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By Francis Ayul Yuar

South Sudan Constitutional legal provisions on Borders/Boundaries

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed on January, 9th, 2005 between the Sudan government and the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army and the Movement (SPLA/M) which ushered in a new political dispensation, but never the less maintained the boundaries between Sudan and South Sudan as being from the 1st Jan 1956. The same constitutional legal provisions has continue to govern the borders and the boundaries within Southern Sudan administrative institutions. The understanding of this provision laid the foundation for CPA constitution. This legal framework is made crystal clear in the Constitution of the Upper Nile State, 2006 (Article 1(1); to the independence of South Sudan on July 9th, 2011. Based on the (CPA) stipulations, Dr. John Garang de Mabior(RIP), SPLM/A the C-in-C and chairman, issued the cancellation order on 16th July, 2005 of the SPLM/A administrative structures in the liberated areas, including Lam's so called Shilluk (Collo) Counties and adopted (10) Ten states administrative structures. By virtue of this later order from the same author, 1st order therefore ceased to be operational, and subsequently replaced by the later. Anyone still clinking to this fallacy of the first order to claim the ownership of Malakal town is making nothing but a mockery to the legacy of our beloved late Dr. John Garang in his grave

Dinka Padang (Jieng) of Ngok Lual Yak Borders/Boundaries with Shilluk (Collo)

Dinka Ngok Lual Yak derived its name from the famous leader of Nyok warriors, known as Lual Yak. Ngok Lual Dinka (Jieng) consist of two main sources of migrants that formed today Ngok Lual tribe in Upper Nile State. Those that hailed from Ngok Jok with their original home being Abyei and Biemnhom. And few clans that hailed from Thoi section of Khorfulluth that are believed to be part of Duor section of (Jieng) Padang. There are evidence to believe that few families originated from non Dinka groups, such as Anyuak and Nuer that got assimilated. This section shall specifically discuss views that are solely expressed and shared among the Ngok Lual Yak section of Dinka Padang (Jieng) only, in relations to their Border/Boundaries with Shilluk (Collo) community. Tradition and oral history of Dinka Ngok (Jieng) section of Ngok Lual Yak said that, White Nile is officially known to have been the portcullis that demarcated and separated Shilluk (Collo) with Dinka Padang (Jieng) of Ngok Lual Yak. This natural separation has been observed and respected by both sides. Shilluk (Collo), locally called Eastern bank of the White Nile, as Lok-Jang, translated as River side of Dinka (Jieng) and referred to western bank of White Nile as Lok Collo, translated as River side of Shilluk (Collo).

Ngok and Shilluk (Collo) have had cognizant relationship that has encouraged internal migrations of Shilluk (Collo) to the east bank of the White Nile as well. According to Ngok Lual Yak oral history, Shilluk (Collo) community started migrating to east bank of the Nile as early as (1921-1930). They temporary settled on the eastern bank of the White Nile in the present day Doleib Hills (Bur Achol). It is confirmed that these Shilluk (Collo) families were welcomed by the subsection of Dinka Ngok, called Pagak who were the inhabitants of the place. Ngok Lual Yak leaders confirmed that those that came were mainly in-laws that had internal fights on the west bank. Oral tradition also said that Doleib Hills was locally known as (Bur-Achol) in Dinka. Names Doleib Hills was invented after the Hills Millers of the Catholic Church Mission. As mentioned early, several factors, including conflicts between and among different Clans in Shilluk (Collo) west bank kingdom forced families and individuals to cross over and settled among the Dinka Padang of Ngok Lual Yak in Upper Nile State.

We are made to understand that subsection of Baliet clan known as Pagak are the original inhabitance of Doleib Hills (Bur-Achol).They allowed these influx of Shilluk (Collo) to settle among them in (Bur Achol). As time passed, number of other Ngok Clans moved East of Sobat, pushing the Anyuak further to the east toward Ethiopian border. As result, Pagak subsection number shrinks over the years against this constant massive influx of Shilluk (Collo) from the west bank of the White Nile into their villages. Subsequently exposed to peaceful assimilation by the Shilluk arrivals. Today, they are called Pathuoro, or Kuai-Jang in Shilluk, which literally translated as families from the Dinka origins. A Dinka Ngok Lual Yak elder Mr. Gabriel Nyok Abiel strongly confirmed that this section (Pagak), though speak Shilluk have been bringing offering to Luak-Dengdit Shrine up to the latest of 1978. Though culturally Shilluk (Collo) by all qualifications, still considered themselves Dinka Ngok and the original inhabitants of the land Doleib (Bur-Achol).This interesting historical analogy has remains me of the fight over Jerusalem in the Bible between Palestinians and the Israelites. They both traced their genealogy to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But due to the power of centuries of displacements and assimilations, these two kind are fighting over the identity of Jerusalem. Edomites tribes hailed from the descendants of Esau, a twin brother to Jacob. They end up Speaking Arabic language and are Muslim today because they settled on the mountains areas in Palestine's land of Canaan. Subsequently mixed with Ishmael Arabic speaking groups that formed a large number of Palestinian ethnics in Israelite.

Whereas, family of Jacob with his (12) sons moved to Egypt and later returned to the Palestine land as Jews with Judaism as religion and Speak Hebrew language. The rhetoric questions therefore asked is, who are the real owners of the Palestine land? Perhaps this rhetoric question shall help readers to judge between Shilluk (Collo) and the Dinka (Jieng) of Lual Yak in the contest of Doleib Hill. In the after mass of the Dinka Ngok Lual Spiritual leader, called Kur Ajak de Lek. Known locally as Beny nhial. There came another Shilluk (Collo) family of a very significance importance in the name of someone called Guol Akwot. He was of radh family lineage and had some misunderstanding with radh (king) of Collo on the west bank of the White Nile. He was again received and given due temporary accommodations in a place called Anak-diar and Mijok village respectively.

Anak-diar, in Dinka (Jieng) language, is combination of two words: Anak, or nak (verb) which basically meaning, to kill and diar in the other hand or Dior (noun) basically meaning a woman or women. Word Anak-diar therefore is compound words, which means, women killer. Oral history authentically confirmed that Guol Akwot might have either intentionally or accidentally killed his wife. That incidence prompted king (radh) to decree death on his head. Fearing the unfair judiciary system in the kingdom, he fled to East bank of the White Nile for safety and settled among the Dinka of Ngok Lual Yak. The authenticity of this facts has been confirmed by many elders interviewed. That due to the status of this family, they were therefore first settled in a place called Anyuantim. One (1) km South of Luak-DengDit. This is in the middle of Baliet County. This was purposely done to ensure their safety in the middle of Ngok tribe. This narrative scarcely confirmed Dr. Lam's claims of extending the border of Shilluk (Collo) to 47km east of the White Nile, along Sobat River up to Anyuentim village. Perhaps Dr. Lam, in some of his writings, alluded that Shilluk (Collo) Border with Ngok Lual Yak is as far as Anyuantim village. He might have thought that since these families happened to have temporary settled in this village. The village in question must be annexed to be part of Shilluk (Collo) land. This of course is another fallacy, for you cannot claim a land with less regards to its historical considerations. We give him the benefit of doubt though. I want to believe that an intellectual of his type perhaps must be aware of how these families end up in Baliet County in the first place but chose to ignore. Their settlement was nothing but good African gesture of welcoming visitors. To this family after number of years hailed prominent politicians in the person of Hon Dr. Othwon Awer and others, that are today caught between the rock and hard places?

In the subsequence of these inter-tribal relationships of 1890s. Oral traditions acknowledged that, Reth Padiet married a girl from Pagak subsection. A sub-clan of Baliet called Achol Guer. She gave birth to Dak Padiet. Dak became the King of Shilluk (Collo) and gave birth to a son, named Kwongo Dak Padiet. Few of these men considered themselves sons and daughters of East bank of the White Nile. Today' politics of Ethnicity has exacerbated conflicts, characterized by tribal tensions. General understandings is that after the arrivals of Shilluk (Collo) migrants to (Bur -Achol). Dak is said to have cautioned his tribesmen in one of the occasion when he was king. He advised his tribe (Shilluk) that have crossed to the Eastern bank of the White Nile, to live in peace with his maternal uncles. The Pagak sub-clan of Baliet of Ngok Dinka (Jieng) being his uncles were not aware of what is going to befall them a head. Had they had known early, we wouldn't have this paper to write either.

We are made to believe that Baliet Clan of Ngok Lual Yak lived in an area North of Sobat River including Bur-Achol as mentioned early. Which was home of Pagak subsection and, the present day village of Toffiqia) and Malakal town respectively. After the establishment of Malakal town, as Provincial Head Quarter in 1921, Baliet Clan, being cattle herders, moved Eastwards with their cattle and settled on the Sobat River. Displacing another clan of Ngok Lual Yak called Duut. This oral history is reflected in a traditional Dinka (Jieng) Songs of Duut clan. Part of Pagak sub-Clan moved with Baliet eastwards and settled on Sobat River. However, few remained behind in the present day Doleib Hills (Bur- Achol). They decided to embrace Shilluk identity and subsequently became Shilluk (Collo). They are referred to as Pathuoro, or Gol Guer. Meaning, the family with Dinka (Jieng) origins or, simply, the family of Guer Malual, of Pagak sub-clan. Guer Malual is believed to be the owner of Doleib village (Bur-Achol)). Doleib Hills is a combination of an Arabic and English words. Hills names derived from Mill Hills. They were Christian Catholic Mission that was operating in 1901-1982 in Doleib. The migrations of Shilluk (Collo) and their temporary settlements on east bank has continued, warranted by factors observed early. There were those that solely came in search for farming. Others came to live with their brothers or sons in-laws. But as noted above, majority came in search for jobs opportunities in the established City of Malakal. This was the case with Melut (Maluth), Renk and Akoka eventually. While migrating to the east bank was abrasive in nature, Shilluk (Collo) outsmarted Dinka Padang by carrying with them names of their villages.

Dinka Padang (Jieng), to some extends contributed to Shilluk (Collo) agenda to change the Dinka villages' names on East bank of the White Nile. After these settlers renamed Dinka villages on East bank, Dinka, out of ignorance agree to call those villages as dictated by Shilluk settlers. The examples of transferred names from the West bank of the Nile includes Panyiduai, Ogot, Makal and Lul. Even as evidence of their temporary residence on the east bank became more permanent, Shilluk (Collo), still takes the remains of their love ones to the West bank for burials. Perhaps Issues of spirituality cannot be deceived. This alone is a practical evidence that disqualified their claims on the east bank of the Nile. The African Traditional Religion (ATR) practice of taking the deceased to his/her ancestral homes for burial is practiced across Africa. This is also shared by some countries in East Asia and Europe. Many people from Bahr El-Ghazal, Equatoria and Upper Nile who grew up and lived in Malakal can testify to this traditional practices. Even during the conflicts, such as the conflict of 1973 in Malakal between the Nuer and the Shilluk (Collo). Shilluk descendants crossed to the West bank of the Nile for safety. This psychological and spiritual world view was again seen in the after mass of December, 2013 conflict as well. When Dr. Riek Machar rebels stormed Malakal. All Shilluk crossed the river to the west bank. The Dinka Padang in general remains on the East bank of the Nile as dictate by this African traditional beliefs that said, safety always associates with ancestral homes. Safety is perceived to be associated with one his/her ancestral homes of any tribe, Ethnicity or Race. This is also true across Africa and the world at large. Upper Nile States Tribes fall trapped in this beliefs.

Dr. Francis Ayul Yuar can be reach via:francisnyok@yahoo.com

By Ambassdor Dhano Obongo

Leadership is a noticeable exercise of practices and not something incomprehensible that cannot be understood by normal people. With feedback and usage, those with desire and perseverance can considerably improve their skills to do so. A football federation worker. a team organizer, a middle, manager, an account executive, an athletic team captain, the mailroom worker, or just about any other individual we come in contact with can use his drive to learn how to lead.

Leadership has an objective and aim to achieve whatever common goal brought the members of the group together. Whether deliberate or unintended a procedure of human communication fosters the objective and aim.

There can be no leadership without someone to lead. The affiliation is only fruitful when the coworkers desire to follow the leader. Leaders need followers. Leaderless societies do not occur. Whenever two or more individuals come together, there is no such thing as unrestrained, unobstructed, or uninfluenced manner of behavior.

Leadership involves group effort without conspiracy or flattering. An indication of its existence is willingness to labor together as a team rather than alone in reaching goals. There is a process of give and take with the leader effective when the group achievement is larger than what could have been accomplished by individuals.

Some individuals exhibit better trends toward leadership than others. They develop knowledge, capability, and constant exertion to learn. They exhibit the finest ethics and principles of the group. They do deeds not just exhibit characteristics. The leader contributes, shares talents, and imparts knowledge to others.

We need to learn the biblical perspective of leadership. Christ came with a new definition for Christian leaders set forth in the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel. The account indicates how religiously unperceptive the disciples were. James' and John's wish for authority could only be understood if they succumbed to servanthood. Christ Jesus overturns earthly values saying:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.''

This is the new definition for real leadership. God bless South Sudan.

The author can be reached via email address; dhao01obongo@gmail.com

Under the heavy hand of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s media is being forced to toe the government line. Or else.

Gyakorlatilag a teljes román felnőtt kajak-kenu válogatott, a riói olimpiára kijutott négy hajó legénységét is beleértve, elbukta a meldoniumtesztet – közölte péntek esti sporthíradójában a román közszolgálati televízió (TVR).
Kategória: Sport

A Chinese laundry detergent ad went viral. The company that made the ad is confused about why.

A héten történt események után most már egyértelműen kijelenthető, hogy még jobban elmélyülni látszik Bissau-Guinea politikai válsága, miután az eddig, íróasztalok mögött zajló konfliktusok az utcára is átterjedtek – Bissauban több százan vonultak az utcára azután, hogy csütörtökön (05.26.) Jose Mario Vaz elnök bejelentette, hogy Baciro Dját nevezi ki miniszterelnöknek. Azt a Dját, aki 2015. augusztusa és szeptembere között már volt miniszterelnök az országban, de akkor egy bírósági ítélet alapján távoznia kellett posztjáról, ugyanis a döntés értelmében kinevezése alkotmányellenes volt – a jelenlegi kormányzópárt, a függetlenségi harcok mozgalma, az Afrikai Párt Guinea és Zöld-Fok Függetlenségéért( PAIGC) a mostani kinevezést is alkotmányellenesnek tartja és hangsúlyozta, hogy a miniszterelnök személyének meghatározása az ő feladatuk, ezért minden eszközzel ragaszkodni fognak a jelenlegi status quo fenntartásához.

Már csak azért is a PAIGC feladata lenne ez, mert amikor még néhány héttel ezelőtt Vaz az egész kabinetet menesztette, köztük Carlos Correia akkori miniszterelnököt, akkor éppen a kormánypártot kérte fel az új kormány megalapítására és akkori döntését most felrúgta azzal, hogy kommunikálta, meg is van új miniszterelnöke. A jelenlegi rendkívül instabil politikai helyzethez is pont ez, Vaz tisztogató hadjárata vezetett, hiszen onnantól kezdve jár ismét egy helyben ez az aprócska, alig másfél milliós ország, hogy az elnök tavaly augusztusban menesztette a miniszterelnöki székből a PAIGC elnökét, Domingos Simoes Pereirát, akivel nagyjából semmiben sem értettek egyet, ráadásul felelősségi körük is átfedést mutatott egymással és ekkor került alig egy hónapra a miniszterelnöki székbe az ismét oda kerülő Dja.

A szálak eléggé keszekuszák és nehezen átláthatóak, de az biztos, hogy a PAIGC jelöltjeként 2014-ben elnökké választott Vaz és a PAIGC-t vezető Pereira közötti ellentétek azok, amelyek most teljes politikai patthelyzetbe sodorták az államot és csak reménykedni lehet, hogy az ország helyzetének alakulását mindig is eldöntő hadsereg továbbra is tétlen szemlélő marad. De azért azt se higgyük, hogy most egy teljesen eszét vesztett elnök tisztogatásáról beszélünk, erős a gyanú, hogy a jelenlegi kormány bizonyos tagjainak köze lehet 41 millió dollár gyanús eltűnéséhez a pénzügyminisztérium számlájáról, erre utal az is, hogy Correia például el sem hagyhatja jelenleg az országot és minisztereivel együtt házi őrizet alatt áll.

Egy-két hasznos link a helyzet jobb megértéséhez:

http://www.mindennapiafrika.info/2015/08/13/biztosan-nem-az-ev-lepese-volt-vaz-menesztette-a-bissaui-kormanyt/

http://www.mindennapiafrika.info/2016/01/19/bissau-guinea-parlamenti-tobbsegbol-pillanatok-alatt-kisebbsegbe-kerult-a-kormanypart/

Az is biztos, hogy mindennek a mozgatórúgója a pénz és a drog, ugyanis az ország gazdasága nagyjából leállt, a bevételek jelentős része segélyekből és a drogkereskedelemből származik, ez utóbbiban pedig a gyanú szerint a legmagasabb politikai szintek is érintettek – ahogy a múltban erre már volt példa. Szóval a mai napra (05.27) az ország úgy fordult, hogy Vaz már be is iktatta új miniszterelnökét, a PAIGC és Correia viszont továbbra is kitart amellett, hogy nincs új kormány – és ezen körülmények között várja Vaz azt Djától, hogy az végre felszámolja a hónapok óta tartó szembenállást és Bissau-Guinea elindulhassan valamiféle fejlődés útján. Már ha ilyesmiről lehet beszélni, hiszen csak kormányból 4 volt az elmúlt 10 hónapban és az országban nagyjából nem sok minden működik úgy, mint ahogy egy demokráciában elvárható lenne.

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2 ember kedveli ezt a posztot.Tetszett az írás.Tetszett az írás.

Addressing world leaders at an event on the side lines of the G-7 meeting currently under way in Nagoya, Japan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the gathering to remain focused on key UN and global priorities: climate change; humanitarian action, refugees and migrants; global health; and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic – the first democratic republic in the East was established in 1918.

Trois Casques bleus sénégalais ont trouvé la mort jeudi 26 mai 2016, dans l'après-midi, dans un accident en Côte d'Ivoire. Selon Koaci, ces éléments du 16e contingent sénégalais étaient déployé en Cote d'Ivoire au sein d'une mission de l'organisation des Nations-Unies. Selon un communiqué du ministère sénégalais des Forces armées, six autres soldats sont blessés au cours de l'accident, survenu au cours d'une mission dans le cadre des opérations de sécurisation. Le communiqué précise que le véhicule qui transportait les militaires s'est renversé du fait des fortes pluies et du terrain particulièrement difficile, à 78 km à l'est de Bouaké.

Deux réseaux de passeurs ont été démantelés en Grèce, et quelques dizaines de migrants illégaux ont été interceptés au large de la Crète. La fermeture des frontières européennes depuis le mois de mars semble avoir stimulé le trafic de migrants vers les autres pays de l'Union.

In the wake of the Taliban leader’s death, we’re only now coming to understand just how ties between Tehran and the Taliban are evolving.

On 27 May an SMM foot patrol comprised of ten members (including a paramedic) was near “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk) to follow up on a reported incident involving a “DPR” member injured by sniper fire. The SMM was accompanied by the Russian Federation Armed Forces Major General at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) and seven armed “DPR” members. The incident had allegedly occurred during a period for which the SMM jointly with the Ukrainian and Russian Generals at the JCCC had facilitated adherence to the ceasefire, in order to enable “DPR” members to recover the bodies of three armed “DPR” members reportedly killed in action the previous day.    

At 12:14, whilst at the edge of a bridge overlooking the incident site, the SMM patrol heard a whistling sound of a bullet flying at a distance of 5-10 metres above their heads and shortly after - the sound of a gunshot. The SMM could not determine the direction of fire or the weapon used. The SMM members and all others present lay immediately on the ground to take cover. The SMM contacted the Ukrainian Armed Forces General at the JCCC to facilitate adherence to the ceasefire. At 12:33, while SMM members were about to leave the site, they heard another shot from an undetermined location. No one was hurt. The SMM waited for another 10-15 minutes, then left the site and returned safely to Yasynuvata.

Before coming under fire, the SMM had observed what it assessed as a frontline position 500m to the west, from where a group of several men shouted insults. After the SMM’s arrival on the scene, the men had put up a red and black flag on a nearby electricity pylon at the southern end of their position.

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Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu said.

At 09:28, the SMM lost all communication with its long-range unmanned aerial vehicle flying over “DPR”-controlled Ozerianivka (35km north-east of Donetsk), on the south-western outskirts of “DPR”-controlled Horlivka [1] (39km north-east of Donetsk). Emergency procedures were activated but the UAV did not respond. Shortly before communications were lost, the UAV had spotted a multi-purpose tracked vehicle (MTLB) with a surface-to-air missile system (9K35 Strela-10, 120mm) mounted on top.

An SMM patrol based in nearby Horlivka, heard - at approximately the same time - an explosion 4-5km south-west (in the area where contact was lost with the UAV). An SMM patrol went to Ozerianivka, where residents told the SMM that they heard an explosion to the north-west of the village at the approximate time communication was lost with the UAV. The SMM could not reach the presumed crash site as both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and “DPR” members told the SMM that the area was mined. 

[1] More detail can be found in the annex.

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin made the remarks.

Nigeria's president in quotes on his first anniversary

Cela fait à peine deux jours qu’elle est revenue sur sa terre natale, et la pilote ukrainienne Nadia Savchenko, prisonnière durant deux ans en Russie, se lance déjà dans l’arène publique, mais aussi politique. La militaire a tenu vendredi sa première conférence de presse. Elle est revenue sur les conditions de sa détention, et elle a également annoncé créer une ONG travaillant à la libération des otages ukrainiens en Russie et dans les territoires séparatistes d’Ukraine. Cependant, à Kiev, certains la voient déjà jouer un rôle politique plus important, voire même devenir un trouble-fête pour Petro Porochenko et les élites ukrainiennes.

This report is for media and the general public.

The SMM observed more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and fewer in Luhansk region compared to the previous day. The Mission followed up on reports of shelling and civilian casualties. It continued to monitor the withdrawal of weapons, and noted armoured combat vehicles and an anti-aircraft weapon in the security zone. The SMM observed the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO), monitored the situation of civilians at checkpoints, and observed border areas not controlled by the Government. The Mission’s freedom of movement was restricted on seven occasions.* The SMM monitored the situation of demobilized veterans in Chernivtsi and Lviv regions.

The SMM recorded more ceasefire violations[1] in Donetsk region, compared to previous days.

The majority of ceasefire violations were noted to the north and north-east of Donetsk city. From its position at the Donetsk central railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 6km north-west of Donetsk city centre), the SMM heard more than 190 undetermined explosions and recorded 37 airbursts 2-5km north and north-north-east in the morning and early afternoon of 26 May. Positioned just south of government-controlled Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), the SMM heard approximately 180 undetermined explosions, over 100 explosions assessed as impacts of mainly 82mm but also 120mm mortar rounds, six impacts of 122mm artillery and one impact of 152mm artillery, 7-9km south-east of its position over the course of the day. While in Avdiivka, the SMM observed a military ambulance pick up three Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, one of whom was severely injured, as confirmed to the SMM over the phone by the head doctor at a hospital in Avdiivka. Over the same time period, positioned in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata (16km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard approximately 180 undetermined explosions 1-4km west and south-west, and 13 undetermined explosions 3-4km west-north-west. The explosions were accompanied by bursts of heavy-machine-gun, anti-aircraft and small-arms fire throughout the day.

The SMM also noted isolated, but intense instances of fighting in the Horlivka-Debaltseve area. Whilst in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 30 undetermined explosions 2-3km west over a four-minute period, late in the morning of 26 May. Shortly after noon, from its position in Zaitseve (50km north-east of Donetsk), the SMM heard 12 undetermined explosions over a one minute period, 2-3km south-west.

The SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations in Luhansk region compared to the previous day. Whilst in Stanytsia Luhanska (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Luhansk), the SMM heard 89 undetermined explosions assessed as caused by automatic grenade launchers and saw 24 outgoing tracers, moving from east to west, 2-4km south-west of its position.

The SMM followed up on reports of shelling on both sides of the contact line. The SMM analysed four craters in “DPR”-controlled Dokuchaievsk (30km south-west of Donetsk) and found 120mm mortar tailfins in each of the craters, fuses were found in two of the craters. The SMM assessed the craters to be fresh and the projectiles to have been fired from a south-westerly direction. No civilian casualties were reported. An above-ground gas pipeline approximately 15-20 meters west of one of the craters had a hole in it. A Russian Federation representative of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC) and two “DPR” members were also present at the site. Approximately 2-3km south-east of government-controlled Krymske (42km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM analysed a crater which it assessed as caused by an anti-tank guided missile fired from a southerly direction. According to a JCCC Ukrainian Armed Forces representative, the missile had been fired on 24 May, targeting a military truck driving in the area.

The SMM followed up on media reports of civilian casualties in Kirovskyi district of Donetsk city on 23 May. An armed “DPR” member told the SMM that one civilian woman had been injured in shelling and brought to a hospital in Donetsk city. Two personnel on duty at the hospital were unable to confirm any casualties from 23 to 25 May and contacted a second hospital in the city which also was unable to confirm the casualty.

In relation to the implementation of the Addendum to the Package of Measures, the SMM revisited Ukrainian Armed Forces permanent storage sites whose locations corresponded with the withdrawal lines, and noted that four anti-tank guns (D-44, 85mm) were missing.

In violation of the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM observed a towed howitzer (D-30, 122mm) near government-controlled Yantarne (48km west of Donetsk) and an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spotted three mortars (PM-38, 120mm) in “DPR”-controlled Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk). The SMM also observed additional weapons.

Beyond the withdrawal lines and outside storage sites, the SMM observed five tanks (T-72) being transported west near government-controlled Iskra (90km west of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to monitor the withdrawal of heavy weapons as foreseen in the Minsk Package of Measures.

In violation of the withdrawal lines, the SMM observed one surface-to-air missile system (9K35 Strela‑10) near government-controlled Nyzhnie (56km north-west of Luhansk), which the SMM had last seen at this location on 22 May 2016 (see SMM Daily Report 23 May).

The SMM has yet to receive the full information requested in the 16 October 2015 notification. The SMM revisited locations known to the SMM as heavy weapons holding areas, even though they do not comply with the specific criteria set out for permanent storage sites in the notification.

In government-controlled areas beyond the respective withdrawal lines, the SMM revisited such locations and observed 23 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS; BM-21 Grad, 122mm) and 12 self-propelled howitzers (2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm). The SMM noted that one MLRS (BM-21 Grad, 122mm) was missing (first observed missing on 23 February 2016). The SMM was denied access to another site at which three surface-to-air missile systems (two SA-8 Osa, 120mm and one SA-13 Strela-10, 120mm) had previously been recorded as present. The SMM noted that two sites were abandoned, one since 1 May and the other was found to be abandoned for the first time. The SMM noted that in total, 17 self-propelled howitzers (six 2S1 Gvozdika, 122mm and 11 2S3 Akatsiya, 152mm) were missing from these two sites.

On 26 May, aerial surveillance imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of a significant number of weapons near “LPR”-controlled Miusynsk (62km south-west of Luhansk): in violation of the respective withdrawal lines - 16 MLRS; beyond the respective withdrawal lines - 31 artillery weapons (20 self-propelled and 11 towed) and 14 tanks beyond the withdrawal lines and outside of storage sites; as well as 64 armoured combat vehicles.

The SMM observed the presence of armoured combat vehicles and an anti-aircraft weapon in the security zone. The SMM observed two armoured personnel carriers (APCs) travelling north in “DPR”-controlled Donetsk city. In “LPR”-controlled Vesela Hora (16km north of Luhansk) the SMM observed an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (BMP-2). In government-controlled areas, the SMM observed an anti-aircraft gun (ZU-23) in Krymske, three armoured reconnaissance vehicles (BRMD-2) in Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk), one APC (BTR-60) near Popasna (69km west of Luhansk), one APC (BTR-70) near Trokhizbenka (32km north-west of Luhansk) and one APC (BTR-4) near Nyzhnie. In addition, an SMM long-range UAV spotted two APCs in government-controlled Novhorodske (35km north of Donetsk), 21 APCs in Horlivka, 19 APCs in Debaltseve and one APC (BTR) in “DPR”-controlled Holmivskyi (49km north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM continued to observe the presence and effects of UXO. The head surgeon of the trauma department and the deputy chief doctor at the hospital in “DPR”-controlled Yenakiieve (41km north-east of Donetsk) confirmed media reports that three children had been injured while playing with UXO. The doctors stated that a 14-year-old boy, who was in stable condition, had suffered shrapnel wounds which resulted in injuries to his liver and eyes. The two other children (an 11-year-old boy and 14 year-old girl) had suffered superficial injuries. The parents of one of the children told the SMM that their child had found the fuse of a phosphorous anti-tank round in a house and the children had been throwing the fuse back and forth when it exploded in the air. At the location where the incident allegedly occurred, the SMM observed numerous piles of old artillery shells, most within 75 meters of civilian housing. According to local residents present at the location, the remnants date to heavy fighting in February 2015. The SMM informed the JCCC of the situation.

The SMM continued to monitor queues at crossing routes near the contact line. At the government checkpoint north of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, border guards told the SMM that the opening hours of the crossing-point had been extended to 06:00-20:00 as of 26 May. In the morning, the SMM observed approximately 300 pedestrians waiting to enter government-controlled areas and ten pedestrians waiting to walk in the opposite direction. The SMM observed an elderly man being carried on a stretcher on the bridge by Ukrainian emergency services personnel. A member of the emergency services told the SMM that they had assisted three people that morning already: two had received treatment on the spot and one had to be taken to a hospital. The queue had decreased significantly by the afternoon.

The SMM monitored four areas alongside the border with the Russian Federation outside government control. Upon arrival at the Marynivka (“DPR”-controlled, 78km east of Donetsk) border crossing point, the SMM observed four civilian trucks waiting to cross toward the Russian Federation. One civilian truck, two civilian cars (one with a Russian licence plate), and three motorcycles passed in this direction during the approximately one hour that the SMM was present. At the “DPR”-controlled Uspenka (73km south-east of Donetsk) border crossing point, the SMM observed 37 civilian trucks waiting to leave Ukraine. One truck driver told the SMM that he had been waiting for six hours. Several truck drivers at the two crossing points told the SMM that they would use Ukrainian passports to cross. Two women (24 and 60 years old) told the SMM that they had come to Ukraine to do shopping. While monitoring  the “LPR“-controlled pedestrian border crossing point in Novoborovytsi (79km south of Luhansk), the SMM observed, during approximately 30 minutes, one woman passing the crossing point to Novoborovytsi on foot. At the “LPR”-controlled Dovzhanskyi (84km south-east of Luhansk) border crossing point, the SMM observed a line of six cars and two buses waiting to exit Ukraine. While present for approximately 40 minutes at the border, the SMM observed four trucks crossing into Ukraine, all covered with canvas tarpaulins concealing the cargo inside from view. All vehicles had Ukrainian licence plates, with the exception of one civilian car with a Russian Federation licence plate as indicated above.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation of veterans of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donbas. The mayor of Kuznetsovsk (211km north-east of Lviv) in Rivne region, told the SMM that there were 200 demobilized ATO veterans in the city and the authorities faced difficulties with the allotment of land plots. According to him, the city has been able to provide 50 plots for garages and 87 agrarian plots would become available in a nearby village, while local authorities also have planned to provide another 100 plots in nearby villages. A member of the village council in Bohdashiv (174km north-east of Lviv) told the SMM that of 33 residents who are ATO veterans, only eight have been allotted land plots and no other plots were available. Government officials in Busk (44km east of Lviv) and Zastavna (27km north of Chernivtsi), told the SMM that there were technical obstacles in providing land plots to veterans. These included lack of available land, changing the designation of available land (for example from “agriculture” to “construction”), and a lack of co-ordination between relevant government bodies. Difficulties in receiving land plots have been confirmed by veterans and civil society activists in Chernivtsi.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kherson, Odessa, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk and Kyiv.

*Restrictions to SMM’s freedom of movement or other impediments to the fulfilment of its mandate

The SMM’s monitoring is restrained by security hazards and threats, including risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and by restrictions of its freedom of movement and other impediments – which vary from day to day. The SMM’s mandate provides for safe and secure access throughout Ukraine. All signatories of the Package of Measures have agreed on the need for this safe and secure access, that restriction of the SMM’s freedom of movement constitutes a violation, and on the need for rapid response to these violations.

Denial of access:

• A member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not allow the SMM to inspect the serial numbers of weapons at a heavy weapons holding area. The SMM informed the JCCC.
• Since 20 May, armed “DPR” members continue to keep the power supply to SMM’s repeater in Donetsk city disconnected. As a result, SMM remote monitoring equipment at “DPR”-controlled Oktiabr mine and in government-controlled Avdiivka cannot operate (see SMM Daily Report 21 May 2016).

Delay:

• Two armed men standing in the middle of the road stopped the SMM near “DPR”-controlled Khreshchatytske (formerly Krasnoarmiiske, 32km north-east of Mariupol) and stated that the SMM could not continue due to mine clearance activity ahead. The SMM was allowed to pass after an approximately 50 minute delay and did not observe any mine clearance activity. The SMM informed the JCCC.
• A Ukrainian Armed Forces commander stopped the SMM from entering a compound west of Andriivka (41km north-east of Mariupol) and demanded that the SMM inform him if any of the patrol members were Russian Federation citizens. After a 23-minute delay the SMM was allowed to enter the compound without providing the requested information.

Other impediments:

• While flying an SMM UAV near the Stanytsia Luhanska railway bridge, the SMM observed that Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were using smoke flares at their position near the bridge. The SMM received a call from a Ukrainian Armed Forces JCCC representative approximately 26 minutes after the launch of the UAV, stating that the SMM should land the UAV because the Ukrainian Armed forces had failed to co-ordinate with their personnel on the ground. The UAV’s Global Positioning System was jammed while flying near the bridge and was consequently recalled.
• While flying over government-controlled areas near Bohoiavlenka (46km south-west of Donetsk), the SMM heard five single shots and one burst of small-arms fire at the location over which the UAV was flying, 1-1.3km west. Initial analysis of the UAV footage revealed the presence of trucks loaded with ammunition boxes hidden in a nearby forest and an object which appeared to be a towed artillery piece at the location where the shooting had occurred, within the 25km withdrawal lines. The UAV was not damaged and the SMM informed the JCCC.
• The Global Position System of an unmanned aerial vehicle was jammed while flying between Debaltseve and Horlivka.

 

[1] Please see the annexed table for a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations as well as map of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions marked with locations featured in this report.

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