Africa

One woman isn't letting drought, emigration and politics stand in the way of her fashion dreams.

Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh has rejected the result of the presidential election held earlier this month, a week after admitting defeat.

December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir called to involve all the signatories of the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS) in the implementation process of the peace deal.

According to the official Sudan news agency (SUNA), al-Bashir made his call during a meeting of the IGAD heads of states and governments in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, to discuss the situation in South Sudan and the postponement of presidential election in Somalia.

The Sudanese president said his country is supportive to the efforts for peace in South Sudan pointing that it was part of the Sudan.

"We were one nation and brothers and we have a responsibility." He added, "Sudan harbours his South Sudanese brothers who enjoy all the rights of the Sudanese nationals."

"The peace in South Sudan implies to involve everyone in the (implementation of) the agreement that they signed. There will be a partial peace," he stressed.

Last October , President Salva Kiir said peace can only be implemented with his current first vice-president Taban Deng Gai.

He further said Machar should stop violence and remain outside the country during transitional national unity government era or return to South Sudan as a normal citizen.

The IGAD leaders agreed to work for an inclusive process and to speed up the deployment of the regional protection force as Juba now accepts it deployment without conditions.

They further called on Kenya to reconsider its decision to withdraw its troops from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) after UN chief Ban Ki-moon sacked the Kenyan commander of the peacekeeping force.

Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said the meeting emphasised on the need to return the war affected people, internally displaced and refugees, to their home areas and stop the fighting in the country.

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President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia surprised the world earlier this month when he lost elections - the BBC's Umaru Fofana looks at the reasons behind his defeat.

December 9, 2016 (JUBA) – The Former Political Detainees (FDs), who also describe themselves SPLM leaders group have called for “inclusive dialogue” in the troubled country to resuscitate the shaky peace agreement signed a year ago.

Former cabinet affairs minister and G-10 team leader Deng Alor with former justice minister, John Luk Jok, after their arrival at Juba Airport on 1 June 2015 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

In a 14-page document titled ‘A new roadmap to rescue and restore hope in South Sudan' seen by Sudan Tribune, the group said that the United Nations Security Council authorized Regional Protection Force (RPF) should be deployed urgently to help secure the capital, Juba, for a meaningful dialogue for the warring political leaders.

“To find the right formula that will not only resolve the conflict but also be acceptable to South Sudanese across board, we propose that an all inclusive dialogue be initiated to critique ARCISS [Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan] and to chart the way forward. The purpose of the all-inclusive round-table is to build consensus for a new transition,” partly read the SPLM leaders' document.

According to the peace agreement signed in August 2015, all the factions of the SPLM are represented in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

However, the resumption of hostilities in July 2016 forced Machar to flee the country and he has been replaced by his former chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai. The former detainees retained two ministerial positions in the government but their leader Amum remains in exile, citing unfavourable political environment.

The eruption of war in Juba last July, according to the SPLM leaders, necessitates urgent deployment of regional forces before a round-table discussion on the future of the country commences.

“Deployment of the Regional Protection Force with a robust mandate: An inclusive National Dialogue in an environment free of fear and intimidation will likely ensue. Such political engagement may lead to resuscitation of ARCISS, with modifications, restore stability and allow for a new political process,” the paper reads.

It further suggested a new “political deal” that retains reform agenda enshrined in the peace agreement including security reforms. The dialogue, the paper claimed, should discuss a new political leadership for the war torn country.

“To put an end to the current cycle of violence and misgovernment by the political elite there is urgent need to establish a hybrid care-taker administration,” the politician added without suggesting what they described as “eminent personalities.”

Such a caretaker administration will have executive of technocrats and eminent personalities, legislature of 200 in Lower House and 30 in Upper House, all “selected through consultation based on defined and agreed criteria.”

Regional and international bodies will play through Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC)

The government of President Kiir has also called for round table dialogue but illusive on details.

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December 9, 2016 (EL-FASHER) - A huge fire broke out on Friday evening at the headquarters of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur known as UNAMID.

Flames and think smoke could be seen rising at kilometres from the building in the capital of North Darfur State, El Fasher.

UNAMID fire fighters brought the fire under control. No human casualties have been reported as of press time.

Also, the mission didn't issue a statement on the incident or its cause.

A UNAMID security member told Sudan Tribune that the blaze was likely caused by a cooking gas leak in the kitchen at the headquarters.

The sources who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, said the fire was extinguished without loss of life.

This is not the first blaze at the UNAMID headquarters in El Fasher.

On 20 April 2009, a fire caused a $5 million worth of damage to the communications equipment, office furniture and a water treatment laboratory.

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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated the Nana Akufo-Addo on his election as President of Ghana and thanked outgoing President John Dramani Mahama for his role in defusing tensions and preserving peace during the election period.

Welcoming the announcement of a temporary cessation of hostilities by the Libyan National Army in the Ganfouda area, in the Libyan city of Benghazi, to allow evacuation of civilians, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Libya called on the parties to the conflict to ensure that civilians are protected.

Expressing deep concern that civilians remain in Ganfouda area of the Libyan city, Benghazi, despite a unilateral ceasefire announced by the Libyan National Army, the United Nations envoy for the country called on the parties to provide another safe passage to allow for the evacuation of all civilians who wish to leave in a secure and dignified manner.

Strongly condemning the outgoing Gambian President&#39s rejection of the outcome of the Presidential election in the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council called on him to carry out a peaceful and orderly transition process.

December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Friday has seized print runs of the independent daily Al-Jareeda for the sixth time within twelve days from the printing house without giving reasons.

Journalists working for Al-Jareeda told Sudan Tribune that the NISS seeks to put pressure on the newspaper to mitigate the harsh criticism of the government contained in the Op-ed articles and in particular by columnists Osman Shabona and Mohamed Wida'aa.

NISS has recently intensified crackdown on newspapers for publishing news reports and articles on the nationwide civil disobedience act which took place between 27 and 29 November. During the last couple of weeks, it seized copies of various dailies 22 times.

Al-Jareeda has been one of the most newspapers in Sudan subject to suspension and confiscation. Last May, the NISS had confiscated copies of the newspaper four times during five days.

The NISS routinely confiscates newspapers either to prevent circulation of certain stories or to punish them retroactively on previous issues.

It uses seizures of print copies of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

The state-run Sudanese National Council for Press and Publications (NCPP) rarely interferes to stop the security punishments although it is the official body responsible for running the work of newspapers in the Sudan.

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By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

December 9, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – Chairperson of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Friday urged Kenyan Government to reverse its decision to withdraw its troops from war torn South Sudan.

IGAD chair, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn made the calls at the 29th IGAD extraordinary summit of heads of state and government opened today in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“South Sudan still remains on critical juncture and the economy stays in sever progress and humanitarian situation also calls for serious attention” Hailemariam said in his opening remark.

He said peace in South Sudan is equally crucial for peace and security in the volatile east African region.

He noted Kenya is an anchor for peace and security in South Sudan and at the region at large.

“I therefore appeal up on the Kenyan government to reconsider its decision to withdraw its forces from South Sudan and to consider its participation”

Last month Kenyan government ordered an immediate withdrawal of its troops deployed in South Sudan, and discontinues plans to contribute to the Regional Protection Force.

A week later Kenya withdrew a first batch of around 100 troops.

Kenya's decision to withdraw its troops who had served in a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan was in response to the sacking of Kenyan commander of the UNMISS force.

UN has accused UNMISS of failing to respond to an attack on a Juba hotel during fighting in July leading to killing of civilians.

In response, UN secretary general, Ban Ki Moon's fired UNMISS force Commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Here at the IGAD summit, the Ethiopian premier lauded South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, for allowing deployment of regional protection force in to the youngest nation.

He stressed a need for the rival parties to unconditionally cease fire and refrain from hostilities if the world's youngest nation is to secure durable peace and security and to achieve sustainable development.

Hailemariam further said emerging demand by some parties for the reversion of the peace deal is unacceptable.

He added peace agreement is the only roadmap for sustainable peace in South Sudan.

Discussion and consultations on the current situation in South Sudan and Somalia are top on agenda.

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December 9, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudanese government has expressed disappointment to the threat of targeted sanctions and arms embargo proposed by the United States at the United Nations Security Council.

In a letter seen by Sudan Tribune the government states that the proposals seriously undermine the sovereignty and internal processes to consolidate peace in the war ravaged nation.

“The government of South Sudan holds the view that the threat of sanctions against government officials are aimed at derailing the entire peace process, perpetuating a state of crisis in South Sudan and to justify International action in the country, so the government rejects the U.S. proposal entirely,” reads the letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council on 6 December.

The Minister in the Office of the President, Mayiik Ayii Deng, who signed the letter, highlighted progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August 2015. Also, he pointed that to the measures being undertaken by the government in order to rebuild a consensus on the peace agreement through national dialogue.

“The threat of sanctions against prominent government officials has been seen as an act of bad faith intended to weaken the government by creating divisions and raises the suspicion for a regime change agenda”, he stressed.

Last November, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power proposed to impose sanctions on former First Vice President Riek Machar, SPLA Chief of Staff Paul Malong and Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth.

The proposed sanctions include also an arms embargo.

But Washington abandoned the idea after opposition by the veto-power Russia and several other members.

The government argued that taking away the coercive power of the state weakens it from being able to maintain law and order and exacerbates uncontrollable anarchy in the country.

The letter further denies claims that South Sudan is on the verge of Genocide and described it as a tool of objective propaganda for those who want to take over South Sudan as a colony.

It objects to the arms embargo and argued that attempts to deny the government access to weapons could presumably be used to carry out genocide as devoid of merit, saying genocide could be committed with crude inexpensive weapons.

The letter highlights improvement in foreign relations between South Sudan and its neighbours in the interest of peace internally and across the region.

The government implores the members of the Security Council to reject any such proposals, saying it needs now political, financial and moral support to consolidate peace, promote reconciliation and to end violence in the country.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan needs the Security Council as a partner for peace, not as a party to the conflict and such proposals that punish peacemakers go contrary to the partnership and controvert efforts to ensure international peace”, the letter concludes.

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December 9, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) Friday said it wouldn't participate in the opposition forces' workshop organized by the Carter Center in Nairobi to discuss peace in Sudan.

SPLM-N leader Malik Agar (C) his deputy Abdel Aziz al-Hilu (L) and SG Yasir Arman pose for a picture in undisclosed location in the rebel controlled areas in March 2014 (AFP/Getty Photo)

The Carter Center, on Wednesday, said a delegation of experts would conduct meetings to explore ways to bring peace in Sudan, pointing the meetings “are not part of the official mediation that the African Union is conducting, but rather supplemental, exploratory gatherings designed to begin to identify points of common ground among all key Sudanese parties”.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, SPLM-N peace file spokesperson Mubarak Ardol said they apologized for not attending the Carter Center workshop for the opposition forces in Nairobi, pointing they thanked them for extending the invitation.

“There are several reasons why we apologized for not attending the workshop including the government's continued use of food as weapon and refusal to open humanitarian corridors besides targeting of the Two Areas residents on racial bases and the ongoing aerial and artillery bombing of civilians,” read the statement .

“Also, SPLM-N leadership has decided to stop all political contacts with the regime and to give humanitarian issues priority over political issues,” it added.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile states, also known as the “Two Areas” have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.

The African Union has been seeking to end the conflict for several years. However since last August the peace talks are deadlocked over cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access deals.

Ardol further added that among the reasons why they apologized for not attending the proposed workshop is their demand to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use by the Sudanese army in Darfur, saying there are signs that it might have also been used in the Two Areas.

Last September, Amnesty International reported that over 200 people had been killed in Darfur Jebel Marra area by banned chemical weapons since January 2016. But the government denied the claims.

Ardol also pointed to the mass detentions of political leaders and activists and recent crackdown on press freedoms, saying this “atmosphere is not conducive for dialogue”.
He underscored SPLM-N's support for the December 19th civil disobedience call and urged opposition forces to play an active role in the event.

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December 9, 2016 (JUBA)- South Sudan Salva Kiir has on Friday left the national capita, Juba, for the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to take part in a meeting of the head of states and governments of the East African regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

South Sudan President Salva Kiir waits for the arrival of his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, in Juba on May 23, 2013. (Photo Reuters)

The IGAD summit will discuss the going economic, political and security situation in South Sudan, Somalia and other challenges facing the region.

President Kiir, according to a statement from his office, is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the IGAD head of States on areas of common interest.

He is accompanied by several high level government ministers and security officials.

The trip to Ethiopia is the third foreign visit after Equatorial Guinea and South Africa after his troops loyal to him and his main political rival and former First Vice President turned rebel leader, Riek Machar, clashed at the presidential palace in July, returning to the country to war after it first descended in violence conflict in 2013.

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It used to be a cultural taboo for a woman to ask for sexual gratification in Nigeria, but there's a mini-revolution going on the in bedroom, writes the BBC's Bola Mosuro.

Ghana's opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo wins Wednesday's presidential election.

Cameroon's "protected" Penja pepper has helped to transform the region, economically.

A new three-word postal system is introduced in Ivory Coast, allowing the whole country to receive mail.

(Kinshasa) – The European Union and United States should expand targeted sanctions against those most responsible for recent violent repression and other serious human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a coalition of 72 Congolese and 15 international human rights organizations said today.

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Pro-democracy youth activists at a protest against election delays in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 19, 2016.

© 2016 Private

Ten days before the December 19, 2016, deadline marking the end of President Joseph Kabila’s constitutionally mandated two-term limit, he still has not made any clear commitment on when or even if he will step down. At the same time, government repression against pro-democracy activists, the political opposition, largely peaceful protesters, and the media has intensified at an alarming rate.

“Imposing targeted sanctions on senior officials, especially before December 19, could help walk Congo back from the brink and deter further violent repression,” said Me Georges Kapiamba, president of the Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ). “Such action would show that with each passing day, the consequences for the government will be greater.”

Opposition leaders and pro-democracy activists have called for Congolese to take to the streets if President Kabila stays in office beyond his mandate. Past protests suggest that they will be met by security forces quick to use excessive and lethal force. There are risks that political leaders could mobilize the dozens of armed groups active in eastern Congo for political ends, or that the country’s brittle security forces could fracture if Kabila relies on force to stay in power. This raises concerns that the country could descend into further repression or widespread violence and chaos, with potentially volatile repercussions across the region.

Earlier targeted sanctions imposed by the US on three security force officers at the forefront of violence against protesters had a notable deterrent effect and rattled those implicated, the organizations said. The US should impose targeted sanctions against more senior level officials.

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Police detain members of the youth movement Filimbi after a peaceful sit-in outside the African Union (AU) office in Kinshasa on October 29, 2016.

© Private

In October, the EU Foreign Ministers stated that the EU would “use all means at its disposal” against individuals responsible for serious human rights violations, who promote violence, or who “obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis.” In November, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on the EU to urgently implement targeted sanctions. The EU is due to discuss Congo and possibly move forward with targeted sanctions during its next Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 12.

Such targeted sanctions could include travel bans, asset freezes, and the blocking of bank accounts and financial transactions linked to the individuals.

“President Kabila and Congolese officials need to be sent a strong message that violating the rights of the Congolese people is costly for those responsible,” said Ida Sawyer, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Acting now to help prevent the situation in Congo from spiraling out of control will be critical to stability, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights in Congo and throughout the region.”

Signatories:

International organizations

1. Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l'Homme (AEDH)
2. Ecumenical Network Central Africa (OENZ)
3. The Enough Project
4. European Network for Central Africa (EurAc)
5. Fédération internationale de l’Action des chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture (FIACAT)
6. Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme (FIDH)
7. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
8. Global Witness
9. Human Rights Watch
10. Never Again Coalition
11. PAX
12. Protection International 
13. Reporters sans Frontières/Reporters Without Borders
14. Save the Congo
15. World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)

Congolese organizations

1. Action Chrétienne Contre la Torture (ACAT) – RDC
2. Action d’Aide aux Survivants de la Torture (AAST/Relève)
3. Action de Solidarité de Femmes pour la Femme et l’Enfant (ASOFFE)
4. Action pour la Bienveillance Humanitaire (AB/ Humanitaire)
5. Action pour la Justice et le Développement (AJD)
6. Action pour la Paix et la Protection de l'Enfant (APPE)
7. Action pour la Protection des Droits Humains et de Développement Communautaire (APDHUD)
8. Agir pour la Reconstruction de notre Espace et pour la Convivialité (AGIREC)
9. Agir Rapidement pour la Femme (ARF)
10. Association africaine de défense des droits de l’Homme (ASADHO)
11. Association Congolaise pour l’Accès à la Justice (ACAJ)
12. Association de défense des Droits de la Femme (ADDF)
13. Association des Femmes Juristes Congolaises (AFEJUCO)
14. Association des Femmes pour le Développement Communautaire (AFEMDECO)
15. Association des Femmes pour le Développement Endogène Mboko/Fizi (AFDEM)
16. Association des Jeunes pour la Protection de l’Environnement Fizi (AJPEF)
17. Association des Jeunes pour le Développement Intégral de Kalundu/Uvira (AJEDIK)
18. Association pour le Développement des Initiatives Paysannes (ASSODIP)
19. Association pour le Développement Intégral du Haut Plateau de Fizi (ADIPF)
20. Association pour les Droits Humanitaires (ADH)
21. Bureau de Promotion Socioculturelle (BUPSOC)
22. Centre de Promotion Socio-Sanitaire (CEPROSSAN)
23. Centre de Rééducation pour l’Enfance Délinquance et Défavorisée (CREDD)     
24. Centre d'Observation des Droits de l'Homme et d'Assistance Sociale (CODHAS)
25. Centre Indépendant de Recherches et d’Études Stratégiques au Kivu (CIRESKI)
26. Centre International de Promotion et de Développement et des Droits de l'Homme (CEIPEDHO)
27. Cercle international pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme, la Paix et l’Environnement (CIDDHOPE)
28. Cercle National de Réflexion sur la Jeunesse (CNRJ RDC)
29. Comité de Coordination des Actions de Paix (CCAP)
30. Commission Internationale en Formation des Droits de l’Homme (CIFDH)
31. Convention pour le Respect des Droits de l’Homme (CRDH)
32. Congrès pour le Renouveau Syndical (CORES)
33. Debout Fille de Fizi (DFF)
34. Femme en Danger (FED)
35. Femme et Enfant en Détresse (SOS FED)
36. Femme pour le Développement des Mutuelles de Solidarités à Fizi (FDMUSOF)
37. Femme qui en Soulève une Autre (FESA)
38. Femmes Engagées pour la Promotion de la Santé Intégrale (FEPSI)
39. Femmes Juristes pour la défense des Droits de la Femme (FJDF)
40. Fraternité des Prisons (FP)
41. Genre pour l’Appui au Développement (GAD)
42. Great Lakes Human Rights Program (GLHRP)
43. Groupe d’Action Non-Violente Évangélique (GANVE)
44. Groupe d’Associations de Défense des Droits de l’Homme et de Paix (GADHOP)
45. Groupe Lotus (GL)
46. Institut Africain de Formation en Droits Humains (INAFDH)
47. Juriste en Action (JURAC)
48. JUSTICIA Asbl
49. Ligue contre la Fraude et la Corruption (LICOF)
50. Ligue des Activistes des Droits de l'Homme (LADHO)
51. Ligue des électeurs (LE)
52. Ligue pour la Défense et la Vulgarisation des Droits Humains (LDVDH)
53. Mama Tupendane (MT)
54. Mama Tushirikiane (MATU)
55. Maniema Libertés (MALI)
56. Maniema Tuende Mbele (MTM)
57. Mobilisation, Encadrement Écologie et Défense des Droits Humains par les Amis des Familles Démunies (MEEDAF)
58. Œuvre Chrétienne pour la Femme (OCF)
59. Organisation Communautaire pour la Conservation de la Nature (OCCN)
60. Organisation de Paix pour les Opportunités et le Développement (OPOD)
61. Organisation pour la Promotion et Protection des Droits Humains (OPPDH)
62. Pax Christ Butembo  
63. Psychologues sans Frontières (PSF)
64. Relance pour la Fille de Sion (RFS)
65. Réseau des Activistes des Droits Humains de Fizi
66. Réseau des Communicateurs Humanitaires (RCH)
67. Réseau des Parajuristes du Maniema (REPAJUMA)   
68. Réseaux de Femmes pour le Développement de Jeunes d’Itombwe (RFDJI)
69. Service Par, Pour et Avec les Femmes (SEPPAF)
70. Solidarité des Associations Féminines pour les Droits de Femmes et de l’Enfant (SAFDF)
71. Solidarité des Hommes pour la Protection et la Promotion des Femmes (SHPF)
72. Wamama Tusimame (WATU)