Sudan Tribune

By Mahmoud Suleiman

Dear honourable readers this article begins in an unconventional way with a story that shows origins of a popular proverb about a person who cannot abandon bad habits despite hard efforts to get away from them. And the purpose here is to compare the ever recurring acts of the Sudanese President Marshall Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir for an analogy between him that character. Thus begins and goes the story referred to in the popular adage: (Halima returned to her old bad habits):

A story was told in the old en times that there was a man famous for generosity towards the guests and his name was Hatim al - Taie and his wife called Halima who was very stingy contrary to her husband. One day Hatim said to her that generosity prolongs a person life. She began to become over generous to attain longevity. However, when one of her close relatives died, she became extremely saddened and wished to be dead. Moreover, she became very stingy and meager again believing that would help hastening her demise. At that point, people started saying: “Halima is back to her Old Bad Habits”! Thus, that narrative has become the beginning of the Popular Proverb/adage - Halima returned to her Old Bad Habits. Arabic ???? ????? ???????? ???????

It is customary that Proverbs usually Stem from Life Experiences and the wisdom follows. Proverbs remind us of the past experiences and the different circumstances of the people and they represent as our treasures of Knowledge. The nature of human life is characterized by the diversity and differences that enrich life and that results into one population of people benefiting from another one through harnessing each other. It is about the people who are wise in their deeds and words. It is the wisdom that expresses their personal experience and their plethora of knowledge. Thus, those experiences have been passed from one generation to another and that made people to know the famous types of smart wisdoms.

After that introduction and reference to the story of Halima we will enter into the core of the article that comes against the backdrop of the News recently surfaced that Marshall Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir has poised for declaring a brand new/Neo War against the components of the Sudanese political Opposition Forces who dare to associate themselves with the armed rebel groups of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Sudan Liberation Movement –Minni Minnawi (SLM-MN) and Sudan People's Liberation Army / North (SPLA/North in the Sudan Call Forces. Precisely, they include the National Umma Party (NUP) and rebel umbrella of Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) and the Civil Society Initiative (CSI) the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP), Sudanese Baath Party (SBP), Center Alliance Party (CAP), Sudanese National Party (SNP) and Sudanese National Alliance (SNA). The ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP), led by Omer al-Bashir, has repeatedly accused the Sudanese political opposition of eluding and implementing the foreign agenda. On the other hand, the Sudanese political opposition blames the ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) of lagging behind and not fulfilling the promises and agreements it signed with the parties. This kind of sparring continues unabated during the past 28 lean years of the oppressive rule of National Islamic Front/ National Congress Party (NIF/NCP). According to statements by Sadiq al-Mahdi that Omar al-Bashir signed more than twenty agreements with the parties and did not abide by them. The ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) has a long history of revoking the covenants and peace agreements it signed with the parties to the conflict. It might need not to say that Human relations are built only on trust. Furthermore, that is what the logic of things reiterates. Nevertheless, some believe that the danger lies in excessive trust so those who follow this belief base tend to say: “forgive your enemy, but do not trust him”! The lack of trust between the ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudanese political opposition, both civil and armed, tells lots of exciting tales through the ages unabatedly.
https://www.hurriyatsudan.com/?p=239346
• Bashir continued playing the sinister game of 'divide and rule'
• Bashir's Halima is back to her old bad habits
• In general, the proverb strikes those who get rid of a bad habit, improve their image and reputation among people, then suddenly relapse and return to their previous bad habits
• An analogy between the Habits of Bashir and those of Halima "
• Bashir hatched a plot through his usual intrigues
• Addiction to failure to learn from previous disastrous mistakes
• Bashir's Dodging of Peace Agreements
• This phenomenon is not strange when people Bear in mind that Marshall Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir is renowned for dodging with the peace agreements he has negotiated and signed with the Parties in the dispute. Peace agreements negotiated and signed and abrogated by al-Bashir and his regime have amounted to with a modest evaluation
• The National Dialogue, referred to satirically as the Wathba dialogue. The dialogue conducted by the (NCP) regime since the beginning of 2004 is basically not serious about reaching to a National Consensus but it has been invented by Omer al-Bashir to gain time by distracting the people from the issues that concern them after he felt the international isolation and economic collapse along with the multiplicity of fronts against his ailing regime.
• National Islamic Front (NIF)/ National Congress Party (NCP) regime regime came to power through a deceptive coup de état. Mahatma Gandhi has been quoted as saying what you achieved by force would require the use of force to maintain it. “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. “Mahatma Gandhi quote https://www.esotherapy.com/mahatma-gandhi-quotes
• Hundreds of Sudanese citizens have been arrested in Khartoum and other cities after protests over the price hikes of the 2018 budget and the increase in the prices of basic commodities, including bread. So far, dozens of detainees are still without charge or crime only for being accused of coming out to the streets and exercising their right guaranteed by the transitional constitution of Sudan Of 2005 and international human rights law, and chanted in a peaceful way, saying "No to the high prices and prices of essential goods"!
• The Sudanese people have witnessed three repressive military dictatorships since their Independence from the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium on Sunday the First of January 1956. They were the regime of General Ibrahim Abboud from 18th November 1958 to 21 October 1964, followed by Mohmed Jaffer al-Numeiri from 25th May 1969 to April 1985 and the worst of the three and without a competitor is the current (NCP) regime which is the offspring of the infamous National Islamic Front (NIF), the predecessor of which was the Islamic Charter Front (ICF), the ‘Muslim Brothers' syndicate, motivational at the onset, hypocritical on practice, though.
• Sadly, the ‘Muslim Brothers' syndicate made Sudan a gangsters land ruled by the former Janjaweed militias who have been cloned to become the infamous Rapid Support Force (RSF) thugs who is only loyal to Omer al-Bashir and receives orders directly from him.
• By doing the foregoing, Omer al-Bashir have founded the first model rogue state of the twenty first century in the former one million square mile sized country called Sudan. It is sad to say that Sudan became shrunk and atrophied by the forced secession of its Southern part which established itself into an independent country after the result of the January 2011 referendum; the United Nations (UN) on July 2011 welcomed the South Sudan as 193rd Member State in the United Nations (UN).
• Anyone who has left a habit and then returned to do it, the Proverb ‘Halima Returned to her Old Bad Habits' can be applied to him/her; obviously, Omer al-Bashir is the best example par excellence!
• Omer al-Bashir has a changing temperament in a way that cannot be predicted which is an integral part of his aggressive personality. Above all, Narcissism also plays a major role in most of his unthoughtful actions. Of course, it is not easy to ensure that such a person complies with any negotiated agreements

As the popular proverb goes, Halima returned to her old ways and bad tricks, and so did Omer al-Bashir in his response to the outcome of the meeting of the Sudanese Political Opposition formed by both Civil and Armed factions under of the Umbrella of the Sudan Call Forces (SCF). News media outlets reported quoting the National Congress Party (NCP) regime President Marshall Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir as said threatening with evil acts and destruction the opposition political parties allied with the rebel groups. Moreover, the Marshall al-Bashir warned that he would never allow combining the armed action against his state and the political action under any name. The threats of al-Bashir continued endlessly that his regime wouldn't allow the student organizations at the universities to become political arms for the armed movements and vowed that he will impose security within the universities by the force of law! http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65083 Omer al-Bashir said this while the Sudanese Opposition parties in the Sudan Call Forces have denounced those threats and considered them unsuccessful and do not serve the negotiating position to reach a peaceful solution in the country. Among those who denounced al-Bashir's threatening statements is Sayed al-Sadig al-Mahdi who rejected those hostile remarks and he was reported to have vowed to return to Khartoum as soon as he finishes his political tasks abroad. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65083

The Flip-Flop of Omer al-Bashir remained incredible adding them to his wheeling and dealing with the Political Opposition Components in Sudan. According to Sudan Tribune Cyber Journal issue on April 3, 2018 that Sudan's state security prosecutor office has filed charges, some of which are punishable by death, against the leader of the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) Sadiq al-Mahdi, accusing him of plotting with armed groups in the opposition umbrella of Sudan Call to overthrow the (NCP) regime of President Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir. The Security apparatus of the (NCP) regime indicated that they would file criminal charges under the Counter-Terrorism Act. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65090

Thus, the coup d'état – the Putschist killers in the National Congress Party (NCP) led by the genocidal criminal, the fugitive from the international Justice Omer al-Bashir direct the charge of undermining the ruling regime in Khartoum against National Umma Party (NUP) leader Sayed al-Sadiq al-Mahdi. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65090
The Sudanese news media continued giving details of the intentions of Omer al-Bashir to suppress any voices of criticizing his regime. According to the prosecutor, the criminal charges under articles 21,25,26,50,51,53,63 and 66 of the 1991 Criminal Code as well as articles 5 and 6 of the Counter-Terrorism Act s “were filed against the backdrop that al-Mahdi in his capacity as the chairman of the National Umma Party (NUP) signed with the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and the armed movements a declaration of principles and issued a final communiqué stating joint coordination to overthrow the regime by force of arms beside inciting the residents through the social media to rebel against the state and to wreak havoc in the land. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65090

The charges included "undermining the constitutional order" and waging war against the "state", which carries the death penalty. https://www.hurriyatsudan.com/?p=239346

The foregoing position taken by al-Bashir is a gross contradiction to his assertive statements that he has extended the cease-fire for another three months as false and misleading the public opinion, both domestic and international, said by spokesperson of one of the Darfuri Armed movements. The rebel Movement added and said that the Government allied militias of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been continued killing unarmed civilian Sudanese citizens in a wide swaths in the localities of Jebel Marra and looting their property and forcing them to flee their villages. Furthermore, the cloned Janjaweed Militias the so-called Rapid Support Force (RSF) have continued their wreaking havoc on earth and same terrorizing the civilian populations, shedding innocent blood, looting properties and atrocious crimes continued taking place in the States of Central and Northern Darfur, the statement has said.

A New license from Omer al-Bashir to allow members of the Legislative to freely talk about corruption
With regards to the institutional Corruption epidemic, the Members of the National Congress Party (NCP) bloc in the Sudanese parliament acknowledged that they used feeling intimidated and frightened talking about corruption in forums, lectures and public places, arguing that it was difficult to go into corruption and put one accountable to God! However, things have recently changed “since the speech of the President al-Bashir before the legislature yesterday gave us the right to talk about corruption in the newspapers and in social networking sites," the head of the National Congress bloc, Abdul Rahman Mohammad Ali, said during the deliberations of deputies on Bashir's speech in today's session. https://www.alrakoba.net/

It is obvious from the above narrative that there is no such a thing as democracy or freedoms or human rights among even the Muslim Brothers syndicate's members of National Islamic Front (NIF)/National Congress Party (NCP) let alone for the disenfranchised Sudanese public members who have been languishing under oppressive rule for over twenty eight years.

Some Political analysts and observers reiterate and say that if the gangster-led Muslim Brothers' syndicate continues ruling, that would inevitably result to the complete annihilation of the remaining population of the once prosperous, beautiful and promising country called Sudan everlastingly and forever. The Opposition Components went the miles in good faith to help arriving at a consensus for creating atmosphere conducive for sustainable peace in Sudan; they couldn't find the genuinely willing partner in the NCP regime. In the current miserable circumstances, there is no way out of the problems and tribulations of the people of Sudan under the rule of Marshall Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir, but to overthrow his regime and remove it permanently by all the available means to its demise. The Sudanese people deserve to carry out this mission as they had done before in the October 1964 and April 1985 popular revolutions and overthrown the regimes of General Ibrahim Abboud and Marshall Mohmed Jaffer Numeiri respectively.
Martin Luther King Jr. the American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1968 has been quoted as said: 'A man can't ride your back unless it's bent'! https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Martin+Luther+King+Jr&oq=Martin+Luther+King+Jr&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.1111j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Dr Mahmoud A. Suleiman is an author, columnist and a blogger. His blog is http://thussudan.wordpress.com/

April 6, 2018 (JUBA) - The United Kingdom will continue to provide humanitarian aid to relieve the suffering of civilians in South Sudan but the peace is the only solution for the four-year crisis, said a British official at the end of his two-day visit.

The Permanent Secretary of the UK's Department for International Development, Matthew Rycroft, Friday concluded a two-day trip to South Sudan where he met with South Sudanese officials including head and educations ministers.

The former UK ambassador to the United Nations who was appointed last January visited South Sudan for the first time on 5-6 April to inspect the humanitarian activities of the UKAid in the war-torn country.

During his meetings in Juba, Rycroft emphasized the need for the government to engage meaningfully in the peace process and underlined the need to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian workers.

"UKAid is saving lives in South Sudan. But it is the Government of South Sudan that has the responsibility to stop the suffering of its people," said the British official in a radio interview in Juba, according to a statement released at the end of the visit.

"They and other parties to the conflict must engage constructively with the next round of peace talks, which represent a crucial opportunity for peace, and end the appalling human rights abuses we have seen. They must also permit free and unhindered humanitarian access,” he further stressed.

In 2017, the UK provided food for over 500,000 war-affected South Sudanese, safe drinking water to over 300,000 people, and supported around 5 million health consultations to children under 5 years. Also, the UK is promoting girls' education and supporting 3,600 schools.

Rycroft also met with the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, David Shearer.

"Matthew welcomed the close relationship between the UK and UNMISS, and re-iterated the UK's full support for the UN Secretary-General's ‘zero tolerance' policy on sexual exploitation and abuse".

There are nearly 400 British peacekeepers deployed to provide vital engineering and medical assistance in South Sudan.

(ST)

April 6, 2018 (JUBA) - South Sudanese presidential spokesperson Friday denied accusations by Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir that Juba continues to harbour and support armed groups that seek to overthrow his regime.

South Sudanese Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny addresses journalists following renewed fighting in Juba July 11, 2016 (Reuters Photo)

"That is a nightmare. South Sudan has no reason completely to harbour rebels. We are looking forward to returning security to our country," said Ateny Wek Ateny President Salva Kiir's spokesperson.

The South Sudanese official further explained that the insecurity along the 2000 kilometre border between the two countries enables the Sudanese rebels to cross illegally into the troubled country.

"Insecurity has given insurgents chance to cross into South Sudan at their own will. We are gaining momentum as our forces are moving to address the issue," he added.

Al-Bashir made his accusations on Thursday when he was speaking in Kosti of the White Nile State, not far from the border. However, he stressed that his government would continue to support the regional efforts to end the civil war in South Sudan.

UN reports say armed groups from Darfur region have generally moved to Libya where they joined the eastern Libya based forces of Gen Khalifa Haftar but the SPLM-N rebels continue to use the South Sudanese territory for logistical supplies.

The presence of Sudanese armed groups in South Sudan was one the reasons that led to the deterioration of bilateral relations between Juba and Washington which was the major supporter of the young nation.

Khartoum and Juba are working to operationalize the border demilitarized zone agreed in September 2012 with the support of UN and African Union, but some South Sudanese local authorities are still resisting the process saying Sudan would take advantage and capture the disputed border areas.

(ST)

April 6, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - A high ranking delegation of the Libyan National Army (LNA), a military group led by Gen Khalifa Haftar, reportedly held talks with Sudanese officials during a secret visit to Khartoum.

General Khalifa Haftar attends a news conference at Benina air base in Benghazi on 24 May 2014 (Photo: Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori)

According to the London based Asharq Al-Awsat, the visit was organised by the Egyptian and the United Arab Emirates which support Gen Haftar who is accused of using Darfur armed groups in a bid to reconcile between him and Khartoum.

The visiting delegation comprised two senior generals of the Libyan National Army which controls the eastern part of Libya along the border with Egypt, one of them Gen Abdel Salam al-Hassi, the commander of the Karama Operations units tasked with the fight against the jihadist groups.

The news report which emanated from Cairo and attributed to a "reliable Libyan source" said the LNA delegation met with Sudanese security and military officials to discuss ways to improve bilateral relations and to resolve the "points of disagreement between the parties".

The Libyan generals among others met with Salah Gosh head of the National Intelligence and Security Services(NISS), the source said.

At least two United Nations reports on Libya and Darfur region pointed to the presence of Darfuri elements among the fighters of Haftar army which its origins go back to the National Front for the Salvation of Libya (NFSL), a U.S. supported opposition group established in June 1988.

Two Sudanese armed groups carried out a coordinated attack from Libya and South Sudan using armoured vehicles Egypt had provided to Haftar in May 2017. At the time, Sudan accused Egypt of backing Darfur groups.

However, Cairo and Khartoum formed security and military committees that held several meeting since last year to coordinate a joint action in the border areas to prevent cross-border attacks. Cairo has been supporting Haftar and mobilizing troops to fights Jihadists groups that carry out attacks in western Egypt.

(ST)

April 6, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The government of Central Darfur State has embarked on planning the villages of the voluntary return, said the state's Minister of Urban Planning Muddather Adam

He told the semi-official Sudan Media Center (SMC) that every village would be fully planned, saying the government has earmarked 2 billion Sudanese pounds to meet the needs of the voluntary return villages.

According to Adam, a higher committee chaired by the Central Darfur government has been set up to oversee the planning of the villages.

The minister further said his government is striving to allocate more funds to support the return of the IDP's and refugees, calling on the concerned bodies to provide additional support for his government's plans in this regard.

For several years, the government sought to dismantle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps that have been established in areas around the capitals of Darfur's five states after the eruption of the armed conflict in the region.

Since the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in July 2011, the government constructed several villages and vowed to support IDPs who return to their home areas.

However, the return of displaced persons and refugees remains the main challenge for the Sudanese government. There are 2.7 million people living in protracted displacement camps since 2003 despite the relative improvement of the security situation.

In a recent report released on 5 February, UNOCHA estimates that are about 386,000 returnees in Sudan conflict areas including Darfur and the Two Areas.

(ST)

April 6, 2018 – (WAU) - Flights Operations have resumed normally at Wau
airport on Friday hours after its abrupt closure Thursday evening following a crash of a cargo plane belonging to Ultimate Aviation.

The cargo plane was travelling from Juba to Kwajok and Wau loaded with medical stocks belonging to UNICEF when it crashed at Wau airport after experiencing technical problems with its wheel.

The aircraft was carrying only a five-member crew who survived the accident safely.

Wau Airport Director John Akot told Sudan Tribune on Friday that the incident was caused by a wheel's failure due to lack of hydraulic.

The airport has resumed its normal activities as people have shown this morning, the Badr airlines and the Organization airlines have landed. Yesterday, it was just a small incident when the aircraft was coming from Kwajok to Wau and then it was carrying a kind of medication for UNICEF,” further said John Akot

“Finally with the cooperation of UNMISS, we were able to push it out of the runway and now the aircraft is safe. Also, the crew are safe and no one has been injured," he explained before to stress "The airport is now operating normally.

This is not the first time a plane crash at Wau airport. last year in March, a Russian Antonov AN-26 known as South Sudan Supreme carrying more than 40 passengers crashed at Wau airport. The accident was blamed on bad weather.

(ST)

April 6, 2018 (KHARTOUM) Several opposition forces have called on the Sudanese to get inspired by the 33rd anniversary of the 1985 popular uprising to overthrow the regime of President Omer al-Bashir.

In 6 April 1985, the Sudanese people managed to bring down the military regime of former President Gaafar Nimeiri through a popular uprising.

In a statement seen by Sudan Tribune on Friday, the Broad National Front (BNF) led by Ali Mahmoud Hassanien vowed to continue its resistance until toppling the regime.

It pointed out that the Sudanese look forward to restoring freedom, peace and social justice, calling for a peaceful uprising against the regime to achieve the desired goals.

The BNF urged the Sudanese to take to streets to protest against the dire situation that the country has witnessed in all walks of life, warning against engaging in any kind of dialogue with the regime.

Meanwhile, the leader of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement - Transitional Council (SLM-TC) al-Hadi Idriss Yahia called on the Sudanese to join the ranks of the resistance.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, Yahia said it is high time to form a unified resistance front to overthrow the regime, saying the country is witnessing an unprecedented deterioration in all walks of life.

He added the Sudanese youth must bear their responsibility by joining the resistance in order to topple the regime and save the country from further fragmentation.

Yahia stressed the building of the future begins by achieving the comprehensive change which in turn starts by changing the individuals and the institutions.

It is noteworthy that al-Bashir came to power in June 1989 when, as a brigadier in the Sudanese army, he led a group of Islamist officers in a military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi.

April 6, 2018 (JUBA)- The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) demanded the IGAD mediation team to deal with them as one political entity in the peace revitalization forum which is expected to resume on 26 April.

The High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) at the African Union Hall, Addis Ababa (Getty)

The SSOA ()"is a united group and as stakeholders, we have had one common position throughout the last two rounds of talks (Phases I and II). Therefore, in the consultations the IGAD intends to carry out between now and the 26th of April, we would like to be consulted as one entity," said the opposition umbrella in a letter addressed to the IGAD chief mediator Ismail Wais on 27 March.

"In this regards, we request Your Excellency to make arrangements for the Leaders of the constituent parties to the SSOA to meet IGAD representatives in Addis Ababa for these consultations," further said the letter seen by Sudan Tribune.

The letter was signed by the SSOA leaders including Gabriel Changsong Chang, chriman of the Federal Democratic Party-South Sudan Armed Forces (FDP-SSAF) FDP/SSAF) the Former Detainees (FDs), led by Pagan Amum, the National Salvation Front (NAS), headed by Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka, Lam Akol, the chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) , Hakim Dario Moi, the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) chairman, Bapiny Monytuil, chairman of SSLM/A, Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, chairman of National Movement for Change, Costello Garang Ring, leader of South Sudan Patriotic Movement, and Peter Gatdet Yak, chairman of South Sudan United Movement.

The opposition alliance underscored that the forum should not only be limited to the power sharing and the security arrangements saying such "approach is not inclusive enough".

They further regretted that the the proposal put forward by the Mediators ignored their a position paper their submitted during the plenary discussions and suggested that the consultations "should be broad enough to include our written position".

The letter also, included a demand shared by the SPLM In Opposition of Riek Machar that "the Juba government cannot be both a party to the conflict as well as part of the mediation".

The opposition alliance said the South Sudanese government should be "recused" because of the potential lack of impartiality " when IGAD Council of Ministers, or indeed any other IGAD institution, is acting as a mediator on the South Sudan conflict".

The peace talks, dubbed High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) have been scheduled for 26 – 30 of April 2018.

FDP leader Gabriel Changsong Chang said the need to resolve the root cause of the over four year conflict pushed them to come together around common issues

“ And to meet the challenge requiring us to move together in the direction of common issues, we have resolved to merge our parties under the banner of South Sudan Opposition Alliance, explained Changson.

He repeated that the alliance rejects participation of the government in meetings in which issues related to the affairs of the country, specifically how the conflict can be resolved.

"It gives (the government) advantage to posit its position in the talks before the Assembly in the absence of the other parties to the conflict".

(ST)

By: Bol Garang Bol

Salva Kiir Mayardit, the incumbent President of South Sudan joined SPLM/SPLA as a low ranking officer in 1983 and promoted to 4th in command by Dr John Garang who for so long dominated and controlled the political and military leadership of SPLM/SPLA. Salva Kiir Mayardit who came from Akon village of Awan-Chan rose to prominence in the guerrilla struggle against Khartoum government. During the struggle, Salva Kiir was the most trusted man by John Garang. He was given security roles as a Director of security and tasked with security coordination. After the death of Dr John in helicopter crashed, Salva Kiir as Deputy Chairman to John Garang and with the help of CDR Kuol Manyang Juuk, now South Sudan Defence Minister, outmanoeuvred his political rivals to become Sudan 1st Vice President and President of the autonomous government of South Sudan. Immediately after the death of Dr John Garang de Mabior, the people of South Sudan put their trust in General Salva Kiir Mayardit leadership. Many believed Salva Kiir had been with Dr Garang for a long time and he had never been a part of rebellion waged against SPLM/SPLA leadership. During the struggle, Salva Kiir had succeeded in the Deputy- Chairman position where two of his predecessors had failed. The rebellion of William Nyuon Bendy Machar and Kerubino Kuanyin Bol paved the way for the promotion of General Salva Kiir who was then fourth in command according to SPLM/SPLA structure and have had been seen closer to John Garang. This promotion of Salva Kiir by Dr John Garang to the position of Deputy Chairman put him in the South Sudan presidency. Apart from numerous reasons, people trusted Salva as the only leader to follow Dr John Garang's footsteps since those of Dr Lam and Dr Riek in connection with Nasir Declaration demonstrated that they had political differences with Dr John Garang. Salva Kiir was installed and was expected to execute SPLM vision of bringing Town to people and transformed the SPLM/SPLA from a military movement to a political party tasked with developing the country.

The SPLM main vision under Dr John Garang leadership was to fight for freedom, build school, hospitals and physical infrastructure. All these visions were documented in the SPLM MANIFESTO and it's the responsibility of the SPLM leader to carry forward their vision. After the death of Dr John Garang de Mabior, Dr Riek or Dr Lam was to become Chairman of the SPLM bypassing Salva Kiir who had little education compared to his colleagues in the movement but there was this red-eyed powerful man in the movement, General Kuol Manyang, Mama Rebecca, late Lual Ding Wuol, they worked harder to make sure higher education qualifications shouldn't be used as a requirement in electing Dr John Garang's successor. They deployed political tactics of seniority as the only qualifications workable in identifying Garang successor. The tactics were mainly to get rid of both Dr Riek Machar and Dr Lam Akol who were viewed as possible contenders not to succeed late Garang. The SPLM seniors leaders installed Salva Kiir as the SPLM leader not knowing that Salva Kiir will turn South Sudan as a Country where all political and military power is in the hands of the single individual (himself) whose decision is unregulated. South Sudan now under Salva Kiir leadership became a society without laws. Absolutism system, where rulers have unlimited control is in place. If those who elected General Salva Kiir Mayardit to succeed Dr John Garang, 13 years from now since the death of John Garang, ask themselves whether they had made a right decision in elected Salva Kiir to the top position? They will all say no. Their choice, President Mayardit worked away from SPLM vision and chose to rule the Country through strong arm-tactics, including extra-judicial detentions of critics, suppression of the press and the use of security agents to silence dissents even within his own community. In political alignments, President Salva Kiir Mayardit is not a conservative nor liberal. His political ideologies are not communist nor socialism. His political leaning is not toward Western world nor the Middle East.

For President Kiir to correct his records, he must,

1. Establish a peaceful resolution to bring an end to conflicts in South Sudan.
2. Initiated parliamentary democracy by creating conducive atmosphere without political intimidation in order to give room for peace revitalization.
3. Abolished his notorious security organs and established National Security with the general outlook, not the one comprising single community members.

After 2011 election, President Kiir cemented his grip on power assumed the roles of head of state, Chairman of the SPLM and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (SPLA). With all these massive of powers, President Salva Kiir still failed miserably in governing the country. In many speeches and interviews, he claimed to be a Democratically elected President, while condoning human rights violations, corruption, tribalism and ethnic cleansing under his orders. Kiir misused National Armed to fought tribalism wars, something unregulated in the SPLM constitution. A Democratic leader who knows Democratic values cannot directed his Army to burns towns into ashes killed patients in hospitals, murders civilians and oppressed his own people. History will highlight Salva Kiir's achievements but there was no single achievements I know he had achieved since he took over the power in 2005. Few people talked about 2011 referendum as his achievement. Referendum according to my understanding is popular rights, not individual's rights. The people of South Sudan came together and voted together to choose their destiny whether they want to remain part of Sudan or opted for their independent, South Sudan. The referendum is everybody achievements not for the single individual. You cannot claim majority rights as your achievement. Kiir's government murdered Nuer in 2013 and 2015 in Juba, Malakal, Bentiu and this is not counted as an achievements but genocide. President Salva kiir might claim he had won the war in those battles of 2013 and 2015 but his actions is what Raphael Lemkin called cultural genocide. Killings of civilians and destruction of cultural properties is not a military victory but cultural genocide. South Sudan would have been better with Dr. Lam or Dr. Riek as a leader than President Salva Kiir. Majority of my Dinka people will not agree with me but facts must be said. Unless something happened by miracles, president Salva is not a solution to South Sudan problems.

The author can be reached at nicetobeme05@yahoo.com

April 5, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have failed to agree over the impact of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the water share of downstream countries.

"Since the morning we discussed many issues but in the end, we could not reach a consensus," Sudan foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour told reporters on Thursday evening at the end of the meeting of a tripartite committee.

"Although I can say that the discussion was constructive, comprehensive and important and we could have come out of it with answers to many questions, but this is the case of controversial issues often need patience, and will," he added.

The Sudanese top diplomat added that the will and patience where there " but we needed more time to reach consensus".

The tripartite body was formed after a meeting including Presidents Omer al-Bashir, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on 29 January.

It includes foreign ministers irrigation ministers and head of the security and intelligence agencies of the three countries.

Ghandour said that the irrigation ministers will discuss the outstanding issues in a meeting to be determined at a later date. The foreign ministers and head of security agencies will join them when they make progress on the technical issues.

However, he declined to elaborate on the outstanding issues when asked about that.

In March 2015, the three leaders signed in Khartoum a framework cooperation deal on the GERD. They said the “declaration of principles” would pave the way for further diplomatic cooperation on the GERD which has stirred fears of a regional resource conflict.

However, the three countries have failed to agree on the findings of the technical report related to the impact of the dam prepared by consultant companies, French firms BRL and Artelia.

Also, Cairo proposed to refer the matter to the World Bank, but Addis Ababa refused the Egyptian proposal.

(ST)

April 5, 2018 (KAMPALA) - Police in Uganda's northern district of Lamwo are investigating the gruesome murder of a two-year-old South Sudanese refugee girl in Palabek Ogili settlement centre.

South Sudanese refugees fleeing violence in their home country wait to be transported to Uganda's Arua district settlement camp on 6 January 2014 (Photo: AFP/Isaac Kasamani)

The deceased, Daily Monitor reported, went missing on March 21 before her body was found dumped in a nearby swamp days later.

Authorities now suspect the girl could have been murdered in a ritual sacrifice.

Christopher Omal, the Palabek-Ogili LC III chairperson was quoted saying the girl disappeared from Zone A, Block 3 under unclear circumstances, adding that the attackers cut off her right hand and private parts in what seems like a ritual sacrifice.

Meanwhile, the Uganda police reportedly arrested a witchdoctor, who is a South Sudanese national, to help in the investigations.

Police say the witch doctor had promised to find the missing girl on conditions that he is paid, according the Daily Monitor.

About 45,000 refugees, who fled their homes in South Sudan due to the ongoing civil war, settled in Lamwo District in northern Uganda.

The conflict, now in its fifth year, has displaced killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million civilians.

(ST)

By Magdi El Gizouli

A jubilant President Bashir addressed crowds in the White Nile's Aba Island on Wednesday 4 April. The ageing president appeared unconcerned by the severe fuel shortage around the country and skyrocketing prices of basic commodities. His host, the governor of the White Nile State, Abd al-Hameed Musa Kasha, went to great lengths to secure the good mood of the president. The only factor that appeared beyond control was the scorching sun, to which President Bashir responded with his habitual grimace and pinched eyes. Kasha put together a live show for the president. Soldiers of the Sudan Armed Forces' 18th infantry brigade stationed in nearby Kosti attempted to replay a scene from Sudan's Mahdist history for entertainment.

The soldiers split into two groups, Mahdist forces dressed in jibbas and armed with wooden spears and swords and Turkkiya troops in military uniforms with bayonets at hand. The brief spectacle that unfolded before an amused President Bashir was supposed to enact the battle of Aba, the first encounter between the insurgent Mohamed Ahmed al-Mahdi and his loyal followers (Ansar) at Aba Island and a small disciplinary force dispatched by the Turkiyya colonial government in Khartoum on 12 August 1881. In actual fact, the force led by Abu al-Saoud al-Aggad was overwhelmed by the Mahdists as soon as the soldiers descended from their steamer. The force commander who had not joined the battle escaped back to Khartoum with few survivors to inform his superiors that the fakir of Aba Island was not to be frightened back to his senses with 200 soldiers. In the replay, the force commander is seen on the battlefield for dramatic effect and the Mahdi himself appears at the closure of the scene to celebrate victory with his Ansar.

Sadig al-Hadi al-Mahdi, cabinet minister and descendant of the Mahdi himself, accompanied President Bashir on the visit as a surrogate Ansar imam. In his speech, he reminded the crowds that Aba Island was the scene of a second violent episode in recent history. Sadiq's father, al-Hadi, was the imam of the Ansar when Jaafar Nimayri jumped to power in a Nasser-style putsch in 1969. The imam vowed to resist and withdrew to Aba with loyal followers and militant Islamists eager for a showdown. The situation deteriorated further when the Ansar urged by their imam sabotaged a visit by the young president to the area and Nimayri responded with firepower. Troops of the Sudanese army stormed the island after rounds of aerial bombardment and a battle ensued with the armed Ansar and Islamists. Unlike 1881, the Ansar were defeated and al-Hadi the imam was forced to flee towards Ethiopia where government forces caught up with him close to the border and killed him.

The Ansar Imamate, however, did not pass to al-Hadi's son but his star nephew, the famed al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, who had by then already broken ranks with the uncle and established himself as a moderniser of the Ansar and the Umma Party. Sadiq al-Hadi al-Mahdi has Bashir to thank for his political career. He has recycled in junior ministerial positions since 2000 when he joined the government together with his more prominent cousin and current investment minister, Mubarak al-Fadil al-Mahdi. Unlike Mubarak who ventured back into the wasteland of the opposition for several years before seeking the corridors of power again through President Bashir's national dialogue, Sadiq al-Hadi al-Mahdi demonstrated an admirable perseverance in insignificance.

In Aba, al-Hadi's son discovered his faculties as an amateur historian. Sadiq al-Hadi framed the 1970 confrontation on the island between the Ansar and the army as a battle between ‘Islam' and ‘atheism'. He then made the impressive claim that Bashir as president and commander of the same army that routed the Ansar in Aba carried on the project of the slain al-Hadi the imam while atheism was defeated in a replay of 1881! The thousands upon thousands of civilian lives lost and wasted, in President Bashir's wars have no place in Sadiq al-Hadi's historical legend. What he preferred to ignore is the common theme of state violence directed at opponents of central power. The Ansar killed in Aba were victims of state power, he is a minor beneficiary.

Sadiq al-Hadi is no historian; he was just playing second fiddle to Bashir the lifelong president on what is, by all means, an early election campaign rally. Kasha, the governor of the White Nile State, calculated that his interests might be better served by vacating the stage as soon as possible for the president. Instead of delivering a speech he was content or sly enough to introduce Bashir and withdraw. The president took an energetic Obama-step from his seat to the stage; he spoke for ten minutes repeating promises he has made before, development and more development! Bashir's final note, however, is worth considering. He told an amused crowd: “When I come back here next time I want to find the roads in Aba paved in asphalt. If not, I will cut Kasha's head off.” The highlight was the concluding dance. Insaf Medani, the queen of dalooka who catered for the concluding entertainment sang: “His name is Omer and al-Hassan is his father, say well, get up and elect him”, and Omer spared no dance move.

From Aba Bashir and his entourage flew to Kenana where the president inaugurated a new military airbase. He then departed to Rabak, the capital of White Nile State, where the governor Kasha had prepared an evening speaking event for the president in the town's stadium. Bashir made a point of stressing his seriousness in combating corruption. Days earlier, the security forces had arrested the managing director of Kenana Sugar Company on undisclosed grounds. Abd al-Raouf Mirghani joins several prominent businessmen and financiers in detention including the directors of Faisal Islamic Bank and its associate Islamic Insurance Company. In Rabak, President Bashir upped the ante further claiming that he was acting to enforce a sharia-informed vision of social justice in line with the Quranic injunction to prevent the monopoly of wealth and power. The populist twist is interesting as an electoral gimmick but threatening as a political manoeuvre. The president, self-assured as he is, seems to be striking at a key component of his power base or in the fashion of racketeers engaged in a round of extortion in these times of state financial distress.

True to tradition, President Bashir could not do without poking from afar at a foreign enemy. Without naming her, he accused Dame Rosalind Marsden, the former British ambassador to Sudan (2007-2010) and former EU special representative for Sudan and South Sudan (2010-2013) of masterminding the recent meeting of the Sudan Call allies in Paris. When leaving her post as ambassador, he said, she came to me and instead of saying how wonderful the Sudanese people are, like her peers, she started giving me instructions. I could not take it and gave her a piece of my mind, he boasted, adding I made her regret the day she was born. I can well imagine Omer nodding in confused embarrassment with the trademark grimace on his face in response to whatever Dame Marsden might have told him.

The author is a fellow of the Rift Valley Institute. He publishes regular opinion articles and analyses at his blog Still Sudan. He can be reached at m.elgizouli@gmail.com

April 5, 2018 (KAMPALA)-The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) has called on the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to implement recent sanctions imposed by the United State government on South Sudan oil sectors accused of alleged involvement in massive corruptions and using oil to fund war.

South Sudan's petroleum minister Ezekiel Gatkouth makes opening remarks at the Oil and Power conference in Juba, October 16, 2017 (APO)

CPJ's Executive Director Tito Anthony told Sudan Tribune on Thursday that it is important for the global marketing body (OPEC) to implement the US sanctions on oil companies implicated on the ongoing war in South Sudan.

Last month, Washington imposed new economic sanctions on companies operating in the oil sector in South Sudan, accusing them of fueling the civil war in the country

The US Treasury announced the new sanctions, which followed those imposed previously on figures in the government and the armed opposition, which it accused of “obstructing the peace process in South Sudan”.

Tito, said he believes OPEC has a role to play on sanctions in the oil sector in South Sudan and can prevent the Juba government from buying weapons using oil money.

“The best thing that OPEC can do is to stop South Sudan to sales it's oil in the oil market and from participating in the OPEC discussions and suspend it observer membership till there is peace in the country,” he said.

He says sanctions must be implemented because the oil money does not contribute to any of the developmental projects in the country, stressing that it is used to purchase deadly weapons which are used for destruction of citizen livelihoods.

“The OPEC should stand in solidary with the people of South Sudan and implement the US sanctions imposed in South Sudan in latest and spirit, because if the sanctions are implemented it will limit the government's ability to purchase weapons,” he added.

Tito has urged the international financial institutions such as the World Bank and Africa Development Bank to stop giving loans to South Sudan, alleging the money was being used to fund the civil war in the country.

“I urge all other international financial actors, including the World Bank and Africa Development Bank not to give loans to South Sudan because the will be used for development but to fuel conflict in the country,” he stated.

The conflict has displaced hundreds of people in the country, with over two million fled their homes as result of war forcing therefore refugees into neighboring nations.

(ST)

April 5, 2018 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan rebel leader, Riek Machar, has congratulated Abiye Ahmed Ali on his election as Ethiopia's Prime Minister.

South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks during a briefing in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa April 9, 2016 (Photo Reuters/ Tiksa Negeri)

Machar, in his congratulatory message, urged Abiye to play leading roles in regional efforts to bring lasting peace in war-hit South Sudan.

“It is our hope that during your tenure the conflict in South Sudan shall be resolved, particularly that you are the chair of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government as well as the head of the High Level Revitalization Forum for the peace process,” partly reads Machar's 2 April letter.

He also stressed, in his message, the armed opposition movement's firm commitment to restore peace in South Sudan by revitalization of the August 2015 peace agreement.

Abiye, who replaced Hailemariam Desalegn, becomes Ethiopia's third Prime Minister since the former military junta, the Derg, was overthrown in 1991.

Ethiopia in February declared its second state of emergency in two years amid the ongoing protests that effectively crippled transportation networks and forced the closure of businesses.

(ST)

April 5, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Amnesty International Thursday called to release a Sudanese activist detained in Saudi Arabia and to not deport him to Sudan where he faces detention, torture and ill-treatment.

The 46-year-old Sudanese activist was arrested at his apartment in Jeddah, on the Red Sea, by Saudi security officials on 18 November 2017. He was interrogated about his activism and informed by prison officials that he was detained at the order of the Sudanese authorities, according to Amnesty.

"On 6 March 2018, he was moved from Dhaban prison to Al Shumaisi detention centre, an immigration centre outside Jeddah, where his fingerprints were taken, raising fears that Husham Ali is at imminent risk of deportation," reads a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The London-based rights groups pointed that Mohammed-Alii is a prisoner of conscience and called on the Saudi authorities to secure his immediate release.

"Release Husham Ali Mohammad Ali immediately and unconditionally, as he is a prisoner of conscience detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression," said Amnesty

Also, it called to not deport him to Sudan where "there is a real risk he would be subjected to unfair trial, torture and other ill-treatment".

Amnesty said the detainee who has resided in Saudi Arabia since 2010 contributed to various online forums to expose government corruption, and expressed his support for the November and December 2016 civil disobedience in Sudan on his Facebook page.

During the past years, several Sudanese political activists had been detained in Saudi Arabia for their activism hostile to the regime of President Omer al-Bashir.

In 2005, Saudi Arabia and Sudan interior ministers signed a security pact in Khartoum which included clauses related to preventing any activities by residents or citizens on their territories that are hostile to the government of the other side.

(ST)

April 5, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rejected claims about the participation of its fighters in fresh clashes in the south-western town of Sabha, 640 km south of Tripoli.

Rebel fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), active in Sudan's western Darfur region (AFP)

The semi-official Sudanese Media Center said two days ago that JEM fighters were blocking the road between Sabha and the southern parts of Libya.

The claim came following reports about clashes in Sabha near a military camp of 6th Brigade of the Libyan National Army of Gen Khalif Haftar involving unidentified armed groups.

"JEM categorically denies any presence in Sabha or any part of Libya. Since JEM is not there it cannot block roads," reads a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

"The Conflict in Libya is an internal affair of the Libyans and JEM is not and will not be party to it," further stressed Gibreel Adam Bilal the group's spokesperson.

Different UN reports point to the participation of Chadian and Sudanese armed groups, among others, in the inter-factional fighting in troubled Libya.

However, the Sudanese authorities recently issued several statements about the alleged presence of JEM in Libya.

Last March, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia said they arrested a rebel commander, Suleiman Marjan, in North Darfur while he was recruiting combatants to fight along Haftar forces.

"Some parties to the conflict in Libya kept erroneously and irresponsibly accusing JEM with interference in their internal affairs without doing a minimum due diligence to know who is who. The mainstream JEM led by Dr Gibril Ibrahim has nothing to do with the internal fighting between Libyan factions," emphasized the rebel group.

The Anadolu Agency said Sabah clashes erupted Awlad Suleiman tribe forces which are part of Haftar army and based in Sabha military camp and the Tabu tribe another rival tribe.

Other reports, however, suggest the clashes sparked between the Libyan army and "foreign" forces, including armed groups from neighbouring Chad.

(ST)

April 5, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - President Omer al-Bashir has renewed accusations against Juba government saying it continues backing Sudanese rebels but vowed that Sudan would keep its working for a lasting peace agreement in South Sudan.

Since even before the secession of South Sudan in 2011, Khartoum has accused Juba of harbouring and supporting the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). After what, it accused Juba of using the armed groups from Darfur region in the counterinsurgency campaign in northern South Sudan.

Juba, first, denied the claims but last year, it said all the armed groups had been expulsed from the country. Also, some South Sudanese officials retorted that Khartoum backs the South Sudanese armed groups.

However, the two countries several months ago started the implementation of the 2012 Cooperation Agreement and deployed joint border monitoring teams. Also, they activated the border demilitarized zone.

Speaking at a public rally held in Kosti town of the White Nile State near the border with South Sudan on Thursday, al-Bashir said the Sudanese rebels are still in the neighbouring country which provides them with the needed support to wage war against his government.

"Sudanese rebels are there, where they receive military support and weapons," he said, adding that his country would nonetheless continue to welcome the South Sudanese refugees.

"We will not change our (humanitarian) policy, and will spare no effort to achieve peace in South Sudan," he stressed.

The White Nile State hosts some 150,000 South Sudanese refugees. In addition, Sudan is part of the IGAD team that mediates a peace process to end the armed conflict in the young country.

Al-Bashir further attacked the South Sudanese leaders saying they deceived the ordinary people and called them to vote for the secession pledging to develop the new nation to become like a European country.

The Sudanese president was referring to the referendum for independence which led to the separation of South Sudan in July 2011.

During his two day visit to the White Nile, al-Bashir inaugurated a new air base for the Sudanese army.

(ST)

April 4, 2018 (JUBA) – The parties involved in the South Sudanese conflict should reach a political compromise and allow peace to prevail in the war-torn nation, Alain Noudehou, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, said on Tuesday.

Alain Noudéhou (UN photo)

“People don't feel secure […] they are not able to go back to their lands and they are not able to produce. They need to feel secure, not only in sense of physical protection but actually in the sense that they can go back to their lives,” he said.

Nearly 2 million people remain displaced within South Sudan and a further 2.5 million took refuge in neighbouring countries, the UN says.

“With women and children making up close to 85 per cent of the total, ensuring their inclusion and participation in the peace process is vital,” said Noudehou, who also doubles as the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan.

He said participation of women is critical for durable and effective peace.

“If they are not a part of the dialogue of peace-making, we will be missing a tremendous perspective of what it's going to take to make the peace much more lasting in [the country],” stressed Noudehou.

He said women not only define the peace agreement but also implement it.
“They understand the plight of the women [because] they have been there and can contribute to a solution that is durable and is effective,” added the senior UN official.

Last year, according to the world body, the conflict and instability in South Sudan also led to a devastating famine, leaving over 7 million people dependent on humanitarian and protection assistance.

Across the country, however, 5.3 million people are estimated to be facing crisis and emergency, the highest level of food insecurity, a recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, indicted.

“We are planning a multi-sectoral approach to provide the assistance. We are not talking about only about food assistance; but the whole gamut of a system that goes together with it,” said Noudehou.

“If we start to act now and receive the funding now, we will be able to serve more people and do it cheaply,” he further stressed.

With full funding, the senior UN official explained, the $1.76 billion humanitarian response plan for South Sudan will provide assistance to about 6 million people across the country.

(ST)

April 4, 2018 (JUBA) – The head of the Church of South Sudan's internal Central Province, Archbishop Paul Yugusuk has urged the rival parties involved in the country's ongoing civil war to declare an end to violence before the next round of peace talks commence.

A group of Bishops in Juba (ST/file)

The next phase of the talks, mediated by the regional bloc (IGAD) is expected to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 26-30 April.

During the last negotiations, which stalled, the parties involved in the high level revitalization forum, discussed formation of a transitional government, permanent ceasefire and other security arrangements.

Archbishop Yugusuk said all parties must conclude with signing a peace deal during the upcoming round of talks in Addis Ababa.

“Our delegation is going to IGAD and as they go there and before they go there, let the government and opposition say it is finished,” said the Archbishop.
“Let us bring everything to an end. We open a new page and let us come back home and live,” he added.

The retired Bishop of Rajaf, Enoch Tombe, who led the religious team for the peace talks in Addis Ababa, said the parties should take a people-centered approach during the next round of negotiations.

“If you are serious about peace, we should go with a new mindset,” said Bishop Tombe.

“We shouldn't just continue business as usual - this is my position and that's it. I think we have to be ready to compromise for the sake of the people, for the sake of this country and for ourselves,” he added.

Fighting between the warring parties have intensified in recent weeks, with each of the two sides accusing the other of renewing fighting ahead of the next round of peace talks to end the ongoing civil war due in the Ethiopian capital this month.

(ST)

4 April 2018 | Abyei - The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) commemorated the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in Abyei echoing this year's theme “Advancing protection, peace and development” among peacekeepers working in Abyei.

In celebration of this important day, UNISFA and UNMAS organized events in Abyei, Kadugli, and Gok Machar. These events included fun runs and static exhibitions of the work UNMAS is doing in support of the UNISFA mandate.

On this day the UN reaffirms its commitment to a world free from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. "I urge all Governments to provide political and financial support to enable mine action work to continue, wherever it is needed. In our turbulent world, mine action is a concrete step towards peace," said the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as delivered by the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Tesfay Gidey Hailemichael.

In Abyei and in many parts of the world, mine action makes it possible for peacekeepers to carry out patrols, for humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance and for ordinary citizens to live without the fear that a single misstep could cost them their lives.

Mine action also includes high impact efforts aimed at protecting people from danger, helping victims become self-sufficient and active members of their communities and providing opportunities for stability and sustainable development.

“Today, we also remember all the people who got injured or killed as a result of this terrible threat that still persists in many countries in the world,” UNMAS Program Manager Mr Leon Louw highlighted in his message during the ceremony held in UNISFA Mission Headquarter in Abyei.

UNMAS is the coordinator for mine action within the United Nations system. UNMAS was deployed in support of UNISFA in December 2011, following a mine incident in August 2011, which killed four UNISFA peacekeepers and injured seven others. Since UNMAS deployment, no UNISFA personnel has fallen victim to either landmines or explosive remnants of war (ERW), and a substantial amount of work has been done to rid the Abyei area of the threat of ERW and landmines.

Facts and figures

Since 2011:

· 20 mines and 4,154 explosive remnants of war destroyed.

· 2,424,118 square meters of land deemed safe from explosive hazard threats, facilitating safe voluntary returns of displaced communities and peaceful migrations.

· UNISFA routes covering a distance of 1,488.79 kilometres verified and cleared from explosive hazards, enhancing UNISFA freedom of movement and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

· 179 weapons and 9,244 rounds of ammunition confiscated by UNISFA destroyed at the Weapons and Ammunition Management facility, in cooperation with UNPOL and national monitors from Sudan and South Sudan.

· Additional 25,024 rounds of ammunition found and destroyed by Integrated Clearance Teams, as they survey Abyei and act on reports by locals and community members.

· Mine risk education (MRE) has so far reached over 151,287 men, women, boys, and girls in Abyei, enhancing their knowledge of threats posed by mines and explosive remnants of war.

For inquiries please contact -

Christina Banluta

Public Information Officer | Strategic Communication and Public Information Section

United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)

Intermission: 176-4806 | Dect: 176-3321 | Mobile: +249912535731 (Sudan)

Email: banluta@un.org, christinabanluta@gmail.com

Website: https://unisfa.unmissions.org/

Facebook: @unisfa

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