Africa

The United Nations refugees and food relief agencies today urged donors to step up support for people fleeing crisis-hit South Sudan as the $1.4 billion response plan remains 86 per cent unfunded.

May 14, 2017 (LONDON) – The United Nations Secretary-General, Antionio Guterres has reiterated the world body's deep concerns at the prevailing security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, specifically citing the untold sufferings being inflicted on civilians.

António Guterres (UN Photo)

The top U.N officials made these remarks on the margins of the London conference on Somalia, where the situation in South Sudan was discussed with a number of international stakeholders.

“He [Guterres] underlined the imperative of renewed regional and international efforts to bring to an end the unfolding tragedy in that country, in particular through the immediate cessation of hostilities, unfettered humanitarian access to the millions of people in need of assistance…”, partly reads a statement from the world body.

Also emphasized during the meeting, it added, was the need for South Sudan government to allow the freedom of movement for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the promotion of a credible and truly inclusive process involving all opposition forces in line with the principles enshrined in the August 2015 Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS).

The Secretary-General recognized the commitment of all his interlocutors to further enhance efforts towards ending the violence tearing South Sudan apart, bearing also in mind the need to prevent further negative repercussions on regional security and stability.

“The United Nations looks forward to working closely with the IGAD and the AU in the period ahead to identify practical steps that would help arrest the current downward trend towards greater fragmentation of South Sudan, escalating violence and deepening hardship and sustainably put the country put back on the track of peace and reconciliation,” further stressed the U.N statement.

Last week, Guterres met the Chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, with discussions mainly focused on the South Sudan war.

South Sudan has witnessed renewed clashes between forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) backing the country's former First Vice-President Riek Machar, in spite of the August 2015 peace agreement.

Up to 50, 000 civilians in South Sudan's Upper Nile region are at imminent risk of human rights violations as government troops close in, the U.N High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein recently warned.

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May 14, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Saiga Company, one of the largest flour suppliers in Sudan, announced that a U.S. wheat shipment will arrive in Port Sudan on Monday as the first trade deal between American and Sudanese companies since the ease of economic sanctions last January.

Last January, former President Barack Obama eased the 19-year economic and trade sanctions on Sudan. The decision came as a response to the collaboration of the Sudanese government on various issues including the fight against terrorism.

Next June, several U.S. administration agencies will decide to confirm the decision of President Obama to permanently lift sanctions on Sudan or to maintain it.

In a press release seen by Sudan Tribune Sunday, Saiga said: “an American wheat shipment of 51,000 metric tonnes for Saiga coming from Houston, Texas will arrive in Port Sudan on Monday”.

According to the press release, the shipment was made by the U.S. Cargill Incorporation.

“This shipment marks the beginning of the return of cooperation between U.S. and Sudanese companies, which will benefit this vital area,” read the press release.

In June 2015, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Sudanese private company, DAL Group have signed an agreement to provide local pasteurised milk for 5,000 school children suffering from malnutrition in Sudan's Red Sea State.

It is noteworthy that, Saiga Investment Company is a subsidiary of DAL Group which is owned by the Sudanese businessman Osama Dawood.

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May 14, 2017 (NAIROBI) - Seven South Sudanese opposition parties have agreed to closely work together against the regime in the war-torn nation.

President Salva Kiir addresses the nation at the South Sudan National Parliament in Juba, November 18, 2015. (Photo Reuters/Jok Solomon)

"There is great value in working together and, as a result, the opposition groups will actively work together with a view of seeking a united front on common strategic and operational issues,” partly reads a draft communiqué of the 1st Teleconference of the Leaders of Opposition Groups in South Sudan, held on 7 May 2017.

The group also agreed on a face-to-face meeting of the leaders of all political groups to discuss and work out the details and modalities for closer relationship among all opposition groups.

In the statement, the various opposition political party members also encouraged efforts by the different opposition groups to help convene a summit of leaders of the country's opposition groups.

The South Sudanese opposition groups further expressed concerns about the “untold” and “unbearable” suffering of South Sudanese people, whom they said urgently and desperately needed peace.

“Aware that the regime in Juba is dysfunctional, in crisis, paralysed and about to implode and take the country down with it, if no urgent action is taken to save the country, to unify it, and reclaim the country from forces who want to destroy and liquidate it,” they said.

The opposition groups called for drastic and immediate change in the world's youngest nation to foster and promote mutually beneficial alliance of all political and military groups in South Sudan.

Signatories to the document included, Henry Odwar, deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO faction led by Riek Machar, FDP party leader Gabriel Changson Chan, Thomas Tut Doap of UDRA, SPLM-FDs member Kosti Manibe, SSNMC leader Joseph Bakasoro, National Democratic Movement (NDM) leader Lam Akol, and Thomas Cirillo Swaka, leader of the National Salvation Front (NAS).

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May 14, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese authorities on Saturday handed over the schools linked to the Turkish opponent Fethullah Gulen to Turkey's Maarif (Education) Foundation.

US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen is seen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, July 29, 2016. (Photo by Reuters/Charles Mostoller)

Turkish government accuses the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of being behind the July 15 coup attempt in which at least 246 people were killed. But, the exiled Islamic opponent denies any involvement in the aborted putsch.

Last August, Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir issued a decision to close all the businesses in the country linked to the Turkish opponent Fethullah Gulen who is accused of orchestrating a failed coup in July.

The decision was announced in a less than a week after a call by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Sudanese authorities during his address by telephone to a rally organised in Khartoum in support of his government on Sunday 7 August.

The handing over ceremony took place on Sunday in the presence of the Turkish ambassador to Khartoum Jamal al-Din Aydin and Khartoum State minister of education Farah Mustafa.

Following the ceremony, Aydin praised Sudan's stance towards the failed coup attempt, saying President al-Bashir was among the first to contact President Erdogan after the coup attempt.

He stressed that the pupils in the schools will continue their education as normal, saying no unjust measures would be taken against them.

It is noteworthy the Turkey's ministry of education has established the Maarif (Education) Foundation to launch and manage schools abroad in order to limit the expansion of Gulen-linked schools network.

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May 14, 2017 (DOHA) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir Sunday disclosed his country is hosting about two million refugees and asylum seekers saying the first Sudanese law regulating asylum was enacted in 1974.

Al-Bashir, who addressed the opening session of the 17th Doha Forum Sunday, said “Sudan has been committed to international conventions and laws on refugees for half a century and until today”, pointing that a number of neighbouring countries suffer from internal crises.

He praised the Doha Forum efforts to achieve intellectual and scientific solutions to the issues of security and stability in the world, saying the theme of the current session touches on human, moral, political, economic and social issues.

The Doha Forum brings together a large number of experts, academics, politicians, decision-makers, specialists, businessmen and civil society organisations from around the world, to discuss ways to achieve stability, regional and global prosperity, and how to address the challenges hindering stability in the world.

The theme of this 17th session of the forum which is taking place from 14 to 15 May is entitled “Development, Stability and Refugee Crisis”.

According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Bashir said the number of refugees around the globe has reached 250 million people, pointing to the adverse impact of the phenomenon on the stability and development of the refugee-producing and receiving countries.

He stressed that refugees in Sudan “enjoy full rights”, saying his country was the first to introduce a law regulating asylum since 1974 followed by two laws to combat human trafficking in 2014 and 2015.

The Sudanese president described his country's experience in dealing with refugees as “pioneering”, pointing to the implementation of voluntary repatriation and resettlement programs.

Al-Bashir further pointed to ways to eliminate the phenomena of asylum and illegal migration, demanding the international community to play its humanitarian role in helping refugees and tackling the roots causes of the phenomenon.

WESTERN DIPLOMATS WALK OUT

Meanwhile, three Western diplomats walked out of the opening session of Qatar Forum on Sunday in protest against the participation of Al-Bashir who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC issued two arrest warrants against Bashir in 2009 and 2010 for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Darfur. Al-Bashir is the first sitting head of state charged by the Hague-based court since its inception in 2002.

According to Reuters, the United States, Canada and Australia ambassadors to Doha boycotted the opening session after Al-Bashir's name appeared on the list of the speakers.

Three European diplomats who attended the event said they walked out before Bashir addressed the forum.

“The Sudanese president is wanted by the ICC so it would not be appropriate to be present for his remarks,” one of the diplomats told Reuters.

(ST)

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May 12, 2017 (KAMPALA) - A South Sudanese activist has been recognized by Women Refugees Commission for efforts to bring youth together and enable them reach their potential as agents of peace and positive change in Uganda.

South Sudanese refugees at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, on 17 February 2014 (ST)

Malual Bol Kiir is the founder of African Youth Action Network (AYAN), an organisation operating in Kampala, Uganda.

The 2017 Voices of Courage accolade was given to Bol because of his continued effort to bring together the divided South Sudanese refugees youths in Uganda.

Since 2015, AYAN has reportedly been partnering with the United Nation High Commissioner of Refugee agency to reach out to other NGOs and bridge the gap between national youth and especially from refugee communities.

Bol said they have recruited young people to work together as agents of peace and conflict prevention.

So far, 2,000 youth have been united with South Sudanese refugees and other community members in Uganda.

Bol, a 23-year South Sudanese refugee, spent half of his life during wartime, witnessing an array of conflicts on the massacre of civilians and continued human rights abuse in South Sudan.

The award was presented to him in New York by Chelsea Clinton, who is the vice president of Clinton Foundation.

“Being a refugee is something none of us is proud of! You stand to be discriminated. You stand to be humiliated. You stand to be killed. You stand to have no freedom. I never thought I would spend three-quarters of my life in a camp,” said Bol.

Bol, Halima Mohamed from Somalia and Yusra Mardini from Syria were recognized at celebrations to mark the 42nd anniversary of Women's Refugee Commission in Washington DC.

Voices of Courage award is given to groups of individuals making a difference around the world through innovative initiatives led by brave and inspirational work often in dangerous circumstances and at considerable personal risk.

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May 13, 2017 (BOR) - South Sudan's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai has pledged to support the university, whose facilities remain in a sorry state.

South Sudan first vice president Taban Deng Gai arrives in Bor May 9, 2017 (ST)

Deng made the pledge while addressing students and the university's teaching staff when he paid them a short visit during his trip to Jonglei and Boma states.

Student representatives presented to the First Vice-President a list of problems, which the institution faces, citing lack of accommodation, lecture halls and internet.

“Some of the lectures are now being conducted under trees. This hall is our dining hall, lecture hall, this is everything. We also have a problem of accommodation, since 2013. Two lecture rooms are used for students' accommodations”, said a student representative.

The university has more 700 regular and irregular students, sharing limited facilities.

“There are now enough toilets for the students, only five available for used by over 500 students. Insufficient power for the university, as the generator runs for only four hours a day, leading to shortage of water supply at the university”, he added.

Students also cited disagreements between the university's Vice chancellor and the deputy in-charge of academics and administration, saying the abnormality forced some professors to resign, leaving a gap among the teaching staff.

Some courses would remain untaught as a result of no lecturers, many complained.

“The university top leadership disagreement has affected the lectures at the University, as the staff are divided up, some supporting the Vice Chancellor and others supporting the deputy vice chancellor. Issue of power struggle between the top leadership has also affected us as students. This affects us," a student said.

On his part, the South Sudanese First Vice President said he would do any possible to alleviate conditions, which the university currently faces.

“There is no money in Juba, just like there is no money here. The little money we get goes for national security. But we will do our best to help you these. I will stand behind for the issues you had raised”, said Gai.

He donated SSP100,000 ($1,000) to support the university for the meantime.

Gai was accompanied by the minister of gender, child and social welfare, Awut Deng, Jonglei state governor, Philip Aguer and the other state officials.

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May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese army Saturday said two of its troops were killed and several others injured in Yemen where it participates within the Saudi-led “Decisive Storm” coalition against the Iranian-allied Houthi militants.

Sudanese soldiers carry the coffin of Haytham al-Tayeb, the first Sudanese soldier to die in Yemen at Khartoum airport on Friday January 29, 2016 (ST Photo)

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, army spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami said the Sudanese troops carried out a series of successful operations in Yemen on Friday and Saturday, saying two soldiers were killed and several others injured.

In January 2016, the Sudanese army announced that unexploded ordnance caused the death of a Sudanese soldier while he was burning a mass of rubble at the headquarters of Sudanese troops in Aden. Also, last April the army said five soldiers were killed and other 22 wounded in military operations in Yemen.

The Sudanese army has been participating in the Saudi-led military coalition since 2015 in a regional effort to back the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after he was ousted from the capital Sanaa by the Houthis.

The coalition backed Hadi's forces hold most of Yemen's territory in the south and east parts of the country, while the Houthis control mainly population centres in the north-west, including Sanaa, the largest city in Yemen.

At least 10,000 people have been killed and the country is on the brink of famine in this proxy war to define the balance of power in the Middle East.

The number of Sudanese soldiers in Yemen is not known but in October 2015 Yemeni army said they expect 6,000 troops. Also at the time, security sources told the Associated Press (AP) that Sudan plans to send a total of 10,000 soldiers.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Secretary General has called On U.S. congressmen and activist to protest against the participation of President Omer al-Bashir in a regional meeting with President Donald Trump next week.

President Trump during a two-day visit to Riyadh (20-21 May), Saudi Arabia, will meet leaders of Islamic countries to discuss a joint action against terror groups who represent the major terrorist threat facing the United States and the western world.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Saturday, Yasir Arman said the announced participation of President Omer al-Bashir in this meeting with President Trump has "created a wider concern among the victims of genocide and war crimes in Sudan".

He said that the regime of President al-Bashir used the religion to infringe on the rights of millions of Sudanese, executing many of them and arbitrarily arresting thousands of them, bombarding civilian populations, denying humanitarian access, and discriminating based on religion against its own people and in particular the Christian Sudanese.

"We appeal to the U.S. Administration, the U.S. Congress, the Commission for Religious Freedom in the U.S., the American media, civil societies, religious leaders and human rights activists worldwide to voice their concern, to speak out against the participation of General Bashir in this summit" with President Trump.

Former U.S. President Barak Obama decided a partial lift of sanctions on Sudan last January. Also, President Trump is not expected to restore the embargo. The deal between the two countries does not include the human rights in Sudan.

Also, the two countries have initiated a rapprochement based on the counterterrorism cooperation and regional interests.

In a report to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on 11 May, the Director of National Intelligence Daniel R. Coats said "Khartoum probably hopes to continue constructive engagement with the United States following Washington's decision in January 2017 to suspend some sanctions on Sudan".

Also, it was purported that U.S. intelligence agencies particularly the CIA and FBI are preparing to enhance counterterrorism cooperation with Sudan to include money laundering and organised crime.

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May 13, 2017 (JUBA) - The Aweil community in South Sudan have issued a statement condemning the move to stop the former chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan from travelling to his home village, days after he was sacked.

They further called on their sons to distance themselves from the President Kiir and to leave the army to protest the move.

Former South Sudanese army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan speaking at a Dinka Malual community meeting in Juba on 1 November, 2012 (ST)

The community leaders accused the director general of internal security service, Akol Koor and others for what they said was unfair treatment of Awan.

“The community leadership commends the members of the community for resolving to stand together at this time of difficulties and trying moment and asks all the sons and daughters of this great community serving in different organs of the army and security sector to abandon their position and assemble at the safest point for further directions from the community”, the statement reads in part.

The community, however, commended the Yirol community for hosting for former South Sudanese army chief and his accompanying officers and guards, despite mounting pressure from Juba to forcefully disarm them.

They demanded that Awan is allowed to travel without any pre-conditions.

The community leader appealed to their sons and daughters residing in and outside the country to mobilise funds for transporting Aweil sons serving in the security units across the nation back home for further consultations.

"We equally ask you to be on maximum high alert for eventualities", says the statement.

The former chief of the army returned to the South Sudanese capital, Juba on Saturday to "hear why he was stopped" from reaching his home state.

President Kiir appointed General James Ajongo Mawut to replace Awan who was at the helm of the country's top military command for about four years.

(ST)

May 13, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan President Salva Kiir Saturday has appointed a new commander of the presidential guard, days after sacking the army chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan.

President Salva Kiir speaks during the inauguration of the new SPLM premises in Juba on 15 November 2013 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

President Kiir according to a presidential order announced through the state-owned South Sudan broadcasting corporation promoted the former commander of the presidential guard Major General Marital Ciennoung Yol to the rank of lieutenant General and subsequently removed from his assignment as the general commanding officer for presidential guard force.

In a separate order, the president promoted Brigadier General Lual Wek Guem to the rank of Major General and has appointed him as commander of the presidential guards unit, the Tiger Division.

No reasons were given for new promotions in the army.

Observers the decision comes within the framework of a number of preventative measures taken to tighten security measures around the head of state.

Middle level officers in different strategic and sensitive areas are appointed and deployed by the former SPLA chief of staff since his appointment in 2013.

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May 13, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir Saturday has pledged to crush the rebel groups stressing the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are ready to declare the country free of rebels and mercenaries soon.

Al-Bashir, who addressed the graduation ceremony of 1450 RSF troops in Khartoum, said the graduation of the new batch aims “to show force and terrorise the enemies”, pointing the decision to establish the RSF was the best decision he ever took as president.

“We say to all those who reject peace that the armed forces and the RSF are ready to declare Sudan a country free of rebellion and mercenaries,” he said.

The RSF militia, which is widely known as the Janjaweed militias, were originally mobilised by the Sudanese government to quell the insurgency that broke out in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

The militia was activated and restructured again in August 2013 under the command of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) to fight rebel groups in Darfur region, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states following joint attacks by Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebels in North and South Kordofan in April 2013.

Earlier this year, the Sudanese parliament passed RSF Act which integrates the notorious militia in the Sudanese army and provides that its commander is appointed by the President of the Republic.

Al-Bashir further gave the RSF open mandate to interfere to stop tribal clashes and the lawlessness situation in Darfur, saying the force fulfilled its national duty by protecting the border against human trafficking and illegal arms and drug smuggling.

He said that his government did everything possible to achieve peace; pointing that Sudan is entering a new phase following the formation of the government of national concord.

For his part, SRF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) said his troops are working side by side with the armed forces and other regular forces, pointing they are performing their national duty and defending the homeland against external and internal threats.

He said the RSF calls for peace and works to maintain it, pointing it also seeks to resolve tribal conflicts and fight against human trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, and arms and drug smuggling.

Daglo stressed that the new RSF batch is ready to respond to any challenges facing the country, saying they received the necessary training and became physically and spiritually prepared to carry out their duties.

The Sudanese army has been fighting Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) rebels in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, also known as the “Two Areas” since 2011 and a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

Talks between the warring parties for a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access are stalled since last August.

(ST)

Strongly condemning the latest attacks against civilians and the United Nations in Central African Republic (CAR), Secretary-General António Guterres today urged authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

May 13, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudanese former chief of the army, General Paul Malong Awan, returned to the capital Juba on Saturday to "hear why he was stopped" from reaching his home state.

General Malong was dismissed by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday and left Juba at night causing anxiety among South Sudanese who are sacred by political wrangling turning violent. Gen. Malong's journey to his home state of Northern Bahr El Ghazal. Where he was a governor for nearly ten years was halted in Yirol at the instruction of President Kiir.

"I wanted to go home after being relieved of my duties to stay with my family. I have a good family but was told to come back. I don't know why. But I have come and will listen," said Malong, speaking to reporters at Juba Airport flanked by Governor of newly created Eastern Lakes State, Bor Philip and his one of his elders, son Garang Malong.

"I don't want to stay here because some people may start anything and blame on me. I will go to my family after hearing why I was called," he added.

Thousands of supporters thronged Juba Airport Road to welcome the respected army commander, a former senior rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army officer, who became a prominent national figure after taking the helm of South Sudan chief of staff during the fight against rebels fighting President Kiir government in 2014.

President Kiir appointed General James Ajongo Mawut to replace General Malong as chief of staff. Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Kiir said General was in "fighting mood" during a phone conversation and described his attitude as "rather wild." Kiir accused Malong of "failing to congratulate him for appointing him as chief of SPLA staff for four years" and called it a mistake that he did hand over office "peacefully " before leaving Juba.

Malong insisted his intention was peaceful depicted by facts that he "never insulted anybody or killed anyone on the road" after leaving Juba on Tuesday.

(ST)