Africa

Following a series of armed attacks on camps hosting displaced Sudanese in central Darfur, the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission there has urged all parties to respect designated humanitarian areas, which it says should be free of weapons, threats, and violence.

Ethiopia's small businesses are being hit hard by a lack of access to foreign cash.

Why President Buhari of Nigeria is reluctant to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Increased competition in Zambia's mobile phone sector is worrying its street vendors.

Tunisian female referee Dorsaf Ganaouati has begun breaking down the barriers in a world dominated by men and she is determined to continue.

Zimbabwe international striker Knowledge Musona says he is excited about his switch from KV Oostende to Belgian rivals Anderlecht

Liverpool's Sadio Mane donates 300 shirts to locals in his hometown in Senegal so they can wear them during the Champions League final.

May 24, 2018 (JUBA) - Health partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in South Sudan, have initiated Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaigns to mitigate the risk of cholera outbreaks during the current rainy season across the country.

A child receives an oral cholera vaccine dose in the South Sudan capital, Juba (Medair Photo)

The campaigns, officials says, are targeting over 854,000 people in South Sudan's cholera endemic ‘hot spots' in the first half of 2018 and will incorporate water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions that are critical to achieve the global target of attaining a 90% reduction of cholera deaths by 2030.

“These OCV campaigns are critical for preventing recurrent cholera outbreaks in endemic areas,” said Wamala Joseph, Epidemiologist at World Health Organization (WHO) South Sudan.

“They provide protection in the immediate term and serve as a bridge to rolling out long-term and sustainable WASH interventions in cholera hot spots,” he added.

According to the WHO, since January 2018, a total of 60,614 people were vaccinated in the first round of OCV campaigns in Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site and Wau Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites, another 173,480 people vaccinated in the second round of OCV campaigns in Aburoc and Wau IDP sites, Budi county, Malaka town and Malakal PoC site.

Variations in coverage, WHO says, are due to unpredictable population movements, either due to conflict-related displacements or seasonal movement in search of water, pasture and food.

South Sudan has, since 2013, faced several outbreaks of cholera affecting vulnerable populations in IDP camps, urban informal settlements, and cattle camps as well as rural population, island dwellers and communities along River Nile.

According to WHO, more than 20,000 cases of cholera, including 436 deaths were reported during the longest and largest cholera outbreak that lasted from 18 June 2016 to 7 February 2018.

(ST)

A group of female boxers who train in a makeshift boxing ring in the dirt plan to take gold at the 2020 Olympics.

IGAD Bridging Proposal on outstanding issues in South Sudan revitalization forum

A BRIDGING PROPOSAL

TOWARDS THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES IN THE HIGH-LEVEL REVITALIZATION FORUM OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA–21 MAY 2018

After eleven (11) months of intensive engagements and negotiations to revitalize the ARCSS as mandated by the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government on 12 June 2017, ten (10) key Governance and Security issues remain outstanding. This proposal reflects a considered effort to identify middle ground between the different negotiating positions.

CHAPTER I: REVITALIZED TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY

1. Principles of Governance for the Transitional Period

1.1. Governance during the Transitional Period shall be guided by the following principles and considerations:
1.1.1. the necessity of renewing and strengthening the Transitional Government to reflect the diversity of South Sudan and to deliver the goals of the Transition;
1.1.2. the imperative for inclusive responsibility-sharing, ensuring the equitable participation of oppositional entities, women, regions, and youth;
1.1.3. the need to cooperate in the delivery of the goals of the Transition, and in the effective implementation of this Agreement;
1.1.4. separation of powers and functions between the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government;

1.1.5. maintaining effective checks and balances in the exercise of executive power;
1.1.6. collegiality and effective coordination within the Executive, and particularly the Presidency;
1.1.7. ensuring competence and efficiency in the leadership of the Transition and in the delivery of public and social services;
1.1.8. the urgency of responding effectively to the popular demand for a Federal system of government by:

(a) accelerating the devolution of power and resources to local levels of government; and,
(b) undertaking effective consultations and preparations for adopting a Federal system for South Sudan in the Permanent Constitution; and,

1.1.9. the imperative of promoting dialogue, consultation and popular participation in key national decisions, while also ensuring the coherence and complementarity of such initiatives.

Structure of the Transitional Government

2. The proposed structure of the Executive of the revitalised TGoNU shall be as follows:

(a) The President (TGoNU);

(b) The First Vice President (nominated by SPLM/A-IO)1;

(c) The Vice President (TGoNU);

(d) The Third Vice President (nominated by Other Parties & Entities (SSOA, FDs & OPP));
(e) The Ministers (42 ministries in 3 clusters); and

(f) The Deputy Ministers (15).

1 SPLM/A-IO led by Dr. Riek Machar

2.1. The First Vice President, the Vice President and Third Vice President shall oversee the Cabinet Clusters as follows:

(a) First Vice President, Governance Cluster.
(b) Vice President, Economic Cluster.

(c) Third Vice President, Services Delivery Cluster.

3. The Composition of the Government

3.1. The Incumbent TGoNU, comprising of: the former GRSS; former SPLM/A-IO (Taban Deng); and Other Political Parties allied to the GRSS;
3.2. The SPLM/A-IO (led by Dr Riek Machar)

3.3. The Other Parties and Entities (OPE) which includes the following: Former Detainees (FDs); Other Political Parties; and, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
4. Responsibility Sharing

4.1. Pursuant to the mandate of the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF), the imperative to achieve genuine inclusivity in the composition of the revitalized TGoNU, and thereby to enhance the visible representation of regions and communities; the parties shall make necessary adjustments to the power-sharing formula adopted in the ARCSS (2015), to better reflect the new realities in South Sudan and in particular, to ensure the inclusivity of the revitalized TGoNU.
4.2. In the re-allocation of responsibility, the following considerations shall apply:

(a) the political complexion, and reach of a party within the country;
(b) any shift in allegiances;
(c) the emergence of new opposition entities;
(d) the relative premium of the various high offices;
(e) the inherent advantages of incumbency;
(f) the need to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement by competent representatives; and,

(g) the imperative to inspire confidence in the transitional government, particularly within the civilian population, including displaced persons and refugees.

4.3. Allocation of responsibilities

4.3.1. Given the current configuration of parties at the HLRF, and in line with the rationales specified above, the following allocations shall apply:

(a) the TGoNU is assigned 55%;
(b) the SPLM/A-IO is assigned 25%;
(c) the OPE is assigned 20% (FDs: 5%; OPP: 5% & SSOA: 10%)

5. Structure and Composition of State Governments

5.1. No later than one month from the commencement of the Transitional Period, the leadership of the States shall be reconstituted.
5.2. The power-sharing ratio for the allocation of States Governors shall be follows:

(a) the Incumbent TGoNU 65%;
(b) the SPLM/A-IO 25%;
(c) the OPE 10%.

5.3. The above ratio shall also apply to the State Council of Ministers.

5.4. In the nomination of Opposition candidates for gubernatorial positions in Greater Upper Nile, precedence shall be given to the SPLM/A-IO.
5.5. In the nomination of Opposition candidates for gubernatorial positions in Greater Equatoria, precedence shall be given to nominations by OPE.
5.6. Inclusive Boundary Commission

5.6.1. Immediately upon the signing of this Agreement, the revitalized TGoNU shall appoint an Inclusive Boundary Commission (IBC) to review the number and boundary of the States of South Sudan.
5.6.2. The membership of the IBC shall be drawn from eminent South Sudanese and representatives of the regional guarantors and international

community within JMEC, and shall be chaired by a Judge of the Supreme Court of South Sudan.
5.6.3. The IBC should complete its work within 180 days, and make recommendations on the number and boundary of States to be adjusted during the Transitional Period.
5.6.4. The recommendations of the IBC shall be binding on the revitalized TGoNU.
6. The Transitional National Legislature

6.1. The Transitional National Legislature (TNL) shall consist of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Council of States.
6.2. Within 90 days of the signing of this Agreement, the tenure of the sixty-eight
(68) additional members of the expanded Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) pursuant to ARCSS 2015 shall be terminated.
6.3. The TNLA shall be further expanded to four hundred forty (440) members and reconstituted as follows:

(a) The three hundred and thirty-two (332) members as at 15 December 2013;
(b) The additional One hundred and Eight (108) members shall be appointed according to the following criteria:

• SPLM/A-IO seventy (70) members; and
• Other Parties and Entities: thirty-eight (38) members.

6.4. The duration and term of the expanded and reconstituted TNLA shall run concurrently with that of the Revitalised TGoNU, until such time as Elections are held.
6.5. The selection of the Speaker of the TNLA, who shall hail from the Equatoria and nominated by the TGoNU, shall be conducted once the expansion of the membership of the Assembly is complete.
6.6. During the Transitional Period, there shall be established the office of the Deputy Speaker of the TNLA.

6.7. The Deputy Speaker, shall be nominated by SPLM/A-IO, once the expansion of the membership of the Assembly is complete.
6.8. The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker shall serve for the duration of the Transitional Period. In case the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is for any reason unable to continue in office, they shall be replaced by selection based on the same criteria above.
6.9. Decisions in the TNLA on matters pertaining to this Agreement shall be by consensus and failing consensus, by a two thirds (2/3) majority of all the members.
6.10. Decisions in the TNLA on other matters not related to this Agreement shall be by consensus and failing of which by simple majority.
6.11. The functions and mandate of the TNL shall remain as stipulated in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 as amended in 2015, unless otherwise specified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.12. In the conduct of its business, the TNL shall at all times support the implementation of this Agreement and enact the necessary legislation to facilitate the transitional processes and reforms stipulated in this Agreement.

Council of States

6.13. The composition, functions and mandate of the Council of States shall continue as provided under the TCRSS 2011, for the duration of the Transitional Period, until Elections are held.
7. Question of System of Government, Federalism:

7.1. The ARCSS already recognises that a federal system of government is a popular demand of the people of South Sudan, and that there is a need to reflect this demand by way of devolution of more power and resources to lower levels of government, and to initiate preparations for the adoption of a federal and democratic system of government within the Permanent Constitution-making process.
7.2. Accordingly, the IBC shall also consider the question of the enhancement of devolution and development of federal system and shall make its recommendations to the Ministry for Federal Affairs, to the National

Constitution Review Commission (NCRC) or any other body charged with collecting information relevant to the making of the permanent constitution.

Other Proposals to be considered

8. Transition Facilitation Council

8.1. There shall be established a Six Member High-Level Transition Facilitation Council (TFC) which shall be drawn from eminent persons mandated to support the implementation of the Agreement.
8.2. The Council shall be an exclusively national body, composed of South Sudanese of high moral standing at least two of whom shall be women. Its composition shall be reflective of the diversity of the nation.
8.3. Members of the TFC shall act individually and collectively to facilitate and encourage the TGoNU, mobilise and sensitise the people of South Sudan generally to achieve the goals of the Transition and uphold cohesion of the nation and may be called upon to assist in the resolution of any problems or difficulties that might arise within the Presidency.
8.4. The TGoNU shall facilitate the TFC and provide it with a secretariat within the Office of the President. The TFC shall also receive status reports and briefings from the JMEC, and CTSAMM, on the implementation of this Agreement and undertake follow up with relevant authorities as appropriate.
8.5. Members of the TFC shall be appointed by the Presidency on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
9. Displacements from Positions - Remedies

9.1. Where, as a consequence of the allocation of positions under this Agreement a post-holder is displaced from a post, the Transitional Government shall make every effort to find an alternative position for that person, including in the reconstituted boards and commissions as appropriate.
9.2. Affected persons may include:

(a) a member of the Executive;
(b) a Governor or other office holder in a State; and

(c) a member of the TNL.

9.3. In the event that a person cannot be accommodated in a suitable alternative position, the Transitional Government shall endeavour to make an appropriate ex gratia payment or form of compensation to that person.
9.4. The Transitional Government shall establish a Fund or modality for the making of such payments.
10. Benefits and Standing of Former Leaders

10.1. Within 30 days of the signing of this Agreement, legislation shall be introduced in the TNLA to make adequate provision for the benefits, emoluments and standing of former leaders.
10.2. Legislation shall provide for benefits of a former leader, including an office, staff, protection and allocation of sufficient resources commensurate to their standing as leaders.
10.3. A former leader shall be facilitated by the TGoNU to play a consultative and advisory role in supporting the goals of the Transition, particularly the pursuit of reconciliation, healing and nation-building.
10.4. The Executive of the Transitional Government will adopt procedures and processes for enabling a former leader to fulfil this role.

May 24, 2018 (JUBA) - The IGAD chief mediator has called on the South Sudanese parties to mull over the IGAD proposals to bridge the caps over the power sharing and security arrangements during the interim period.

Speaking during the closing session of Phase II of the High- Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismael Wais pointed to the efforts exerted to reach the Bridging Proposal saying the result of intensive consultations.

He called on the parties to study the proposal, hinting that he would keep working on it until it is accepted by all the parties as an agreement on the implementation of the outstanding issues.

"I further encourage the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders to consider the IGAD bridging proposals which reflect a considered effort to identify common ground between the different negotiating positions," said the IGAD chief mediator.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) rejected the proposal saying it endorses the status quo and rewards Juba for its role in the failure of peace agreement implementation in July 2016.

The SPLM-IO "does not believe that simply distributing positions will resolve the conflict" said the main rebel group.

The IGAD Proposal seen by Sudan Tribune reinstate Riek Machar in his position as First Vice President.

Also, it creates a position for a third vice-president to be named by the other opposition groups including Former Detainees (FDs); Other Political Parties; and, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

At the level of the national government, the proposed compromise gives the current government led by President Salva Kiir 55% of the positions, the SPLM/A-IO is assigned 25%; and the remaining opposition groups are assigned 20% (FDs: 5%; OPP: 5% & SSOA: 10%)

The bridging proposal allocates to the SPLM-IO 25% of the state governors, 65% to Juba government and 10% to the other opposition groups.

However, the proposal maintains the current 32 states in South Sudan established by the President Salva Kiir, saying this regional administrative system violates the peace agreement of August 2015.

The proposal on the security arrangements dealt with five outstanding issues including demilitarization of civilian centres, cantonment of forces security of juba during the transitional period, security sector (reform/establishment) and the timeframe for the unification of forces and approach to the formation of one national army.

The IGAD Council of Ministers will determine the resumption of the peace talks and decide on the way forward.

(ST)

Click here to read the full text of the Bridging Proposal over outstanding issues on South Sudan Governance

May 24, 2018 (KHARTOUM) -The Darfur Bar Association (DBA) Thursday called on the international community to press Sudanese government to abide by its commitments and to cease attacks on displaced persons in Darfur.

In a statement released on Thursday, the civil society group of Darfur lawyers strongly condemned the recent three attacks on IDPs camps in Central Darfur by the Sudanese government forces.

We "call on the international community, especially the United Nations, the Security Council, the European Union, the Troika and the United States of America, to commit the regime to respect its international commitments, to end (attacks) on the displaced and to endanger their lives and to disarm armed tribal militias," reads a statement released by the DBA.

The group, also, called on the UNAMID to investigate into the repeated militia attacks on IDPs camps in Darfur and particularly on Khamsa Dagaig and Arbida camps and to make recommendations to the UN Security Council to hold accountable the responsible of the attacks in line with the international law.

The DBA urged the victims of the recent attacks and their affected families to lodge complaints against the perpetrators of the attacks, "who are known".

In a statement on these attacks, UNAMID said it would collaborate with the Sudanese authorities to protect civilians and engage with them with regard to "this matter at all levels".

The hybrid operation further said it will increase the patrols in and around the IDPs camps and will dispatch "integrated teams to verify these incidents and engage with the relevant local authorities in efforts to calm the situation and prevent further attacks".

(ST)

May 24, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Liberation Movement -Abdel Wahid (SLM-AW) said they repelled a fresh government attack on their positions in the southern part of Jebel Marra area in Central Darfur state.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, the SLM-AW said the fighting, which took place in Kara Gobo area, lasted for 18 hours on Wednesday and resumed on Thursday for six hours.

The rebel group said they killed 37 government forces, adding that 82 Land Curser vehicles, an Antonov bombardier and a military chopper took part in the fighting from the government side.

In a related development, the newly appointed Central Darfur Governor Mohamed Ahmed Gad Elsid vowed to hunt the rebel fighters from their hideouts in the caves of the mountainous Jebel Marra area.

Speaking in a public rally in the state capital Zaligei, Gad Elsid called on the armed groups to join the peace process saying the government extends its hands to the rebel fighters to end the fighting and build the war-affected areas.

He further pointed to the need to re-establish state authority in Central Darfur and to control troublemakers who cause insecurity and attacks civilians.

"We will pursue criminals by land and air and in the caves of Jebel Marra by all possible means," he asserted.

The voluntary return and repairing the social fabric and relationship between the state's tribal components top the priorities of his mandate as instructed by the presidency.

(ST)

Cheap and easy to obtain, the painkiller Tramadol has millions of Egyptians hooked on getting high.

Cheap and easy to obtain, the painkiller Tramadol has millions of Egyptians hooked on getting high.

A selection of the best photos from across Africa this week.

May 25, 2018 (EL-FASHER) - Darfur hybrid peacekeeping operation (UNAMID) Thursday said deeply concerned by the recent surge of attacks on internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Central Darfur state.

The attacks which are a consequence of the increased fighting in the mountainous area of Jebel Marra took place in three sites including Khamsa Dagaig, Ardayba and Jedda IDP camps between 21 and 23 May 2018.

Four civilians were reportedly killed and dozens wounded by the government forces.

In a statement released Thursday, the UNAMID expressed "deep concern" about recent attacks on three camps in Central Darfur state.

The joint mission underscored that the IDPs camps are considered "humanitarian space which should be free of weapons", adding that attacks, harassment on civilians could constitute a grave violation of the international humanitarian law.

"While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the Government of Sudan, UNAMID shall continue to collaborate with the relevant government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels," said Jeremiah Mamabolo, UNAMID head.

Mamabolo further said the hybrid mission, in reaction to these attacks, decided to increase the number and frequency of patrols in and around the affected camps and will send "integrated teams" to verify these incidents and engage with the relevant local authorities to calm the situation and prevent further attacks.

Last year the UN decided to reduce its peacekeepers in Darfur but made an exception for Central Darfur state where rebels refuse to join the peace process or to declare a unilateral cessation of hostilities.

The government last week admitted the increase of fighting with the armed groups saying the attack vehicles and commercial convoys and destabilize its efforts to restore security in the region.

Also, Sudanese officials say the rebel fighters hid in the IDPs camps. But, the armed groups deny the claim.

(ST)

The Liberian FA (LFA) is to break ranks with the rest of Africa and vote against Morocco when the decision on who will host the 2026 World Cup is held.

by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavu?o?lu

As Turkey marks the annual Africa Day, I take the opportunity to celebrate Africa's achievements and rejoice in our developing partnership. Africa's ascendancy makes all Turks proud and motivates us to engage in closer ties and cooperation. Political institutions around Africa are evolving even as we are witnessing the emergence of a strong middle class in many African countries. The continent has the aspiration to take strides across all Sustainable Development Goals. Africa's aspirations include not only eliminating absolute poverty but also reducing inequality, offering a wealth of valuable education opportunities to all and reinforcing good governance as the norm. Africa operates increasingly as a cohesive unit. The Continental Free Trade Area Agreement has been a critical milestone that will shape the future of Africa.

We have every reason to be proud a partner of the African nations. Turkey's engagement is based on building lasting relationships. Our principal purpose is to establish deep-rooted cooperation with our African counterparts in a manner that is sustainable and mutually productive. I have been encouraged to hear in so many instances that Turkey's goodwill and determined outreach resonates with our African partners. Africa considers Turkey as a vigorous partner in Africa's progress towards comprehensive and sustainable development and its consequent influence in global affairs.

Our interest to Africa is concretized by intensified political contacts at the highest level. President Erdo?an paid official visits to 26 African countries since his Prime Ministry term. These visits opened new avenues of cooperation. The multitude of Agreements signed show that Turkey is committed to opening new areas of collaboration with African countries.

Turkey's outreach towards Africa has been built on visible, tangible and mutually beneficial foundations. Turkey is now represented in the continent with 41 Embassies with the latest opening of embassies in Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. We will raise this number to 50 in the medium term with the ultimate target of being represented in every African country.

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership with the African Union. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting high-level AU officials and African Foreign Ministers in Istanbul as part of a Ministerial Conference that reviewed our institutional cooperation. We set new targets for a more productive relationship. As a first step, we will organize the Second Turkey-Africa Business Forum this October in Istanbul. Next year we will also hold the Third Turkey- Africa Summit. We attach great importance to this Summit and will work to guarantee its success.

Trade with the African Continent now exceeds 20 billion US dollars. This represents nearly a fivefold increase compared to 2003. It also shows that both Africa and Turkey are benefiting from an equitable trade relationship. We recognize the important role played by the Regional Economic Communities in the future of Africa. In that sense, last February we organized the first Turkey-ECOWAS Economic and Business Forum with the aim of deepening the economic partnership between Turkey and ECOWAS members.

I am particularly proud to underline that our national airline carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) continues to extend its presence on the continent by adding new destinations to its flight network. THY is currently flying to 52 destinations in 34 countries in Africa. The latest addition to THY's network was Freetown in Sierra Leone. Flights to the Comoros Islands will also be starting this June. Our national carrier is helping Africans to travel to Turkey and to the rest of the world.

Turkey is actively contributing to peace and security on the Continent. We are also assisting efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel. At the recent Brussels Conference, Turkey pledged 5 million US dollars to support the regional G5 Sahel security force.

Humanitarian and development partnerships have been strong elements of Turkey's overall outreach to the continent. Many Ministries, Agencies and NGO's in Turkey take part in this combined effort. Our benchmark for success is responding to meeting local needs in a speedy manner. From 2004 until 2016, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TICA) spent 1.43 billion US dollars to support sustainable development efforts in the continent.

I would like to underline again that we highly appreciate that many African countries have taken swift action against various organizations affiliated with the Fetullah Gulenist Terror Organization, which attempted a bloody coup in Turkey.

The Maarif Foundation, a government-run agency, has begun to operate schools in Africa. Our goal is to provide solid support to the efforts of the African governments to provide affordable and quality education all over the continent. I am confident that students receiving an education in the Maarif schools will be eminently prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Providing higher education opportunities to qualified African students in Turkey through scholarships is also a promising leg of our cooperation. Each year over 1.000, students from Africa come to Turkey to receive their higher education through Turkish Government Scholarship programs. Their presence is welcome and we will to continue to be a centre of excellence for African students.

Our approach to Africa is based on transparent, long-termed and strategic partnership. We are confident that this partnership promises a bright future to Turkey and to our partners in Africa.

As I mark the Africa Day with joy, I underline Turkey's commitment to our partnership with Africa based on the principles of equality, partnership, solidarity, sustainability and mutual respect.

Inclusive talks remain the only way to find a lasting solution to the political, socio-economic and humanitarian crisis that has engulfed Burundi since 2015, the United Nations envoy for the African Great Lakes country said on Thursday.