison in Khartoum North and the prison in Port Sudan. In addition to some 160 individuals arrested during clashes between the army and Darfur armed movements in East and North Darfur States in late May 2017, 61 native leaders and others from the Maaliya tribesmen have been incarcerated in Port Sudan prison for more than nine months. The Janjaweed leader, Sheikh Musa Hilal and about 300 of his kinsmen and supporters are held by NISS without charges or trial in unknown detention conditions since their arrest in Mustariha area mid-November 2017. Moreover, hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and political activists from the IDP communities in Jebel Marra and elsewhere in Darfur are held incommunicado in different parts of the country.

A telling example of the GoS's discriminatory practice in regard to the release of peaceful protestors and political activists is the arrest and detention of Sheikh Matar Younis Ali Hussein, a prominent native administrator and peace activist from Darfur, who has been held by NISS in Kober Prison without charges or trial since 2 April 2018. Sheikh Matar (48 years old), is a blind clergyman serving a large community of IDPs and war victims in his native area in Darfur. He was arrested in his home in Zalingei town (Central Darfur State) and has since been transferred to Kober Prison in Khartoum, which places a heavy burden on his family and followers.

Another example of the Government's discrimination against political detainees from Darfur is the fact that dozens of university students from Darfur are frequently arrested and held in government custody due to their participation in students' demonstrations and public protests. The following students are still being held by the security forces since their arrest and detention on 13 September 2017 following a public rally they organized in Khartoum North.

1. Yasir Abdalla Mohamed (Awral), Omdurman Ahlia University, Faculty of Arts, Second Grade
2. Adam Zakaria Adam, Omdurman Islamic University, Faculty of Education, Fourth Grade
3. Bashir Yagoub Mohamed, Omdurman Islamic University, Faculty of Education, Fourth Grade.
4. Salim Mohamed Musa, Al-Zaeem Al-Azhari University, Faculty of Urban Studies, Fourth Grade
5. Al-Hadi Abdelmoumen Abdelshafie Abdalla, Al-Zaeem Al-Azhari University, Faculty of Political Science, Third Grade.
6. Zakaria Musa Abakar, Al-Zaeem Al-Azhari University, Political Science, Third Grade.

In conclusion, we wish to express our deep concern about the frequent arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals for political reasons in Sudan as well as the selective and discriminatory treatment of political detainees, particularly those coming from the conflict-affected areas. We are also deeply concerned about the extremely harsh conditions in Sudanese prisons, especially in detention facilities run by the security forces, where detainees are often subject to physical and mental torture and inhumane and degrading treatment, as well as being deprived of adequate food, medicines and other daily necessities.

We call on the relevant mechanisms of the United Nations, the African Union and the international community at large to bring effective pressure to bear on GoS and ensure that it undertakes concrete measures to:
1. Guarantee the safety, physical integrity and well-being of all persons held in government custody and put an immediate end to the use of torture and inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners and detainees by NISS.
2. Allow all political detainees, especially those held in detention facilities run by NISS, to have immediate and regular access to their family members, legal advice and essential medicines and medical care.
3. Bring all individuals arrested and detained for political reasons before courts of law without delay and enable such persons and their lawyers to challenge the legality of their arrests and the conditions of their detention
4. End discriminatory practices and treatment of all persons and political activists originating from Darfur and other war-affected regions of Sudan who are currently held in government custody, especially those persons accused of sympathy with the armed movements in these areas.
5. Embark on a comprehensive reform of the laws relating to Sudan's security apparatus so as to bring them into conformity with international standards. The GoS should amend or repeal measures that allow security officials carte blanche to commit human rights violations. In particular, it is vital that the GoS amends the National Security Act of 2010 as well as the Criminal Procedures Act of 1991 and the State of Emergency Act of 1997 and ensure that the provisions of such laws are in line with international standards on the treatment of people deprived of their freedom and guarantee them fair trial and access to legal counselling.
6. The GoS should repeal all Presidential Decrees that bestow immunity on members of NISS, the armed forces, the Rapid Support Forces and other government-affiliated paramilitary and militia groups and any other measures that encourage these forces to commit human rights crimes with total impunity.

Signed:

1. Abdelbagi Jibril, Darfur Relief and Documentation Centre, Geneva, Switzerland
2. Abdelmageed Haroun Salih, Human Rights Activist, NY, USA
3. Abdelmagid Abboud, Human Rights Advocate, Paris, France
4. Abdel Mutaal Girshab, Human Rights Consultant, MENA Region, Cairo, Egypt
5. Abdelrahman Gasim, Darfur Bar Association, Kampala, Uganda
6. Abdelshakour Dirar, Chairperson, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners, in the UK, London, UK
7. Ahmed Elzobier, Human Rights Activist, Nairobi, Kenya
8. Ahmed Hussein Adam, Research Associate, School of Law, SOAS University of London, London, UK
9. Ali Agab, Human Rights Advocate, London, UK
10. Ali Haroun, Peace Activist, Paris, France
11. Cory Williams, Darfur and Beyond, Phoenix, USA
12. Drar Adam Drar, Secretary General, Face Past for Future Foundation (FP4F), Kampala, Uganda
13. Eileen Weiss, Co-Founder, NY Coalition for Sudan, NY, USA
14. Elhag Warrag Sidahmed Warrag, Editor-in-Chief of Hurriyat Electronic Newspaper, Kampala, Uganda
15. Elsadig Adam Ismael, Darfur Civil Society Forum and Governance Bureau, Khartoum, Sudan
16. Elsadig Ali Alnour, Darfur Union in the UK, London, UK
17. Eric Cohen, Co-founder, Act for Sudan, Boston, USA
18. Eric Reeves, Senior Fellow, Harvard University's François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, San Francisco, USA
19. Esther Sprague, Sudan Unlimited, San Francisco, USA
20. Fadail Ahmed, Writer and Artist, Kampala, Uganda
21. Faith McDonnell, Director, Institute on Religion and Democracy, Washington DC, USA
22. Fatehi Eldaw, Writer and Human Rights Activist, Chicago, USA
23. Fatima Ghazali, Journalist and Women Rights Activist, Washington DC, USA
24. Ghandi Khalil Lein, Representative, Kamma Organization for Development Initiatives (KODI), Kampala, Uganda
25. Hamid Ali Nur, Civil Society Initiative, Khartoum, Sudan
26. Hamid Eltigani Ali, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
27. Hussien Bashir Haroun, Human Rights Activist, Cairo, Egypt
28. John H. Weiss, Associate Professor of History Cornell University, NY, USA
29. Kamaleldine Mustafa, Human Rights and Peace Activist, OH, USA
30. Katie-Jay Scott, Stop Genocide Now, USA
31. Laura Limuli, Coordinator, Brooklyn Coalition for Darfur & Marginalized Sudan, NY, USA
32. Lauren Fortgang, Never Again Coalition, USA

33. Maddy Crowther, Waging Peace, London, UK
34. Martha Boshnick, Co-chair Darfur Interfaith Network, Washington, DC, USA
35. Marv Steinberg, Coordinator, Genocide No More-Save Darfur, CA, USA
36. Mohamed Saleh Yassen, Independent Journalist, Lile, France
37. Mohamed Suliman, Darfur Association in Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
38. Mohamed Yassin, Secretary General, Committee for Religious Freedoms and Citizenship Rights, Rome, Italy
39. Moniem Elgak, Researcher, Dublin, Ireland
40. Motasim Adam, Secretary General, Darfur People's Association, NY, USA
41. Najlaa Ahmed, Human Rights Advocate, Khartoum, Sudan
42. Nuraddin Abdulmannan, The Nubian Project, Washington DC, USA
43. Omer Ismael, Human Rights Activist, Washington DC, USA
44. Rebecca Tinsley, Journalist and Writer, London, UK
45. Sabri Elshareef, Centre for Democracy and Peace, NY, USA
46. Sallam Tutu, Nuba Mountains Solidarity Abroad, UK and Northern Ireland, London, UK
47. Samih Elshiekh, Blogger, Liege, Belgium
48. Samuel Totten, Author Genocide by Attrition: Nuba Mountains, Sudan, University of Arkansas, USA
49. Sawsan Elshowaya, Human and Women Rights Activist, Khartoum, Sudan
50. Sharon Silber, US Representative, Society for Threatened Peoples, NY, USA
51. Suliman Baldo, Senior Adviser, The Enough Project, Washington DC, USA
52. Susan Morgan, Co-Founder, Investors Against Genocide, San Francisco, USA
53. Ussama Saeed, Political Activist, The Hague, Netherlands
54. William Rosenfeld, Director, Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, Boston, USA

April 22, 2018 (KAMPALA) - A senior South Sudanese armed opposition (SPLM-IO) diplomat has died, the group's leader announced in a statement.

The late Daniel Wuor Joak (courtesy photo)

Daniel Wuor Joak, who represented the armed opposition movement in the Scandinavian countries died on Friday in Norway.

In a statement issued Saturday, the SPLM-IO chairman, Riek Machar, said the movement had lost a strong figure in its diplomatic wing.

“CDE Daniel Wuor Joak has been the SPLM/SPLA (IO) representative of Scandinavian Countries. He has been a staunch supporter of Self-determination and independent of the people of South Sudan. He successfully fought the diplomatic battle and popularized the cause of the people of South Sudan in Scandinavian. He is a veteran of the liberation and independence of South Sudan. He was also a strong mouthpiece in the current struggle for reforms and federalism in South Sudan,” partly reads Machar's statement.

According to the rebel leader, the deceased had been battling with liver cancer for a longer period of time, prior to his untimely death.

Machar, in his statement, urged the family to be strong after Wuor's death.

“CDE Daniel Wuor Joak leaves a big void in our diplomatic work. We mourn and grieve for this great loss. He shall be missed not only by his family but all of us. May God Rest his Soul in peace,” he stated.

Wour, according to Machar, will temporarily be buried in Norway as recommended by his family, until peace returns to South Sudan.

The deceased, who hailed from Nyangorah in Ulang county of South Sudan's Sobat state, authored the book "The Rise and Fall of SPLM/SPLA Leadership".

(ST)

April 21, 2018 (JUBA) - The United State embassy in South Sudan has announced a temporary curfew for its personnel after renewed clashes erupted west of the capital, Juba on Thursday.

South Sudanese policemen and soldiers are seen along a street following renewed fighting in South Sudan's capital Juba, July 10, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

“Effective immediately and until 6:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2018, the Embassy's curfew has been temporarily changed from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,” partly reads the embassy's statement issued on Friday.

The embassy, in the brief statement, also appealed to US citizens in the country to be cautious and closely monitor the security situation.

It further appealed to US citizens to always carry proper identification, including their passport with a valid South Sudan visa.

“Following incidents this week of armed altercations in the Luri district, approximately eight miles west of Juba, there has been heightened screening of vehicles and people at security checkpoints around Juba,” further stressed the embassy's statement.

Clashes broke out west of Juba between government troops and an unknown armed group, in violation of a cessation of hostilities agreement signed by the nation's warring factions.

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April 21, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Malik Agar voiced its rejection for the re-election of President Omer al-Bashir for a third term in 2020 and called for popular protests against his probable candidature.

The political stance was adopted by its Executive Leadership in a meeting held on 15-16 April 2018, attended by the Chairperson Malik Agar, Deputy Chairperson Yasir Arman and the Secretary-General Ismail Jalab, according to a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Saturday

The SPLM-N Agar encouraged the opposition groups to make the rejection of al-Bashir's re-election "part of the struggle for reform, transformation and regime change".

President al-Bashir is not yet officially a candidate for the 2020 elections. The ruling National Congress Party also did not take a decision on this regard. However, several political forces allied to the NCP and part of the National Consensus Government announced their support for the president.

His re-election under the current constitution requires amending the constitution. The ruling party and its allied forces can adopt a new constitution instead of the current interim fundamental law, in line with the recommendations of the national dialogue conference.

The statement called on the opposition forces have to oppose the regime attempts to "change the Constitution" to allow al-Bashir re-electing himself for another term.

"We should oppose this step using legal and popular means, regardless of the stance of those who are willing to take part in or boycott the 2020 elections, and this position shall represent a step in the way forwards leading to the popular uprising," reads the statement.

The armed opposition group further underlined that an interim or permanent constitution should be based on a negotiated deal to end the war and ensures freedoms

In line with an African Union-mediated roadmap signed by the government and opposition groups, the parties have to sign a peace agreement, following what they will participate in an inclusive dialogue process followed by a constitutional conference.

But the talks have stalled since August 2016 as the parties failed to reach an agreement over a humanitarian cessation of hostilities in Darfur and the Two Areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

The SPLM-N Agar also pointed to an argument advanced by other opposition forces that the re-election of al-Bashir who is wanted by the ICC for genocide and war crimes would maintain Sudan isolated for more five years.

"A broad range of forces wider than the formal opposition platforms will be willing to join the battle against General Bashir including some of the Islamists who are seeking reform," said the statement.

The Executive Leadership condemned the continued denial of humanitarian access to the war-affected civilians in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states saying this is " an act constituting a war crime under the international humanitarian law".

In addition, it slammed the "genocidal war against civilians in Jebel Mara in Darfur" carried out by the government forces in Western Sudan's mountainous area.

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April 21, 2018 (JUBA) - The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) delegation on Thursday urged all parties involved in the South Sudan conflict to honour their commitments to the peace process.

The mission, at the end of their six-day visit to the war-torn nation, urged the warring parties to allow for genuine reconciliation and healing and ensure that next round of high level revitalization forum (HLRF) succeeds.

“The PSC delegation assured all stakeholders of AU's readiness and determination to spare no efforts in supporting IGAD and the South Sudanese parties to overcome the challenges facing the peace process,” the delegation said in a joint statement.

The AU team, which was headed Nigeria's Bankole Adeoye, expressed the solidarity and total support of the African Union towards finding lasting peace in South Sudan.

“The PSC delegation reiterated the AU's appreciation to IGAD, neighboring countries and UNMISS, as well as international partners for their relentless efforts to help restore sustainable peace, security and stability in South Sudan,” it noted Thursday.

The AU team's visit followed the visit by the chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat to South Africa to meet South Sudan leader, Riek Machar.

The AU delegation interacted with all South Sudanese stakeholders, African and international actors, to assess the challenges still impeding the implementation of the 2015 agreement on the resolution of the South Sudan conflict.

The AU mission team said it looks forward to a new schedule for the concluding phase of the peace talks to provide opportunities for more consultations with all stakeholders.

They stressed the important role of the AU High Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, with a view to restoring the long awaited peace in the country and put an end to the humanitarian challenges, particularly the suffering of the South Sudanese.

During their interactions, the mission shared concern with Juba on the centrality of Hybrid Court to the peace process and underscored the need for enhanced cooperation between the AU and the Government towards firming up all arrangements for the establishment of the Court in pursuit of transitional justice.

The South Sudanese government and several rebel groups in December 2017 signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) in a bid to end fighting and revive the stalled peace deal, but the truce was broken the same day it came into effect on Dec. 24, 2017.

South Sudan has been mired in conflict between the government of President Salva Kiir and rebels led by Machar, the country's former first vice-president since mid-December 2013. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced almost over 2 million people from their homes, including over a million refugees who have fled into neighbouring nations.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders led to the establishment of a coalition government in April 2016, which later on collapsed.

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April 21, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) said arrangements have been completed to kick off the dialogue with the political forces.

The Sudanese Parliament building

NCP political secretary Omer Basan said his party would meet with all political forces except the unregistered parties and the armed movements that have not yet been transformed into political parties.

He pointed out that the meetings with the political forces would focus on the outcome of the national dialogue particularly the issues of the constitution, elections commission and the law of the political parties' council.

Basan added the NCP would hold a meeting next week to form 20 committees to contact the political parties and engage in the dialogue.

He said these committees include names of top NCP members in the Leadership Office and the political sector.

In October 2016, the political forces participating in the government-led national dialogue concluded the process by signing the National Document which includes the general features of a future constitution to be finalised by transitional institutions.

The National Consensus Government (NCG) was installed in May 2017 to implement the outcome of the dialogue conference.

The opposition groups boycotted the national dialogue because the government didn't agree to a humanitarian truce with the armed groups and due to its refusal to implement a number of confidence-building measures aiming to create a conducive environment in the country before to hold the inclusive dialogue.

(ST)

April 21, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir and Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali on Saturday discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

Al-Bashir, who arrived in Ethiopia on Friday to take part in Tana Forum which is hosted by the Ethiopian city of Bahr Dar from 21 to 22 April, met with Ethiopia's premier on Saturday.

During the meeting, al-Bashir stressed the Sudanese government and people support for Ethiopia in order to achieve aspirations of the two countries in all fields.

He pointed out that the Sudanese-Ethiopian relations are strong and eternal, expressing keenness to promote bilateral ties in all fields.

For his part, the Ethiopian premier expressed deep gratitude for al-Bashir's participation in Tana Forum, describing Sudan as his second home and al-Bashir as his older brother.

He also expressed gratitude for the generous treatment received by the Ethiopian citizens in Sudan.

Meanwhile, Sudan's State Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdallah Idriss told reporters following the meeting the two leaders underscored the need to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two countries in regional and international forums.

He added the two also discussed ways to activate and secure the border trade between the two countries.

On the other hand, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu, said al-Bashir is the first president to meet the newly appointed Ethiopian premier which indicates the strength of bilateral ties between the two countries.

He described the meeting between the two leaders as historic, saying it is an important step towards promoting bilateral relations.

Ethiopia's top diplomat added the two leaders underlined they would work together on the bilateral level and within the framework of the regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

He vowed to exert every possible effort to enhance bilateral relations between Sudan and Ethiopia to reach the highest levels of relations in Africa.

Ethiopia and Sudan are engaged more and more in joint security, military and economic cooperation.

In April 2017, the two sides signed a number of joint agreements to promote economic relations and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Also in February, they signed multiple agreements to further boost up cooperation on a range of development activities.

In March 2012, al-Bashir announced his support to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), saying his government understands the mutual benefits the project could offer Ethiopia and Sudan.

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April 21, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Saturday managed to arrest a group of 66 migrants with their smugglers in the remote North Darfur area of Wadi Hawar, in a joint operation with the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

NISS Director in North Darfur State Brigadier General Awad al-Qurashi said that the operation was carried out in coordination and cooperation with the RSF militiamen deployed in the remote area.

He further told the official news agency SUNA that the RSF arrested the gang of human traffickers with two four-wheel-drive vehicles (Land Cruisers) carrying 66 migrants including 26 Ethiopians and 37 Sudanese nationals, pointing that there were 8 women and 7 children among them.

Sudan is considered as a country of transit for migrants and refugees from Eritrea and Ethiopia, heading to Europe.

There are two routes for human trafficking from Sudan to Libya used by human smugglers one from Khartoum through Northern State and Darfur route via El-Fasher in North Darfur which has gained importance since 2017.

From 1 January to 31 March 2018, the number of refugees and migrants arrived in Italy by sea had decreased significantly. According to the UNHCR, there were 6,296 persons during the first trimester of this year against 24,292 persons reached Italian shores in the same period last year.

"This is a 74 percent decrease".

However, Sudanese remain among the ten most common countries of origin of migrants with Eritrea, Tunisia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Guinea, Senegal, and Mali.

Also, despite an overall decrease in sea arrivals, the UN refugee agency noticed that the numbers of Eritreans reaching Italian shores have been on the rise.

(ST)

April 19, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's President Omer al-Bashir relieved his foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) on Thursday evening.

Ibrahim Ghandour attends African Union ministers meeting in Addis Ababa on 11 April 2016 (ST Photo)

In a very short wire, SUNA reported that al-Bashir issued a presidential decree removing Ghandour from his position. Also, the decision was announced in less than three hours after the return of the president from Saudi Arabia where he participated in the 29th Arab League summit.

Observers in Khartoum believe that the decision comes after Ghandour statements on Wednesday before the lawmakers where he said certain circles have delayed the salaries of Sudanese diplomats since seven months.

"The president (al-Bashir) talked with the Governor of the Bank of Sudan several times, in the same way, the First Vice President, and the Minister of the Presidency follows the matter on a daily basis, but it seems that there are those who feel that the salaries of diplomats, staff and mission rents are not a priority," he told the parliament on Wednesday.

The statements triggered a massive outpouring of reactions some supported him saying and praised him for his courage others said he had not to disclose such important information.

Ghandour reportedly had already filed his resignation to President al-Bashir several months ago to protest the appointment of the former oil minister Awad al-Jaz as presidential aide tasked with relations with countries that have important investments in Sudan like China and Turkey.

Ghandour handled very important files and negotiated the lift of U.S. economic sanctions with Sudan. Recently he built strong relations with Egyptian officials and successfully managed to reduce tensions between the two countries.

(ST)