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November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The independent doctors union, Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) on Monday said the third day of their renewed strike (Sunday) was a complete success.

On 6 October, Sudanese doctors staged a strike and refused non-emergency treatments to patients to protest the poor working conditions, lack of medicines and protection of doctors after increasing attacks on medical staff by frustrated patients and their families.

On 13 October, the CCED called off the strike following government pledges to introduce a bill to the parliament to protect doctors, improve training conditions for registrars and improve work environment in hospitals.

However, the CCSD last Tuesday announced resumption of a two-day strike every week during November, saying the government didn't honour its commitments.

In a report released on Wednesday; the striking doctors said that 60 public hospitals have participated in the strike on Tuesday. They also warned against attempts by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) to intimidate the doctors and bread the movement.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, the CCSD expressed commitment to continue the strike to meet the doctors' demands, pointing to the large support rendered by doctors to the CCSD as their sole representative body.

It added that the strike would enter its fourth day on Monday, saying that 9 doctors from the CCSD's central committee and subcommittees are being detained for the seventh day while several others have been summoned by the NISS.

(ST)

November 6, 2016 – South Sudan's main opposition party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change Party (SPLM-DC) have elected a new leader to replace its founding chairperson.

Onyoti Adigo Nyikec (mcclatchy)

This comes after Lam Akol, the party's founder, resigned in August.

He served as Agriculture minister in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Akol formed an armed opposition party, known as the National Democratic Movement, to remove President Salva Kiir from power.

However, in a vote marred by boycotts, SPLM-DC elected Onyoti Adigo, formerly leader of the minority in Parliament, to replace Akol.

Onyoti vowed he would work for the interest of all party members, including those who opposed his election to increase support base.

The party's secretary general, Deng Bior absented himself from the poll process, citing improper preparations prior to the voting day.

“The extraordinary convention of the party has no agenda and it should be cancelled,” he told reporters in the capital, Juba Monday.

But attempts by the secretary general to halt the process failed as acting party leader, Donald Gideon Azomuna insisted that discussions focuses on electing a new chairman to replace Akol.

“Deng Bior and those who boycotted the meeting will be dealt with by the new chairman and their issue will soon be resolved,” said Azomuna.

The SPLM-DC is the only entity that defeated ruling party in six constituencies during the country's 2010 general elections. The party did not win outside the Shilluk area, from where both Akol and its new chairperson hail.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

October 7, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – A member of South Sudan's armed opposition (SPLM-IO) said they released dozens of Kenyan aid workers held in Akobo state.

Those recently arrested worked for non-governmental entities in rebel-controlled areas.

The opposition movement's move against the Kenyans appears to be in retaliation to Kenya's move to deport SPLM-IO spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak to South Sudan.

Goanar Gordon Yien, secretary in the office of the chairman told Sudan Tribune that 72 aid workers arrested by SPLM-IO field commanders and governors have been freed.

Yien said the aid workers were freed after the former vice-president, Riek Machar, ordered their release, saying they were innocent and had nothing to do with Dak's deportation.

Machar's spokesperson was picked from his residence in Nairobi on Wednesday by uniformed and non-uniformed wearing officers claiming to be Kenyan authorities.

On Thursday last week, Dak was flown to the South Sudan capital and imprisoned. Although not much is known about his situation, opposition officials fear he could be killed.

“We heard he is safe but for us we are not sure .We are concerned about his situation. We can't trust Juba government”, said Yien.

He urged the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and East African regional bloc (IGAD) member states to put pressure on Juba government for his immediate release.

Dak, who is also a United States citizen, was deported after he posted a statement on Facebook welcoming United Nations Secretary General's decision to dismiss it's peacekeeping boss in South Sudan, Lt. General. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Opposition officials in Addis Ababa alleged that First Vice president, Taban Deng, proposed names of 15 South Sudanese opposition figures to be deported to Juba.

The plan, sources said, was to bring alive politicians they accuse of spreading war messages. It was also intended to discourage war mongers residing in Kenya.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (JUBA) – Nearly a dozen people were injured in a grenade attack, which occurred in South Sudanese capital, Juba on Sunday night.

A picture showing a grenade explosion (garrysmod.org)

Eyewitnesses said the injured were rushed to Juba teaching hospital.

The motive of the incident remains unknown.

On Saturday, 11 people died when a gunman shot at a group of people watching football in the South Sudan capital. 16 others were wounded.

The incident occurred at Gure, an area south-west of the South Sudan capital.

No suspect has been apprehended in connection to the Saturday incident and no group or person has claimed any responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Police have launched a joint operation to arrest the attacker.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Small-scale protests continued for a second day on Monday in several places in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum and elsewhere against government's decision to lift fuel and electricity subsidies.

Sudanese government on Thursday lifted fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

On Sunday night, dozens of people staged demonstrations in the capital of al-Jazeera state, Wad Medani and chanted “Freedom. Peace. Justice. Revolution is the choice of the people” before they were dispersed by police and security services.

In one Khartoum neighbourhood, al Deim, protesters on Sunday marched on side streets chanting anti-regime slogans.

On Monday, students from the University of Khartoum (UofK) on Monday took to the streets to protest against price increase before riot police used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Also, engineering students from Wadi El-Neel University in Atbara, 320 km. north of Khartoum on Monday afternoon staged a demonstration that roamed a number of the main streets in the city.

Hundreds of high school students took to the streets in South Darfur's capital, Nyala to protest against the rise in fuel and electricity price.

A number of students told Sudan Tribune that riot police excessive tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, saying the decision to raise fuel and electricity price has increased the suffering of their families.

They demanded the ministry of finance to reverse its decision immediately.

A reliable source told Sudan Tribune that the government has deployed large military troops on the main streets of Nyala with armored trucks roaming the streets to prevent further protests.

Meanwhile, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has continued its arrest campaign and detained the Secretary General of the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) Mastoor Ahmed on Monday just hours following the arrest of the party's former chairman Ibrahim Al-Shiekh.

However, SCoP chairman Omer al-Digair told Sudan Tribune on Monday that his party wouldn't abandon its national responsibility, saying they are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful expression.

He vowed they will continue their peaceful resistance until achieving victory for the Sudanese people, stressing that he is not afraid of detention.

In recent months, the SCoP has challenged the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and organized political activities in public and open places calling on the citizens to resist the regime and take to the streets in protest against the deterioration of living conditions at all levels.

It is noteworthy that the NISS this week arrested several SCoP's officials including its deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef , chairman of the Central Council Abdel-Qayoum Awad El-Sid, deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef and deputy Information Secretary Abdalla Shams al-Koun.

On Wednesday, the government deployed large police units and security forces on strategic buildings and streets in the capital Khartoum in anticipation of popular protests against the measures.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (EL GENEINA) - The Governor of West Darfur State, Fadl al-Mula al-Haga, has vowed to impose the state authority, rule of law and fight against all forms of crime in his state.

Addressing the residents of “Beidah” locality, 80 km south-west of the state capital El Geneina on Monday, al-Haga pledged to provide security in all parts of the state, stressing that West Darfur state is able to achieve many service projects such as health, education, water and roads projects.

He further announced his government plans to promote the national dialogue recommendations, protection of the agricultural season and repairing the social fabric and peaceful coexistence among the components of society.

The governor called on the citizens to pay attention to their children's education as the only way to create a better society.

Last August, al-Haga has been appointed governor for West Darfur State replacing Khalil Abdallah. It was the second dismissal of West Darfur governor by President Omer al-Bashir during a three-month period as result of the deteriorating security situation.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in Mara area, 60 km north of El Geneina town on the Chadian border.

Also on 23 May, armed men belonging to a militia launched a revenge attack on a mosque in the town of "Azrna", 10 km east of El Geneina, killing eight people and wounding several others. Following what, the local authorities deployed further troops in anticipation of a possible deterioration of the security situation.

For his part, “Beidah” locality administrator, Osman Youssef, confirmed that they will implement all the state government decisions which ban riding of motorcycles and wearing of Kadamool (a turban which covers the face) besides holding arms as well as enforcement of emergency measures in the border areas.

UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in Darfur conflict since 2003, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

(ST)

November 6, 2016 (GULU) - South Sudanese living in the Northern Ugandan district of Gulu find it a struggle to cope with daily activities in Kanyagoga, a town suburb which currently houses hundreds of refugees, predominantly from the war-hit nation.

South Sudanese refugees arrival at Kiryandongo settlement camp 16, 02,2014 (ST)

35-year old Rachael Ajak Dhieu says living in Gulu is not easy, while comparing her current situation to life in hell, yet she cannot return to her native country due to the ongoing conflict between rival forces.

A mother of six, Ajak and her family survive on what her husband earns from teaching in various primary schools located in Gulu town.

“I don't have any job or [receive] funding. Nothing, but at least the kids go to school through my husband's support,” she narrates.

Ajak left South Sudan when civil war broke out in December 2013, and is less optimistic of returning to the young nation anytime soon.

The 35-year old mother of six regularly attends counseling sessions provided by a local counselor at Kanyagoga, a village in Gulu town.

The counselor, Florence Atoo admits relation between South Sudanese and local communities have improved in the recent times.

“South Sudanese and the host community in my area have a fine relation. They have no issues with rent, they even chat with neighbours because they are used to them unlike in the previous days when they used to quarrel,” she told Sudan Tribune.

Atoo admitted that good relations between South Sudanese and their neighbours will enable them survive without any setbacks.

“I don't have any problem with them because they are good and peaceful since we are all the same people with one historical background,” stressed the counselor, who has been helping South Sudanese in her area acquire land as well as houses for rent.

For Chandra Lucy, Gulu town was chosen as a home for safety purposes.

“There is nothing I see here in Gulu like disturbing, fighting, beatings, breaking of doors or even being called out at night,” she says.

Chan Reec, another resident of Kanyagoga, described as wonderful the relationship between South Sudanese the host communities.

But just like other South Sudanese families, Reec's family members often interact with the locals, despite the language barriers.

Majority of South Sudanese came to Kanyagoga more than three years ago.

(ST)

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a £100m contract to MBDA to equip the UK Royal Navy's entire Type 26 global combat ships with the advanced Sea Ceptor air defence missile system.

The US Navy has tested the AN/AQS-20A variable depth sonar system’s hydrodynamic behaviour when towed by various surface and semi-submersible vehicles.

Americas

• The net cast in search of new warships for Canada has been widened as Ottawa allows designs still yet to be proven to be allowed into the competition. It had previously been decided that only off the shelf designs would be considered. Local firms are said to benefit from the change as a new design is not wedded to foreign systems, and could potentially provide Canada with the most up to date technologies. The criteria change will also allow for the participation of BAE Systems latest Type 26 design, however critics of the changes claim that a proven design would cut the amount of technical risk and speed up the procurement process for Canada.

Middle East & North Africa

• The Algerian Army has discovered an illegal weapons stockpile in the southern desert province of Adrar. Included in the cache were 17 anti-helicopter missiles, 28 grenades, 27 grenade detonators, one rocket launcher, 20 ammunition magazines and 200 bullets. With Islamic State militants currently on the back foot in neighboring Libya, surrounding governments have been wary of fighters and weapons flowing across the porous desert borders to ignite further chaos across the region.

• Turkey’s FNSS and the Indonesian PT Pindad have completed a joint design for a medium-weight tank and started production of a prototype. Known as the Modern Medium Weight Tank, the vehicle features advanced ballistic and mine protection, a broad range of fire power, advanced electronic controlled systems and a heavy duty suspension system. The vehicle will be fitted with an automatic electronic-controlled transmission with a minimum of 20hp/ton ratio, depending on the configurable protection system. Its six-wheeled suspension system will be built on torsion bars with double pinned tracks.

Europe

• Deutsche Telekom will launch a drone defense system this year designed to guard airports, stadiums, car test tracks and critical infrastructure. The German firm has been asked by car manufacturers to design a system that would prevent UAVs from snapping photos of prototypes they test on race tracks, while football club FC Bayern Munich is looking for a system to prevent their use during matches. It has been reported in German media that the company had invited a number of drone defense firms to a demonstration of their technology in July, including US-based Dedrone, Australia’s Droneshield, Norway’s Squarehead Technology and Airbus’s Rohde & Schwarz.

• Egypt and Russia have been dragged into the ongoing war of words surrounding Poland’s dropped Caracel helicopter deal with Airbus and France. Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz accused Egypt of reselling French-built Mistral amphibious assault ships initially intended for Russia to the Russian Navy for the princely sum of €1. Yes, one Euro. The comments, made during a parliamentary session, outraged France, who abandoned the Russian sale under pressure from NATO allies. However Macierewicz’s remarks pale in comparison to his deputy who dismissively said that the Poles had taught the French “to eat with a fork a couple of centuries ago” after France revoked Poland’s invitation to the Euronaval 2016 defense expo in Paris.

Asia Pacific

• While most of the US and world have their eyes upon who will be the next commander-in-chief, North Korea may use the opportunity to launch their next Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). An official said the move by Pyongyang could be interpreted as sending a strong message to the next US President, whether it be Trump, Clinton, Stein or Johnson. Besides the missile launch, military forces on the Korean peninsula are not ruling out other forms of provocations by the North, although they have as yet detected nothing out of the ordinary along the heavily guarded DMZ.

• Details have emerged on India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vishal. Naval planners anonymously revealed that the warship will be powered by a nuclear reactor, will have space for 55 aircraft which will be launched using the American-made Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). We’ll be waiting a while however, as the ship is not expected to enter service until the 2030s.

• Singapore’s procurement of helicopters set to replace their aging fleet of Super Puma and Chinooks will see contracts go to both Airbus and Boeing. While details regarding price and unit numbers have yet to be released, the city-state will buy a number of H225M medium-lift helicopters from Airbus and CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing, rumored to cost in the region of $1 billion. Singapore’s defense budget is the largest of its south-east Asian neighbors and they are actively looking to increase capabilities as China increases their assertiveness in the South China Sea.

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PT. Pindad & FNSS Modern Medium Weight Tank:

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