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August 1, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan security services have arrested a senior state oil company involved in the sale of illicit fuel, despite presidential order instructing crackdown on the business

People queue at a fuel station in South Sudan's capital, Juba on 18 October 2014 (ST)

A high ranking security officer told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday they have arrested a senior official at the state owned oil company, Nilpet, for smuggling out fuel to black market instead of selling at the official rate.

The officer identified the arrested official as James Meth. He said the arrest was made after a week of deployment of security operatives to carry out an investigation behind the cause in fuel price.

“Our investigation found evidence that fuel gets to the black market through officials at the Nilpet. These officials collude with street vendors, some of our colleagues and other security organs. So it has been a syndicated activity that is why a fuel appears today and disappear tomorrow after it is brought,” he said.

The officer said their work has been sanctioned by the top level leadership to carry out a crackdown on the illicit sale of fuel using joint security operation after the president gave the order to crack down on fuel in the black market.

Officials at the state oil company, according to the security officer, make a profit by creating fuel scarcity in the country and in smuggling the fuel to the black market where they sell it at an absurd price.

(ST)

By Mahmoud A. Suleiman

This article comes against the backdrop of the decision of the Sudanese parliament to approve amendments in the 2005 Constitution and rejected by the components of the political opposition both civil and armed. It is noteworthy that on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, the Sudanese parliament passed a resolution of constitutional amendments on public freedoms, forcing even the other Muslim Brotherhood Movement (MBM) faction in Sudan the Popular Congress Party (PCP), known for its positions in support of the national dialogue, to announce its acquittal. Moreover, the amendments, in general, have retained the powers of the security apparatus –the notorious so-called National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), which the opposition rejects in all its forms because they have exceeded the proposals made by political forces that participated in the ‘National Dialogue-Wathba Dialogue' calling for reducing these powers and limiting the functions of the (NISS) in collecting and analyzing information. Here, reality thinking is in short supply in the (NCP) regime household chaired by the Génocidaires Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir to the detriment of the Sudanese nation Victim of the rule of fools and reckless daredevils.

The foregoing call for the demise of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) before consensus on the permanent constitution of Sudan did not come from a vacuum. It came because Omer al-Bashir's assumption of power in Sudan does not foresee a democratic system which would represent a threat to Omar al-Bashir who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Thus, Bashir and his entourage work tirelessly Day and Night with all the strength for the continuation of the arbitrariness for the sake of lifelong rule for their genocidal Master of Grace, to avoid his arrest and trial in The Hague, as happened to his ilk other dictators such as Laurent Gbagbo of Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Hussein Habre of Chad, Germaine Katanga of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), former Yugoslavia Serbian war criminals leaders indicted and tried by the ICC such as Slobodan Miloševi?, Radovan Karadzic and Charles Taylor the first African president to be prosecuted in an international court where he has been found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity for supporting rebels who carried out atrocities in Sierra Leone in return for "blood diamonds". https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/26/charles-taylor-guilty-war-crimes

Thus, Omer al-Bashir's whim for being in power of Sudan for life preoccupies his thinking day and night as a saviour from the predicaments that await him at the prison cells at The Hague in the Netherlands and causing him panicky all the time. So, Bashir finds some reassurance and consolation from his presence in power to rule what remained of the land and people of Sudan.

The amendments to the Constitution, in general, have retained the powers of the security apparatus, which the opposition rejects in all its forms because they have exceeded the proposals made by political forces that participated in the national dialogue calling for reducing these powers and limiting the functions of the security apparatus i(NISS) n collecting and analyzing information.

The drafting of a Permanent Constitution for Sudan requires a plethora of important groundbreaking moves among the most important of which is achieving just, comprehensive and lasting peace that would bringing the criminals to justice to face the predicaments of the atrocious crimes they have perpetrated in the rights of the people of the country since the ill-fated coming into the helm through military coup d' état three decades ago. Among other crucial requirements is the unfettered return of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees and immigrants to their original homes and Hawakeer in the regions to participate in the development process. This obviously includes removal of the foreigners imported by the (NCP) regime to occupy the land of the native Sudanese citizens with a view to bringing about a groundbreaking demographic change of the Darfur region which the regime considers the indigenous population as its archenemies and supporters of the rebel movements.

Omer al-Bashir's dictated order of ‘permanent constitution is nothing more than his infamous Wathba dialogue that meant to distract the Sudanese people and the political opposition away from the basic issues that concern the citizen more. The Wathba Dialogue has contributed into extending the life of the ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) for more than three years that have been added to the survival of Omar al-Bashir in the rule of Sudan for the lean 28 years l Noting that Omer Bashir's never-ending national dialogue- aka Wathba Dialogue – started since its inception on January 27, 2014 so far. As it is known globally that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued two arrest warrants in 2009 and 2010, against the Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir for crimes against humanity, war crimes and the organization of "genocide and other atrocities" in the Darfur region, western Sudan. Moreover, the successive visits to countries outside Sudan by Omar al-Bashir became a symbol of criminality and fugitiveness from the international justice. With all the foregoing degree of criminality, Omer al-Bashir in view to his lack of insight and foresight, dares to call on the Sudanese people to participate in drafting a permanent constitution, bearing in mind that he and his entourage undermined Sudan's constitution and overthrew the democratically elected government in which the National Islamic Front (NIF) as a political party was part of that coalition government in 1989 during the military coup led by Omar al-Bashir. The most important and difficult question to answer is as to how confident the people of Sudan are and assured that the ruling regime of the NCP would fulfil the promise that it will implement what is included in the permanent constitution to be drafted.

Questions continue to elicit reassuring answers, including how much the Sudanese political opposition parties and the armed movements have trusts on Omar al-Bashir's commitment to covenants to fulfill what is agreed upon because previous experiences of the peace agreements were not met by the National Congress Party regime, led by Omar al-Bashir who is now unashamedly calling on the opposition forces to join his ranks for the Sudan's New Permanent constitution draft agreement.

The US court has certified testimony from witnesses who said Sudan continued to provide support and shelter to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network, which carried out attacks on embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, which killed 200 people, including 12 Americans, in 1998. Sudan pays an astronomical sum of $ 7.3 billion to the relatives of the American victims and others. Thus, the existence of the ruling regime of the National Congress Party in Sudan is a disaster for both citizens today and future generations. But the strange thing is that the Sudan stopped attending the hearings and completely ignored the case after that. The judge expressed his astonishment at the emergence of Sudan after a month of the sentences, and his surprise at the request of Sudan to repeal these provisions! Oh God, it is not the time for gloating, because the amount of the money required to pay for the victims of the al-Qaeda bombings will be deducted from the livelihood of the oppressed Sudanese citizens who suffer the woes of civil wars and injustice.

On the other side and as Ayesha al-Basri said Omar al-Bashir's successive visits to countries despite his indictment by the (ICC) for the crimes he has perpetrated against the Sudanese citizens in Darfur are a blow to the victims and contempt for justice.

The NCP regime and the Darfuri armed movements, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Sudan Liberation Movement of Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) along with the National Umma Party (NUP) in August 2016 signed the African Union brokered the Roadmap Agreement, a framework for a political process to end the war and achieve democratic reforms. As expected, the NCP regime created obstacles to reach to an agreed cessation of hostilities with a view to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian relief to Sudanese citizens in places of conflict and war zones. Instead, the regime as expected put forward its hidden agenda, the so-called the outcome of an internal dialogue process and called it the 'National Document'. The armed opposition, as expected, dismissed this document and said it never meant anything to them and they stuck to the need to implement the Roadmap which Khartoum categorically dismissed.

The (NCP) regime Security apparatus, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) continue arbitrarily arresting opposition figures for expressing their opinion regarding the human rights violation that the entity commits against the legitimate rights of political opposition. The recent detention of Ibrahim al-Shiekh and his colleague Abubakr Yousif Babiker both from Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) for their support for the Darfur Student who resigned from the University of Bakht aL Ruda which is a blatant violation of the Transitional Constitution of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)/ Naivasha Agreement of the year 2005. Ironically, Omer al-Bashir has been tirelessly working to get rid of that constitution which addressed the freedoms and the democratic process for Sudan prior to the secession of the South Sudan State. His regime is now trying through his unelected parliament to convert the 2005 Constitution into a (NCP) preferred so-called ‘Permanent Constitution to suit his one party rule under dictatorship.

The NCP regime chaired by Omer al-Bashir is no stranger to outrageous long lasting damaging decisions that would contravene the peaceful living of the people of Sudan through revocation of covenants and reneging negotiated, agreed and signed peace agreements with the parties in dispute. Furthermore, Omer al-Bashir and his regime cannot be relied on to reach a just and sustainable peace that will stop the Janjaweed waged proxy warfare and restore security and stability for the people of Sudan in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, the Blue Nile, Eastern Sudan, and all the other parts of the country affected by the ravages of wars.

No to NCP Constitution

The Sudanese people remain opposed to any constitution approved by the National Congress Party (NCP) parliament backed by semi-parties formed by the ruling regime led by Omar al-Bashir.

Before the ending of this article, it is necessary and our duty to give a voice of thanks and praise to Sheikh Yaqut and the people of his village in the reception and hospitality of more than 1200 students from Darfur at the University of Bakht al-Ruda who have made mass resignations from the University for the treatment of racism by the University Administration. Moreover, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) of the Government of the National Congress Party (NCP) denied their entry to the National Capital of Sudan Khartoum. The Security elements passed threats to Sheikh Yaqut and the people of the Village for hosting the students. However, Sheikh Yaqut and the citizens of his village went ahead with the hospitality of the students, despite the threat from the security services. By doing so, they presented a rare form of devotion for patriotism and humanity. In conclusion, we have to chant, saying Long Live the struggle of the Sudanese people and Long Live the sincerity of Sheikh Yaqut and the struggles of the people of the village of Sheikh Yaqut!

There remains an important question that waits for an answer as to how we trust and be certain that those who had previously undermined the Constitution of Sudan after their coup against a democratic government would come up with a Permanent Constitution for Sudan? Here as if we were expecting the wolf and the hyena to take care of our goats and sheep or out of the frying pan into the fire!

Winona LaDuke the American environmentalist, economist, and writer, known for her work on tribal land claims and preservation, as well as sustainable development has been quoted as saying: (Mother Earth needs us to keep our covenant. We will do this in courts, we will do this on our radio station, and we will commit to our descendants to work hard to protect this land and water for them. Whether you have feet, wings, fins, or roots, we are all in it together).

Barbara Levy Boxer the American politician who served as a United States Senator from California 1993 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives 1983 to 1993 has been quoted as saying: (We know no document is perfect, but when we amend the Constitution, it would be to expand rights, not to take away rights from decent, loyal Americans. This great Constitution of ours should never be used to make a group of Americans permanent second-class citizens. )

Dr Mahmoud A. Suleiman is an author, columnist and a blogger. His blog is http://thussudan.wordpress.com/

August 1, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry would chair the meeting of the joint Sudanese-Egyptian political consultation committee in Khartoum on Wednesday, said Sudan's Foreign Ministry.

In a press release on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir said the meeting would discuss a number of issues including the consular work, border crossings, coordination in regional and international forums and the recent developments in the region.

He added the meeting would also follow up on the implementation of the outcome of the meeting of the joint presidential committee which was held in Cairo in October 2016.

Last month, Ghanodur and Shoukry agreed to ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries through the control of hostile media campaigns and to curb activities of opposition groups in their territories.

Tensions between Khartoum and Cairo have escalated following the former's decision to restrict imports of Egyptian farming products which was reciprocated by Cairo's decision to raise residency fees for Sudanese living in Egypt.

The deterioration of bilateral relations between the two countries goes back to the attempt to assassinate President Hosni Mubarak in June 1995 followed by the deployment of Egyptian troops in the disputed area of Halayeb triangle.

Since then, Khartoum has been moving to improve its ties with the eastern and western neighbours, instead of its strategic ties with Egypt.

Khartoum further went to back the construction of a dam in Ethiopia, which Cairo says will hurt its water needs. Also, the Sudanese government recently signed investment agreements with Gulf countries.

Accordingly, they will establish huge agricultural projects that require the full use of Sudan share of the Nile water, a move which is seen in Cairo as another threat to Egypt.

(ST)

August 1, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - A defecting member from former Darfur rebel group has accused the Sudanese government of failing to honour the peace deal saying the situation on the ground in the region is worse.

Spokesperson of Sudan Liberation Force Alliance Salah al-Wali (ST photo)

Salah al-Wali, has recently defected from the former rebel Justice and Equality Movement faction led by Bakheit Abdallah Dabago (JEM-Dabago), a signatory of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), and joined the newly formed rebel group Sudan Liberation Force Alliance (SLFA).

He told Sudan Tribune the Sudanese government has revealed its true intentions by reneging on the peace agreement, saying the regime seeks to abort the revolution through offering ministerial posts to the rebel leaders.

Al-Wali expected that many leaders would rejoin the rebellion in order to achieve the goals and principles that pushed them to bear arms, saying the situation on the ground in Darfur is much worse than that which existed prior to signing the DDPD.

Following the announcement of the Government of National Consensus last May, JEM-Dabago threatened to pull out of the government after it accused the ruling party of reducing the Movement's share in the government, calling the move a clear violation of the power sharing protocol signed with the Sudanese government.

Al-Wali pointed to the continued genocide and mass rape against innocent civilians, saying government militias are preventing the refugees and IDPs from returning to their original villages.

The rebel leader added that forced displacement is now taking place in areas south-east of Nyala, South Darfur state capital, pointing to an ongoing “settlement project” that brings newcomers from Niger, Chad and Libya to areas north-east and west of Kutum, North Darfur state.

Alwali, who is currently the SLFA spokesperson, said they are making efforts to unify the rebel movements according to the statute of the new group.

“We managed to integrate three movements [into the new group] and we extend our hands to the rest of the movements including those led by Abdel-Wahid al-Nur, Minni Minnawi and Gibril Ibrahim,” he said.

SLFA was formed last month following the merger of three Darfur armed factions including the Sudan Liberation Movement for Justice of Taher Hajer, Sudan Liberation Movement-Unity of Abdallah Yahia and the Justice and Equality Movement led by Abdallah Bashr Gali (aka Gena).

Commenting on SALFA's vision for peace, the rebel leader said they see the need to link the process in Darfur to that in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, pointing “three can be no peace in Darfur while the war is ongoing in the Two Areas”.

He added that peace in Darfur is contingent upon toppling the regime, saying most of the leaders of the regime are fugitives from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and on top of them is President Omer al-Bashir.

“They are criminals and criminal can't achieve peace, stability and development,” he said.
Al-Wali stressed that change could be achieved only “by unifying the armed movements in the marginalized areas on one hand and the opposition forces and forces of change on the other hand”.

Last week, Al-Wali stressed that SALFA is not committed to the unilateral declaration of cessation of hostilities.

The new group also rejected al-Bashir's call to draft the permanent constitution saying the move could take place only after achieving the comprehensive peace.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan's armed opposition forces under the command of Major General Emmanuel Yangu reportedly attacked Lanyi garrison after heavy fighting with pro-government forces and allegedly killed eight of the regime soldiers.

The rebels, in a statement, also claimed they captured huge quantities of arms and ammunition captured in good condition, which included one military truck and one 14.5 “totally destroyed”.

“A rescue convoy which tried to come from Lui to Lanyi has also been totally destroyed. Lanyi town is now under full control of SPLA/M IO forces,” reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the rebels' claims as phone numbers of area officials and lawmakers were switched off.

The rebel deputy chief of staff for training, Lt. Gen. Wesley Welebe Samson congratulated the gallant rebels and their commander for what he described as “job well done” in defeating the army troops.

“We SPLA/M IO forces will continue to defend the innocent civilians in all areas under our control and will fight in self-defense whenever any of our locations are attacked. I once again advise the governor of Amadi state and his President Salva Kiir to stop the looting of food, burning of houses and raping of innocent civilians who have nothing to do with this current war,” said Welebe.

The official, in a statement, accused the governor of Amadi state of allegedly using food as a weapon by denying relief food distribution to the armed opposition faction-controlled areas, which he said contravened international humanitarian law and law on armed conflicts.

“As I speak now, the whole population of Amadi state is still starving without food as governor of Amadi state, Joseph Ngere has stopped aid workers from taking relief supplies to areas controlled by SPLA/M IO, though we in SPLA/M IO have granted free movement to all humanitarian workers,” claimed the official in the statement.

“As such, the innocent civilians, women, children and elderly persons are in urgent need of food, medicine, shelter, seeds and tools,” he added.

In a separate development, the rebel claimed their forces captured government garrisons at Bamure and Jale in Kajokeji County on July 29, 2017, after the pro-government army attacked their locations.

“I extend my congratulations to the gallant SPLA/M IO Division 2 “B” commander and all our forces under his command for bringing Bamure and Jale under our control,” Welebe further stated.

The official claimed people of Yei, Kajokeji, Lanya, Bamure, Jale and Morobo are starving without food and urgently needed medicine.

“I appeal to international community to provide food and medicine to the suffering population in the above-mentioned areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, the armed opposition faction said the Juba government must fully recommit itself to an immediate permanent ceasefire, agree to revive the peace agreement with full participation and inclusion of all the warring and political parties and start a new genuine implementation of the 2005-signed peace agreement.

The rebels also urged total demilitarization of Juba, immediate deployment of the joint integrated police to Juba town as per the signed peace agreement, stop operationalization of the 32 states with immediate effect and form a committee to look into this matter as per the previous communiqué from the regional bloc (IGAD).

The South Sudanese civil war broke out in mid-December 2013 after President Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter vehemently denied.

However, a peace deal signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a coalition government but was again devastated by fresh violence that broke out in July last year.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The visiting Archbishop of Canterbury discussed on Monday the issue of demolished churches with the governor of Khartoum state where local authorities are accused of targeting the different Christian groups.

In statements to the press following the meeting, Governor Abdel Rahim Hussein said that Sudanese used to coexist and tolerate each other beyond the religious divides, adding that 90% of Christian school students in Sudan are Muslims.

He further pledged to resolve all the obstacles facing the construction of churches in line with the urban planning norms.

"Within the framework of the housing plan and services, there are standards for places of worship whether they are mosques or churches, according to geographical area and population census," he said.

The Sudanese authorities say demolished churches are established without administrative authorizations, while the different Christian communities raise the difficulty of obtaining the building permits when they submit an application for the construction of a church.

Last May, Khartoum State authorities on Sunday demolished a church in Soba Al-Aradi suburb, 19 km from the capital, despite pledges by Sudanese government officials to stop Churches' demolition.

Sudanese authorities earlier this year endorsed a plan to demolish some 27 churches including Soba Al Aradi church, pointing they are not officially recognised as churches.

The head of Anglican Church discussed the matter with President Omer al-Bashir on Sunday and expressed hope that Christians are treated in the same manner they do for Muslim in the United Kingdom

"In England, the Church of England often seeks to protect Muslims when they are under pressure," Welby added. He further said that he expected the same in Sudan when it comes to protecting Christians.

In a separate statement, the foreign ministry said the Archbishop of Canterbury was received by the Minister Ibrahim Ghandour on Monday. It further said that Justin Welby expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Government and the people of Sudan for their warm hospitality.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The family of the former leader of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) Ibrahim al-Sheikh, Monday, expressed deep concern about his health and safety and called for his immediate release.

SCoP leader Ibrahim al-Sheik (ST Photo)

The security agents arrested al-Sheikh, and SCoP political Secretary Abu Bakr Youssef, on July 19 in Jabal Awlia, south of Khartoum, after visiting a group of students from Darfur who resigned from the University of Bakht Al-Ruda in the White Nile State.

Following a demand to release the detainees filed by the SCoP lawyers to the director of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Sunday, the security authorities said the two opposition figures are in good shape and in contact with their families.

However, Amani Malik, the spouse of Ibrahim al-Sheikh, contested the accuracy of the information provided by the NISS Information Office to the SCoP lawyers alleging that his wife visits him and knows the place of his detention.

"The family of detainee Ibrahim Al-Sheikh was surprised to learn the false statements made by the NISS Information Office to the SCoP's legal sector lawyers who submitted a request for his release along with Abu Bakr Youssef on Sunday," says a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The security service did not inform the Sheikh's family about the location, reasons and circumstances of his arrest, she further stated. "The family also confirms that they did not meet Ibrahim al-Sheikh and did not receive his car".

The statement underscored that his family was only allowed to hand over his clothes to the NISS reception office.

"The family expresses its deep concern over al-Sheikh's health and safety, and calls for his immediate release and all the detainees."

The opposition parties earlier this month showed their solidarity with the case of Darfurian students who resigned from the university to protest the detention and dismissal of their colleagues following the death of two police officers during violent student clashes last May.

Al-Sheikh and Youssef are the only two arrested among the other opposition groups and organisations.

(ST)

The United Nations has scaled up its efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria, through a visit by its top migration official and the allocation of $10.5 million from a new fund.

The conflict in South Sudan has to end in order to give the peace process there &#8220a better chance of success,&#8221 the top United Nations peacekeeping official said today, kicking off a three-day trip to the African country.

July 31, 2017 (ADDIS ABABA) - The East African Standby Force (EASF) is due to conduct the fourth upcoming field training exercise in Sudan next November.

This was announced on Monday during the extraordinary policy organ meeting of EASF member states which kicked off today here in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

As the regional standby force faces a lack of funding, member states Monday discussed possible ways of securing fund gaps.

Sudan Tribune was told that out of the total $ 5.3 million appealed to conduct the unified military operation, only $ 2.5 million is secured from global peace partners.

During the three-day meeting, EASF member states are also slated to discuss on best ways how to boost the capacity of the regional force in order to effectively deal with security challenges in the volatile east African region.

EASF is one of the five continent's regional multidimensional force capabilities including military, police and civilian components consisting 10 east African countries.

Africa's newest nation, South Sudan, enjoys the status of observer in EASF since April 2013 and it is expected to own full membership anytime soon.

The regional organization is mandated to enhance peace and security in the volatile east African region by

The regional force was established following decisions made by the African Union (AU) summit held in Ethiopia in 2004.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

July 31, 2017 (ADDIS ABABA) – A group of South Sudanese activists have expressed dismay at the persisting mass displacement of the civil population due to renewed fighting between government loyalists and opposition forces across South Sudan's three greater regions.

IDPs shelter near the UNMISS base in Wau (IOM/Gonzalez 2016)

The peace activists' group, Forhowlong, said the ongoing provocative attacks and delusional pursuit of gaining more territories will yet perpetrate another humanitarian crisis to what already exists.

“There is an urgent need to find a promising solution that will yield sustainable peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan, rather than flexing muscle on tribal lines” Ngor Mariano Ajuet, the group's representative told Sudan Tribune.

He said the continuous displacement of the civil population along the Ethiopia- South Sudan border in the surrounding areas of Maiwut and Bieh state showed irresponsible undertaking of government and opposition groups with response to the suffering of the innocent women and children affected by the ongoing war.

“This man-made humanitarian catastrophe, killing and compelling the entire civil population to seek refuge in neighbouring countries,” he added.

The group urged all the youth, community leaders and church elders to protest against “this cruel and uncivilized approach of our politicians” in dealing with national issues affecting the country.

“We shouldn't merely contemplate on external help, which is intensified with individual's interest”, stressed Ajuet.

The group called upon the parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostility and purge way to find peaceful means for ending the conflict in the world's youngest nation.

It called upon friends of South Sudan (lobbyists) peace partners, IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] and the Troika to quickly find a possible solution to end the ongoing civil war.

“South Sudanese leaders will never think to help the civilians but continue to fight each other's on the level of personal hatred using the country's resources to defeats their antagonists”, said Ajuet.

Forhowlong is a newly established South Sudanese peace activists' organization operating in at least 10 countries across the globe.

South Sudan's civil war broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. However, a peace agreement signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a coalition government but was again devastated by fresh violence that broke out in July last year.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and over two million displaced since 2013.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (JUBA)- A group of South Sudanese former political detainees has issued a statement regretting commemorating Martyrs Day while the war continues unabated, despite the suffering it has inflicted on the people.

“It is regrettable and shameful that martyrs days 2017 is being marked while the country is still mired in senseless war years on. This is an indelible mark of shame on us the survivors and beneficiaries of the ultimate sacrifice heroes these and heroines made for our freedom,” the group said in a statement marking the 12th anniversary of the martyrs' day.

30th July is the day on which the former First Vice President of the Republic of Sudan, President of the Government of Southern Sudan and Chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), Dr John Garang de Mabior, died in a helicopter crash on his way back to Southern Sudan from Uganda.

The statement argued the best honour to martyrs of war is the stoppage of war and declare a ceasefire.

“There is no great honour or homage we can pay in memory of our martyrs, war heroes and heroines, no better recognition we can give for the ultimate sacrifice they paid for our freedom to end this war without further delay,” the statement adds.

It called on the government and armed opposition forces to agree on an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to give citizens respite while engagement for war is conducted.

“We urge all peace loving South Sudanese, friends of South Sudan, the region and the international community at large to sue for peace, urge and pressure the warring parties to stop the war and make peace”.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir Monday has pledged to continue efforts to achieve peace and development in South Kordofan state.

South Kordofan and the neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) and Sudanese army since 2011.

Al-Bashir, who addressed a public gathering at the opening of South Kordofan 2nd Festival of Tourism, Investment and Shopping in Kadougli Monday, said “war brings nothing but destruction”, pointing it hinders development and construction.

He said that South Kordofan's peace is a top priority for his government, stressing they would continue to launch development and reconstruction projects.

For his part, the governor of South Kordofan Essa Adam Abakar said security has been achieved in his state, praising al-Bashir's successive decisions to extend the ceasefire.

“Our forces have complied with the ceasefire and we say with all courage that the SPLM-N is also abiding by it,” he said.

Abakar revealed that his government is in direct contact with SPLM-N leadership, making a personal appeal to the Movement chairman Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu to return to the homeland.

Talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N for a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access under the auspices of the African Union are stalled since last August.

The SPLM-N demands to deliver 20% of the humanitarian assistance through a humanitarian corridor from Asosa, an Ethiopian border town.

But the government rejects the idea saying it is a breach of the state sovereignty and a manoeuvre from the rebels to bring arms and ammunition to their locked rebel-held areas in the Two Areas.

The SPLM-N is now divided into two factions: one in South Kordofan led by al-Hilu and the other in the Blue Nile state led by Malik Agar. The rift emerged several months ago over the right of self-determination and other issues.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Ibn Ouf has threatened to use force to collect illegal arms and impose the authority of the state.

Sudan's defence minister Awad Ahmed Ibn Ouf (Photo SUNA)

In a press release following his meeting with the parliamentary subcommittee on Defence, Security and Public Order, Ibn Ouf said the “the army is keen to impose the authority of the state and collect [illegal] weapons from the residents even if it requires the use of force”.

He pointed to the crucial role played by the tribal and community leaders in raising awareness of the dangers of illegal weapons.

For his part, the Sudanese army Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Emad al-Din Mustafa Adawi, said the army is paying the necessary attention to all issues affecting national security, stressing it is “mindful of all threats that surround Sudan”.

In April last year, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir announced the formation of a national body, Darfur Disarmament Higher Committee, tasked with the collection of illegal arms in the region, adding the campaign will be voluntary in a first phase and then become compulsory.

The disarmament of armed groups and tribesmen is seen as an important step that will create a suitable atmosphere for security and stability in the troubled region.

But the failure to achieve a comprehensive peace delayed its implementation. Also, the tribal conflicts over land ownership and pastures are a second obstacle for the weapon collection.

Last week, the defence minister said they plan to restructure the government militias pointing it is an important step before the disarmament campaign.

Also, the governor of South Darfur Adam al-Faki Mohamed on Sunday said his government would start to collect illegal arms from individuals and tribes in early August.

(ST)

July 31, 2017 (JUBA) – The spokesperson for South Sudan's presidency, Ateny Wek Ateny denied that he was poisoned, saying he did not even eat at a wedding party he attended on Saturday.

South Sudan's presidential spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny (AFP)

Ateny, reacting to rumours that circulated on social media, clarified that reports linked to poisoning were “malicious and bear no truth”.

“In fact, there was food poison that was reported to have occurred on Saturday July 29, 2017 during the wedding of Mr. Cleto Akot Kuel's daughter which I had attended, but ate nothing in the wedding. The talk of food poison just became rampant on Sunday and many people contacted me and wished me quick recovery,” said Ateny.

"However, it is important to inform all of my relatives and friends that I did not even eat at that occasion. I just heard [about] the poison during the wedding [occasion], but I cannot verify it”, he added.

The presidential aide did not further elaborate on the information that became a public matter, as many equally expressed sympathy.

Ateny, a lawyer and renowned former political commentator for the Juba-based Citizen newspaper was appointed press secretary to President Salva Kiir in 2013.

Prior to his appointment, however, Ateny commented on various political incidents and processes and was a staunch critic of the country's political leaders and officials.

(ST)

July 30, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's President Omer al-Bashir and the head of the Church of England Justin Welby Sunday discussed the religious freedom in Sudan, as the former reiterated his government keenness to protect Christians.

In a ceremony held in Khartoum on Sunday, the Archbishop of Canterbury installed Ezekiel Kondo Kumir Kuku as the Sudan's first archbishop.

Following his installation, the new primate told reporters that his installation would contribute to ensuring that Sudan Anglican Church is respected particularly by the government.

In a meeting held at the Guest House in Khartoum on Sunday evening, President al-Bashir "stressed the government's keenness to promote coexistence among all religions in the country and to guarantee religious freedom in order to achieve security and religious stability in the country," said a report by the official news agency SUNA.

It further reported that the President pointed out to the great peaceful coexistence enjoyed by Sudanese, Christians and Muslims, even at the level of the family.

"The Christian churches or institutions have not been subjected to any aggression across history, which confirms that the Christian brothers in Sudan enjoy peace and live in love," said al-Bashir according to the state agency.

The Sudanese government has been accused of restricting the religious freedom of Sudanese Christians.

Last June, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, accused Sudan of continuing to arrest religious leaders and to demolish churches. Following what President Donald Trump delayed the permanent revocation of economic sanctions for three months.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, the Archbishop of Canterbury who is also the spiritual head of the global Anglican Communion said he discussed the situation of Christians with the Sudanese president.

"We talked of how in England we seek to help mosques in ensuring that they are able to function well and freely," he said.

"In England, the Church of England often seeks to protect Muslims when they are under pressure," Welby added. He further said that he expected the same in Sudan when it came to protecting Christians.

(ST)

July 30, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan rebels under the leadership of the country's former First Vice President, Riek Machar have accused government forces of allegedly targeting civilians in rebel-held areas in violation of a unilateral ceasefire President Salva Kiir declared in May.

In a statement, the rebel spokesperson Brig. General William Gatjiath Deng accused President Kiir of blindfolding the international community by declaring a unilateral ceasefire in public and allegedly ordered military assaults on rebels.

“For the last one month or so, after blindfolding the African Union, United Nations, the Troika and indeed the international community with the so called unilateral cease-fire, General Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Jieng Council of Elders (JCE) regime in Juba have been extremely busy struggling and directing the offensives against civilian targets and SPLM-SPLA (IO) positions across South Sudan, including in and around Maiwut,” partly reads the statement issued on Sunday.

South Sudanese government officials were not readily available to comment.

He said the Juba-backed troops killed at least 30 civilians, injured many people, and burned down 130 huts and makeshift houses.

The rebel official's claims could, however, not be independently verified.

Brig. Deng, in the statement, downplayed the significance of the recent defection of Lt. General John Kenyi Loburon, saying the latter had no impact on the gallant rebel forces in Central Equatoria state.

The official equally downplayed the recent defection from the armed opposition faction of General Khor Chuol Giet, Thok Chuol Luak, Thok Chuol Liey, and Stephen Pal Kun Kek to the Juba regime.

He said the groups, calling themselves the Jikany Nuer community, were simply self-seekers and “propaganda arm of the Juba regime”.

The Jikany Nuer community in South Sudan and Ethiopia congratulated the four senior rebel officers who joined the peace forces loyal to South Sudan's First Vice-President, Taban Deng Gai in Pagak at South Sudan's border with Ethiopia.

The move, the community said in a statement, saved many peoples' lives.

Meanwhile, the community leadership in Ethiopia has called upon all the Jikany in the armed opposition movement to join the peace forces in line with the decisions taken by the four officers.

Their decision, they said, is in line with the position of IGAD [Inter-Governmental Authority on Development] that calls for all armed groups in South Sudan to lay down their weapons and join the implementation of the 2015 peace deal signed in Addis Ababa.

South Sudan's civil war broke out in mid-December 2013 after President Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of plotting a coup, which the latter vehemently denied.

However, a peace deal signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a coalition government but was again devastated by fresh violence that broke out in July last year.

(ST)