Sudan Tribune

September 15, 2016 (JUBA) -The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (ADMISS) has issued a strong worded statement on Thursday in protest of the closure of an independent newspaper by government security personnel, describing it as a deliberate ploy to muzzle press freedom and access to public information.

A vendor sells newspapers in the South Sudanese capital, Juba (Photo: Al-Jazeera)

Alfred Taban, chairperson for the media association in the country said the organization views the closure of these media institutions as suppression of the press and clampdown on free speech.

He said the manner and nature through which these media institutions were closed speak to the fact that the government actions is geared toward silencing critical voices and information provided to our people.

"The Association for Media development in South Sudan strongly condemns the indefinite closure of the nation Mirror English daily newspaper by South Sudan national security", the statement bearing Alfred's signature, copy of which was extended to Sudan Tribune, reads in part.

The 15 September statement described the closure of the independent newspaper as a serious threat to freedom of expression and of the press. the unilateral decision, it further added, represents a clear sign of intimidation to scare media fraternity in the country from doing its work.

" AMDISS is deeply aggrieved with this unacceptable behaviour and calls on the concerned authorities to put to an end this act of interference and create a conducive environment for the media to play its role as the watchdog," the statement protested.

Meanwhile the Coalition of Civil Society organizations in South Sudan issued a statement in which they also protested the closure, saying such acts undermines freedom of the press.

According to the group, it is mind-boggling and breathtaking for the government led by officials who fought in a more than two decade conflict on promise of protecting democratic tenets to continue what it is terming as broad day closure of media institutions, thereby undermining the democracy with its attending tenets.

"We wish to categorically state that such acts undermine the objective of liberation struggle which culminated to the independence of this country. The behaviours themselves are confirming that allegations that the government does not tolerate an alternative view, which is unacceptable. We therefore call on the authorities to cease taking such decision in the interest of peace, love, harmony and tolerance," the group said in the statement.

The advocacy group and media association were reacting to a 14 September decision by the national security who asked the management of the Nation Mirror to stop publication with immediate effect after being summoned to headquarters of the national security service in Jebel area.

No reason was given for shutting down the paper. South Sudanese authorities have in the past shut down a number of newspapers, including The Citizen.

Many journalists have been killed in South Sudan for the past five years of its independence.

(ST)

September 15, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Call forces are preparing to meet in the Ethiopian capital to coordinate positions ahead of meetings with the government over cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access followed by a national constitutional dialogue conference.

Leaders of the opposition "Sudan Call" sign an agreement on the alliance's structures in Paris on 22 April 2016 (ST Photo)

Opposition sources told Sudan Tribune that the leadership Council of the opposition alliance will meet from 25 to 30 September to coordinate positions and discuss some organizational issues.

Also, the meeting will agree on the delegation of Sudan Call for the Strategic Meeting with the government over other confidence building measures before the constitutional conference and adopt unified positions for this meeting.

The mediation didn't yet announce the date of the meetings between the government and the armed groups. But I become obvious that it would be held in October.

Last August, three armed groups and the National Umma Party signed the Roadmap Agreement paving the way for talks on the humanitarian truce. However the parties failed to strike a deal over these issues.

After what the mediation decided to suspend the negotiations.

Last week the Sudanese government said the chief mediator Thabo Mbeki would visit Khartoum to discuss the resumption of talks. Also the government spokesperson Ahmed al-Balal expected that the meeting the rebel groups over the cessation of hostilities would resume after Eid al-Dha Festival. which ends on 15 September.

Will participate in this meeting, the two factions of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front, NUP, and civil society groups. For the National Consensus Forces will only take part in the meeting : the Sudanese Congress Party, the National Alliance, the Sudanese Ba'ath, the Sudanese National Party and the Center Alliance Party.

The Sudanese Communist Party and other groups said opposed to the process because it would not lead to regime change in Khartoum.

(ST)

September 14, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir, should resign from the presidency after the exposure of his involvement in the documented corruption practices, says spokesperson for the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar.

President adresses a joint press conference on 9 July 2016 (Reuters Photo)

A 65-page report by US-based ‘The Sentry' organization has revealed for the first time evidences of documented gross corruption practices involving President Kiir and his immediate family members, including his adolescent kids who also hold company shares worth millions of dollars.

Among Kiir's children involved in their father's revealed “groundbreaking” corruption in the report includes his 12-year-old son who held a 25% stake in a holding company formed in February this year.

Overall, the report has revealed evidences showing that at least 7 of Kiir's children – sons and daughters – with their names as well as companies' shares recorded in the report, and also with Kiir's wife, Mary Ayen Mayardit, have held stakes in various national and international business ventures through dubious deals at the expense of the suffering people.

Machar's spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak, said the report has painted a “shameful” picture for the president who should resign for the sake of his dignity and leave others to change the nation.

“If Salva Kiir is part of the world where shame is a heavy burden to carry and quitting voluntarily from public office is a wise decision to attempt to regain one's dignity in the face of that shame, I think he should resign immediately following the shameful exposure of his immeasurable corruption, together with his family,” Dak told Sudan Tribune.

“This corruption revelation has shown one thing very clear, that these leaders in Juba and their family members are a bunch of people who do not have vision for the country and the lives of their people,” he added.

The Sentry has found evidence that the top officials responsible for mass atrocities in South Sudan have managed to accumulate fortunes and have been involved in illegal transactions, insider deals and outright fraud.

Dak said his boss, Machar, was not implicated in the report, arguing that the only properties claimed to belong to him are rented and temporary guest houses in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, which are not owned houses.

He also challenged the government for threatening to sue in court The Sentry organization, saying the report implicated President Kiir and his family members by their names and not the government.

It is therefore Kiir as an individual that should sue the organization in court and not the South Sudanese government, he said.

KIIR LOST OPPORTUNITY

Dak further said the South Sudanese president, Kiir, has lost his opportunity to go down the history as a leader whose leadership gave birth to the independence of South Sudan and would have united the people and laid the foundation for development for the future generations.

He said the president will instead go down the “anal of history” as the most corrupt and violent divisive political leader in the history of South Sudan, who had no idea how the nation was born, torn it apart and squandered its wealth in the most “primitive way.”

Dak argued that most dictators in Africa at least provide services to their people, open up roads, build schools, hospitals, and ensure that their people can feed themselves, unlike Kiir who he claimed could not even connect with tarmacked road the national capital, Juba, with his home town of Kwajok, let alone the rest of the country.

The opposition leader claimed that his boss, Machar, provided numerous chances to president Kiir to become a good leader, but wasted such opportunities.

He claimed that when Machar championed the right to self-determination for the people of South Sudan since 1991 which finally brought the independence of South Sudan in July 2011, it was Kiir who was “made” to sign the “first protocol” on self-determination for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in July 2002. He said this was six months after the Nairobi declaration between Machar and late John Garang, who signed to the self-determination objective for the first time.

“You know the first time for Salva Kiir to actively surface politically was when he was made to sign the Machakos Protocol on self-determination for the CPA in July 2002 in Kenya. It was good that he held to it. But it is unfortunate that he did not know what to do for the people of South Sudan once that self-determination translated into independence,” he said.

When Kiir rebelled against Garang in Yei in November 2004, he added, it was Machar who took him to Rumbek and reconciled him with late Garang, which resulted to him being appointed as vice president in 2005.

Dak further said that when Garang died “mysteriously” in a Ugandan helicopter, Machar also recommended Kiir to replace the late leader, saying although he was not sure how to lead the people, Machar assured him that he was going to support him in the implementation of the agreement.

“But see what has happened now. He has been instead trying to kill Machar who was grooming him with the hope that he would become a good leader for the people and the country,” he said.

“Worst of all, he has turned the country into a madman's house with dying and suffering people,” Dak lamented.

President Kiir's spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, on his part reacted angrily against the exposure of the president's corruption allegations, saying the government would take The Sentry to court.

However, a top official of The Sentry organization said they have “irrefutable” evidences that the president and his family have involved in the corruption, saying the information and documents were gathered from various partners involved.

“The evidence is thorough, it is detailed and it is irrefutable. It involves arms dealers, international lawyers, international banks, international real estate and it is because of these international actors that we are also able to provide solutions to help end this criminal behaviour to protect innocent civilians,” said Georg Clooney, co-founder of The Sentry, Enough Project.

(ST)

September 15, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan's Jonglei Governor Philip Aguer Panyang has appointed 14 counties in the new state which has been established last year.

Jonglei state governor, Phillip Aguer speaks during the independence occassion July 9, 2016 (ST)

New Jonglei is one of four states created from former Jonglei state established by President Salva Kiir in October 2015 when he signed a presidential decree dividing the country into 28 states.

Also a presidential decision subdivided the new state into 14 counties even if Governor Aguer initially proposed 11 counties.

Aguer rejected the additional counties, calling them "mistaken." He however backtracked when his request to delete the extra administrative units was rejected by local communities.

This Thursday, Aguer nominated the following commissioners for the 14 countries :

1. Deng Mabior Deng (Bor South County, Chueiker)
2. William Majier Alier (Bor Gok County, Kolnyang)
3. Mading Akol Biar (Bor East County, Anyidi)
4. Nhial Awan Deng (Anyidi Makuach County, Makuach)
5. Deng Garang Deng (Bor Central County, Makuach/Werkok)
6. Simon Thon Ayuen (Bor West County, Baidit)
7. Kuot Jok Lual (Athooc County, Kactong)
8. Luis Garang Apiu (Bor North County, Jalle)
9. Deng Mabany Kuot (Twic North County, Panyagor)
10. Dau Akoi Jurkuch ( Twic Central County, Wangulei)
11. Daniel Deng Manyok (Twic South County, Adubaar)
12. Deng Achiek Jok (Duk Payuel County, Payuel)
13. Michael Malual Wuor Reath (Duk Padiet County, Padiet)
14. Peter Latjor Chol (Duk Panyang County, Pajut)

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (YAMBIO) - Acting governor of Gbudue state in Western Equatoria has issued an order authorizing all security and organized forces and any citizen in the state to shoot to kill any criminal found committing a crime in their neighborhood.

Gbudue state governor Patrick Zamoi speaking to journalists at in Nzara airstrip March 4, 2016 (ST)

The harsh and deadly order came in the awake of a series of incidents during which seven civilians have been killed by unknown gunmen in less than a week in Yambio county in particular.

Addressing the security and organized forces in Yambio on Thursday, the state minister of local government and law enforcement, Jackson Ezekiel Buguwa, ordered all the security organs to “shoot to kill any criminal found committing murder or shooting gun in the residential area.”

“Anybody who has a gun and you have seen anybody who is entering the neighbor's house who is breaking into somebody's house who is shooting gun, we have given orders for all of us to shoot at that person and kill him instantly,” he said.

“Not only that, all those arrested who are in police custody must be dealt with by firing-squad in the public so that people can see that justice has prevailed and to pass message to the criminals to desist from criminal activities,” he added.

Minister Buguwa blamed the neighbors of the young man who was murdered with his family on Tuesday night for failing to come out and take the law into their own hands in defending their dear ones.

He also said nobody can deny the fact that people have weapons in their houses; because the government did not conduct disarmament in Western Equatoria due to the volatile situation of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and presence of Ambororo who have been “terrorizing” people in the state.

“As a government we cannot stay aside watching our people being killed, neighbors cannot stay while their neighbors are being murdered we have to protect our people, we have to protect properties and protect our towns.”

He reminded that the government has also issued another order, banning boda-boda [motorbike] riders from operating beyond 9Pm until 6 am in order to protect lives of the boda-boda riders and also to give chance to security organs to do night patrols in Yambio town and in the state as a whole.

Series of security meetings have been held this week and resolutions have been passed at the state level which resulted into calling for general parade with all security organs in which the order was given to them to shoot to kill any criminal found committing a crime.

The order has raised fears and panic among the civil population with many saying it will attract even more killings because criminals and others seeking revenge will use it as a way to kill and then claim that it was an act of defence.

The minister however cautioned anyone not to take this order as a chance to revenge and kill innocent persons and warned that anyone found implementing the order to the contrary must be dealt with if found guilty after investigation.

“Peace must be promoted and create conducive environment for the citizens to do their business without fear,” he said.

Insecurity in the state has increased for the past two weeks where citizens continued to live in fear and panic as gunshots could be heard at night and people were being killed in their houses without looting any property.

The government has so far arrested at least five suspects in connection with the killings and causing insecurity in the state.

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM-N) Friday accused the Sudanese army of violating a cessation of hostilities in South Kordofan state, pointing it was not the first time.

A SPLA-N rebel soldier, in South Kordofan (AFP)

Last June, Sudanese government declared a four-month unilateral cessation of hostilities, in support of the efforts of an African Union mediation to persuade the opposition groups to sign a roadmap for peace in Sudan.

Also, in April 2016 the SPLM-N announced a six-month unilateral truce.

For five consecutive days, the government forces launched a long-range artillery shelling on civilians in the SPLM controlled areas in South Kordofan"s Um Dorain county, in Um Sirdiba, Alnagra, Kaen, Tblo Allbo areas, as well as Um Dorain town," said SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngulutu Lodi in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

He further said the shelling killed Akoloma krends, 48- year old woman, and destroyed the house of another female Kaka Hassan Jelborha. Also as result of the artillery attack hundreds of civilians fled their areas and stopped their agricultural activities.

The rebel spokesperson further renewed the SPLM-N commitment to the truce and claimed that it was not the first time the Sudanese army violates the cessation of hostilities.

The warring parties are expected to meet this month for talks on a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access agreements.

The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable for comment

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (JUBA) – A senior official of the South Sudan's government said there is need to instill discipline among South Sudan army with strict application of the law, criticizing them for incidents of “rape and robbery” in the national capital, Juba.

SPLA soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion pose at the SPLA headquarters in Nyang, in the county of Yirol East, on February 15, 2014 (Photo AFP/Fabio Bucciarelli)

Peter Bashir Gbanda, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, told the newly composed Transitional National Legislative Assembly in a briefing on the latest peace implementation and a visit of the delegation of the United Nations Security Council to Juba.

"Let us restore the SPLA to what it used to be; a very commendable and respectable liberation army during the course of our liberation struggle. I know this SPLA has a very strict orders," said Gbandi, addressing parliament this week.

He was responding to questions from Members of Parliament regarding attacks by suspected government soldiers on expats hotel in Juba. Humanitarian aid workers were raped and their belongings looted in Terrain Hotel.

A government investigation committee commissioned by President Salva Kiir in July said it has found "sufficient evidence" to continue with investigation but did not mention if some soldiers are arrested.

Gbandi said the SPLA war time doctrine of severe punishment might be reinstated.

"If you temper with even an egg [during the war], you will be shot; court martialed and shot openly," he said, referring to bush punishments against SPLA rebel soldiers between 1983-2005.

But he added the death penalty cannot be passed without legal procedures as detailed in laws of South Sudan.

"We are now a nation state and we are governed, we are members of the UN, we are governed by international conventions. We could not be doing this [shooting soldiers]," he added.

Gbanda said the policy is integrating former militia fighters into the ranks and files of the original SPLA compromised its discipline.

"And you know that the goodwill of our president by then and what was provided in the agreement was that all the militias which were being used to fight the SPLA by proxy, by Khartoum were given an option either to join the SPLA or to join SAF [Sudan Armed Forces]," he said.

"But president because he had a vision of us being united as people of South Sudan because of the referendum which was coming, he decided to initiate what you very [well] know is ‘the Juba Agreement' – through [which] most of our militias had to be incorporated into the SPLA," he said.

He added that most the war SPLA fighters have left the army and retired to villages, explaining that government's efforts to stem out indiscipline will include disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs as part of restoring law and order in the country.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

September 9, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – A high level South Sudan government delegation on Friday held talks with Ethiopian Prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, in the Ethiopian capital, Adddis Ababa, on a range of bilateral and regional issues of common concern.

The South Sudanese delegation led by Taban Deng Gai, the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, arrived in the Ethiopia capital on Thursday.

Upon arrival, Gai accompanied by senior ministers was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia's senior government officials, Haile Menkerios the head of United Nations Office to the African Union and South Sudan Ambassador to Ethiopia and AU, James Morgan, as well as.

According to Ethiopia government officials, the fragile implementation of peace agreement signed in August between the two rival SPLM factions was high on the discussions between Hailemariam, also IGAD chairperson and the South Sudan's delegation.

Other areas of discussions between the two sides included cooperation on border Security, industry, opening trade corridors along shared border and construction of new roads linking the two neighbouring countries.

The two sides have agreed to establish a joint ministerial commission to implement the various cooperation plans.

Before the delegations departure late Thursday for Ethiopia, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, South Sudan's Petroleum Minister told reporters at Juba Airport that the high level delegation will discuss issues to do with trade, infrastructure development and regional security.

“Ethiopia is a strategic neighbour and we want to make sure that while we are implementing the agreement, we also make sure that trade between South Sudan and Ethiopia is booming” Gatkuoth said.

“We would like to make sure that the region is peaceful and all our neighbours are having good relations with us. So we will be normalizing relations with all the neighbours,” he added.

Here in Addis Ababa, the First Vice President and accompany delegation had conducted several meeting with leaders of SPLM/A- IO and various Communities living in Addis Ababa.

However an SPLM-IO official who requested anonymity said that Gai was trying to mobilize South Sudanese Nuers living in Ethiopia join the government.

Gai, was accompanied by senior ministers in the Transitional Government of National Unity that including Kuol Manyang Juuk, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Ambassador, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Minister of Petroleum, Rebecca Joshua Okwachi, Minister of
Roads and Bridges, Peter Beshir Gbande, Minister of Parliamentarian Affairs among other dignitaries.

In recent weeks, particularly since the recent clashes that forced the former First Vice President and armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, flee the country, President Kiir government is trying to advance cordial relations with Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, three IGAD countries that are seen as supporting Machar's reinstallation.

READY FOR DEPLOYMENT

Meanwhile, the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), a regional rapid response force, said on Friday its troops are on standby and ready to deploy to South Sudan if the African Union (AU) gives the directive.

EASF Director Chanfi Issimail said the rapid-deployment force is well equipped and is ready for deployment to the war-torn youngest nation within two weeks.

However, he said the command must be confirmed and endorsed by the AU leaders ahead of deployment.

“EASF has a ready full operational capability force of 5,200 military, police and civilian personnel to fulfil its mandate of enhancing peace and security in the Eastern Africa region”.

EASF is one of the five regional components of the African Standby Force established by the African Union for the purpose of containing conflicts and enhancing peace and security on the continent.

The rapid deployment force draws its membership from ten member states from the Eastern Africa Region, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Rwanda and Seychelles.

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan's government has denied responsibility for killing of a civil society activist on Thursday.

Anti-corruption activists demonstrate in the South Sudan capital, Juba,on 11 June 2012 (ST)

Emmanuel Wani was reportedly shot dead in Juba on Thursday by suspected government operatives, with speculations that he met his death purportedly for being part of the activists who met with visiting members of the United Nations Security Council in Juba.

The group of activists representing civil society organizations in South Sudan supported deployment of regional troops in Juba and establishment of a hybrid court to try leaders implicated in the war crimes and crimes against humanity from 15 December 2013 when war broke out in the world's youngest nation.

A senior government officials loyal to President Salva Kiir said they had no idea how the activist was killed.

“I am not aware. From where did you hear it,” asked Tut Kew Gatluak, presidential advisor on security affairs, when contacted by Sudan Tribune on Friday.

Also circumstances behind the death of the activist remain largely speculative and nobody among his family members has publicly come out to claim it. Government officials were denying any knowledge of his death as well as participation of a person called Emmanuel Wani during the meeting with the UN Security Council members.

Leading members of the civil society organizations told Sudan Tribune on Friday that they were divided into two separate groups after the arrival of the UN Security Council delegation to Juba last Friday for consultation with the government and other stakeholders.

“I know how our meeting with the Security Council delegation was arranged. Because there [were] two views, the delegation of the United Nations Security Council decided to meet separately with two groups of South Sudan Civil Organizations. The delegation met the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance together with the youth group, women group, Juba University students Union and representative of Chiefs who were supportive of the views of the government. The members of the Security Council later met our group, who are actually the active and independent members of the civil society and other activists, most of us are those in the field and advocate for peace as the only viable way to end the conflict in this country,” a leading member of the civil society organizations recalled.

“So for us we feel it would [be] wise to demilitarize Juba and expedite deployment of the protection [force] and begin the process of institutional reform and implement transitional justice mechanisms among others,” he said.

The activist however said he did not see Emmanuel Wani at the meeting but heard that he was shot dead on Thursday in Juba at around 1:15 pm by gunmen in military uniform.

“There are two Emmanuel Wani I know but which one is being talked about? There is Emmanuel Laku Wani and Emmanuel Subek Samuel Wani, both of them are activists but they were not in the meeting,” he clarified.

He confirmed that other civil society members who met the Security Council members have left the country for fear of their lives. The activists cited government intimidation in retaliation for meeting with the visiting UN Security Council last week as the reasons for fleeing the country.

These reports, if confirmed, are the latest sign of hostility by the government toward the international community as the East Africa's youngest country tries to recover from a civil war that threatens regional peace.

At least three local organizations have been told by South Sudan' government that they can no longer operate. On Wednesday, the U.S. envoy to South Sudan, Donald Booth, told Congress that the number of blacklisted groups could be as high as 40.

South Sudanese government accepted the deployment of 4,000 strong regional force during their interaction of the UN Security Council's delegation.

However, the government a day later came out with contradicting comments, saying they will further discuss the number of the troops, their weapons and areas of operation.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Chairman of the opposition alliance Future Forces of Change (FFC) Ghazi Salah al-Din Attabani said they handed the head of the African mediation Thabo Mbeki proposals to “avoid clogging” of the political process including merging the political and security talks.

FFC leaders at the launch ceremony held in Khartoum on 23 February 2016 (ST Photo)

Last month the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) suspended sine die peace talks on Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile after the failure of the parties to strike a deal over the security arrangements and humanitarian access from 9 to 14 August.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday, Attabani said the FFC handed Mbeki a number of proposals including the synchronized start of the political negotiations and the security arrangements talks to in order to avoid any adverse impact from one track on the other.

He pointed that the political talks could be launched through an unofficial consultative meeting among all political forces under the auspices of the AUHIP to discuss the outstanding issues pertaining to the dialogue conference including creation of conducive climate for dialogue, political guarantees for the rebel leaders and the recommendations of the government-led national dialogue.

It is noteworthy that the Sudan Call forces including the armed movements, National Umma Party (NUP) and the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) refuse to participate in the internal government-led dialogue and call for holding a preparatory meeting abroad.

Also, major political parties within the internal opposition umbrella National Consensus Forces (NCF) including the Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) and the Arab Ba'ath Party (ABP) refuse to join the internal dialogue.

Attabani added they demanded the AUHIP to merge the two negotiation tracks, saying the political and security talks are being conducted in parallel, not identical, way which produced a dichotomy that could lead to many problems in the future.

He pointed that talks in Addis Ababa are being brokered by the AU and attended by regional and international powers while there is no similar talks in Khartoum and “that would produce two parallel political processes”, saying that is why the two tracks must be merged in order to reach an agreement among a well known and recognized parties participating the dialogue.

According to Attabani, the proposals also stressed the need for the government to create a climate conducive for dialogue and allow freedoms particularly freedom of expression, assembly and press.

“These proposals enjoy strong support from several political forces inside [Sudan] and also from the majority of the political forces and armed movements that recently signed the Roadmap Agreement,” he said.

The FFC, including some 41 opposition groups, was launched last February in Khartoum and called on the others to join them to achieve the shared goal of regime change.

The new coalition was met with skepticism from some political parties as it included Islamists figures while other forces including the rebel Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) gave it an unenthusiastic welcome.

SPLM-N REJECTS FFC PROPOSAL

Meanwhile, the SPLM-N has warned against any political process that doesn't stop the war and address the humanitarian issue saying it would be “doomed to failure”.

Responding to the FFC proposal, the movement described the humanitarian and security issues as the “backbone” of the talks, saying any credible political process can't be launched without addressing these issues.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, SPLM-N said the creation of conducive climate for dialogue has two wings including stopping the war and resolving the humanitarian issue besides allowing freedoms.

“The political process can't take off without those two wings,” the statement read.

“Our priority in the SPLM-N is to stop the war as a gateway to the political process and the comprehensive solution and we wouldn't participate in any political process that doesn't begin by stopping the war,” the statement added.

The movement stressed that the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) has not yet taken a strategic decision to stop the war or allow freedoms, pointing to the massive human rights violations.

The statement pointed the breaking of the political process stalemate requires intensification of the internal and external pressures on the regime as well as raising mass movement to change the current balance of powers.

“The regime wouldn't make any compromises whether we hold the preparatory meeting first or the cessation of hostilities second … the issue doesn't depend on the technicalities of [how to conduct the talks] but on changing the balance of power” the statement read.

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (EL-GENEINA) - Governor of West Darfur state Fadl al-Mula al-Haga has declared emergency orders to maintain security following a number of killing incidents in recent months.

An African Union-U.N. soldier stands in front of an old African Union APC during a patrol in West Darfur in El-Geneina February 19, 2008. (photo UN)

Al-Haga has replaced former Governor Khalil Abdallah last month after the latter failed to control the lawlessness situation that swept across the West Darfur state.

The newly appointed Governor on Thursday issued a number of local emergency orders aimed to maintain security and save lives.

The first order banned riding of motorcycles within the state's geographical territory without exception besides banning wearing the Kadamool (turban which covers the face).

The second order banned holding weapons and wearing military uniforms in public places with the exception of the regular forces while carrying out their tasks.

He also ordered the judiciary to set up a special tribunal to look into charges pertaining to the emergency orders, instructing the regular forces to take the necessary measure to implement the orders.

The first order would go into effect after two weeks from the date of issuance while the second order would be implemented immediately upon signing.

Al-Haga stressed his keenness to achieve security and impose the rule of law and justice across the state, saying the prestige of the state can't be compromised.

He called for launching a media campaign to educate the residents about the contents of the emergency orders and how the community would benefit from it, saying the orders were issued following the use of motorcycles and firearms as means to commit crimes.

The Governor added that 131 charges in which motorcycles were used in crimes have been recently filed, pointing that firearms have been used in 121 crimes including killing, looting and robbery and illegal drug smuggling.

He stressed those who violate the emergency orders will face trial and could be imprisoned and fined and their motorcycles could be confiscated, saying the work of the security organs would be highly coordinated to carry out the emergency orders.

Al-Haga also disclosed they seek to set up courts in all localities to look into the charges in coordination with the state judiciary.

Last May, eight people were killed and four others injured in a retaliatory attack by unidentified gunmen on a mosque in a village located 10 km. east of West Darfur state capital, El-Geneina.

Arms proliferation has become a major cause of instability in Darfur's five regions as it feeds tribal conflicts and banditry.

Last April, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir announced the formation of a national body for the collection of illegal arms in Darfur region.

(ST)

September 9, 2016 (JUBA) – A United Nations confidential report has revealed that the recent renewed fighting in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, from 8 July was ordered by both President Salva Kiir and army chief, Paul Malong Awan.

President Salva Kiir, (L), accompanied by army chief of staff Paul Malong Awan, (R), waves during an independence day ceremony in the capital Juba, on July 9, 2015 (Photo AP)

The report also revealed that President Kiir's army brought truckloads of ammunitions from the neighbouring Uganda in June, days or weeks before the fighting started in the first week of July at the Presidential palace.

The United Nations panel of investigation also said the opposition faction led by the former First Vice President, Riek Machar, did not buy ammunitions before the clashes.

The UN panel of experts report quoted by The Associated Press says President Kiir and army chief of staff, Malong, directed the fighting in Juba that killed hundreds, using MI-24 helicopters that only they had the authority to deploy. It cites "numerous reports" from South Sudanese senior military personnel and politicians.

The world body's report also said Kiir and Malong have been focusing on procuring new weapons and ammunition, including the apparent acquisition of two L-39 fighter jets.

South Sudan's civilians are "bearing the brunt of the resulting harm" as weapons continue to be procured, the report says. "By the government's own account, the vast majority of government revenue ... has funded security expenses and the war effort, including the procurement of weapons, rather than social services," AP quoted from the document.

There were conflicting arguments over which side was responsible for the fighting which erupted at the presidential palace as the two top rival leaders were in a meeting to resolve on an earlier incident a day before.

While President Kiir said he did not know what had happened in a press statement on the day of the fighting, he weeks later on said it was a coup attempt by Machar. The opposition leader dismissed the accusation, saying the fighting was a plan by President Kiir and his group to kill him.

Over 300 soldiers, mainly bodyguards, were killed on both sides and the fighting continued a day later into the residence of Machar. He was dislodged and hunted down in the bushes until he crossed into the Democratic Republic of Congo several weeks later.

The UN Security Council has threatened to impose an arms embargo if South Sudan's government doesn't comply with a plan to deploy an extra 4,000 peacekeepers to protect civilians.

"The findings of the South Sudan panel of experts show the absurdity of waiting even one more day to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan," said Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch.

The report also said officials have focused on "mobilizing their respective tribes," which has worsened ethnic tensions. The government and rebels' "arming of communities based on tribal affiliation continues to fuel widespread violence," it says.

The revelation comes just days after the Security Council visited South Sudan to pressure the government to allow in the 4,000 additional peacekeepers. A joint communique by the council and the government said South Sudan accepted their deployment, but just after the diplomats left, government officials announced conditions including prior approval of troop contributors and what weapons they carry.

The visiting diplomats also pressed South Sudan's government to hold accountable soldiers who have been accused of rampaging through a hotel compound popular with foreigners in the July chaos.

The new report says 80 to 100 soldiers overran the Terrain compound and "raped and gang-raped at least five international aid workers and an unknown number of staff working at the compound. They also executed John Gatluak, a Nuer employee of the NGO Internews in front of his colleagues in an "ethnically targeted killing."

South Sudan's civil war began in December 2013 between supporters of Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and former Vice President Machar, an ethnic Nuer.

The UN report added: "This attack was well coordinated and cannot be considered as an opportunistic act of violence and robbery."

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (JUBA) – United States top envoys for South Sudan have issued conflicting statements on whether the South Sudanese former First Vice President, Riek Machar, should reclaim his position or not in the transitional government of national which was formed as a result of a peace agreement he signed with President Salva Kiir in August last year. The deal was to end 21 months of civil war.

Former U.S. special envoy for Sudan Princeton Lyman (Reuters)

Ambassador Donald Booth, U.S envoy to Sudan and South Sudan told a U.S. House of Representative during a hearing held on Wednesday that it was “not wise” to return Machar to his previous position as First Vice President after he was chased out of the country by President Salva Kiir's forces.

"Given all that has happened, we do not believe it would be wise for Machar to return to his previous position in Juba," said Booth.

"But this cannot become a justification for President Kiir to monopolize power and stifle dissenting political voices," he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Africa Subcommittee.

But Princeton N. Lyman, senior advisor to the U.S. president, described the idea to cut off Machar from the government as “illusion.” He made the remarks while testifying on the South Sudan's situation before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organization.

“It would similarly be an illusion to think that with the exile of former Vice President Riek Machar, and his replacement by Taban Deng Gai, we now have a true government of national unity that can unite the country,” Lyman said.

He said Gai who replaced Machar in a controversial process does not control the opposition forces in the country, adding that fighting is ongoing across the country.

“Taban Deng does not command the loyalty of all those forces that have been fighting the government of Salva Kiir. Without broad-based participation in a transitional government, conflict will surely continue. Indeed conflict continues now in several parts of the country,” he said.

He also warned that the conflicting messages further divide the United Nations Security Council, IGAD and the African Union, warning that with the current situation, peace will not be achieved in South Sudan.

“The UN Security Council (UNSC) is hamstrung by the divisions within IGAD and the African Union. There is a useful adage that applies here: when the Africans are divided, the UNSC will be divided. Without a strong call from IGAD or the African Union for an arms embargo or further pressures on the leaders of South Sudan, the UNSC will divide. Moreover, any arms embargo or other sanctions would have to be implemented by these same neighboring countries. If they are not so committed, even if the UNSC passed such measures, they would not be implemented,” he said.

RIVAL PARTIES REACT

Meanwhile, South Sudan government under President Salva Kiir has quickly welcomed the remarks attributed to the U.S. envoy, Booth, indicating preference for the armed opposition leader and the former first vice president, Riek Machar, to stay away from participating in unity government.

“Working relations is very important. If you are working with someone with whom you have no better working relationship then it is difficult to even convene a meeting. You cannot do anything. So it is important that our friends from the United States are showing an understanding,” presidential Advisor, Tor Deng Mawien told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

“We welcome these positive remarks. We are also expecting others to show similar understanding. The people of South Sudan need the world to stand with the transitional government of national unity to implement the peace agreement,” he said.

He claimed that President Kiir and his government are fully committed to implementing the agreement with the new first vice president, Taban Deng Gai, to “the spirit and letter.”

Booth's remarks have been interpreted by government officials as clearly indicating the U.S. acceptance of Taban Deng Gai as the First Vice-President after the US secretary of state, John Kerry, said in August that Machar's replacement was not illegal.

The opposition faction led by Machar commended the statement by the U.S. advisor to the president, Lyman, for understanding the importance of maintaining a peace partner and leader of the armed opposition, Machar, in order for peace to hold.

“Those who think replacing the main peace partner, Dr. Riek Machar, with someone who will surrender to Salva Kiir's dictatorship and violence are admitting their failure to help change such a bad leadership. They are surrendering to the status quo. Succumbing to dictatorship, corruption and violence is a bad cooperation. It is a bad idea because tt will not do good to the people of South Sudan,” said James Gatdet Dak, spokesman for the opposition leader, Machar.

He also said Machar is in full control of the co-national army known as the SPLA in Opposition, as well as leading its political wing, the SPLM-IO.

He said removing the SPLM-IO party and the SPLA-IO army from the peace agreement and its transitional government is an admission that the peace deal has collapsed.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Arab League (AL) Ministerial Council on Thursday has unanimously elected the Sudanese Internationals Cooperation Minister Kamal Hassan Ali as Assistant Secretary General of the regional organization.

International cooperation minister Kamaleldin Hassan (SUNA photo)

In press statement released on Thursday, Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Ghanodur, welcomed Hassan's election, saying it indicates the return of long-time isolated east African country to leading roles in regional and international organizations.

"The election of Kamal Hassan Ali shows Sudan's strong return to the leadership of regional and international organizations. also it reflects the outstanding role the Sudan is playing in the various arenas,'' said Ghandour.

Since Sudan involvement's in an attempt to assassinate former President Hosni Mubarak in June 1995, the government of President Bashir had been isolated for long years within the Arab league. Also it ultimately led to the end of the strong alliance between Cairo and Khartoum.

However, Khartoum recent efforts to end its relations with Iran and the relative amelioration in its relations with some European countries contributed to improve its image.

"The election of the Sudanese candidate reflects the distinguished role of the Sudanese diplomacy and its ability to play a leading role in the different forums, especially in light of the current challenges," said Sudan's Ambassador to Cairo and its representative to Arab League, Abdel-Mahmoud Abdel-Haleim.

The meeting of Arab foreign ministers in addition endorsed a draft resolution ssupporting Khartoum's efforts to promote peace and development and rejects the US unilateral economic sanctions against Sudan, said Abdel Haleim .

According to Abdel Haleim; Sudan has been also elected as a member in AL external offices committee, and recovery of cultural and historical treasures committee.

Kamal Hassan Ali, current minister for international cooperation, will occupy his new position during five years.

Previously he severed as a state minister for foreign affairs, Sudan's ambassador to Egypt.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (WAU) – Authorities in South Sudan's Wau state have resolved that the United Nations peace keeping forces be allowed to conduct joint security patrols in town.

UN peacekeepers in South Sudan with one of their helicopters (UNMISS)

The state minister for law enforcement, Angelina Anthony Ubur, said the operation will protect sheltering at the UN protection sites and those in homes.

The UN, the minister said, formed a security committee that would patrol inside the UN, Red Cross and protection sides.

“We have also reached an understanding ground with the faith groups since the state government stands to maintain peace and reconciliation to start advocating for peace everywhere during their prayers,” said Ubur.

“We have reached an agreement that the UNMISS will be in a patrol operation, but the operation will be in all areas, UNMISS and the joint security forces will in the operation together during day time,” she added.

According to the minister, the move to involve UN peacekeepers follows the rising security threats in Wau.

“We are seeing that the current situation is good and will lead the citizens to return homes because these operations will start in the southern part of the town,” she stressed.

Meanwhile the minister said despite absence of clean water supply in Wau town, government was working hard to secure enough fuel to pump it.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (TORIT) - Over 50 local artists in Imatong, one of South Sudan's newly-created states, have resolved to form a new union to steer peace and unity among citizens across the state.

Musicians performing in Jonglei capital Bor on September 6, 2015 (ST)

The artists, after nearly five hours of deliberations, elected Patrick Ohucoli as the new chairperson of Imatong State Artist Union (ISAU).

Speaking shortly after he was elected, Ohucoli promised to work hard to create peace and unity amongst all the artists within the state and the visiting partners from sisterly states and across borders.

He proposed that a concert be held every year to that the upcoming singers are promoted by those already in the industry.

The director-general in the state ministry of information, culture, youth and sports, Wani Kute Joseph assured the artists that government was working hard to resolve challenges facing artists.

He said the newly formed association of artists would make it easier for local musicians get support from donors and partners in the state.

“The organization will seek to develop unique talents and link artists beyond Torit and South Sudan borders,” said the director general.

Jacky Miss, a local artist, said the organisation will promote local events, facilitate interactive activities to keep youth off the street.

“It will most importantly create links between artists in Torit and South Sudan state capitals as well as the national town of Juba,” she said.

The new body, its officials said, will mainly organize events such as Miss Malaika, Talent Search and help stage Karaoke nights.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (JUBA) – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said activists were being harassed following a meeting they held with the UN Security Council delegation in the capital, Juba.

South Sudanese people take to the streets as part of a peace march organised by civil society groups in the capital, Juba, on 8 January 2014 (Photo AP/Ali Ngethi)

15 members of the Security Council members led by the United States permanent representatives to the UN, Samantha Power visited the South Sudan capital last week to persuade the Juba government into accepting the deployment of regional troops to facilitate implementation of last year's peace deal.

The Security Council team also held talks with civil society activists.

“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is deeply concerned by reports it has received of threats and harassment against some civil society members who met with the United Nations Security Council delegation during their most recent visit to Juba last weekend,” UNMISS said in a statement on Thursday.

“These reported actions are in violation of the rights to freedom of expression, movement and civil and political engagement, which are fundamental pillars of a democratic society. Any attempt to suppress these rights through threats and harassment must be condemned in no uncertain terms,” it added, without details.

According to UN mission, the meeting between the Security Council team and activists “was an opportunity for an open dialogue with a view to gaining greater understanding of some of the issues and concerns faced by South Sudanese citizens at the grassroots level.”

Such forms of intimidation, it further said in the statement, should cease and vowed to raise activists' safety with South Sudanese government officials.

Members of the United Nations Security Council on Monday wrapped up a three-day visit to South Sudan and reiterated its support for the country's peace process with calls for the Juba government to fulfill what was agreed upon in a joint communiqué.

ACTIVIST SPEAKS OUT

South Sudanese security agents are reportedly hunting for members of civil society entities and other activists believed to have attended a meeting with the Security Council delegation during their recent visit to Juba.

“I have been on the run since Monday. The security personnel have been calling me to report to their headquarters because I was one of those who attended meeting of the delegation of the security council of the United Nations. They are saying we have betrayed the country by failing to say what they have told us to tell the Security Council. They wanted us to tell members of the Security Council that we reject deployment of protection force”, an activist told Sudan Tribune Wednesday.

“my life and that of my colleagues is under threat. We are in danger of unknown gunmen. We don't what to do now? They are threatening us and even our family members to trace us”, he added.

(ST)

September 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan, Chad and Central African Republic (CAR) leaders held talks on Wednesday over the deployment of joint border monitoring units.

Joint Sudanese-Chadian border patrol forces in trucks (FILE)

The meeting was held in the capital of North Darfur state El Fasher were on the sidelines of the celebrations to mark the completion of Darfur Document for Peace in Darfur attended.

Sudanese Government Spokesperson Ahmed al-Balal, in a press statement Wednesday, said that Presidents Omer al-Bashir, Idriss Déby and Faustin Archange Touadér discussed the implementation of the Sudanese-Chadian experience with the Central African Republic through the deployment of joint forces on the CAR borders with Chad and Sudan.

“The Sudanese Chadian experience has proven its success,” he added.

Al-Balal said that Bashir and Deby reiterated their support to CAR's efforts to promote security and stability in the region. He further said that the tripartite meeting touched on the situation in Central African Republic and ways to achieve security and stability on its borders.

In the past years, the CAR governments discussed ways to join Chad-Sudan joint border patrols with the two countries but the political instability in Bangui prevented the poor country from joining this force.

Sudan and Chad established the joint border monitoring force in 2010 following political agreement between Presidents Bashir and Deby. Its initial purpose was to prevent cross border attacks by rebel groups from both sides.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (JUBA) – The UK is to expand its contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan, raising the planned total from 300 to 400, defense secretary, Michael Fallon said.

British troops in a parade (Getty Images)

The British troops heading to the world's newest country will join a 12,000-strong UN force from 50 nations already on the ground.

Once in young nation, the deployment will more than double the UK's global peacekeeping efforts, Fallon said in a statement.

The additional UK personnel, it said, will enable the provision of a field hospital, supporting deployed UK and other UN peacekeepers.

“This large scale deployment underlines how we are stepping up our global commitments,” observed the UK defence minister.

“Backed by a rising defence budget, its part of our effort to tackle the instability that leads to mass migration and terrorism. It will help keep Britain safe while improving lives abroad,” he stressed.

The recent UK role in South Sudan has involved vital engineering work to strengthen infrastructure – provided by two engineer squadron groups – and is in addition to longstanding advisory support to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) headquarters.

The first UK personnel arrived in the world's youngest nation in June, and the main body deployment is expected in country next year.

Britain's commitment comes in the wake an approval by the African Union to deploy protection forces with the aim of restoring peace and stability in and around the South Sudanese capital, Juba.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, descended into violence in mid-December 2013, leaving estimated tens of thousands dead and displaced nearly two million people, aid agencies say.

Meanwhile, apart from its contribution to UNMISS, the UK is also backing a UN mission in Somalia to ensure security against terrorism threat.

(ST)

September 8, 2016 (YAMBIO) – The staff of the World Vision International was shot dead together with his wife and two children by unknown gunmen last night in Yambio, Western Equatoria. Also injured was a pregnant woman in a separate house while the house of the Member of Parliament in the newly created controversial Gbudue State came under attack the same night.

Non-food items distributing to IDPS by the UNHCR workers in Maridi on 4 March 2016 (ST Photo)

Speaking to the media, a Crime Officer in Yambio county, First Lieutenant Emmanuel Fidel, said unknown gunmen stormed the house of late Silivinio Caciano and shot him with his wife Josephine Nako John and also killed two children in the other bed room at around 12:00am on Tuesday night.

“What happened last night at around 12:00 am is that unknown gunmen attacked the house of late Silivinio Casiano and killed him with his wife Josephina Nako John and their two children in a separate bed room,” he said.

Emmanuel added that it remained unclear as to what motive was behind the killings for the last one week as the attackers are not interested in properties but to kill. He said the same incident happened when a boda-boda [motorbike] rider was killed over the weekend in Yambio Freedom Square. A Medicines San frontier (MSF) driver who was also killed with his wife on Bazungua road and no property was taken.

Meanwhile, across Yambio town the house of a Member of Parliament in the newly created Gbudue State Legislative Assembly called Joseph Tindiri came under attack the same night where heavy gunshots were heard and hand grenade was exploded but nobody was injured and no property was stolen except destruction of some properties and vehicles.

Joseph said unidentified people were seen several times at late hours near his house, harassing people. He added that he however did not have any personal problem with anyone which could lead to some unknown gunmen targeting him.

“I will not go to exile, I am a South Sudanese and this is where I was born. I will not go anywhere because I have no problem with anyone I will stay in my house and God will protect me,” he said.

The Government of Gbudue State has launched an investigation into the killing of the aid worker with his family and the rampart increase in insecurity in Yambio town. No arrest has been made so far.

On Tuesday, the state government issued an order banning boda-boda business as from 9pm up to 6 am in the morning as efforts have been exerted to allow the security personnel to hunt the criminals who are targeting civilians and boda-boda riders on the road.

Citizens in Yambio continue to live in fear due to the increasing insecurity which has created panic among the people as no one knows when and how the unknown gunmen may attack.

Some counties in Western Equatoria experienced brutal killings from unknown gunmen which emerged when violent conflict erupted between armed youth and soldiers belonging to the South Sudanese army since last year.

The violence however briefly subsided with signing of a peace agreement between the youth fighters of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement in Gangura payam, but other armed youths remain in the bushes claiming to be under the opposition faction of SPLA-IO under the leadership of former First Vice President, Riek Machar.

(ST)