Africa

June 3, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour has described the Sudanese-Egyptian relations as “sacred” appealing to media on both sides to be “messengers of good” to preserve the eternal ties between the two countries.

Ghandour, who arrived in Cairo on Saturday morning, handed over a message from President Omer al-Bashir to the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. He also held a closed meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

At a joint press conference with Shoukry Saturday, Ghandour said they had frank and transparent discussions on contentious issues, saying he handed over a message from al-Bashir to al-Sisi pertaining to ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

He added that al-Sisi was frank and transparent, saying the Egyptian president instructed to hold a monthly meeting for the foreign ministers alternately in Khartoum and Cairo.

According to Ghandour, al-Sisi also instructed to activate the work of the cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, particularly in the security and military domains.

The Sudanese top diplomat added the meeting covered all economic, political, social and cultural aspects of bilateral relations besides coordination between the two countries at the regional and international levels.

He called on the Sudanese and Egyptian media to play a positive role to preserve the historical relation between the two countries, saying official relations could get tense sometimes but “we have to maintain ties between the two peoples”.

Commenting on the Egyptian airstrikes in the Libyan city of Derna and the possibility of establishing a buffer zone on the border triangle between Sudan, Egypt and Libya, Ghandour said the border between Egypt and Sudan extends over more than 1200 km and no country can protect its border on its own.

Ghandour added that he proposed to the Egyptian leadership to establish a joint border patrol force, pointing to Sudan's experience with Chad and Ethiopia which managed to protect the joint borders against terrorist activities.

The minister stressed that each country has the right to protect its borders on its own, pointing out the presence of Sudanese forces on the opposite side of the border to prevent the infiltration of any terrorists.

He added that the Darfur mercenary groups came to Sudan through the border with Libya, saying “we could have avoided that if we had put joint coordination mechanisms on the ground”.

Sudan's top diplomat pointed the imposition of entry visa for the Egyptians who seek to travel to Sudan was not meant to put restrictions on the citizens but to prevent the entry of terrorists, saying the measure was taken following the Egyptian media campaign which claimed the presence of terrorists in Sudan.

Ghandour added he will instruct the Sudanese embassy in Cairo to resolve any issues relating to granting entry visa for the Egyptian citizens, pointing to the joint consular committee between the two countries.

He pointed that Sudan's decision to ban the imports of Egyptian farming products is a technical decision, blaming the politicisation of the measure to the bad timing, saying the move has no political dimension.

Ghandour stressed the decision to ban Egypt's agricultural products is not linked to the recent attack of Darfur rebels who came from Libya, saying it was based on technical grounds and must be resolved in this context.

Commenting on the recent accusations of Egypt's involvement in the Darfur rebels' attack, Ghandour said he furnished the Egyptian leadership with all information in this regard, saying the bilateral meetings between al-Bashir and al-Sisi would resolve all these issues.

For his part, Shokry affirmed that the “Egyptian policy towards the brotherly country of Sudan is firm”, saying they seek to promote rapprochement and integration between the two countries in all fields.

He stressed that “this enables us to promote economic progress to achieve the interests of both peoples”, saying they fully respect the sovereignty and stability of the Sudan.

The Egyptian top diplomat said his meeting with Ghandour was “candid and transparent”, stressing the Sudanese-Egyptian relations would remain strong and will overcome any difficulties.

He added they discussed ways to promote economic cooperation and overcome any recent restrictions to achieve the joint interest, saying he will work with Ghandour to remove any misunderstanding between the two sides.

Shokry said they agreed to activate the existing mechanisms of dialogue between the two countries, particularly in the security and military fields.

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)

June 3, 2017 (JUBA) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement - In Opposition 'SPLM-IO Saturday has confirmed the defection to the current First Vice President Taban Deng Gai of two security officers tasked with the protection of the former South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar.

In a statement released on Friday, the SPLM-IO led by Taban Deng Gai announced that Col. Khan Elijah Hon Top, Spy Chief of the Body Guards of Riek Machar and Lt. Col. Koryom Wang Chiok, Chief Accountant of the Body Guards of Riek Machar have joined their movement.

Reached by Sudan Tribune, the rebel deputy military spokesperson Col. Lam Paul has confirmed the defection of the two officials from Khartoum, a day after their arrival to the South Sudanese capital Juba.

He said their defection to the government would not hamper the movement struggle, but instead wished them best of luck.

“It's true the two joined Taban Deng Gai. The SPLA-IO under Dr Riek Machar thanks them for their services and wishes them well in their quest. In the course of struggle, such events are bound to happen and it's both ways,” he said.

He further said the departure of two officers has no impact on the movement, pointing that the SPLA-IO would remain stronger and powerful despite the defection of two individuals who have chosen the side of the government.

The defector officers met on Friday upon arrival with the First Vice President Taban Deng Gai who welcomed their decision to abandon Machar camp.

"The leadership warmly welcome them back to the fold of the movement after accomplishing a successful mission in the Riek and Angelina family business," said the SPLM-IO Taban Gai

However, SPLA-IO led by Riek Machar downplayed the significant of the two officers although insiders within the camp claimed they had successful role and their quitting would be a big blow to the rebel movement.

It is not yet clear why the two guards left Machar, despite their recent promotion to the rank of Colonel and Lt. Colonel.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (JUBA) – Thousands of South Sudanese displaced people in Jonglei state are at risk from a cholera outbreak, warned the medical group Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Friday.

Displaced people who fled from violence in Jonglei state capital Bor queue outside a clinic run by MSF in Lakes state's Awerial town on 2 January 2014 (Photo: AP/Ben Curtis)

"Malnutrition and suspected cases of cholera are escalating amongst people sheltering in the bush near Pieri, South Sudan," said MSF in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The first cases of cholera were reported on 9 May after a general increase in patients with watery diarrhoea among the IDPs who are in desperately short of food, water and shelter.

"MSF has opened a treatment unit in Pieri, where teams have treated more than 30 patients so far and set up seven rehydration points and a number of chlorinated water points," further said the statement.

Last February, over 27,000 people fled their villages in Yuai and Waat after clashes between the government troops and SPLM-IO rebel fighters.

MSF's local staff are now running three primary healthcare clinics around Pieri, as part of the group's efforts to support the IDPs.

Two weeks ago, MSF staff members reported a rise in malnutrition levels amongst children under five.

''32 percent of the children are suffering from general acute malnutrition and 12 percent suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is life-threatening," said the medical group.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan Liberation Movement - Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) has welcomed a call by the Troika and the European Union countries to stop the fighting in Darfur and to resume peace talks and called for international pressure on Khartoum.

In this file photo. Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Minnawi poses for a pictures with some fighters

"These new incidents of violence underscore the urgent need for the parties to finalise a negotiated cessation of hostilities and an agreement to return to political negotiations leading to a sustainable peace," points a statement issued by the Embassies of the Troika and the EU in Khartoum on Thursday.

The statement was referring to the fighting that began on 20 May in North and East Darfur states between the government forces and a joint rebel force composed of the SLM-MM and SLM- Transitional Council (SLM-TC), an armed group that is not part of the African Union-brokered peace process.

"The SLM welcomes this statement and expresses its appreciation for the great efforts made by the international community to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace that addresses the root causes of the crisis in Darfur," said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday signed by the SLM-MM chief negotiator Ali Trayo.

"However, this peace cannot be achieved unless the parties to the conflict are willing to peace and supported by a strong international will, pursuing the implementation of Security Council resolutions related to the conflict in the Region and put required pressure on the NCP regime in Khartoum," Trayo further said.

The Troika and EU countries said the hostilities resumed in the region ''after a reinforcement from outside Darfur by the armed opposition elements". However, SLM-MM chief negotiator emphasised that "international inaction" encouraged the Sudanese government to attack the SLM strongholds in Darfur in an attempt to impose its peace through the barrel of a gun.

"The result of this aggression was a humanitarian disaster on innocent civilians, including killing, raping, looting their properties, burning their homes and massive displacement," he further said.

The rebel official called on the Troika and the European Union to step up pressure on the Sudanese government to allow aid groups to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in the conflict- affected areas and to stop gross violations of human rights.

In addition, he reiterated their call to involve the European Union in the African Union-led mediation, saying they should play "a key role" in the political process.

Last week, the Sudanese government called on the international community to condemn the rebel attacks, claiming the assailants came from Libya and South Sudan.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan, Chad and the United Nations Wednesday in Khartoum have signed three agreements for the voluntary return of refugees from both countries.

More than 350,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur region are officially registered in Chad and additional 650,000 unregistered. Since 2015 there were efforts to return them to their original villages.

According to the communiqué issued by the three parties on Wednesday, the signing of the “agreements alone does not mean that the assisted return movements will begin tomorrow”.

“There is still work to be done by the Tripartite Commissions, which will oversee the implementation of the Agreements, in order to ensure that returns occur in conditions of safety and dignity as well as ensuring that such returns are lasting” read the communiqué.

It points out that the formalisation of the framework for repatriation “has been informed by the freely expressed wishes of those who have returned, or who have expressed the wish to be assisted to return”.

The three parties noted there have been “sizeable spontaneous returns of Sudanese refugees from the camps in Chad as well as firm expressions of the intention to return home on the part of Chadian refugees living in the Sudan”.

They pointed out that the security situation has “generally improved for the better in most potential areas of return” in Darfur region.

“The Parties will ensure that those refugees who decide to return do so based on up to date and accurate information on the prevailing conditions in intended areas of return,” added the communiqué.

The parties said they “will work closely to mobilise necessary resources to ensure that the returns are both dignified and lasting”, pointing the “two governments and peoples look forward to welcoming back their citizens and fellow compatriots.”

The Sudanese army has been fighting a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003. UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in the conflict, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (YAMBIO) - At least 12 civilians including elderly people and children has been killed by unidentified gunmen 20 kilometres to the eastern part of Yambio town, as the government has launched a search operation to arrest the culprits.

Citizens riding bicycles in Yambio to promote peace April 17, 2017 (ST)

Speaking to the press, the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Gibson Bullen Wande said the Government of Gbudue state has condemned the barbaric killing of innocent people and urged the citizens to cooperate with the Government to give information about the culprits.

He mentioned that the attacker(s) targeted one house where twelve people including those who were staying in the house for cultivation were killed.

He further said that attack was motivated by anger and revenge, according to the first information collected from the areas without elaboration.

"As a government, we condemned in the strongest term the killing of the 12 innocent people and we are appealing to the citizens to cooperate in the search for the criminals".

Seven members of one family were buried in Bazungua in a mass grave while the other five bodies were taken by their families.

This is the second attack in four months after a call by the Governor on all armed group to lay down their arms and to present their grievances in order to benefit from an amnesty issued by the President of South Sudan Salva Kiir.

It remains unclear who is behind the killing. Also, the state police failed to arrest any suspect in connection with the attack.

Wande urged the families to remain calm and not to take law in their hand as the government continues to hunt for the perpetrators.

(ST)

Visiting the boxers of Kinshasa, 43 years after Ali and Foreman fought in the Rumble in the Jungle.

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The UN Security Council (UNSC) Friday has condemned the killing of the peacekeeper by unidentified gunmen in Nyala, South Darfur State capital.

United Nations Security Council meeting which unanimously adopted resolution 2228 (2015) extending the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) June 29, 2015 (UN Photo)

A Nigerian soldier from the African Union-United Nation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) was shot dead by unknown gunmen in a carjacking incident in downtown Nyala on Wednesday.

In a press release on Friday, members of the UNSC “condemned in the strongest terms” the attack on the peacekeepers, expressing their “deep sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim, as well as to the people and Government of Nigeria and to UNAMID”.

“The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Sudan to swiftly conduct a full investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. They underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law” read the press release.

The members of the UNSC further “reiterated their full support for UNAMID and called on all parties in Darfur to cooperate fully with the mission”.

The killing of the Nigerian soldier on Wednesday brought UNAMID's death toll since the creation of the Mission to 64 peacekeepers.

Last June, the UNSC extended the mandate of the mission until 30 June 2017, stressing that the situation in the western Sudan region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

The hybrid mission has been deployed in Darfur since December 2007 with a mandate to stem violence against civilians in the western Sudan's region.

It is the world's second largest international peacekeeping force with an annual budget of $1.35 billion and almost 20,000 troops.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (JUBA) - The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the 2015 peace agreement, will hold a summit this month in a new attempt to ensure its implementation and to address the devastating conflict in South Sudan.

Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn (Allafrica)

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, in a letter addressed to President Salva Kiir on 29 May 2017, said the conflict in the country was still continuing, despite a declaration of ceasefire and re-invigoration of the national dialogue committee which the president himself proposed in 2016.

"The escalation of violence and growing hostilities are casting their shadows on the national dialogue and the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. this grave situation, thus, requires us to speak with one voice," wrote Desalegn in a letter seen by Sudan Tribune.

The summit, according to the letter, will be held in Addis Ababa, on Monday 12, June 2017.

The eruption of clashes in Juba between the two peace partners in July 2016, followed by a split within the SPLM-IO and the replacement of Riek Machar by Taban Deng Gai, destroyed the little confidence between the two parties for the implementation of the peace agreement.

Pointing to the need to reconsider the situation and to find out the best way to stop the fighting and allow humanitarian access, Prime Minister Desalegn told President Kiir that the recent unilateral ceasefire declared by his government "and attempts to reinvigorate the national dialogue, has not shown any improvement".

"Fighting still continues further worsening the humanitarian situation," Desalegn further stressed.

However, the invitation letter did not indicate the agenda of the meeting and how the regional leaders would ensure they forge a common understanding to speak one voice to end the conflict.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has recused himself from being the patron to the national dialogue, a process he launched last week, in a bid to bridge gaps created by three years of conflict in the young east African nation, a leading figure said.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir arrives in Khartoum on September 3, 2013 (AFP Ashraf Shazly)

“He [President Kiir] has relinquished the patronage over this [political] process because of the criticisms that have come around and has left it free for us. We, the two chairpersons, should see to it that we are the ones moving with it ahead,” said Angelo Beda, a co-chairperson for the Steering Committee of the National Dialogue.

Beda applauded President Kiir for relinquishing the “patronage” and appreciated steps taken by the leadership including releasing a journalist last week as well as other political leaders.

The co-chair of the process was speaking at a workshop attended by civil society activists and religious leaders in Juba on Thursday.

He and his other co-chairperson, Abel Alier-wal Kuai, said at the launch of the national dialogue last week that the process must be inclusive stressing that “no one dialogue alone” in a complete rebuttal to President Kiir's rejection of the participation of his political rival and rebel leader Riek Machar.

The opposition groups criticised the chairmanship of national dialogue process which is supposed to achieve reconciliation and endorse democratic reforms by President Kiir saying he cannot be both judge and party.

Beda reiterated that the process will include “all South Sudanese”, echoing the committee's decision earlier in the week to approach armed oppositions groups to take part in the process.

He said South Sudan's 64 tribes will be accorded space to speak freely.

“They are going to discuss the war, they are going to discuss the conflicts, they are going to discuss the killings either for cattle rustling or for land or by the government's army, which is supposed to protect us and is [now] killing us,” he said.

(ST)

June 2, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said he will visit Cairo on Saturday to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry within the framework of the joint Sudanese-Egyptian political consultations committee.

Sudan's FM Ibrahim Ghandour (L) meets with his Egyptian counterpart Samih Shoukri in Cairo on January 9, 2016 (Photo released by the Sudanese FM)

Ghandour on Sunday cancelled a planned trip to Cairo, saying “we told our brothers in Egypt about the postponement of the visit due to internal issues and it would take place later”.

On Thursday, Ghandour received Egypt's ambassador to Khartoum Osama Shaltout and discussed with him various bilateral and regional issues of common concern.

In a press release following the meeting, foreign ministry spokesperson Gharib Allah Khidir said Ghanodour underscored the special relations between the two countries and the need for permanent contacts and consultations among officials from both sides.

He pointed that Ghanodour announced his visit to Cairo on Saturday at the invitation from Shoukry to hold in-depth discussions within the framework of the political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Sudan's top diplomat visit to Cairo comes several days after accusations by President Omer al-Bashir that Egypt provided weapons to Darfur rebels used during a recent attack.

The Egyptian authorities dismissed the Sudanese accusations of support to Darfur armed groups. But Khartoum points to the armoured vehicles seized from the rebels, a matter that Cairo didn't explain.

Last week, Sudan's Prime Minister Bakri Hassan Salih extended the ban on Egyptian agricultural products which was announced last September. Also, the commissioners of North Khartoum and El-Fasher, North Darfur issued decisions banning Egyptian street vendors.

The relation between the two countries is strained due to the disputed Halayeb triangle, Sudan's support to the Ethiopian dam, and the ban of Egyptian agricultural products.

However, since the beginning of this year, President Omer al-Bashir has referred to the Egyptian support to Darfur armed groups.

The Egyptian authorities, on the other hand, have another point of view on the growing rift between the two countries.

The Egyptian Madamasr website reported Wednesday that Egyptian government officials consider that Khartoum is encouraged by Gulf countries to seek troubles with Cairo and to stand behind the Ethiopian dam.

The Egyptian official further said that Sudan had rejected a proposal to turn Halayeb triangle and its neighbouring Sudanese territory into a joint integration and cooperation area.

(ST)

The app making health insurance more affordable for low-income communities in Tanzania.

June 1, 2017 (JUBA) – Fifteen children died in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria region following failed Measles vaccination, health ministry and World Health Organization said.

An aid workers administers a polio vaccine to a Sudanese boy (Photo: AFP)

South Sudan Minister of Health, Riek Gai Kok, said the death occurred in newly created Kapeota state.

“There were human errors such as poor storage of vaccines, use of single to vaccinate many people,” said Riek, speaking to reporters at the State House, after briefing President Salva Kiir the incident on Thursday.

Minister Riek said the “errors” led to vomiting and diarrhoea among the children leading to death within six hours of injection.

A World Health Organization (WHO) official who accompanied Minister Riek said the lifesaving vaccine shouldn't lead to death.

(ST)

June 1, 2017 (YAMBIO) – The Commissioner of Tombura county in South Sudan's newly-created state of Tombura has been sacked by the governor.

Governor Patrick Zamoi, in a decree read on Yambio FM, relieved Babiro Charles Gbamisi, but gave no reason for his sudden decision.

The former county commissioner was appointed in July last year.

In a separate decree, Zamoi appointed Deric Zioin Sasa as the new commissioner for Tombura county, replacing Bibiro Charles Gbamisi.

(ST)

June 1, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan former First Vice President and rebel leader Riek Machar has called on the UN Security Council to end in order his forced exile in South Africa and to allow him to engage in a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

South African President Jacob Zuma meets South Sudan's First Vice President, Riek Machar in Pretoria on 18 February 2016 (ST Photo)

“We [SPLM in Opposition] are calling on the UN to end the international policy of isolating the SPLM(IO) including my release from the confinement and detention so as to enable our full engagement in finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” said Machar in a written statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

In October 2016 Machar left Khartoum to Pretoria officially for medical treatment. But in fact, his travel had been decided in a common agreement between the IGAD countries. Washington was involved in the decision.

One month later, the former first vice-president successfully escaped his residence in Pretoria and reached Khartoum and Addis Abba. But he was forced to return to South Africa as the Sudanese and Ethiopian authorities refused to allow him to enter into their territories.

The idea was to grant him an asylum in South Africa far away from South Sudanese politics, with the hope to contain the situation and prevent the eruption of hostilities again.

According to the seven - page text, Machar made his call during a video conference on Wednesday with the Security Council. However, South Sudanese diplomat said he had a meeting with officials from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) who sought to convince him to stop the hostilities following a unilateral cessation of hostilities declaration by President Salva Kiir.

Machar accused President Kiir of resisting reforms and democratisation of the ruling party.

The second part of written speech detailed the failure of the August 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) and actions that should be taken to end the war in South Sudan as third port of his presentation.

“We [SPLM-IO] are calling on the UN to initiate a political process for peaceful settlement of the conflict using the agreement (ARCSS) as the basis, review the status of the UN peacekeeping forces to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively,” he further said.

He further said a humanitarian conference should be convened and “a political process for peaceful settlement of the conflict using the agreement as the basis” will end the war in South Sudan.

In a meeting with the Acting Director in the Office of U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Paul R.Sutphin, on 27 April, the SPLM-IO delegation called for the ARCSS revival through an inclusive political process that requires the involvement of the two warring parties to the South Sudanese conflict.

The rebel group further said that the SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar should be the one leading the group for the new peace negotiations.

However, the American official reiterated that they want Machar to continue to be in South Africa until the conclusion of a lasting peace agreement by his group and not his person.

" We still hold the view and of the support that Dr Riek should still remain in South Africa until lasting and sustainable peace followed by the political settlement of the conflict in South Sudan is achieved," said Sutphin, according to the minutes of the meeting seen by Sudan Tribune.

(ST)

June 1, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - U.S. Embassy in Sudan Thursday has warned its American nationals against a cholera outbreak in the east African country including its capital Khartoum.

"The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum informs U.S. citizens that there are confirmed reports of cholera cases in some areas of Sudan, including the greater Khartoum metropolitan area, that have resulted in fatalities," said a statement released by the embassy.

Khartoum's State Health Minister, Mamoun Hamida, confirmed in a press statement on Tuesday 120 cases of watery diarrhoea in the Sudanese capital, killing two people.

Sudanese authorities describe the water-borne disease as "acute watery diarrhoea", avoiding to call it cholera.

"This is a reminder to follow hand hygiene practices, and to consume safe food and water," said the Embassy adding "Those who will be far away from medical care should travel with oral rehydration salts (ORS) -at least 3 sachets- and water purification tablets or other devices for clean water".

In a report to the Sudanese parliament about the health situation in the country Thursday, Health Minister Bahr Idriss Abu Garda said there are over 14,000 water-related cases, adding the disease killed 272 since the spread of the outbreak in August 2016 in 10 states.

The minister stressed that the contaminated drinking water has been behind the spread of the disease.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

(ST)

June 1, 2017 (JUBA) – During a meeting with Prsident Salva Kiir on Thursday, a delegation of United States legislators have emphasised the importance of ending the war that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions in South Sudan.

Members of Sub-committee on Africa Affairs in the US House of Representatives with South Sudanese leaders in Juba, June 1, 2017 (ST)

The legislators, led by Christopher H. Smith, met South Sudan President Kiir and urged the latter to also consider involving church leaders in the recently national dialogue initiative.

"We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful dialogue as the viable option to ending the conflict in South Sudan and urged the government to follow through on its pledge and to actually focus on honouring the ceasefire,” Smith told reporters in Juba Thursday.

“We also reaffirm our shared view that a negotiated political settlement and inclusive democratic future for South Sudanese, and we call on all armed groups fighting in South Sudan to stop fighting and declare a cessation of hostilities", he added.

The head of the U.S. delegation reiterated the demand of the global community, citing the need for humanitarian access to all areas of South Sudan, including those on the United Nations' priority list, and deplored the delays and obstruction caused primarily by the parties of humanitarian deliveries to the population in desperate need.

"The devastating events in this country underscore what we have been saying for some time. The burden is on the parties to prove they are willing and able to take extraordinary steps to salvage diplomatic efforts to restore a Cessation of Hostilities (CoH), allow unfettered humanitarian assistance and create the conditions necessary for the resumption of UN-led talks about a political transition", stressed Smith.

He further said their mission to Africa was to visit Refugee camps in Northern Uganda, to know the situation of people in the camps.

South Sudan government has renewed its commitment to allowing free access and movement of relief organisations to those in need.

"The Government of South Sudan has committed itself to grand a free movement of the non-governmental organisations in order to assist those who are in need of humanitarian assistance", the cabinet affairs minister, Martin Elia Lomuro told reporters.

The minister confirmed that President Kiir met with a delegation from the United States of America, led by Christopher H. Smith, a member of Subcommittee on Africa Affairs in the US House of Representatives.

Lomuro said that the meeting also discussed the role of Churches in the national dialogue and how government can engage churches in order to move forward in the reconciliation and dialogue process.

President Kiir officially launched the long-awaited national dialogue initiative in the capital, Juba last week. The national dialogue initiative is both a forum and process through which the people South Sudan shall gather to redefine the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood, redefine citizenship and belonging, as well as restructure the state for national inclusion.

Since mid-December 2013, tens of thousands of people have been killed and over two million displaced in South Sudan's worst ever violence since its independence.

(ST)

Afro Fiesta are from Democratic Republic of Congo but are based in South Africa. Their music is heavily political - especially in relation to their home country.

As thousands of refugees return from Cameroon to north-eastern Nigeria, straining the few existing services and creating a new emergency, the United Nations refugee agency is stepping up its response to improve conditions.

More than 9,000 children who have arrived at two temporary reception centres in a northern Angolan city from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) need urgent support, the United Nations Children&#39s Fund (UNICEF) said today.