Africa

Rome, Italy (PANA) - The number of hungry people in the world has dropped to 795 million, 216 million fewer than in 1990-92, or around one person out of every nine, according to the latest edition of the annual UN hunger report (The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2015 - SOFI). Agriculture

HelpAge International

For immediate Release

Nairobi/Juba, Tuesday May 26, 2015: HelpAge International and its partner, the Islamic Relief will on Wednesday, May 27th, 2015launch a three year programme in Juba, South Sudan to support badly malnourished older persons in Warrap State.
Funded by the German Government, the project will target to provide food vouchers and/or food baskets to older persons in one of the most affected States by the ongoing internal conflict that has left more than 1.4 million people displaced.

According to Tendai Gunda, HelpAge International Nutritional Coordinator in South Sudan, the project will reach 210 households. “Those able to walk to points where food centers will be stationed will get food vouchers while those found not able will get food basket delivered to them through”, she said.

Tendai said 600 households will further receive training on nutrition. They will learn how to establish food gardens to improve their nutritional needs.

On the other hand, Islamic Relief will support the affected people with provision of water and sanitation services as well as food security and livelihood activities.
Selection criteria for the target group are their limited income opportunities and critical nutritional status. Due to ongoing conflicts and several other multiple stress factors, local support mechanisms stopped functioning hence need for this timely intervention.
Expected at the event include top Government officials as well as officials from the German Embassy in South Sudan.

Background
The conflict in South Sudan has internally displaced over 1.4 million South Sudanese. People from the Greater Upper Nile (GUN) region (Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile States) have been most severely affected. This has negatively impacted livestock and crop production, and markets, especially in the conflict-affected states. These disruptions have in turn increased cereal prices by up to 300 per cent and reduced cereal stocks. In the worst affected counties in the GUN, as much as 80 per cent of the population was unable to cultivate staple crops in the last agricultural season and staple foods remain limited in many local markets. Overall, staple food stocks were depleted within the first quarter (January to March) of 2015. Approximately 112000 older persons were affected by the conflict.

The conflict in Unity has led to an influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) into Warrap, where the IDPs and the local population compete for the already scarce resources. According to OCHA-classification, Warrap is a “stressed state”. Further, the region has experienced heavy flooding in two consecutive years which caused widespread destruction of livelihood sources as well as communal support structures. Warrap state is built of six counties; the project will be implemented in Tonj North County.

About HelpAge International
The HelpAge network is a unique worldwide alliance of over 100 organisations in 65 countries. HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
For more information please visit www.helpage.org
Media Contacts:
Henry Neondo, Regional Communications Coordinator, EWCA+254703618872 henry.neondo@helpage.org Skype: henry.neondo15
Jamillah Mwanjisi: Head of Policy, Advocacy and Communication, EWCA +254720043823 jamillah.mwanjisi@helpage.org Skype: jamillah.mwanjisi
Tendai Gunda, Nutritional Coordinator for South Sudan, tendai.gunda@helpage.org Skype: tendai.gunda +263773362352

Henry Neondo
Regional Communications Coordintor
HelpAge International
Eastern, Western, and Central Africa Regional Office, Nairobi
Tel: +254 703618872/ +254-(20)-2637853/4
Skype: henry.neondo15
Website: www.helpage.org

May 26, 2015 (BOR) - The state governor of Jonglei state, John Kong Nyuon has sacked his finance minister for his alleged involvement in corruption-related matters.

Jonglei state governor John Kong addresses residents of Panwel village on 12 October 2014 (ST)

The decree in which Dhano Obongo was removed came on Tuesday evening, although no reason was given for the governor's surprise decision.

A source at the finance ministry claimed Obongo allegedly diverted 300,000 South Sudanese pounds, which had been allocated for repairing state government vehicles.

“We got clear information from someone who had witnessed the minister misusing state government funds. The minister wrote on an invoice indicating that the money would be used for repairing government vehicles, but after withdrew it. Indeed no vehicle was repaired and the money was no longer there in cash”, the finance ministry official, who preferred anonymity, told Sudan Tribune.

The former finance minister had earlier been accused of allegedly utilising development funds initially allocated for the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

A committee headed by the minister of livestock and fisheries, Nyang Lul was formed and tasked to investigate Obongo's alleged involvement in corruption-related practices.

The committee presented its report to the governor, which eventually resulted into the termination of the former finance minister, the source said.

Both Lul and Obongo hail from Akobo county in Jonglei state.

However, the state information minister claimed the committee's findings did not in any way influence the former minister's sacking.

Meanwhile, Sudan Tribune was unable to reach Obongo, who was appointed by the state governor to oversee the finance ministry in May last year.

(ST)

May 26, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - Several journalists from the Sudanese Journalists Network (SJN) have protested in front of the National Council for Press and Publication (NCPP) premises Tuesday against the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) crackdown on press.

Members of Sudanese Journalists Network (SJN) hold banners outside the National Council for Press and Publication (NCPP) premises in Khartoum in protest against repeated seizure of newspapers, on May 26, 2015 (ST photo)

On Monday, NISS seized copies of 10 newspapers and suspended 4 of them indefinitely without giving reasons.

The pro-government Sudan Journalists Union (SJU) condemned the move, describing it as an unfortunate development that brought back memory of seizing 14 newspapers on 16 February.

The Sudanese Journalists Network (SJN) submitted a memo to the newly appointed chairman of NCPP, Fadl Allah Mohamed, and the secretary-general, Hisham Mohamed Abbas, describing frequent seizure of newspapers without reason as clear violation for the 2005 interim constitution.

The memo said the executive power is imposing absolute control over media and freedoms of press and expression, adding that the Sudanese press is currently witnessing the worst phase in its history due to tightened security grip besides persecution of journalists and deteriorating economic conditions of newspapers.

The letter further pointed to growing incidents of newspapers' confiscation copies and the various types of censorship as well as summoning and interrogation of journalists by the NISS.

The SJN referred to physical violence against journalists, mentioning the incidents against the Chief-Editor of Al-Tayyar newspaper, Osman Mergheni, and chairman of the board of directors of Al-Mustaqilla newspaper, Ali Hamdan.

It accused the regime of seeking to draft a new press law inconsistent with the freedom of expression and the 2005 interim constitution. This bill does not reflect opinions of the majority of journalists, besides applying harsh economic measures through imposing high duties, taxes and customs on printing press materials, the SJN said.

The memo asked the NCPP to offer advice to the various government organs regarding press laws as is the case in any plural society, demanding it to work with all the concerned legislative and executive bodies including the presidency which oversees NISS's activities.

“The presidential palace is not [innocent] of the abuses and violations against the Sudanese press”, the memo says accusing the head of the state of giving the security organs unlimited powers against the law and the constitution.
.

The SJN said it looks forward to seeing swift measures by the NCPP with the participation of all concerned bodies to cancel the pre-publication censorship and lift the ban on the suspended newspapers and journalists.

It called for applying economic remedies by exempting the press industry from duties, taxes and customs, saying legal measures must also be taken to oblige the NISS to resort to the press court in dealing with the issues of publishing.

Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of expression but laws subordinate to the constitution such as the National Security Forces Act of 2010 contains articles that can be potentially used to curtail press freedom and instigate legal proceedings against newspapers and individual journalists.

Journalists say that NISS uses seizures of print copies of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

(ST)

May 26, 2015 (JUBA) - South Sudan president Salva Kiir on Monday issued an order sacking the head of national oil company from his position. According to the order broadcast on the state owned South Sudan Television (SSTV), the president removed Paul Adong, and replaced him with Joseph Cleto Deng Kuol.

South Sudan President an SPLM chairman Salva Kiir speaks during the inauguration of the new SPLM premises in Juba on 15 November 2013 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

Adong was moved to the headquarters of the ministry of petroleum and mining. No explanation was given for the sudden sacking of the long serving top civil servant.

Sources with direct knowledge of the circumstances leading to the presidential action claimed the president was persuaded by the parliamentary debates in which majority of the members directly called for the removal of the head of the central bank, Cornelio Koriom Mayik, head of national oil company, Paul Adong, and the under-secretary of the ministry of trade, Simon Nyang Anei.

Although the president responded to directives by parliament and removed two officials, Adong and Anei, he did not act on their directive to replace the head of Central Bank of South Sudan, Cornelio Koriom Mayik.

The legislators in a heated debate last week criticized the way the officials managed the letter of credit, resulting in the periodic shortage of essential commodities, including fuel and skyrocketing of consumer prices. This is despite government allocating 40 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP) on monthly basis to each institution.

In other appointments, the president named Joseph Lual Acuil, former minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management as head of national communications authority and Biel Jok Thich, as under-secretary in the ministry of trade.

Thich replaced his predecessor, Simon Nyang Anei, who was fired without new assignment.

(ST)

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Gambian authorities have detained incommunicado, depriving them of all contact with the outside world, dozens of friends and relatives of people accused of involvement in a coup attempt since January 2015. Those detained include women, elderly people, and a child, and many are believed to be in ill-health.

(Dakar) – Gambian authorities have detained incommunicado, depriving them of all contact with the outside world, dozens of friends and relatives of people accused of involvement in a coup attempt since January 2015, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said today. Those detained include women, elderly people, and a child, and many are believed to be in ill-health.

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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.

US charge d'affaires in Sudan Jerry Lanier (L) shaking hands with World Food Programme (WFP) official Margot VanderVelden in Port Sudan May 26, 2015 (ST)

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.

Internally displaced people at a UN camp in Unity state capital Bentiu on 29 October 2014 (ST)

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.

Soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) patrol the streets in the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal, on 21 January 2014 (Photo: AFP/Charles Lomodong)

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.

(ST).

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)

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Nigeria’s incoming president, Muhammadu Buhari, should take immediate and concrete steps to address large-scale violence, endemic corruption, a lack of accountability for abuses, and other pressing human rights problems. Buhari will be sworn in on May 29, 2015.

(Abuja) – Nigeria’s incoming president, Muhammadu Buhari, should take immediate and concrete steps to address large-scale violence, endemic corruption, a lack of accountability for abuses, and other pressing human rights problems, Human Rights Watch said today. Buhari will be sworn in on May 29, 2015.

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May 26, 2015 (JUBA) - South Sudanese government has renewed accusations against neighbouring Sudan of allegedly providing military support to a new rebellion in Western Equatoria state.

Arrow Boys seen here in May 2010, patrol a village in south Sudan in an attempt to defend themselves from attacks LRA rebels (AFP)

Spokesperson of the South Sudanese army (SPLA), Colonel Philip Aguer, announced on Monday that a new rebel movement had been formed in Western Equatoria state with weapons provided by the Sudanese government.

“They are using new weapons. They are automatic rifle kalashnikov. Our forces in Mundri have discovered new AK47 that you can fold. They are using the machine guns called 42 that are being used now by Sudan Armed Forces,” Aguer claimed.

The new group, he said, was being led by a former member of parliament, Wesley Weluba, who lost election in 2010.

“The security information we have is that somebody called Charles Balogore under the command of Wesley Waluba is the one causing this insecurity in the area. Wesley was a former member of parliament of Western Equatoria but lost election in 2010 and formed a rebellion to chase away the cattle camps from Western Equatoria,” Aguer further explained.

He further explained that when Wesley succeeded with the chasing of cattle camps from the area particularly towards Lakes state, he and his group decided to turn against the government. The army and the security, he added, were working together in investigating the size of the new rebellion.

He was making the official response on recent military developments in Mundri West county, Western Equatoria state, where government soldiers came under attack resulting in the initial killing of at least two soldiers and later the county executive director, John Cleopa.

The group also captured Mundri town, which is the administrative headquarters in Mundri West county until more army and police reinforcement dislodged them from the town on Saturday.

Opposition faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar, said the new group was allied to them under the operational command of Colonel Wesley Weluba, and under the overall command of Major General Elias Laku Jada.

(ST)

May 26, 2015 (PARIS) - The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader, Gibril Ibrahim, disclosed that the opposition “Sudan Call” forces would meet within the upcoming weeks to develop a common action strategy.

Gibril Ibrahim (AFP)

Ibrahim told Sudan Tribune that peace moves were disrupted following Khartoum's refusal to participate in the pre-dialogue meeting which was called by the African mediation. This refusal strengthened the sense that the government is not serious to achieve peaceful solution, he added.

Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) refused to attend a meeting in Addis Ababa last March to discuss issues pertaining to the national dialogue process and its procedures.

Khartoum at the time said the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) mediation team did not coordinate with the government on who would participate in the meeting. It further said that it would be held at the wrong time given the elections which took place in April.

Gibril said the “Sudan Call” forces would meet within two weeks to discuss the next step, stressing “the meeting would determine the new position towards the dialogue besides unification of opposition forces”.

“We hope the meeting could be held during the coming two weeks. It may be held between 11 to 12 June in one of the European capitals,'' he further said.

In a letter sent on 3 April to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the AUHIP, National Umma Party (NUP) president Sadiq al-Mahdi and chairman of Sudanese Revolutionary Forces (SRF) Malik Agar said concerned by the government's lack of political will and called to establish a new peace process.

They proposed to create a single negotiating track for the peace process replacing the two track one process approach adopted by the AUPSC last September.

“Sudan Call” forces, including the SRF, NUP and the NCF, would participate in a hearing session about Sudan at the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg on 9 June.

Also, several opposition leaders are also expected to take part in an annual meeting about Sudan to be held in Hermansburg, Germany, after the hearing.

JEM leader pointed to the need for developing a unified opposition stance towards the regime, arguing that would enable the African mediation in its discussions with the government and allow it to furnish the regional and international partners with the opposition's vision on dialogue.

“We [the opposition] were asked to provide a clear position and that is what we seek to submit to the African mediation, the European Union, the Troika countries and the rest of the concerned bodies,” he added.

SERIOUS DIALOGUE

Gibril called on the government to take into account the large popular boycott of the recent elections and to engage in a serious dialogue. He further said the opposition would positively respond to such approach towards dialogue.

“If the [government] is serious about reaching genuine solutions to save the country, the opposition will not turn it away,” he said.

But he warned that dialogue wouldn't be productive unless it leads to “a structural change in the system of government”.

JEM leader acknowledged existence of differences among opposition forces about how to deal with the regime, saying “we don't claim the opposition forces work in full harmony”.

“Some [opposition forces] refuse to engage in dialogue with Khartoum and in fact the latter's [stances] make them stick to their refusal because each time it (the government) demonstrates lack of seriousness towards achieving peace,” he added.

He stressed the need for the opposition to be ready to change the regime or to engage in dialogue with it if it shows seriousness, underscoring they must be open to all options.

It should be recalled that the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement - Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) refuses to engage in dialogue with the regime until several conditions were met including disarmament of government militias and provision of security for civilians.

Also, the opposition alliance of the National Consensus Front (NCF) refuses to engage in the dialogue until the requirements of a conducive environment are met.

However, they agreed to take part in the pre-dialogue meeting, on the condition that the national election will be postponed, all political detainees are released, and the NCP agrees on the establishment of a national transitional government.

(ST)

May 26, 2015 (JUBA) - South Sudanese parliament on Tuesday summoned the minister of defense Kuol Manyang Juuk along with the minister of interior and minister of national security in the office of the president over the new rebellion in Western Equatoria state.

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

The three officials, according to the deputy speaker of the national legislative assembly, Mark Nyipuoc, are expected to appear before the house on Monday next week to provide explanation about the recent military developments in Mundri West county in Western Equatoria state.

Spokesperson of the South Sudanese army (SPLA), Colonel Philip Aguer, on Monday revealed formation of a new rebel group in the state of Western Equatoria, apparently in an attempt to justify the deployment of the government troops in the area after reports quoting the opposition fighters claimed to have carried out the attacks on government soldiers in the area.

He said the armed youth who previously organized themselves to chase out pastoralists from the state turned into rebel forces targeting the government.

But Western Equatoria state information minister Charles Barnaba Kisanga denied in a statement on Tuesday there was rebellion in the area as the army announced.

He said that the circumstances under which the county's executive director, John Cleopa, was killed could not be blamed on the rebels because he was in entourage of commissioner with security forces all around when they were inspecting the scene of the night attack on the group of SPLA.

“It seemed one member from the security forces moved a bit aside and opened fire killing the executive director and fire was also directed at the commissioner Hassan Bhakeit, who had to duck escape the bullets and even his car was later hit,” he said.

He inquired how shooting could be directed by rebels at only civilians in the group when army and police were all around them. Earlier, some state officials blamed the killing of Cleopa on government soldiers.

Armed youth commanded by Colonel Wesley Weluba stormed and captured Mundri town on Friday but government sent reinforcement on Saturday and captured it.

The parliament summoned the security officials to explain what transpired in the state which led to the death of officials and capture of the county headquarters.

(ST)

The Security Council today adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) as the Horn of Africa country continues down its road towards political recovery and increased security.

Northeast Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in suicide attacks involving women and girls this year, the United Nations children’s agency warned today, calling on the country’s incoming Government make the safety and well-being of children a political priority.

Travelling around South Sudan to see efforts made by the United Nations to protect civilians in the country, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Ellen Margrethe Løj, who also heads the UN Mission (UNMISS), visited Bentiu in Unity state this weekend.

May 24, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) and state officials have admitted that a new rebel group has emerged and captured Mundri town in Western Equatoria state last Friday despite previous denials and contradictions surrounding the situation in the area.

The South Sudanese army (SPLA) spokesperson, Phillip Aguer (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

They however said the town was recaptured on Saturday and that the South Sudanese army was in full control of the area.

Although South Sudanese army could not comment at the time on the claims, state officials immediately dismissed the rebel assertions of the capture of the town saying the situation was fully under control. They said only a group of “unknown” gunmen attacked SPLA soldiers who were trying to go to Lakes state using Maridi road.

But SPLA spokesman, Colonel Philip Aguer, has confirmed that a rebellion had emerged in Western Equatoria against president Salva Kiir's government.
“There is a new rebel movement in Western Equatoria state. Security reported that somebody called Charles Balogore under Wesley Waluba [leads rebellion],” he told Eye Radio on Monday.

Aguer said the group initially started to organize in defence of their land against pastoralists but have now turned into a rebel movement to fight the government. He did not however say what name they had given to the new movement.

Wesley whose the army spokesman mentioned to be leading the new rebellion and fight against the government was claimed by SPLM-IO as their field commander in the area.

Aguer said the new rebel commander in the area was a former member of parliament but lost elections in 2010.

“Wesley was a former honourable member of parliament of Western Equatoria but lost election in 2010 and formed a rebellion to chase away the cattle camps from western Equatoria. Now the cattle camps are not any longer in western Equatoria and he turned against the government,” Aguer further explained.

The rebel group, he said, was using weapons allegedly from the Sudanese army, adding that the security was investing the size of the rebel group in Western Equatoria state.

MUNDRI TOWN CAPTURED

The minister of information in Western Equatoria state, Charles Kisanga, has admitted that Mundri town was actually captured on Friday by a group of armed local youth who dislodged county authorities and took full control of the town contrary to earlier denial.

The minister said the state government lost control of Mundri town on Friday and only regained control of it on Saturday when more reinforcement from the SPLA forces and police recaptured it from the youth a day after.

“After the killing of John Keliopa [executive director] on Friday morning, the youths briefly expelled government troops and took control of Mundri on Friday. The army and police forces returned and took over the town on Saturday and they are now controlling the area,” minister Kisanga explained in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.

Kisanga however said the town was captured by local fighters, known as ‘arrow boys', and not by rebel forces led by former vice president, Riek Machar.

He said the youth were only reacting to the killing of the executive director, slightly contradicting an earlier assertion by county officials that the executive director was killed while visiting a scene of an earlier attack on SPLA soldiers in the area by “unknown” gunmen.

Minister Kisanga could not explain who attacked the SPLA forces in the first place if not the rebels or local youth.

He also dismissed a rebellion by the youth in the state, contradicting what the South Sudanese army's spokesman confirmed to be a rebellion. Kisanga also dismissed claims that the local armed youth were now allied to the South Sudanese rebels, saying they were only protecting the area.

“They don't belong to the rebels. Those are local youths that are making protection of their areas,” he said.

Last week, James Gatdet Dak, spokesperson of the leader of the armed opposition faction of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), Riek Machar, said their fighters allied with local youth captured Mundri on Friday under direct command of Colonel Wesley Welabe and under the overall command of Major General Elias Laku Jada.

“Colonel Wesley is one of us. He commanded the operations that captured Mundri town on Friday,” Machar's spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, told Sudan Tribune on Monday.

He said the opposition forces had been organizing and making recruitments in the area, saying they led in the Friday capture of Mundri town, some 200km west of the national capital, Juba.

(ST)