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Bosnian parties have asked the Central Electoral Commission for more time to find a compromise on the electoral statute of Mostar, after parliament missed the deadline to agree on reforming it.

Three former journalists are standing as candidates for the mayoralty of Bucharest, while two others have signed up to becomde mayors of two districts of the capital.

Plus de 500 fidèles ont participé aux assises 2016 de l’Union vaudoise des associations musulmanes.

Never heard of the Zhalo 2S14-S Tank Destroyer?  Neither did I.  Luckily I monitor the tank video games just so I can see the latest and greatest "obscure" vehicle that the developers...

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( Première épreuve pour le ministre Homecky)
Les jours à venir , risquent d'être douloureux pour le Bénin et son football si rien n'est fait pour nous conformer aux exigences de la Fifa. En d'autres termes, le compte à rebours a commencé...
Le Bénin sera suspendu par la Fifa si le soir du 04 mai , un nouveau bureau exécutif de la Fédération béninoise de football (Fbf) n'est pas élu. Il faut préciser que ce qui s'apparente à un ultimatum de l'institution faîtière du cuir rond au plan mondial découle du fait qu'il y ait ce qu'elle considère comme une ingérence du politique ou de la justice dans la vie footballistique nationale et ses règlements. Encore quatre jours , et cette lourde sanction qui risque de précipiter le Bénin et son football dans les abyssales profondeurs du néant , plane sur la tête du pays. Nouvellement arrivé, le ministre Oswald Homecky des sports polarise l'attention de tous les férus du cuir rond béninois. Saura -t-il après consultation du gouvernement prendre les décisions qui s'imposent ou laissera t-il faire ? Question rouge à plusieurs inconnues . Dans tous les cas, il lui revient d'entreprendre les démarches pur débloquer la situation au niveau du Comité de normalisation (Conor) pour que les choses rentrent dans l'ordre. Affaire à suivre

Par Marie Soeur Tampily

Le commandant de la compagnie de gendarmerie d'Abomey et ses éléments ont entamé depuis vendredi matin des négociations, qui n'ont encore pas abouti, avec les détenus de la prison civile d'Abomey en mouvement de protestation depuis mercredi pour manque d'eau de consommation. Les navettes incessantes entre le bureau du régisseur, assisté pour la circonstance du procureur près le tribunal d'Abomey, et l'enclos des détenus, sont menées presque dans une discrétion, bouleversée parfois par des propos agaçants et révoltants des prisonniers. Ce contact avec les pensionnaires a été presque négocié, a-t-on constaté. Pourtant, un tollé de réprobation a accueilli le commandant de compagnie, qui a fini par s'entretenir avec les détenus. Ces derniers ne se sont visiblement pas montrés favorables à la proposition d'apaisement, pour que la situation puisse revenir à la normale. Des indiscrétions qui se font persistances font état de ce que les prisonniers ont demandé au commandant, de permettre que le régisseur de la prison vienne échanger avec eux. Une doléance à laquelle le gendarme s'est opposée. Au sortir des discutions avec les détenus, les gendarmes ont jugé qu'il n'est pas possible dans ces conditions, de permettre le moindre contact physique du régisseur avec des prisonniers en colère. « Est-ce qu'on peut contrôler le mental des gens, des prisonniers, peut-on présager de ce qu'ils pensent, de ce qu'ils veulent faire, pour livrer le régisseur au nom d'un quelconque apaisement ? », objecte un gendarme dans la troupe. Les va-et-vient des gendarmes facilitateurs se sont étouffés, du moins les négociations, menées jusqu'à la moitié de l'après-midi. Sur un ton nourri d'espoir, le régisseur de la prison, Louis Houndonougbo, est sorti de son bureau pour confier à l'ABP que les négociations vont se poursuivre, et que l'assaut militaire n'est pas la meilleure solution. Les pensionnaires de ce pénitencier ont depuis mercredi barricadé les entrées du bâtiment qui abrite leurs cellules, se refusant toute visite, tout approvisionnement en eau et en nourriture. A l'origine de cette crise, le manque d'eau de consommation. Les prisonniers qui sont restés plusieurs jours sans trouver à boire ont manifesté mercredi leur colère, en assommant des personnes qu'ils ont dangereusement malmenées dans l'enceinte carcérale.

ABP

VIDÉO - Le premier ministre a rencontré lundi midi son homologue. Il a tout autant été question du méga contrat pour la livraison de douze sous-marins que des échauffourées de la place de la République, en marge de Nuit debout.

Épisode-clé de la crise ivoirienne et de l’histoire récente entre la France et la Côte d’Ivoire, le bombardement de Bouaké est aussi l’un des plus troubles. Le 6 novembre 2004, l’armée ivoirienne bombarde un camp français de la force Licorne à Bouaké. Neuf soldats français et un Américain sont tués, 38 personnes blessées. Après 11 ans d’instruction, que sait-on? Quelles zones d’ombres persistent ? RFI revient sur cet épisode tragique. Une enquête en 5 volets d’Anthony Lattier, avec le concours de Frédéric Garat.

Les deux compagnies itinérantes de Suisse romande ne font plus le poids face aux bulldozers alémaniques Knie et Nock. Témoignages entre deux représentations.

C'est une journée spéciale en hommage à Papa Wemba à Kinshasa. Ce lundi 2 mai, le village Molokaï à Matonge accueille la dépouille mortelle de Papa Wemba, décédé il y a une semaine sur scène à Abidjan, pour les hommages populaires. Autre cérémnie ce lundi matin, en présence du président Joseph Kabila : Papa Wemba a été décoré à titre posthume par le chef de l'Etat de la plus haute distinction du pays.

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Constitutional Court on Sunday has ordered to allow Al-Tayyar newspaper to resume publishing following more than four-month suspension by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

Al-Tayyar editor in chief Osman Merghani (L) speaks in a press conference with his lawyer Nabil Adeeb on Wednesday December 16, 2015 (ST Photo)

In June 2012, NISS suspended al-Tayyar indefinitely and allowed it to reopen in March 2014 upon a ruling of the Constitutional Court. However, it suspended the newspaper again on December 15, 2015.

Following the recent suspension, the newspaper's legal advisor Nabil Adeeb said the ruling of the Constitutional Court underscored that the NISS doesn't have the power to suspend newspapers.

He pointed that article (24) of the Constitutional Court Act prohibits resorting to any other law following its decision not to use it, adding that NISS has repeated its action by suspending al-Tayyar in clear defiance of the law and the court.

Adeeb added that he submitted a claim for the protection of a constitutional right to the Constitutional Court, saying he would use the court's ruling about the unconstitutionality of the suspension decision as a precedent.

On Sunday, publisher and Chief Editor of Al-Tayyar Osman Merghani said the Constitutional Court informed them of its decision to lift the ban on the newspaper, pointing the court ruling was based on the 2014 precedent.

“The publishing of the newspaper has now become legal but we have [internal] administrative and professional arrangements. We would meet to determine the date for resuming publishing within a couple of days,” he said.

Merghani added that the court ruling is considered a resounding victory for the justice and a bright spot for the Sudanese judiciary, describing the ruling as the second “historic decision” by the Constitutional Court.

He described the ruling as a victory for the Sudanese state, pointing they would move forward without holding a grudge against anybody.

For his part, Adeeb described the Constitutional Court's decision as a victory for the concept of the freedom of press, saying however the decision should have been made five months ago.

He stressed that the NISS must respect the court's rulings and refrain from suspending the newspaper again, pointing to the previous court decision which clearly stated that the NISS don't have the power to suspend newspapers.

Last February, Al-Tayyar launched a campaign to collect one million signatures to demand the lift of ban on the newspaper.

Also, in March, the journalists at Al-Tayyar went on a hunger strike to protest against the suspension of the newspaper.

However, a mediation committee comprising members of the Sudanese Journalist Union met with the strikers committee and proposed end the strike in exchange for a pledge that the case be referred to the Constitutional Court.

The mediators who said they are mandated by "official bodies" vowed that the government would be bound by the judge's decision whatever it may be.

Legally, Sudanese press is protected under the provisions of the 2005 interim constitution but in fact the press is harshly controlled by the NISS which censure, confiscate and ban newspapers.

(ST)

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) said that a Sudanese security agent has facilitated the escape of government prisoners of war (POWs) in South Kordofan.

SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi (ST Photo)

On Saturday, the semi-official Sudan Media Center (SMC) said that a special force from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has freed seven oil workers who have been kidnapped by the SPLM-N while they were returning from work.

However, SPLM-N spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, denied that the POWs were freed by a special rescue operation as the NISS claimed, saying the latter doesn't have the capacity to carry out such operation.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, Lodi said the NISS prisoners escaped from Julud area in Dilling County with the help of their night guard Abdel-Haq Mohammed Saeed who joined SPLM/N in 2011 and was a NISS agent.

He stressed that the prisoners have released very confidential information pertaining to the NISS, saying the latter offered to pay 5 billion pounds (SDG) (about $370,000) ransom to secure their release but the movement rejected the offer because it violates its policies and laws in dealing with the POWs.

On Saturday night, the official news agency (SUNA) said the hostages have arrived in the capital, Khartoum.

Meanwhile, Lodi said that his movement was responsible for the crash of a Sudanese army aircraft on Saturday in the capital of North Kordofan state, El-Obied, 588 km south of Khartoum.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami, said that a military plane Antonov 26 crashed while landing in El Obied airport due to a technical failure.

“All the crew members including three officers and two soldiers were killed in the accident,” said the statement.

However, Lodi said their air defences heavily opened fire at the Antonov plane which was bombing civilians and destroying civilian institutions in SPLM/N controlled areas.

He pointed out that the shooting caused a significant damage to the plane and the crew failed to carry out an emergency landing at El-Obied military airport.

Fierce fighting is taking place in the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan following a large-scale campaign launched by the government army against rebel positions.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.

Last December, negotiations between Khartoum and the SPLM-N stalled after the government delegation insisted that the objective of talks is to settle the conflict in the Two Areas, while the SPLM-N team has called for a holistic approach to resolve ongoing conflicts across Sudan.

May 1, 2016 (JUBA) - Authorities in the newly created Northern Liech state have issued a statement expressing sympathies and condolences to family members and relatives of the departed spiritual leader, Dhiador Turoal Thaibany.

Nuer traditional cultural dancers on Sunday at Bentiu Indepedent stadium in Unity state. 10 November 2013 (ST)

The spiritual leader, according to the official statement by Northern Liech government, died on 30 April in his home village of Turakiel. Officials attributed the cause of his death to a long-time illness.

“The Government under the leadership of Governor Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil sent out the state's heartfelt condolences to the Greater Bentiu and particularly the family of Dhiador Turoal Thaibany, who passed away yesterday in his home village had called Turakiel. It is very untimely death and unwelcomed by the entire people of Bentiu and its authority,” the official statement from Northern Liech government extended to Sudan Tribune reads in part.

Late Dhiador Turoal, according to the official government statement, had been the centre piece that glues together the communities of Bentiu and as a visionary leader with wisdom greater beyond any measurable term.

“We the Bentiu communities have learned everything that the late had taught us in tough times and in good times. He had played his role as a responsible man surrounded by not only Leek People but the entire people from South Sudan.”

His home area in Turkiel, the statement added, is home to every person in our country, adding the Leek people in particular regret and mourn the loss of their paramount spiritual leader, who had been in number of years performed miracles that had seen people staying alive and communities staying in peace.

The statement further stated that not only Leek community will be in pain for losing a spiritual leader but the entire state and even the country.

The departed spiritual leader loved and had been survived by a number of children, wives, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives. He lived his life as a hero among his community and his generation.

“He is a symbol of hope to unity among the people. He fed the hungry and shelters the needy in his home village. He is a selfless person with a heart of love and humility. Dhiador had been leading the Leek community and even the neighbouring communities.

The spiritual leader, according to information minister, Lam Tungwar, died at the same time when the transitional government of national unity was being sworn and at the time peace was returning to the country.

Peace has come to our dear State; I am sure because of his bright heart, he dies after seeing peace is finally here,” explained minister Tungwar.

(ST)

May 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has denied United States officials visa in a tit for tat move against Washington because it had previously refused to grant an entry visa to senior Sudanese officials to participate in international meetings.

Sudan's foreign ministry building in Khartoum (SUNA)

Sudan State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Kamal Ismail, told reporters on Sunday, that Khartoum's embassy in Washington received visa applications from U.S. officials and decided to implement reciprocal measures.

However, the minister did not disclose the names of the U.S. official whose visa requests were denied or their reasons to visit Sudan.

Last Tuesday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the acting chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum Benjamin Moeling.

The Deputy Under-secretary of Foreign Ministry, Sirraj Eddin Hamid, conveyed Sudan's protests against delay and denial of visa to enter the United States to Sudanese officials attend United Nations, World Bank and other international forums meetings.

Last week, Ambassador Kamal Ismail, warned that Sudan will deny U.S. officials visa to Sudan.

“Sudan will treat U.S. the same way if Sudanese official further denied visa or their applications delayed” said Ambassador Kamal Ismail, confirming that Sudan has its own measures as well and will give visa only to those who safeguard Sudan's interest.

Recently, Washington refused visas to senior Sudanese officials, including the ministers of interior, education and the state minister for health.

(ST)

May 1, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, has reiterated his calls for cooperation among new cabinet ministers in the newly formed unity government, saying the ministers should now see themselves as colleagues and work together as one unit to deliver basic services to the people.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (C) poses for a picture after the government swearing in with his first deputy Riek Machar (R) and second deputy James Wani on 29 April 2016 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

President Kiir also said he would recognize those ministers who perform in their jobs.

“It will not be a usual business. Things will have to change. This time I will be watching closely because people need services and with this government they are expecting a lot. The expectations are high,” said Kiir on Sunday.

The president also encouraged competition in performance among the ministers but warned that it should be a healthy competition with the intention to deliver.

“There is nothing wrong with competition. What is wrong is rivalry that ends in hatred and undermining each other. But I would prefer to have a cabinet that is competing. If one is praised today you will say tomorrow I want to be praised more; this is what teamwork is all about and this is how we will achieve our objectives in a shorter period of time,” he said.

He told the cabinet ministers to always remember that they are one family and as a family team and as patriots, they should always remember that if one team member is down, all of them have failed the person.

He again stressed the need to work as a team saying nobody has the solution to everything except the God.

“Only the Almighty God knows all the problems and all the solutions as he has everything. Therefore, we need to work together as a team basing our hope, faith and destiny in the capable hands of the Almighty God,” he said.

Well, all areas are challenging and if the team captain thinks that work is difficult, what about the coach who would have to bear the responsibility for the performance of the team? But, where there is faith in God there is bound to be success[ful] and I have no doubt that we will succeed as a nation and we will build a type of great nation that we all yearn for and make this nation a better reference point in all positive human endeavours for the rest of mankind.”

The former rebel commander turned politician and became the president of the young country averred that he has more confidence in government than ever before.

“Because, the country has the resources that it takes to bring about an economic superpower status. But the resources have to be suited and used for the purpose. What are the resources I am talking about? I am talking about the human resources, human capacity,” he added.

President Kiir also informed the gathering that the country had the requisite natural resources that if used properly could propel the country into a greater nation.

He also stressed the need for attitudinal change and for people to be sincere and honest to themselves as well as the country.

“Many a time you see people castigate others that are honest and hardworking patriots of this country. Oh! That's the president's friend! Is it a taboo to be the friend of the President? If you are delivering you will be my friend,” he further remarked.

The South Sudanese leader went on to stress that whoever is hardworking and loyal to the nation is his friend, reiterating that his objective is to develop the country.

“So let us work as a team. The most important thing is that as a leader in your department and ministry you are the role model. The under-secretary is watching you and the director general is watching the under-secretary and the minister and everybody is watching. When the minister suffers from such negative attitude, the under-secretary, director general and all other people to the last person including the driver all become affected. What does that translate into? Nothing is done on time in that ministry. Undue favouritism is unacceptable too,” he stated.

The president made it clear that undue favouritism will have no place in his government this time around, decrying instances when people are treated nicely no matter what they do, while others are treated badly no matter what they do.

He also stressed the fact that people should remember that one day everyone will be judged by the performance, where there will be no driver and everyone will be treated according to their performance.

Speaking at the same getting together lunch, the vice president, James Wani Igga, also thanked the president for his foresight in the appointment of the new ministers, who he noted, are not new faces in cabinet as they have served previously.

He challenged them to continue their hard work, while praying that God continues to guide them to enable them to excel in their respective duties. He further remarked that with the accumulated experience they have different area, he is confident they will live up to the tasks.

“As I mentioned earlier, the work is more urgent now than before and under the leadership of comrade President we need to double our efforts. It's a very turbulent but peace and stability reigns in the country, because of the guidance and protection of God Almighty and the sort of leadership we have,” he said.

The president told the ministers that their coming on board will help the country maintain that peace and stability to concentrate on more development.

We are here as one family trying to meet the objectives and the vision of the SPLM ,” he said.

(ST)

Les deux journées de débats sur l’école organisées lundi 2 et mardi 3 mai à Paris s’apparentent à une opération séduction envers des enseignants dont le cœur penche à gauche mais qui sont désormais tentés par les extrêmes.

Les manifestants dénoncent un maintien de l’ordre créateur de tensions et réfutent l’idée d’un mouvement infiltré par des casseurs.

Der Chef der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (Deza), Manuel Sager, nimmt Stellung zu den Forderungen, der Entwicklungshilfe die Gelder zu kürzen.

Les rideaux sont tombés sur le Festival International de Création Cinématographique de Guinée 2016 dont le palmarès consacre l’Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel (ISMA) à travers le documentaire « OKUTA, la Pierre ».

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Jean-Marc Ayrault et son homologue allemand Frank-Walter Steinmeier entament ce lundi 2 mai une visite de deux jours au Mali et au Niger. Les deux chefs de la diplomatie sont arrivés à Bamako dimanche soir. Ils se rendront ensuite à Gao puis à Niamey. Objectif de ce déplacement conjoint, le troisième du genre : montrer que l'Europe, l'Allemagne et la France partagent le même intérêt à stabiliser la région.