Africa

February 7, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan and Bahrain Tuesday have agreed to increase bilateral coordination and consultations at the level of regional and international organizations .

Sudan's foreign ministry building in Khartoum (SUNA)

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Undersecretary at the foreign ministry A Abdel-Ghani al-Naeem and his Bahraini counterpart Wahid Mubarak Sial at the end of a consultations meeting held in Khartoum on Tuesday.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Garib Allah Khidir said the meeting discussed the implementation of bilateral agreements signed by the two countries.

"The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to improve bilateral coordination at the regional and international levels, as well as increasing consultations in the diplomatic, economic, cultural and security fields, with a special focus on investments," Khidir futher said.

The tiny kingdom of Bahrain has joined the other Gulf monarchies which are engaged in agricultural projects in the Sudan.

Manama implements " Bahrain's bounties " project, which represents one of the largest Arab investments in Sudan. The agricultural projectwhich occupies an areas of one hundred thousand acres, is located in the Northern State.

On a related development, the meeting coincided with a visit to Khartoum by a high ranking military official from the Gulf region.

The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, concluded Tuesday a two-day visit to Khartoum where he met with the President Omer al-Bashir and his defence minister Awad Ibn Ouf.

The content of the military talks was not disclosed.

Sudan and the UAE are part of a Saudi-led regional coalition fighting the Shiite Houthi militants in Yemen.

President Bashir recently announced that Khartoum is preparing to dispatch more troops to the Saudi Arabia from where they will move to Yemen .

(ST)

“Before my husband was even buried, my brother-­in-­law was making moves [to take over my property]…,” a widow living in a homestead outside Bulawayo with her three children told me, “I only realised about three weeks later that I was being left out.”

She is not alone in this experience. We interviewed more than 60 widows from throughout Zimbabwe and found that in many cases, their in­laws would claim all of their property and resources after their husbands died, in many cases leaving them homeless, landless, and penniless.

This is a silent epidemic of gender­based violence. And the results can be catastrophic.

Widows in Zimbabwe are routinely evicted from their homes and land, and their property is stolen by in-laws when their husbands die.

Many widows lose everything they have worked for. Their children may have to drop out of school.

They depend on the charity of others when they used to be standing on their own two feet, staying with relatives, trying to find income opportunities. Those who can still work must start from nothing, resulting in poverty that follows them for the rest of their lives.

Many other widows I spoke to from all over Zimbabwe during research for the Human Rights Watch report “You Will Get Nothing” on the rights of widows said that in­laws evicted them from their homes, and forced them off the lands they worked for their livelihoods.

January 24, 2017 Report “You Will Get Nothing”

Violations of Property and Inheritance Rights of Widows in Zimbabwe

• Download the full report

This cuts off women’s economic empowerment at the root, by taking away the stability of a home and livelihood, on top of grief over the loss of a spouse.

Over 70 percent of women in Zimbabwe are involved in the agricultural economy.

The loss of a field is the loss of the most valuable income­generating asset most women have.

This happens to thousands of women each year in Zimbabwe.

Relatives move in when the woman is grieving and vulnerable. Many widows are older women who may not have the information or the financial resources they need to fight a husband’s family.

Many families claim that it is their right to take the family’s property under customary law. But it is greed, not culture, that drives this practice.

Property grabbing is a problem in other southern African countries as well. Botswana and South Africa have both taken legal steps to end the practice.

The introduction of the Marriages Bill is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to take practical legal steps, too. It should make registration available for marriages of all types.

Widows I spoke with who were in unregistered customary unions were the most vulnerable.

Courts ask their in­laws to verify their unions in court. Even if they know their rights, and get themselves to court, the widows are often at the mercy of their in­laws to confirm that they were married.

Women whose marriages were registered and who are able to get legal help still face challenges, but are more likely to be successful in the courts.

Bethel’s in­laws tried to use her unregistered status as leverage for a bribe from her.

She was fortunate to obtain free legal services from a local organisation to rebuff them, and keep her home.

Where the law does not protect, it should be amended so that it protects everyone.

As a Zimbabwean, I have been working on human rights for many years. It is time Zimbabweans started seeing widows differently.

Their equal property rights are not optional, nor is this a “family matter.” Zimbabwe should put a spotlight on widows’ rights.

Property grabbing violates women’s rights, harms children, and hinders development.

For the good of this country, Zimbabwe should seek to change laws and support widows, because they are entitled to the same rights as every other person here.

February 7, 2017 (PAGAK) - South Sudan's former military attaché in Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, Gai Chatiem has joined the armed opposition led by South Sudan's ex-first vice president Riek Machar.

South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar addresses a news conference in Uganda's capital Kampala January 26, 2016 (Reuters photo)

Chatiem, in an interview with Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, said he decided to join the armed opposition faction to fight for a "just war".

He claimed the Juba regime was using a “divide and rule” policy, described it as the worst ideology for governing South Sudan.

“I have been serving in the government for the longer time and I thought their tribal policy could have improved after several objections from the people, but only learned that the direction pursued by the government is hell to the South Sudanese,” he said.

The former military attaché called for a mass defection from members within the government to join the rebellion in the country.

The armed opposition spokesperson, Col. William Gatjiath Deng, confirmed the former military attaché's to the armed opposition.

“This morning Monday, February 06, 2017, Brigadier General Gai Chatiem, who served as South Sudan defense attaché in Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, joined the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Gen. Chatiem reported to the SPLM/A-IO Headquarters Pagak and was warmly received by the top SPLA-IO military leadership and command,” Deng said in a statement.

Chatiem is reportedly at the SPLA-IO headquarters in Pagak, where he allegedly vowed to resist the “autocratic” and “authoritarian” leadership and policies being perpetuated by the Jieng Council of Elders (JCE).

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (JUBA) – At least two people have died as a result of hunger in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria state, officials have said.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in Kapeota region, reflects the food security challenges facing the world's youngest nation.

Kapoeta state governor, Louis Lobong, said thousands of people have fled due to food insecurity to Uganda, amidst fear some die before reaching their destinations.

"Two women died in the way to Uganda. They were fleeing hunger in the state," Lobong said on Tuesday.

He accused humanitarian organisations of neglecting the plight of the local communities who were starving.

“The pastoral communities have gone far, crossing over to either the neighboring states or the neighboring countries because they are vulnerable, hungry, and weak. We have never seen any humanitarian agency that is coming in for any help,” Lobong told Eye Radio.

He said no food deliveries or assessment by international and local organisations have been conducted by Tuesday, repeating his request for "urgent assistance."

In a related development, Tonj state's deputy governor, Manhiem Bol said souring market commodities have spoilt the purchasing power of poor people, blaming poor harvest in 2016 farming season for the food gap.

"There is an alarming hunger situation across the state because of crops failure during the last farming season,” said Bol, calling for immediate humanitarian assistance.

"I am appealing to humanitarian organizations to also look at the issues to do with humanitarian problems in South Sudan and in Tonj in particular," he added.

The conflict that broke out in mid-December 2013 has uprooted more than two million people from their homes, forcing one million South Sudanese across borders into neighbouring nations.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan authorities released the head of external office of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP), Abdel Moneim Omer, one month after his detention at Khartoum airport.

head SCoP office abroad Abdel Moneim Omer (ST Photo)

Abdel Moneim Omer, was briefly tasked with the party's leadership during two months in November December 2016 when the Sudanese authorities detained the SCoP chairman and his deputy following calls to protest new austerity measures.

The National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) didn't filed any charges against Omer or provide any explanation for his detention.

"The party has not to welcome his release. The NISS robbed the freedom of the head of SCoP office abroad who had been arbitrarily detained without charge or trial," SCoP Vice-Chairman, Khalid Omer Youssef told Sudan Tribune.

"Our freedom is insecure as long as the security apparatus has the right to detain people whenever they want and the release them whenever they wants," he further stressed.

Rights groups call to reform the current security law of 199 and to limit the broad powers of arrest, detention, search and seizure. Also, they call to include key safeguards in the law such as the right to be immediately informed of charges, the right to be brought promptly before a judge, and the right to be tried within a reasonable time.

Omer pointed to the need to amend the National Security Forces Act of 1999 and to "dismantle the totalitarian state structure and laws that allow the NISS to arrest activists and political opponents.

The opposition parties and armed groups demand the creation of a conducive environment before to participate in a constitutional conference inside the country. According to an African Union road map the matter should be discussed within the framework of a national dialogue preparatory meeting.

Sudanese authorities arrested 32 leading members of the SCOP following the announce of austerity measures in a bid to avoid attempts to mobilise the Sudanese street against the government.

Despite the restrictions' of freedom the SCoP, which is a member of the Sudan Call forces, remains very active and organizes information campaigns, they also hold spontaneous public meetings to raise political and economic issues.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (KAMPALA) – At least 52,000 South Sudanese fled the country into neighbouring Uganda in January alone as continued fighting risks creating a situation of mass atrocities, the United Nations special adviser on genocide prevention said Tuesday.

Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, addresses a press conference in Juba on Friday 11, 2016 (UNMISS Photo)

Adama Dieng said those displaced, mainly from Kajo-Keji in the country's Central Equatoria state gave horrific accounts on killing of civilians, destruction of homes and several cases of sexual violence.

“President Salva Kiir has made a commitment to end the violence and bring about peace, yet we still see ongoing clashes, and the risk that mass atrocities will be committed remains ever-present,” he said.

The senior U.N official said he was particularly alarmed by the situation in Kajo-Keji where fleeing civilians warned of mass violence.

South Sudan descended into war in late December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and over three million people displaced.

The U.N official, however, said despite the serious security situation in the country, access of the its peacekeeping mission to and around Kajo-Keji has been restricted as peacekeepers were initially blocked from accessing the area.

“The freedom of movement of residents has also reportedly been limited. Some have reportedly been instructed to leave Kajo-Keji,” Dieng said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Others who fled their homes and moved towards the border area between South Sudan and Uganda were reportedly intercepted by government forces,” he added.

According to the U.N official, some of those seeking refuge reportedly used a number of informal border crossing points to enter Uganda, as armed groups prevented the use of major roads, forcing them to travel through the bush, without access to food and water.

Various areas in the Equatorias, the U.N said, have been similarly targeted, and some 20,000 people were displaced from Wau Shilluk in Upper Nile last week, following violence that left many without emergency health care, safe drinking water, food and shelter.

In November 2016, Dieng drew attention to the dire situation in Yei River State, following his visit to Yei River town, where credible information suggested that a scorched earth campaign was underway, targeting suspected opposition members and civilian communities believed by authorities to be their supporters.

He reported the expulsion of farmers from their land, looting of property, burning of villages and brutal violence against civilians.

During the African Union summit held in Ethiopia last month, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations expressed their deep concerns, in a joint statement, over the continuing spread of fighting and risk of inter-communal violence escalating into mass atrocities in South Sudan.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan president Salva Kiir has insisted there was no other viable alternative to end the ongoing war in the country, apart from resolving existing differences through a national dialogue.

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

“There are people who believe in war as the only way to resolve differences, I think these are wrong. War is not the viable way to end differences. War is war and you know it is very destructive. I don't want you, the people of Yei to follow people who think the only solution to whatever issues we have in this country is through war,” said Kiir, while addressing a large gathering in S. Sudan's Yei town.

He added, “Let us work together with our religious leaders for peace”.

The president said ending the war will be an opportunity for politicians wanting to take power from him in an atmosphere free of war so that they campaign and allow the citizen to vote peacefully.

“People who want to become of this country have to accept that they cannot become the president when there is war. They need to denounce violence and stop war. When the war is stopped anyone wants to contest whichever positions he wants will be free to contest,” stressed the South Sudanese leader.

“So let's work together to stop the war and let the political forces sit down to organize themselves so that the parties are registered before time,” he added.
A huge crowd has gathered Yei town to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the existence of Episcopal Church in the area.

President Kiir also used the opportunity to announce the national dialogue initiative he declared in December last year, saying it officially starts in the first week of March and will run for four months.

The national dialogue, he said, seeks to end long civil war in Africa's newest nation.

The South Sudanese leader further reiterated that said a panel of "eminent personalities and people of consensus" would guide the national dialogue process, which would involve "all the people of South Sudan" but did not say who the panel members would be.

“The national dialogue is a matter of urgency so that we see what will be the next step. Now our members of the national legislature are on recess, they will come back in the end of this month, so when they come, we will kick off the sessions of the national dialogue”, he said.

The leader of the country's armed opposition faction, Riek Machar has, however, dismissed Kiir's dialogue initiative, saying the process can only succeed if peace has been restored in the war-torn nation.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since violence broke out between the country's rival factions in mid-December 2013.

(ST)

The setting up of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was a “reckoning” for those who had long disregarded the lives and dignity of their people, the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide has said and warned that withdrawing from the tribunal could have grave implications for victims seeking redress for serious human rights violations.

By António Guterres

Far too often, the world views Africa through the prism of problems. When I look to Africa, I see a continent of hope, promise and vast potential.

I am committed to building on those strengths and establishing a higher platform of cooperation between the United Nations and the leaders and people of Africa. This is essential to advancing inclusive and sustainable development and deepening cooperation for peace and security.

That is the message I carried to the recent African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — my first major mission as United Nations Secretary-General.

Above all, I came in a spirit of profound solidarity and respect. I am convinced that the world has much to gain from African wisdom, ideas and solutions.

I also brought with me a deep sense of gratitude. Africa provides the majority of United Nations peacekeepers around the world. African nations are among the world's largest and most generous hosts of refugees. Africa includes some of the world's fastest growing economies.

The recent resolution of the political crisis in the Gambia once again demonstrated the power of African leadership and unity to overcome governance challenges and uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

I left the Summit more convinced than ever that all of humanity will benefit by listening, learning and working with the people of Africa.

We have the plans in place to build a better future. The international community has entered the second year of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an all-out effort to tackle global poverty, inequality, instability and injustice. Africa has adopted its own complementary and ambitious plan: Agenda 2063.

For the people of Africa to fully benefit from these important efforts, these two agendas need to be strategically aligned.

It starts with prevention. Our world needs to move from managing crises to preventing them in the first place. We need to break the cycle of responding too late and too little.

Most of today's conflicts are internal, triggered by competition for power and resources, inequality, marginalization and sectarian divides. Often, they are inflamed by violent extremism or provide the fuel for it.

The United Nations is committed to working hand-in-hand with partners wherever conflict or the threat of conflict endangers stability and well-being.

But prevention goes far beyond focusing solely on conflict. The best means of prevention and the surest path to durable peace is inclusive and sustainable development.

We can speed progress by doing more to provide opportunities and hope to young people. More than three out of five Africans are under 35 years of age. Making the most of this tremendous asset means more investment in education, training, decent work, and engaging young people in shaping their future.

We must also do our utmost to empower women so they can play a full role in sustainable development and sustainable peace. I am pleased that the African Union has consistently placed a special focus on gender equality and women's empowerment.

I have seen it again and again: When we empower women, we empower the world.

I travelled to Africa as a partner, friend and committed advocate for changing the narrative about this diverse and vital continent. Crises represent at best a partial view. But from a higher platform of cooperation, we can see the whole picture – one that spotlights the enormous potential and remarkable success stories in every corner of the African continent.

With that perspective, I have no doubt we can win the battle for sustainable and inclusive development which are also the best weapons to prevent conflict and suffering, allowing Africa to shine even more vibrantly and inspire the world.

António Guterres is Secretary-General of the United Nations

The highest United Nations official tasked with advocating against the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war urged today Libyan authorities to protect migrants from rape and other human rights violations.

Stalled peace talks in Burundi are forcing hundreds to flee every day seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, the United Nations refugee agency warned today, appealing for more support, particularly land to shelter for new arrivals and to ensure protection of children and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.

A guide to the unique way Somalia is electing its new president – in 60 seconds.

February 6, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) leader Malik Agar reiterated their readiness to discuss the U.S. proposal to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in the rebel-controlled areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, stressing what they refuse is the control of the whole operation by the government.

in a bid to break the deadlock in the peace talks between the Sudanese government and SPLM-N, the former U.S. Special Envoy Donald Booth last November proposed that the USAID will deliver medical humanitarian aid to civilian in the rebel held areas by air directly after its inspection from the government.

The SPLM-N declined the proposal insisting on the need to transport 20% of the humanitarian aid directly from Ethiopian border town of Asosa to the rebel areas.

In an audio statement obtained by Sudan Tribune, Agar who was speaking last Saturday in the SPLM-Controlled areas in the Blue Nile said the SPLM-N didn't reject the "Sudanese American proposal", as he said.

The proposal provides that the USAID will deliver specific humanitarian assistance through an internal corridor to the United Nations workers in the SPLM areas, explained Agar in remarks delivered at a promotion ceremony for SPLA Second Division officers on Saturday.

"This gives the Sudanese government the upper hand in the (humanitarian) operation, and we should keep in mind the experience of UNAMID in Darfur," he added.

The SPLM-N rejected the Sudanese government control of the humanitarian operation but didn't decline the U.S. proposal or the proposal of the African Union mediation which provides to deliver the aid across Asosa town on the Ethiopian Sudanese border, he said.

The SPLM-N sticks to the direct delivery of 20% of humanitarian assistance through Ethiopia, pointing that the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) supports this idea.

Sources close to the file disclosed that the SPLM-N in its response to the U.S. proposal underscored that the safe humanitarian corridor through Asosa would enable the SPLM-N to transport its sick or wounded fighters for treatment from the land-locked controlled areas. Also this corridor enable the rebel leadership and delegates to reach the venue of peace talks and return to their bases for consultations, they said.

Sudanese government rejected Asosa corridor, saying it's a violation of the state's sovereignty and also allows the rebel to bring arms and ammunition from outside.

However, Agar called to not exclude Asosa corridor from the negotiating table stressing that there are "two proposals on the table, that one of the AUHIP and "the U.S. proposal with the proposed amendments''.

"And we are ready to discuss the two proposals," he said.

Recently it was reported that the AUHIP mediators filed new proposals for the negotiating parties, and it is expected to convene a meeting between the armed groups and a Sudanese committee tasked with the implementation of the national dialogue outcome.

But Agar denied being invited to resume talks with the government. Also, he said they are not concerned by the outcome of the government-led dialogue process but they call for an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue, and a preparatory meeting to discuss the creation of a conducive environment before this constitutional process, in line with the African Union Roadmap Agreement

He further said they expect that an invitation be extended by the AUHIP for a consolations-meeting.

He said the SPLM-N is ready for peace and war alike.

"The regime challenged us in the past and can challenge us again but we are ready to take up the challenge until the Sudanese get their full rights. We will not accept half-solutions and will not postpone the war for future generations," he added.

(ST)

February 7, 2017 (BOR) - Promoting sport could be one of the best ways of ensuring peace in South Sudan's Jonglei state, the United Nations Mission in the country, said.

UN peacekeepers in South Sudan with one of their helicopters (UNMISS)

This was revealed Saturday after a tournament in which the U.N team, comprising of South Korean peacekeepers defeated Jonglei football team 2-1.

“We can keep the young men and women busy, and in that process, we can promote peace and tranquility”, said Alfred Zulu, the acting coordinator in the state.

“With the support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, we will do everything possible to ensure that can organize these young people here, we can support them in term of facilities and in term of football medicines, in term of coaching”, he added.

Jonglei state governor, Philip Aguer, said sports was the only thing that appeals to people from all works of life and that meaningful peace can be achieve through sports.

“We are very happy to see our children here, embracing sport, and when we were going across found all the names, we found Pal, Marial, Mahamed, this shows that this[sport] is the culture of everybody," said Aguer.

"Congratulations for United Nations for supporting this”, he added.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (JUBA) – At least 46 children were reportedly abducted in South Sudan's Jonglei state last year, while nearly 100 people died in raids blamed on criminals from rival communities.

Jonglei state governor, Phillip Aguer speaks during the independence occassion July 9, 2016 (ST)

Unveiling a new report his office compiled, Jonglei state governor Philip Aguer described the unrelenting trend as “painstaking.”

“The 2016 security report [indicates] 46 children abducted, 92 innocent lives lost, 101 [people] wounded and 15,611 cattle raided by Murle armed men over the period of 12 months from January to December 2016,” partly reads excerpts from the report.

“21 incidents occurred in Twic East counties, 29 incidents took place in Duk and seven incidents transpired (sic) in Bor counties,” it added.

The report further stipulates that a total of 57 attacks blamed on raiders from Murle tribe from Boma state were recorded in total.

Jonglei state was divided into four states in 2015, largely along tribal lines. The newly-created Jonglei state is home to Bor Dinka, whereas the Murle now occupy Boma state with Anyuak, Jie and Kachipo.

The Lou and Gawaar sections of Nuer tribe occupy other states.

Despite the division of state along ethnic lines, cattle raiding and child abduction persisted. The Dinka Bor point fingers on Murle for continue raiding, accusations strongly denied by Boma state authorities, yet efforts to reconcile these rival communities hit a snag in late last year when more raids were blamed on the Murle.

Aguer vowed to pursue the path of peaceful reconciliation and rule of law enforcement, but urged intervention of other stakeholders.

“The international community, national government of South Sudan and the two state authorities have not been in position to return the stolen cattle, compensate the lives lost or reach everlasting solution to settle this conflict despite many attempts of peace conferences held either in Pibor or Bor town,” he said in a statement.

He did not reveal when the stolen children would be recovered or when long disputes between the two communities will be resolved.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (JUBA) - A delegation of Sudanese lawmakers is Juba for talks with their South Sudanese counterparts on how the two countries could cooperation.

Suleiman Adam, the Council of States speaker led the Sudanese team.

The visit is reportedly in response to an invitation South Sudanese lawmakers in the Council of States extended to their counterparts during a visit to Khartoum last year.

The delegation, according to South Sudan's speaker of the Council of States, will have ample time to meet and interact with different officials and leaders in the country.

The speaker of South Sudan's Council of States, Joseph Bol Chan told reporters that the Sudanese delegation will meet President Salva Kiir and other government officials.

“Today, we are honored and also happy as your plane touched down in response to our invitation to you to come, and we continue the dialogue between us,” said Chan.

“We continue working together in the regional and international forum in the interest of our two countries and definitely, you are not a stranger here, because we are one people in two countries,” he added.

The three-day visit, according to the speaker of Sudan's Council of States, would cover issues of common interest on how to consolidate relations between two neighbouring countries and also strengthen relations between the two institutions.

“We are pleased as Council of States of the Republic of Sudan that we have accepted the invitation of our brothers from the Council of States of South Sudan,” said Adam.

Bilateral relations between South Sudan and Sudan were officially started on 9 July 2011 following the former's independence from the latter. Sudan became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of South Sudan.

However, since South Sudan's independence, relations between Juba and Khartoum have been poor and frantic with counter accusations of backing each other's rebels.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (JUBA) - President Salva Kiir Monday has relieved , Chol Deng Alak, the chief administrator of the disputed area of Abyei, attracting mixed reactions from the natives of the region.

Soldiers on patrol in the contested area of Abyei, which is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan (Photo: Reuters)

According to the order which became public this week, the president has replaced Alak with Kuol Alor Kuol Arop, better known as Kuol Alor Jok as the new chief administrator.

It remains unclear what prompted Jok's relief in less than two year after his appointment. However, observers attributed the move to a local power struggle.

The new chief administrator is already in the area carrying out consultations with different community members and groups to form his administration.

President Salva Kiir, in 2015 removed Kuol Monyluak and appointed Chol Deng Alak as the chief administrator for the oil producing and contested region of Abyei.

Khartoum and Juba failed to implement an agreement providing to appoint a joint administration, as the Ngok Dinka of Abyei say the priority should be for the referendum.

Since Juba appoints a chief administrator from the Ngok Dinka and Khartoum appoints a Misseriya for the administration of the same region.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, on Monday has relieved a “limited number” of officers in a third action of its kind within a year.

In February 2016, al-Bashir relieved senior army officers including 16 Major Generals.
Also, in 15 July 2016, Sudan's defence minister issued a decision to restructure the chief of staff of the ground forces a day after al-Bashir made major changes to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune, SAF spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami said al-Bashir “issued a number of decisions to promote several officers from various ranks to the top rank and relieved a limited number of officers”.

He pointed the “changes come within the context of the annual routine work in accordance with the laws and regulations of the armed forces”.

However, al-Shami didn't elaborate on the number or ranks of the relieved officers or those who were promoted.

(ST)

February 6, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Father of a deceased Islamic State (ISIS) sympathizer on Monday has revealed that the twin sisters who flew from Khartoum to join the ranks of the group in Syria have been detained in Libya.

A Sudanese baby repatriated to Sudan after the death of his parents in Libya on Monday 6 February 2017 (ST Photo)

In 2015, two batches including twenty nine students from the medicine and pharmacy departments at the University of Medical Sciences and Technology, several of them holding British passports, travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria.

The two batches were followed by a third group of four girls, including twins Manar and Abrar Abdelsalam.

Al-laithi Youssef, father of Aya Youssef who joined ISIS in December 2015 and was killed alongside her husband, Ahmed Gasm al-Sid has arrived in Khartoum on Monday accompanied y his baby granddaughter.

According to Al-laithi, Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) in coordination with the Red Crescent have orchestrated a complex operation to hand over the baby in Libya, saying they conducted the necessary tests to establish her descent as well as her health and safety.

It is noteworthy that Aya had delivered a baby daughter before she was killed.

Al-laithi, who spoke to reporters upon arrival at Khartoum airport, disclosed that he met with the twin sisters Manar and Abrar Abdelsalam in the Libyan town of Musrata, saying they are being interrogated by the security authorities.

He pointed the twins have told him the story of his daughter's death and when and how she delivered her baby, expressing confidence that the NISS would bring the twins back to their family safe and sound.

The grieving father has described his deceased daughter as “pious and genius”, praising NISS's efforts to bring back his daughter and the rest of the youths who joined ISIS.

“It is obvious that the NISS enjoys wide relations abroad and it employs these relations to secure and protect the Sudanese boys and girls and to bring back those who fled the country,” he said.

In 2015, the Ministry of Interior in Khartoum announced that about 70 Sudanese had gone to join the ISIS franchises, both in Libya and Syria.

However, experts on Islamic groups put the total number of the Sudanese fighters within ISIS at 150 Jihadists, saying that 56 of them had travelled to join the extremist organization from countries other than Sudan.

They say that 35 of them have been killed in Iraq and Syria while 20 others have died in Libya.

(ST)