May 26, 2015 (PORT SUDAN) – A food shipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) arrived in Port Sudan on Tuesday for distribution among the needy population in various parts of the country.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received the US contribution of 47,500 tons of sorghum that will be delivered to people mainly in Darfur and eastern Sudan.
The US charge d'affaires in Sudan Jerry Lanier, accompanied by officials from the embassy and WFP, witnessed the unloading of the cargo after conveying his thanks to the governor of Red Sea state Mohammed Tahir Aila for facilitating the reception and distribution of this shipment to fight hunger.
"The shipment amounting to 47,500 tons of sorghum is sent by the American people to the Sudanese people,” Lanier said of the cargo valued at $53 million that represents the first batch of USAID pledge to WFP 2015 operations in Sudan.
The US diplomat underscored that his country is committed to helping those in need in Sudan as it always has since the 60's, adding that the shipment will help WFP provide food for about 1.8 million displaced people in Darfur for 3 months and will also help 500,000 Darfuri students for 6 months along with 226,000 children in central and eastern Sudan.
"I am happy that in this day we received ship Liberty Grace which is based in New York but the shipment came from Galveston, Texas" he said.
Today's contribution from USAID follows another one in 2014 comprised of 68,440 tons of sorghum, 8,730 tons of lentils and 1,320 tons of vegetable oil.
"American people are committed to fighting hunger and malnutrition and will continue to be the biggest supporters of the Sudanese people," the US diplomat said.
"We hope that the fighting stops soon so there is no need for food aid in Sudan," he added.
The United States has contributed more than $195 million in 2014 to WFP.
For her part, the deputy WFP country Director in Sudan Margot VanderVelden noted that the US provided approximately $626 million to Sudan since the secession of the south in 2011.
She said that the aid shipment will be distributed to those affected by the conflict in Darfur and South Sudan.
VanderVelden stressed that if it wasn't for USAID generous assistance, they would not have been able to help thousands of needy people.
In another context, VanderVelden denied in a statement to Sudan Tribune that they have reduced food rations for IDP's in South Darfur state but pointed out that their assessment during the last ten years attempts to identify the most deserving as opposed to other less needy groups.
She pointed out that the process of evaluating those in need is a long process conducted through meetings with mayors and camp chieftains and going to IDP homes as well.
The WFP official said that they are able to access all areas in Darfur with the exception of Jebel Marra.
(ST)
May 26, 2015 (NYAL) – At least 28,000 people who fled their homes last week due to clashes between South Sudan's warring factions in the oil-rich Unity state have returned.
The rebel-appointed commissioner for Payinjiar county, John Pout, said Nyal payam [district] and its surrounded areas were calm.
He claimed pro-government forces burnt several homes when they seized the town from from armed opposition, allegations Sudan Tribune could not verify.
“Most of their homes were burned down [and] the little food taken. Their life has returned to square one after losing everything, including livestock,” Puot said over satellite phone Tuesday.
The rebel official cited lack of proper medication and food shortages as the main challenges facing civilians in the county.
“Children and lactating mothers are at high risk of food shortage, they have nothing to feed on [and] depend on water-lily they got from the river and other wild roots,” he said.
Most non-governmental organisations that operated in the area evacuated their staff due to the deterioration security in Payinjiar.
Poor health services have reportedly made life unbearable for citizens.
Puot urged non-governmental organisations that operated in the county to return and continue providing life-saving services to civilians, while assured them of their safety.
LEER TOWN VACATED
Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) all its stores in Leer, a town north of Payinjiar, were looted after militias allegedly allied to government forces left the area on Saturday.
“Livelihoods have been destroyed and several houses burnt to the ground in Leer. Four vehicles and all the furniture in the ICRC compound were looted. The ICRC is now working to re-start its operations in the town,” the organisation said in a statement.
Daniel Littlejohn Carrillo, the ICRC officer in charge, said the situation on Leer was “awful”, stressing that there were wounded people left without medical care, food and water, which was life-threatening.
According to both ICRC and the United Nations, more than 100, 000 people have been displaced since the fighting reached the heart of Leer town last week. Reports, however, emerged that some of those forced to leave their homes were returning.
(ST).
May 25, 2015 (BOR) – Residents of South Sudan's Jonglei state celebrated Monday's takeover by the army of the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal from the armed opposition.
Several youth and the elderly gathered near television sets in the different hotels as news about the SPLA's victory graced the state-owned SSTV.
Malakal, a key town north of Juba, fell to rebels under the command of Gen. Johnson Olony, a militia leader initially loyal to the South Sudanese government, last week.
The South Sudanese army (SPLA) had, prior to entering Malakal, given the armed opposition rebels a 72-hour ultimatum to completely pull out of the oil-rich capital.
RESIDENTS REACT
“This is the message to the world that SPLA stood its ground to defend the people of South Sudan and their properties including the oil fields in Upper Nile state. The SPLA has to pursue the rebels to the point of no return”, said Panchol Malok Deng.
Ayuen Deng Majak, a youthful teacher in Bor, said the population would be relieved from stress following the capture of Malakal town.
“The issue of Malakal had been dominating discussion in offices and even at social arenas in Bor where we play different games, chess, dominoes and others. We brainstormed on how to capture Malakal and what it needs to retake it. Many blamed the SPLA as to why they gave Olony these powerful guns,” Majak told Sudan Tribune.
“Nobody knew that the fight to retake it would be as simple as [Philip] Aguer said. Allow me say congratulations to the SPLA”, he added.
The army, its spokesperson said, never encountered resistance while moving to take control of the Upper Nile state capital on Monday.
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May 26, 2015 (PORT SUDAN) – A team from the United States Coast Guard has arrived Monday in Sudan's coastal city of Port Sudan within the framework of cooperation between the two sides.
Last week, the director general of Sudan's Sea Ports Corporation (SPC), Jalal al-Din Mohamed Shulia, said that a high-level delegation from the US Coast Guard will arrive in Port Sudan to continue discussions on several common issues pertaining to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The delegation discussed Monday with the competent ISPS's security committee the course of action and security applications as well as ways for making the necessary coordination for the implementation of the navigational procedures.
During its two-day visit, the US team will tour the al-Khair and Bashair ports on the Red Sea besides meeting with the SPC's top management.
Sudan's foreign minister, Ali Karti, said in press statements on Sunday that they are making efforts to improve ties with the US.
He revealed that several business delegations would visit the US, saying they support all moves aims at serving Sudan's interests and explain their stance towards the US.
Sudan is on the US list of countries supporting terrorism since 1993 and also subjected to economic sanctions since 1997.
However, Washington admitted Khartoum cooperation to combat terrorism but maintains the sanctions to bring the government of president Omer Hassan al-Bashir to end armed conflicts in Sudan and achieve democratic reforms.
(ST)