Africa

June 12, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Sunday welcomed the "positive efforts" backing the government-signed Roadmap Agreement saying it provides the best way to stop war and achieve peace in the country.

AUHIP chief Thabo Mbeki meets opposition NUP leader Sadiq al-Mahdi on June 2, 2016 (Courtesy photo of NUP)

The statement comes amid unconfirmed reports about a meeting to discuss the opposition reservations over the peace plan in Addis Ababa next Wednesday between the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), and the four groups : National Umma Party, Justice and Equality Movement, Sudan Liberation Movement - Minnin Minnawi and Sudan People's Liberation Movement -North.

“We welcome all the positive efforts reiterating that the Roadmap Agreement is the ideal solution for stopping war and achieving peace," said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

It further called on all parties that "are still sheltering behind a gun to consider the suffering of civilians and sign the Roadmap to begin phases of peace to stop war and end the suffering of civilians”.

The holdout opposition groups refused last March to sign the peace plan saying it excludes important opposition groups, acknowledges the internal dialogue process and ignores important confidence building measures such as ensuring political freedoms and release of political prisoners and detainees.

The NCP has described the ongoing political and societal dialogue in the country as the wider and comprehensive framework to create permanent and constructive solutions to the country's political crisis.

The statement further said that the African Union brokered Roadmap Agreement remains the best way to stop war and achieve peace.

The NCP has meanwhile commended "the efforts of the facilitators, the African Union, the AUHIP and the chief mediator Thabo Mbeki" for his efforts to achieve peace in the country.

NUP leader agreed recently with AUHIP chairman Thabo Mbeki on the need to meet the armed groups and to discuss the outstanding matters.

It was also reported that the U.S. Special Envoy Donald Booth held a series of contacts with the rebel groups to encourage them to ink the peace plan.

(ST)

June 12, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese Ministry of Minerals has pledged to hand over huge and valuables geological information in its possession to the government of South Sudan.

Gold bullion blocks pictured at a gold refinery in Khartoum on 11 October 2012 (SUNA)

On Sunday, Sudanese and South Sudanese delegations have started joint discussions in Khartoum headed by Sudanese Minster of Minerals, Ahmed Sadig al- Karouri and his South Sudanese counterpart, Taban Deng Gai,

On Saturday, a South Sudanese delegation headed by the Minister Taban Deng arrived in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, in an official visit for several days to hold talks on bilateral cooperation on mineral sector.

The two parties reviewed the previously signed cooperation agreements and South Sudan's interest to obtain some geological information from the Public Authority for Geological Research , which is the technical arm of the Ministry of Minerals.

Minister al- Karouri told reporters after the meeting that Sudan will hand over all the needed geological information to South Sudan; train South Sudan geological and technical cadres and enhance joint cooperation in the field of minerals.

Minister Gai, on his part, told media that South Sudan is keen benefit from Sudan's experience in the exploitation and development of minerals.

"We came to Khartoum to learn from our brothers in Sudan how they managed so quickly to incorporate minerals revenues to the state treasury," Gai said.

He stressed that there is evidence of valuable mineral resources such as gold and diamonds in 44% of South Sudan area.

He added that the purpose of their visit to Khartoum is to get acquainted with South Sudan geological information stored in the north before the secession..

"We came as partners; and one family and not as competitors. Our goal is to develop this important sector to contribute to the economy of the two countries along with the development of all fields, Petroleum and minerals, and internal and external trade in order to contribute and help each other," he said.

The visiting South Sudan delegation paid a visit to Sudan Gold Refinery, which is one of the largest in Africa and the Public Authority for Geological Research.

Relations between the two nations soured after South Sudan's independence in July 2011, following a series of disputes over a number of issues.

However, last week, the Joint Political and Security Committee (JPSC) between the two countries signed a series of security agreements, including immediate re-deployment of joint military unity along the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), and agreed to open the 10 crossings points.

(ST)

June 10, 2016 (RUMBEK) - Governors of South Sudan's Greater Bahr el Ghazal region at a meeting held in Lakes state, vowed to prioritise road construction and security issues.

Akec Tong Aleu (ST Photo)

The officials said Ayat, a road construction company will ensure areas are connected by road from Terekeka, Yirol, Rumbek, Cueibet, Tonj and Wau.

The governor of Tonj state, Akec Tong Aleu said the meeting called for the immediate shutdown of all illegal checkpoints along the road linking Bahr el Ghazal region till Abyei.

"The most top priority now for this meeting is the road accessibility because the rain is coming heavily and we want to see the road is good such that we divide it into five category so that everybody can work hard to maintain the road on his side", said Aleu.

Construction of roads will reportedly be supported by Ayat company and each governor will take charge of providing fuel and incentives to drivers and workers on the highway.

“So we agreed with Ayat such that they give us equipments, we get the fuel and incentive for the drivers” said Aleu, adding, “Security in the road and unncessary checkpoints in the area be removed immediately.”

The governors of Terekeka (Jubek state), Yirol (Eastern Lakes), Cueibet (Gok state), Rumbek (Western Lakes state), Wau (Wau state) and Tonj state attended the meeting.

Meanwhile Aleu confirmed that 81 pastoralists were for resisting disarmament in the area. The Disarmament Bill was passed by Tonj state parliament in March this year.

Some of those arrested were accused of committing murder and inter-state cattle raids.

“The state security have managed to arrest 81 people in Tonj East counties, 49 pastoralists youth in Tonj South, with 32 youth being questioned with different crimes such as cattle raid, resistance to disarmament and murder-related cases", said Aleu.

Those apprehended, he added, would be produced in court or face legal consequences.

(ST)

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June 11, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan's armed opposition under leadership of the first vice president, Riek Machar said they have started a three week training of military officers from the ranks of second lieutenants to general as part of the signed peace agreement.

Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, in Unity state 25 February, 2013 (ST)

In an interview with Sudan Tribune, Lt. Gen James Koang Chuol, the deputy chief of staff for administration and finance, said the training kicked off on Friday.

The officers, he said, are under going training on rule of law, leadership, code of conduct in militarily service training, stressing the need disseminate information on the peace deal.

Chuol, however, admitted they lack a budget and equipments to facilitate the training.

The senior opposition official said training was ongoing despite challenges, adding they are doing what they can to make sure knowledge was passed to all the participants.

Both low and high ranking officials were targetted with plans to also train Police officers. The training will be passed on to low ranking officers at various deployment sites.

The armed opposition signed an accord with the government to end over 20 months of a violent conflict that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million.

(ST)

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June 12, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudanese minister of general education and instruction, Deng Deng Yai, has described education as the best weapon for liberation from poverty and ignorance.

US embassy chargé ambassador Charles Twining and education minister John Gai attend the BRAC launch (Photo courtesy of USAID)

He said South Sudan would have instilled nationalism and embrace democracy if its populations were educated.

“The best tool and weapon for liberation from poverty, hunger, ignorance in South Sudan is education. As a country and as people, we need to invest more in the development of an educational system that promotes harmony, instil nationalism and promote values of democracy, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and cultural diversity,” Yai said.

“This can be found through education. An educated society prospers,” he further explained when asked to comment on the purpose for organizing annual school competition.

Deng said he would like to leave behind a legacy after retiring from public service as someone who established vibrant educational system by ensuring during his tenure that more teachers, specifically those involved in inspection are trained and empowered to carry out their inspectorate work with relevant knowledge.

He made the remarks in line with the ongoing preparations for inter-school competitions that will involve teams from all the states of the country.

All the schools earmarked to participate in the inter-school competition slated to take place in Juba, will converge in Yambio town, Western Equatoria. Preparations, Yai said, are being undertaken.

A supervisory committee headed by him has been formed and another technical committee comprising the undersecretary at the ministry of general education and the ministry of youth and sports has also been assembled to study and recommend what needs to be done before competitions take place.

(ST)

June 12, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's dialogue body known as 7+7 committee has said that the national dialogue's general assembly would be held on August 6th.

Sudanese Information Minister Ahmed al-Balal Osman speaks during a press conference in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on June 9, 2013. ( Photo AFP/ASHRAF SHAZLY)

The announcement came after a meeting between the 7+7 committee and President Omer al-Bashir on Sunday.

Member of the 7+7 committee,Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Ahmed Bilal Osman told reporters following the meeting that the national dialogue “came to an end and we are waiting for the general assembly to approve the recommendations which would pave the way for the great shift in Sudan”.

He added that the period which precedes the general assembly's meeting would witness intensive contacts with those interested in joining the dialogue besides the opposition holdout groups inside Sudan and abroad.

Launched on 10 October 2015 for three months, the dialogue process was initially expected to wind up on 10th January.

The opposition groups refuse to join the process and call on the government to implement a number of confidence building measures aimed to create a suitable atmosphere for dialogue. But the government refuses their claims.

Osman pointed that the 7+7 committee would conduct large contacts with the Sudanese people and the opposition holdout parties to get them acquainted with the recommendations of the dialogue conference.

He added that the meeting discussed the 7+7 committee's final report on the first and second phases of the dialogue which included 900 recommendations on the six issues of the dialogue, saying the conferees have agreed on 97% of these recommendations.

It is noteworthy that the national dialogue conference has discussed six main issues including the national identity, freedoms and rights, national economy, foreign relations, governance and implementation of the outcome of the dialogue.

For his part, member of the 7+7 committee Bishara Gumaa Aror said the national dialogue has accommodated all views of the opposition holdout groups, disclosing ongoing contacts to convince the latter to join the dialogue.

He stressed that no preparatory meeting would take place outside Sudan, saying the 7+7 could hold consultative meetings with the opposition holdout abroad.

In September 2014, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) endorsed a roadmap aiming to facilitate the national dialogue. It provides to hold a national dialogue preparatory meeting in Addis to agree on issues related to the process.

Sudanese Information Minister Ahmed al-Balal Osman speaks during a press conference in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on June 9, 2013. ( Photo AFP/ASHRAF SHAZLY)

However, the Sudanese government refuses to take part in the pre-dialogue meeting, expressing readiness to meet the rebels to discuss the conditions and guarantees related to their participation in the internal process.

Bashir launched the national dialogue initiative two and a half years ago in which he urged opposition parties and rebels alike to join the dialogue table to discuss all the pressing issues.

But the initiative faced serious setbacks in wake of the government's refusal to create suitable atmosphere in the country leading several major participants to pull out.

(ST)

June 12, 2016 (JUBA) – Rival South Sudanese forces clashed on Saturday in Central Equatoria state, situated south of the national capital, Juba.

South Sudanese SPLA soldiers in Pageri in Eastern Equatoria state on August 20, 2015 (Photo AFP/Samir Bol)

The deadly clashes, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to First Vice President, Riek Machar, left at least 21 soldiers dead and dozen others wounded on both sides, according to military sources.

“SPLA and SPLA-IO forces clashed on Saturday. The fighting occurred in Kansuk payam of Keji Keji county. Our forces were attacked in the area by the SPLA forces,” a senior military officer of the SPLA-IO told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

He blamed the forces loyal to President Kiir for allegedly attacking their military base around Keji Keji in Kansuk area.

The source, who is also a member of the military committee responsible for the security arrangements per the August 2015 peace agreement, also claimed that the SPLA-IO forces defeated the SPLA forces in self-defence.

“We managed to chase them [SPLA forces] back into Keji Keji town,” he said.

He further claimed that at least 20 soldiers from the rival SPLA forces were killed, one tank and a number of military vehicles were either destroyed or captured.

SPLA-IO forces in Equatoria region have not been cantoned and processes to do so have not been implemented.

The latest fighting is the first deadliest clashes in the region after formation of the transitional government of national unity which brought together rival leaders who fought for two years.

Sources in the capital, Juba, said the situation on Sunday was calm, but tense after the Saturday clashes in Keji Keji.

(ST)

June 12, 2016 (NYALA) - Unidentified gunmen Saturday have stormed Silik pharmacy in downtown Nyala, capital of South Darfur state and stole cash money before fleeing.

A Sudanese military tank is stationed near a security facility in South Darfur capital Nyala on 4 July 2013 (Photo: Getty Images)

A pharmacist working for Silik pharmacy by the name of Madiha told Sudan Tribune that masked men broke into the pharmacy at 9:30 pm (local time) and threatened the pharmacist at gunpoint after they handcuffed him.

She pointed that the gunmen stole sums of money from the cabinet besides the mobile phone of the pharmacist.

Meanwhile, residents of Hai al-Jebel neighbourhood in the eastern part of Nyala have heard sounds of intense gunshots on Saturday night and there were reports of clashes between the police and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

However, no official statement has been issued on the incident which caused fear and panic among the residents.

A number of residents have expressed concern over the return of the lawlessness situation which prevailed in Nyala before imposing the emergency situation, pointing that the looting of a pharmacy in downtown is a serious indicator that the state could return to the previous situation.

Since July 2014, the governor of South Darfur Adam Mahmoud Jar al-Nabi, declared an indefinite emergency situation in the state, including a curfew from 7pm to 7am (local time) in Nyala.

The decision also banned riding of motorcycles by more than one person, holding weapons while wearing civilian clothes, vehicles driving around without license plates, and wearing a kadamool (a turban which covers the face).

(ST)

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Loyce Maturu, a Zimbabwean living with AIDS since the age of 12 and an advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, addresses the General Assembly High-level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

By Aruna Dutt
UNITED NATIONS, Jun 10 2016 (IPS)

Young people are disproportionately affected by HIV, yet their concerns about sexual education, and discrimination of key populations were ignored at the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on ending AIDS.

Although the overall number of AIDS-related deaths is down 35 percent since 2005, estimates suggest that AIDS-related deaths among adolescents are actually rising.

In fact, AIDS is a leading cause of deaths among adolescents in Africa, and it is the second greatest cause of death among adolescents globally.

Young people’s vulnerability to HIV is exacerbated by a lack of access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services and by exclusion from decision making processes.

At the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on ending AIDS this week, Member States adopted a new political declatarion focusing on the Fast-Track approach to fighting HIV and ending AIDS by 2030. Fast-Track is driven by the 90–90–90 targets: that by 2020, 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of people who know their status are receiving treatment and 90% of people on HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load so their immune system remains strong and the likelihood of their infection being passed on is greatly reduced.

“Sexual education is the direct link between HIV AIDS and sexual health and reproductive rights. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we will achieve an HIV free generation."

But youth delegates say that issues of stigma, discrimination, and sexual education were not given the importance they should have in the declaration since youth were not included in the negotiations.

“The concept of 90-90-90 is amazing, but in practice without access to sexual education or participation of key populations and young people, the goals are unrealistic,” said Peter Mladenov, one youth representative from Youth Peer Educational Network.

At the High Level Meeting on Ending Aids, there were 20 young people representing different organisations.

“Unfortunately, all youth representatives were excluded from the negotiations on the high level meeting on Aids political declaration,” said Mladenov.

“Our wishes were not heard and the rights were not promoted since in the final document we did not see any sexuality education, or mentioning of key populations.”

Mladenov is an expert on youth policies and has been a youth advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Rights  and Comprehensive Sexual Education for the past 10 years. At the age of 14, he was invited to join a class on sexual education in school which he says changed his life and began his journey with sexual health and reproductive rights advocacy.

“Sexual education is the direct link between HIV / AIDS and sexual health and reproductive rights. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we will achieve an HIV free generation.”

“Sex ed is not only about the sex, it is about the informed choice of each young person, understanding the changes in your body, a young girl having the right to say no to marriage at age 15, an instrument to prevent child abuse or female genital mutilation.”

Mladenov says sexual education can help end stigma and discrimination.

“It is nice that we are progressing, same-sex marriage is approved in different countries and shows that the world is changing for the better. But there is still a long way to go, people with HIV still experience stigma and discrimination on a daily basis. When someone discriminates against a person it is usually because they are afraid of something, which is why sexual education is so important.”

Another youth leader attending the meeting was Annah Sango from the HIV Young Leaders Fund Board:

“Sexual rights really are human rights, because when it comes to talking about my body and my health and well being, it is not an issue of a statistic, but what I live each and every day,” said Sango.

“It is every young person’s need and right to be in your own country, and be able to know you have access to health and to know that the justice system is working for you, not against you.”

Sango grew up seeing how disadvantaged young people are, and how sometimes culture, society and tradition play a very crucial role in the lives of young people as much as the economic aspects. When asked what she would have wanted in the declaration, she said it was important to ensure that countries aren’t allowed to hide behind culture and religion, and rather have an open mind to the issues in their countries. She also said that member states should have given clear-cut strategies to address some of the pertinent issues facing young people.

Sango is also Advocacy Officer for the African Network of Young People living with HIV (AY+) which heavily advocates for Comprehensive Sexual Education and supports young people to dispel disinformation which drive stigma and discrimination.

“We cannot talk about AIDS whilst excluding young people and key populations. At country level, the agreement needs to reflect the face of HIV: young people that face violence, the millions of young people that have died because of their sexuality, the reality of teenage pregnancies, and of adolescents who are dying because they cannot be identified.”

Sango also said the negotiations for the declaration were very exclusive of youth voices, however she is optimistic that in the future youth will be included at the national level.

“I am confident that whatever goals, whatever agendas we are working towards, we will be able to achieve them if we include the right people to lead and champion the agenda,” said Sango.

Mladenov was also optimistic that about young people’s participation.

“Many people say that young people are the future, but that is not correct – we are the present, and we should be the ones who drive the sustainable development agenda to its accomplishment.” Mladenov told IPS.

“Although we don’t have what we want in the political declaration, we have the will, the power, and motivation to do it. The youth working on the local and national level should not be afraid to take up the floor, to go to their ministries, to demand that they involve youth as equal partners in implementing the declaration.”

“We should not forget that these people were elected by us, they are accountable to us, not vice-versa. If we have more governments really involving young people, we can achieve sustainable development.”

“Young people should be the agents of change, they should be the ones who push their governments to do something for them because they already agreed to with this declaration.”

“I dream for a day when I will not hear about a person coming from an LGBT community who is harassed, or a young woman or girl who is somehow violated, or a young person is excluded.”

IPS also spoke to Sharonann Lynch, HIV/Tuberculosis (TB) policy advisor at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Access Campaign.

“In many countries where MSF works, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, are most at risk of contracting HIV,” said Lynch. “For example, in Lesotho, the prevalence of HIV will multiply by 5 in the next 7 years among adolescent girls from the age of 15 to 22. So the question for the region is what can we put in place as soon as possible to provide life-saving treatment as well as prevention.” Lynch told IPS.

“Youth are critical to combat stigma by creating more visibility. Young people can combat stigma by being out about their HIV status, demanding not only a voice but also acceptance in their communities. But governments need to make sure they take steps to reduce stigma and discrimination as well.”

 

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

June 10, 2016(ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopia's Ministry of Defence on Friday said Ethiopian forces alongside troops from the Somali army have killed 248 Al-shabaab militants in central Somalia.

In this photo taken Thursday Feb.17, 2011 Al-Shabab fighters march with their guns during military exercises on the outskirts of Mogadishu,Somalia (AP)

The militants were killed after attempting an attack on an African Union base in central Somalia where Ethiopian forces are mainly stationed serving under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM.

According to the statement, Ethiopian and Somalian forces jointly have foiled a planned Al-Shabab attack on Ethiopian forces on Thursday in Hiran region's Halgan town, some 300km north of the capital Mogadishu.

Although AMISOM said it has foiled the attack, the Islamist militant group however alleged killing dozens of Ethiopian soldiers.

“Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM . We killed 43 AU soldiers from Ethiopia in the fighting” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al-Shabab's military operations spokesperson, told Reuters news agency.

Al-Shebab's claim has not yet been independently confirmed by AMISOM or the Ethiopian government.

According to the statement by the Ethiopian defence ministry, Al-Shabab attempted to carryout the attack in four directions, by using cars equipped with bombs.

“Ethiopian and Somalia forces jointly repulsed the attack and killed 248 Al-Shabab militants including 5 top commanders” it said.

Hundreds of Al Shabab fighters were also captured during the clashes.

The state-run TV, Ethiopia Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) today aired a large cache of weapons it said were captured during Thursday's attack.

Meanwhile the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, condemns in the strongest terms the failed attack.

The Chairperson commended the fast response exhibited by the Ethiopian contingent of AMISOM and the Somali forces in repulsing the attack.

“Attacks such as this further demonstrate the despicable nature of Al Shabaab, whose sole purpose is to spread terror and continue the destabilization of Somalia” She said.

“Our resolve can only be rejuvenated, to fight on until Somalia is freed of all elements of terror. She further stresses that the failed attack demonstrated AMISOM's capability to respond effectively against this terrorist threat”

Dlamini-Zuma reaffirmed AU's continued support the Somali Government and people in their effort to achieve sustainable peace.

Ethiopia is one of the five countries contributing troops to the 22,000-strong AU mission in Somalia.

This the first time for an Ethiopian-run AMISOM base to be attacked by Al-Qaeda allied terrorist group.

Al-Shabab's insurgency aims to topple the western-backed government and turn the nation in to an Islamic state.

(ST)

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June 10, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan Police Force and UNMAID police on Friday agreed to form a joint coordination mechanism to achieve peace and stability in Darfur.

UNAMID forces from Rwanda patrol in an area for families displaced by the fighting over goldmines between the Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes on the outskirts of El Sereif in North Darfur on 13 May 2013 (Photo: Albert González Farran/UNAMID)

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.

Sudanese Police Forces Commander, General Hashim Osman al-Hussein, and UNAMID Police Commander, Brigadier Barsila Makothi discussed, in Khartoum, ways to enhance joint cooperation in Darfur.

Following the meeting, it was announced that that the two parties agreed to create a coordination mechanism to achieve peace and stability in Darfur.

According to a statement issued by Sudan Police Press Office, on Friday, the two parties discussed the security situation in Darfur, the role of Sudanese police in enhancing peace and stability in Darfur and its support to UNAMID police in achieving its mandate in Darfur.

UNAMID Police Commander hailed cooperation with Sudanese police, according to the statement.

“The deployment of UNAMID Police in Darfur is not a substitute for Sudan Police but it aims to enhance joint cooperation , building capacities and sharing experience in training, managing prisons and community police,'' reads the statement.

In February 2015 , A tripartite working group including the Sudanese government, African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) has been set up to develop an exit strategy for the UNAMID from Darfur.

UNAMID currently has 13,809 military personnel, 1,161 police advisers, 1,814 formed police unit officers, 762 international civilian staff, 152 United Nations volunteers, and 2,177 national civilian staff.

United Nations Security Council resolution 1769, in July 2007, authorized the deployment of an appropriate civilian police component consisting of more than 3,500 police officers, with 19 formed police units comprising up to 140 personnel each.

(ST)

June 10, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The African Union (AU) Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Friday has urged Sudan and South Sudan to implement the Cooperation Agreement signed between them on 27 September 2012.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, chairperson of the African Union Commission (Photo: Reuters)

In September 2012, both Sudan and South Sudan signed a series of cooperation agreements, which covered oil, citizenship rights, security issues, banking, border trade among others.

In March 2013, the two countries signed an implementation matrix for these cooperation agreements. However, the execution of the agreements didn't go according to the plan.

Last Sunday, the Joint Political and Security Committee (JPSC) between the two countries signed a series of security agreements, including immediate re-deployment of joint military forces along the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), and approved a plan to stop supporting and harbouring rebels as well as opening the crossings points.

In a statement issued on Friday, Zuma expressed satisfaction with the signing of the security agreements, urging the two countries to implement the joint Cooperation Agreement signed between them on 27 September 2012.

Zuma also underscored her full support for the Sudanese/South Sudanese higher committee and the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) to implement the agreements reached by the JPSC.

She praised the outcome of the JPSC meeting which was co-chaired by the defence ministers, stressing her support for the implementation of the agreements signed between the two sides.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9th 2011 following a referendum on whether the semi-autonomous region should remain a part of the country or become independent. 99% of the southern voters chose independence.

Relations between the two nations soured after South Sudan's independence following a series of disputes over a number of issues.

(ST)

June 10, 2016 (JUBA) – A group of national and international civil society and human rights organizations have criticized the South Sudan's top leadership for authoring an opinion paper seeking to avoid justice and accountability mechanisms in the country.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir prepares to give his speech during the India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 (Photo AP/Bernat Armangue)

The group of six organizations under the umbrella of the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), said although they have realized that the two leaders, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President, Riek Machar, did not co-author the controversial article, it yet gave concerns as to why one of them did it.

“Although its authorship remains hotly contested, the recent opinion article in the New York Times, entitled, “South Sudan Needs Truth, Not Trials,” brings into doubt the commitment of the top leadership in the TGONU to turn over a new leaf and build a state that is accountable to its people,” partly reads the joint statement from TJWG extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

The group called on the top leaders to withdraw the opinion for the interest of the people.

“Group (TJWG), urge President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to withdraw their stated opposition to the Hybrid Court and publicly renew their commitment to abide by the terms of the peace agreement. South Sudan can no longer afford to lose its citizens and tolerate impunity. Reconciliation and healing are important for the nation but to move South Sudan forward on a path to peace, justice must be done and people must account for the lives of the tens of thousands of innocent South Sudanese who died in this war,” they said.

The signatory organizations to the joint statement include Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA); Dialogue and Research Initiative (DRI); Human Rights Development Organization (HURIDO); South Sudan Law Society (SSLS); South Sudan Women Empowerment Network (SSWEN); Foundation for Democratic and Accountable Governance (FODAG); and Solidarity Ministry Africa for Reconciliation and Development (SMARD).

(ST)