Sudan Tribune

May 22, 2015 (JUBA) – Medical charity, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, said thousands of civilians in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states have been displaced and left without food and medicines previously provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) following the escalation of violence.

Thousands of civilians fleeing violence seek shelter at a UN compound in Jonglei state capita Bor (Photo: UNMISS/Hailemichael Gebrekrstos)

In a press conference held in Nairobi on Friday, MSF, the largest medical provider for South Sudanese, said the fighting was “exposing civilians to widespread violence and severely restricting the provision desperately.”

“The escalation [of the conflict] has left people in conflict areas exposed to violence and without much needed medical care and humanitarian assistance,” said Paul Critchley, MSF head of mission in South Sudan.

He said an upsurge of violence in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states has resulted in the suspension of medical services, destruction of health structures and evacuation of medical staff.

“All parties to the conflict must respect civilians and healthcare structures in order to prevent even more unnecessary suffering,” he said in a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

MSF said since the conflict erupted in December 2013, it provided 167,207 outpatient consultations, of which 62,269 were for children under five years, 10,367 patients admitted to hospital, of which 5,123 were children under five years, 5,096 surgeries performed and 3,587 deliveries. Another 1,102 patients under treatment for kalaazar and 6,243 children treated for malnutrition, of which 1,102 admitted to hospital in South Sudan as well as contested region of Abyei.

“Ongoing insecurity is preventing planes from landing and has forced hundreds of people to seek shelter at the United Nations ‘Protection of Civilians' site in the last few days,” the statement further lamented.

MSF's ability to provide care to those in desperate need is now at risk, he said, unless the safe passage of staff and supplies is guaranteed, the press statement claims.

Describing the security situation in South Sudan as “volatile,” the medical charity said it treated people wounded in recent fighting in Malakal and provided medical assistance to approximately 30,000 people living in the ‘Protection of Civilians' in the Upper Nile state capital.

“The highly volatile situation continues to prevent teams from being able to enter Malakal town itself where much of the fighting took place.”

MSF evacuated its staff from Unity state's Leer town on 9 May as front-line approached, leaving about 200,000 people without medical access.

Even before the conflict began in December 2013, the government of South Sudan was not providing adequate medical services or food needed by people in the villages. The war, being fought by forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar, has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in the nearly four years old country.
(ST)

May 22, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - Hundreds of Sudanese Islamists staged a demonstration in Khartoum denouncing a recent death sentence against Egypt's ousted president Mohammed Morsi.

A man holds a banner with the image of Egypt's ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi as protesters march against an Egyptian court's decision this week to seek the death penalty for Morsi, after Friday prayers in Khartoum, May 22, 2015 (Reuters Photo)

Last week, a court in Cairo sentenced to death Morsi and 105 co-defendants for allegedly taking part in a mass jailbreak during Egypt's January 2011 uprising that ousted then president Hosni Mubarak.

Sudan's government distanced itself from the matter and described it as an Egyptian “internal affair”.

While several Sudanese Islamists groups including the People's Congress Party (PCP) of Hassan al-Turabi and the Muslim Brotherhood condemned the court decision and warned that Egypt would witness a strong internal strife if Morsi and his companions were executed.

On Friday, the secretary general of the pro-government Islamic Movement (IM), al-Zubair Ahmed al-Hassan, and the leader of the opposition Just Peace Forum (JPF), al-Tayeb Mustafa, led about 800 hundreds of demonstrators following the weekly prayer in the Sudanese capital.

“Down with the al-Sisi government,” protesters chanted as they marched from the grand mosque toward the United Nations office in Khartoum east.

They waved pictures of Morsi and the famous yellow and black four-finger sign (symbol of the Raba'a al-Adawiya protest camp in Cairo where Egyptian police allegedly killed hundreds of Morsi supporters in 2013).

Riot police cordoned off roads leading to the UN office and the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, was ousted by the military in July 2013 after only one year in office following mass protests against his rule.

The court decision against Morsi and his aides drew condemnation from US, Turkey, Germany and the European Union (EU) with the rights group Amnesty International describing it as “nothing but a charade based on null and void procedure”.

Al-Hassan addressed the protesters demanding the UN and the free people across the world not to remain silent about Morsi's death sentence.

He condemned silence of the rights groups and the secular and liberal forces “who claim to defend freedom but remain silent about the heinous crimes against the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt”.

The IM secretary general also said Egypt has turned into a “large prison”, noting those illegal, unconstitutional, and inhumane rulings would lead to an endless conflict in the country.

Mustafa, for his part, said Egypt is witnessing a “new pharaonic era”, stressing the protesters seek to support the “right” anywhere in the world.

The leading figure at the opposition Reform Now Movement (RNM), Hassan Osman Rizg, said Egypt is being tested by the recent events, noting the Egyptian government chose to bully its people after it failed to achieve a victory for the Islamic nation.

The political secretary of the PCP, Kamal Omer, said that al-Sisi must know that the Sudanese people would not remain silent while he is killing the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

(ST)

May 22, 2015 (JUBA) – Visiting diplomats to South Sudan's capital, Juba, have condemned the recent fighting in Unity and Upper Nile states and called on the warring parties to cease hostilities.

An aerial view of a UN camp for internally displaced people in South Sudan's capital, Juba (ST)

The delegation of European Union (EU), together with the heads of missions from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the heads of mission of Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and United States of America converged in Juba on Friday, condemning the spread of violence in South Sudan.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday the diplomats have called on the opposition faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), led by former vice president Riek Machar and the South Sudan government headed by president Salva Kiir to end the 17-month long conflict.

"The heads of missions are deeply concerned about the spread of violence in Unity state and Upper Nile. The ongoing military offensives constitute blatant violations of the cessation of
hostilities agreement signed by the Government of South Sudan and the SPLM/A-in Opposition,” partly says the statement.

The diplomats urged the warring parties in the “strongest possible terms” to end the fighting and killing immediately, both to respect the ceasefire and stop the “terrible” humanitarian consequences.

South Sudan warring parties have been engaged in intensive military operations for the past three weeks in Upper Nile and Unity states.

It is reported the military activities during recent weeks in the two states have forced up to 100,000 people to flee from their homes. Humanitarian actors have also been forced to leave areas which already were extremely fragile and volatile.

The result is that an estimated 650,000 people are left without life-saving aid at the onset of the rainy season. The heads of missions are especially disturbed by reports coming from the conflict ravaged areas about gross human rights violations, often targeting children and women.

The statement says situation in Unity and Upper Nile states are volatile, adding that they are standing against destabilization of citizens and urging both parties to stop fighting.

“Those responsible for violations of human rights and other humanitarian crimes must be held to account. We urge all fighting parties to lay down arms, ensure the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian aid workers, and provide unhindered access for humanitarian aid,” the statement added.

The groups called on the South Sudan warring parties to continue with face to face dialogue to end the conflict and restore peace in the country.

“The only way forward is for all parties to immediately return to the negotiating table to resolve the crisis," they said.

Recently a regional Great Lake region that include Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have rejected direct involvement of troika countries and the United Nations in another expected round of talks in Ethiopia.

They also rejected the United Nations resolutions which calls for targeted sanctions and arms embargo on South Sudan.

Observers criticize the African leaders for failure to successfully mediate between the warring parties and at the same time refusing direct help from outside the continent.

The East African regional bloc (IGAD) said it was developing a new mechanism to expand membership of the mediation team that will include troika countries (US, UK and Norway) as well as African Union, European Union, China and the United Nations.

(ST)

May 22, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - Two female diplomats at the United States embassy in Khartoum have posted a video message expressing sympathy with the Sudanese women who serve tea on the streets.

Two American diplomats from the US embassy to Sudan sipping tea on on the River Nile street, The video was released on 21 May 2015

A video recording which has been widely circulated on social media websites showed, Caroline Schneider and Jennie Munoz sitting on the River Nile street in Khartoum sipping tea while they are recording a video message of solidarity with the women.

“Carrie, Jennie, and everyone at U.S. Embassy Khartoum congratulate the entrepreneurial women who serve tea along the Nile and businesswomen throughout Sudan,” they said in a short written message released with the video.

“Research shows that societies are more prosperous, stable, and secure when women are safe and empowered, so we applaud efforts to increase women's access to education, technology, capital, justice, and leadership opportunities. Cheers and thank you for all the delicious tea,” the two diplomats added.

The message of the American diplomats coincides with a campaign carried out by the local authorities in Sudan's twin capital of Omdurman on Thursday against women serving tea on the streets under claims of “combating negative phenomenon”.

Women who sell tea on the streets were forced by the absence of the breadwinner due to civil war or domestic migration from the countryside to the cities which was caused by drought.

The profession became their only source of livelihood especially as the country faces increasing economic hardships.

ACTIVISTS CELBRATE TEA SELLERS

Activists and various sectors of the Sudanese society also express solidarity and sympathy women who sell tea on the streets.

Last week, in a big gathering of ordinary people, the “Emergency Clinic” Youth Initiative celebrated the opening of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the children's hospital in Omdurman.

Um Gisma, a woman who serves tea on the street, cut the ribbon giving a start of the ICU to provide help for children who suffer from cancer and bedded in the hospital.

Members of the initiative explained that the costs of the ICU, amounting to 2.6 million (SDG) ($435,880) were raised by voluntary work and fundraising campaigns. The unit is equipped with the latest monitoring capabilities, to treat seven emergency cases a day.

Um Gisma then has been known as the Godmother of the Emergency Clinic Initiative. Thus, the initiative decided to award her the honour of opening the new ICU instead of the minister of health.

Although large segments of Sudanese applauded the move, the publisher of the Al-Meghar al-Siasi daily newspaper, al-Hindi Izz al-Din, attacked it saying the youth group should have invited the minister of health to inaugurate the ICU instead of Um Gisma.

His column drew a tidal wave of criticism on the social media prompting several activists to launch a boycott campaign against purchase of his newspaper.

However, a leading figure at the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and former minister of social welfare, Amira al-Fadil, has expressed support to the tea sellers and the youth initiative.

“I am impressed with the initiative and with the youth who stood behind it. Tea sellers are women who seek to seek to gain Halal livelihood and each of them have a family to support,” she said in a statement on Friday.

“Tea sellers are victims of our political, economic and social problems and they are in need for our help and protection. We have to organize and develop their profession,” al-Fadil added.

The former minister said she drew this conclusion after conducting studies including 10.000 women tea server in Khartoum state.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

May 22,2015 (ADDIS ABABA) - The Ethiopian government has continued to evacuate thousands of citizens who are stranded in Yemen's roiling violence.

Spokes person for the Ethiopian ministry of foreign affairs, Tewelde Mulgeta on Thursday said some 2,000 nationals have arrived home during the past week alone.

Up on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole international Airport, the repatriates are being welcomed on daily basis by government officials from the ministry of foreign affairs.

Approached by Sudan Tribune, arrivals, who most are women were overwhelmed with gratitude to the urgent response by the Ethiopian government and called for more coordinated effort to evacuate for those thousands who remained behind.

According to the government official, hundreds more will be repatriated via Saudi Arabia in the weeks to come.

The repatriation operation is underway in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The horn of Africa's nation intends to evacuate at least 50,000 Ethiopians stranded following the fighting erupted in March between Houthi rebels and forces loyal to ousted president.

According to the UN refugee agency at least some 200,000 refugees from the east African region are trapped in Yemen left almost with no option for escape route.

Every month hundreds of Ethiopians and thousands of others from Eritrea and Somalia take dangerous sea journeys to Yemen, a country seen as a gate way to the wealthier Arab nation of Saudi Arabia where they hope to get a lucrative job.

However thousands of them every year drown and perish at the Arabian Sea off the coast of Yemen while travelling in a crowded and unsafe boats.

(ST)

May 22, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The South Sudanese rebel faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar, claimed their forces have captured Mundri town in Western Equatoria state.

Western Equatoria's information minister Charles Kisanga (ST/File photo)

“The spokesperson in the office of the chairman and commander-in-chief,SPLM/SPLA, do hereby announce the capture today [Friday] of Mundri town in Western Equatoria state by our gallant forces under the overall command of Major General Elias Lako Jada,” Machar's spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak said in a statement issued on Friday evening.

He said Mundri town, about 200km west of the country's capital, was strategic since it links Juba to the state capital, Yambio.

“We congratulate our freedom fighters for the victory,” said Dak, adding that more details on the matter would follow later.

But Western Equatoria's information minister, Charles Kisanga dismissed the rebels' claims, saying the entire Mundri county remains under government control.

TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL KILLED

Meanwhile, a top state official was Friday killed after unknown gunmen opened fire at his convey as he returned from the scene of an earlier attack in Mundri West county.

Kisanga said the executive director for Mundri West, John Keliopa met his fate after visiting the scene where government troops traveling to Lakes state were attacked.

“The council [of ministers] agreed unanimously that this was another assassination of a top Western Equatoria official, condemned it in the strongest term possible and ordered thorough investigation into the killing”, Kisanga told Sudan Tribune Friday.

He said the council of state ministers, during their emergency meeting, further discussed the deteriorating security situation in the state, especially around Mundri.

“Since yesterday the security situation around Mundri was very fluid, particularly in the evening after some SPLA soldiers arrived in the area using Maridi roads junction and set camp for night on their way to Lakes state,” Kisanga disclosed.

The minister said an attack on SPLA soldiers occurred Friday night at about 2:00 am [local time], resulting into two fatalities and some injuries.

“In the morning, the commissioner plus the executive director, John Keliopa rushed to the scene to investigate the shooting and deaths and see how to take the bodies of the dead soldiers to Mundri. While at the scene, unknown gunman opened fire on the officials and resulting in fatal shooting of the executive director”, he explained.

DECEASED HAILED

State officials described the late Keliopa as a hero who stood for justice among citizens, citing his stand on insecurity caused by cattle keepers in Mundri last year.

The former executive director acted as the Mundri West commissioner when the latter resigned earlier this year and served until the current commissioner was appointed.

He reportedly faced several threats from various communities, but maintained steadfast.

(ST)

May 22, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) said it repulsed a government attack on Thursday in Kalgo area, 45 km west of the Blue Nile state capital, Ed Damazin.

SPLM-N leader and SRF chairman Malik Agar (photo SPLM-N)

Earlier this month, SPLM-N said it repulsed an attack carried out by the Sudanese army backed by 18 military vehicles against the town of Kalgo in Bau in county. They also claimed to have repulsed a third attack against the same area on 23 April.

The SPLM-N has been fighting the Sudanese army and their aligned militias in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states since June 2011.

The rebel group said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune that its fighters in the fourth front of the Angasana Mountains sector had repulsed a government attack against Kolgo on Thursday, noting the attack started at 6:00 am (local time) and continued for six hours.

The statement further said the government army suffered heavy losses while the SPLM-N forces did not incur any losses.

It claimed that 11 government troops were killed in the battle including two officers besides destroying 4 military vehicles and seizing 10 Kalashnikov rifles and RBG ammunition.

The SPLM-N stressed the government troops were forced to withdraw to Damzain and Khor Manza.

A Sudanese army spokesperson was not available for comment.

Since last year, the Sudanese army and its aligned militia have launched the “Decisive Summer” military campaign in a bid to end rebellion in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

(ST)

May 22, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Chinese government announced it has conducted mass evacuation of its oil workers from Paloch oilfields in South Sudan due to the ongoing fighting around the oilfields in the oil-rich Upper Nile state territory.

Oil workers at one of petrodar oil fields (photo petrodar)

Heavy fighting between troops loyal to president Salva Kiir and the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO), led by former vice president, Riek Machar, has continued near the oilfields since Tuesday.

In a statement announced in Beijing on China's national television(CCTV) on Thursday, it said the decision came due to the insecurity around the oilfields resulting from the advance by the rebel forces towards the oilfields.

It said the Chinese embassies in both Khartoum and Juba with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), a government owned major oil company operating in Paloch, have already evacuated over 400 Chinese oil workers from the conflict area.

“More than 400 Chinese oil workers have been evacuated from South Sudan due to growing violence,” said the statement published by the Chinese government.

Beijing said the evacuated workers will be flown to China in the next few days.

This latest development largely contradicts South Sudan government's claim on Thursday that oil workers were returning to Paloch allegedly after defeating the rebels.

REBELS BESIEGE PALOCH OILFIELDS

South Sudanese rebels, however, issued statements claiming their forces captured Tangrial Bil refinery site and besieged Paloch oilfields aiming to capture it.

They urged oil companies to close down and evacuate their workers for safety reasons.

The rebel leader's spokesman, James Dak said the country's main oilfields of Paloch, some 200kms north of Malakal, had been besieged and designated priority target.

“SPLM/SPLA forces have converged around Paloch oilfields - Adar (Upper Nile) state - from different directions to capture the oilfields from pro-Salva Kiir forces any time soon,” Dak said.

He said the leadership of the movement also renewed “strong advice” to any remaining oil worker in Paloch to evacuate for safety reasons.

He accused the government of allegedly using some oil workers as human shield and said Juba would be responsible for any harm on them.

“We have learnt with disbelief that the government, out of panic, has prevented some of international oil workers from leaving the area, using them as human shield,” he said.

“We call on oil companies operating in the area to ensure their workers are evacuated.”

The rebels said their counter-offensive aimed to temporarily close down oil production or to cut off Juba from the oil revenues which they said president Kiir's government had been using to “hire mercenaries and buy weaponry to perpetuate the war.”

This, Dak said, was in response to government's “full scale offense” which he described as a violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement between the two warring parties.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (WAU) – Authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal state have arrested three suspected men allegedly responsible for the assassination of Wau county paramount chief, Angelo Bagari, who was gunned down on 10 May along with his wife.

According to Wau county commissioner, Elia Kamilo Dimo, the prime suspect, Peter Unango, was identified as the master planner who killed the couple.

“Unango was identified through a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) personnel based on many evidences including the letter of his own hand writing that he dropped in the compound of the chief with threatening words on the chief before the chief was killed,” said Dimo.

Unango was a member of Wau county youth known as Wau Pimalu who were inciting the 2012 December's violence and was convicted to jail for five years. He later last week escaped from the prison and killed the chief.

“He was the one during the Wau violence who led an attack on the chief Angelo Bagari for his stance with the state government to relocate the county headquarters from Wau town to Bagari,” said the commissioner.

The suspect was also previously found guilty of being responsible for burning down commercial trucks in Wau town during the December crisis.

“We have information about the place that the murderer went and took shower because in our customs, when you kill someone they will take you to shower with tree called ‘jal',”Kamilio explained.

He further explained that the investigation committee was working with the police's CID to conclude the probe into the killing.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese freelance reporter has been killed in what relatives and local officials said was a targeted revenge attack.

Pow James Reath, who left Bor, the capital of Jonglei state at the onset of the conflict, was a freelance reporter with UN-run Radio Miraya FM and most recently worked for Radio Tamazuj and Gurtong website.

Reath, who held a diploma in journalism and mass communications in Uganda, was allegedly moving to a nearby non-governmental organization (NGO) base to get internet access when he and Yohannes Pal Kuek, a master's degree student who was on research mission, were killed.

“The killing of two young men in Akobo county on Wednesday has been strongly condemned,” said Gatwech Koak Nyuon, a peace activist in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

A displaced pro-government's Akobo county commissioner, Taban Juoch, who is based in Juba, confirmed the killing of the two young men. He said there were no details.

“We are told this was a revenge attack,” he said when contacted for comment on Thursday.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that the victims were killed on Wednesday in a revenge attack between the Chie-Tot and Chie-Majok of Akobo East county in Lou-Nuer territory which is all under the control of the rebel forces led by former vice president, Riek Machar.

Inter-clan revenge killings are common in South Sudan where justice is not often available for victims and civilians resort to taking the laws into their own hands.

Activist Nyuon called for justice for the victims who were well educated and died under unclear circumstances.

“I appeal to authority in Akobo to critically look into situation so that civilians are aware of the importance of an educated person,” he said.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (BOR) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan's Jonglei state, John Kong Nyuon has sacked the Duk county commissioner, Akech Deng.

The former commissioner for Duk county, Akech Deng (ST/File)

Nyuon, in a decree announced Wednesday, did not explain why he sacked the ex-commissioner, barely a year since he was appointed.

In the past, however, Deng has been accused of allegedly threatening aid agencies operating in Duk, and taking sides on issues between the Dinka Hol and Nyarweng.

The Catholic Relief Service (CRS), in a 25 May letter, accused the ex-commissioner of allegedly interfering in their operations and demanded that immediate action be taken.

“The Duk commissioner leads an NGO [non-governmental organisation] called Wundeng Wings of Hope which he is promoting in the county and in Juba, using his position and powers as a Jonglei state government official; he tried to compel JFSP [Jonglei Food Security Programme] to hand over control of beneficiary registration and the distribution of food and NFIs [non-food items] to his NGO, although he has been told repeatedly that donor regulations on accountability forbid CRS complying with this instruction”, partly reads CRS's letter a source extended to Sudan Tribune.

The JFSP is currently implementing services in nine of Jonglei's 11 counties.

Duk county was, however, included in the extension programme last year.

Since the country's crisis, CRS has been the only organisation with staff on the ground, providing food and non-food support to the conflict populations from July 2014.

CRS, in the letter, claimed the former commissioner did not support their work, further alleging that the latter wanted JFSP resources diverted to the local NGO he founded.

In March this year, Deng terminated services of the Relief and Rehabilitation coordinator of the county on the grounds that he did not support in his push to acquire food and none-food items brought in to the county by CRS and World Food Program for his NGO.

Sudan Tribune could not independently verify claims against the former commissioner.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Sudan Aristide Nononsi expressed concern over the state of press and religious freedoms in the country and urged the government to lift immunity enjoyed by perpetrators of crimes.

UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Sudan Aristide Nononsi (UNAMID)

Nononsi also called for either releasing detainees or bringing them to trial and vowed to work with government and offer advice to improve the situation while acting in full transparency and independence.

On Thursday, the independent expert concluded his first official visit to Sudan since assuming the post in which he visited Darfur and met with officials from the government, national organizations, human rights groups and judicial bodies.

"In all my meetings with the government I received assurances of cooperation and goodwill to take steps towards the implementation of recommendations of former [UN] experts," he said.

Nononsi pointed out that domestic and external funding is needed to execute public awareness initiatives and the empowerment of human rights.

He said many of IDP's he met, in the states of North and South Darfur expressed concern about the security situation in their original areas that prevent them from returning.

The expert pointed out that the key to resolving ongoing disputes and improving the human rights situation is through providing a conducive environment through political interaction between all parties and putting an end to impunity for violators of international human rights and humanitarian law.

"In this regard, I urge parties concerned to put the interests of Sudanese people first and to return to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding differences in order to achieve regional peace and stability. I also encourage the government to continue its efforts to put an end to immunity for the perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law," he said.

“In my discussions with the special prosecutor for Darfur crimes we agreed on a serious commitment to end impunity concerning crimes committed in the region and I promised to return for further discussions,” he added.

He also voiced concern on the security and humanitarian situation in IDP camps and said he plans to visit other regions to expand his knowledge of conditions there and to offer a more comprehensive evaluation.

Nononsi implored on UN peacekeepers and the government alike to provide a safe environment for the IDP camps and for all parties to guarantee flow of aid.

On freedoms, Nononsi said he received reports of restrictions on political rights including the rights of expression and assembly and formation of private organizations in the period before the general elections held last April.

"I still receive reports of prolonged detention of people without access to legal representation or their families," he said.

He said he was concerned about reports of the trial of Darfur students and their arrest along with the detention of two pastors from South Sudan accused of espionage.

The independent expert urged the government to respect political rights and freedoms as set out in the transitional constitution and to allow the Sudanese people to exercise their rights freely. He also called on the government to release all detainees or charge them with crimes and punishi them in accordance with law.

He said that he discussed with the government the need to ensure freedom of the press with particular reference to the use of the National Security Act and restrictions imposed on the press, including the closure of newspapers and the arrest of journalists and confiscation of newspapers.

"I raised this issue with government officials as a legitimate concern that the government needs to put into account given the importance of the freedom of expression and the press for the promotion and protection of human rights in a democratic society".

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA/NYAL) – Opposition forces loyal to former vice-president, Riek Machar, said they have inflicted heavy losses on troops loyal to the country's president, Salva Kiir, in Unity state.

Rebel commander Brig General Joseph Gai Gatluak (left) pictured in front of his troops in Upper Nile state's Manyo county in March 2015 (ST)

Heavy fighting erupted on Wednesday and continued on Thursday in Nyal town, administrative headquarters of Panyijiar county in Unity state, near the border with Lakes state in Bahr el Ghazal region.

Rebel leader's spokesperson in a press statement to the media on Thursday said their forces came under attack but responded with full force and destroyed a battalion sent by the government.

“In southern part of Lich (Unity) state, on Thursday, our forces destroyed a full battalion of soldiers loyal to Salva Kiir when they attacked our positions on Wednesday in Nyal administrative headquarters of Panyijiar county,” Machar's spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, said in a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

“Their remnants were repulsed and ran back in disarray,” he said.

In the heavy fighting in Nyal, according to him, rebel troops inflicted heavy losses on government's forces in terms of human casualties and materials.

The equipment captured or destroyed he said included 3 tanks (T-55) captured in good condition, 2 tanks (T-55) destroyed, 2 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) captured, 1 APC destroyed, 8 big trucks captured in good condition, 2 toyota pick-up mounted with heavy weapons captured and 2 fuel tankers captured.

He added that remnants from the government troops were spotted escaping with only 2 big trucks and 1 fuel tanker towards Lakes state.

MELUT NOT STRATEGIC

The opposition leader's spokesperson said their forces have withdrawn from Melut town in Upper Nile state since Wednesday because it was no longer strategic after taking all the arsenal from it.

He said they were not defeated in Melut town but decided to leave the town which they captured on Tuesday.

“As we stated on Wednesday, our forces have withdrawn from Melut town. This is because Melut town is no longer strategic to us after we captured it on Tuesday and took all the government's war arsenal in it,” Dak said.

The South Sudanese army spokesperson Philip Aguer announced in Juba Thursday they recaptured Melut and repulsed the assailant joint rebel force which involved militianment led by Maj Gan Johnson Olony. He further said oilfields were not affected by the fighting.

However, Dak said the opposition forces remained in full control of Tangrial Bil refinery site which they also captured on Monday night.

Also the rebel official added that their fighters on Thursday captured Mangok, another strategic town which is gateway to Adar oilfield.

The opposition forces, he added, have also remained in full control of the oil-rich Upper Nile state's capital, Malakal, which they captured since 16 May, subsequently together with other towns including Doleib hills, Akoka and Kaka.

The East African regional bloc (IGAD) is yet to announce a date for resumption of the peace talks to end the 17-month long civil war.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – A witness from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) told the judge today that two contractors working for the Sudanese foreign ministry passed on “very serious” information including transcripts of presidential meetings.

Sudan's foreign ministry building in Khartoum (SUNA)

The defendants were charged earlier this year with criminal association and collaborating with the enemy and disclosing confidential information to a US agent in the United Arab Emirates.

In today's court hearing, NISS officer by the name of Mutawakil Youssef said that the first defendant handed over classified information to the US agent and was planning to deliver more data before he was caught.

Youssef disclosed that the leaked information included documents on the visit of the speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and the minutes of the meetings held between president Omer Hassan al-Bashir with his Kenyan counterpart and another with Ethiopian Prime Minister.

Among the reports passed on to the US agent was one discussing Khartoum's position towards Kampala and another on diplomatic initiatives following South Sudan's referendum on self-determination which Youssef described as confidential and strategic.

The first defendant also handed over a list of all national organizations in Sudan and secret intelligence on Egyptian organizations supporting al-Qaeda terrorist network.

The NISS officer emphasized that all the leaked documents pose a major national security threat as it represents a clear breach affecting national sovereignty, and creates a rift in the relationship between Sudan and the outside world.

The defense lawyer asked for releasing the defendants on bail asserting that the crime is a political one that has nothing to do with espionage.

But the prosecution objected saying bail should not be granted in cases where the defendants face the death penalty.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (JUBA) – The United States has condemned Tuesday's attack at a United Nations base, in which four people were killed in and eight others wounded in South Sudan's oil-rich Upper Nile state.

US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power (Photo: AFP/Andrew Burton)

The incident, it said, were “brutal violent acts against civilians".

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victims and reiterate our call for those responsible for attacks on civilians and UN facilities to be held accountable,” Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN said in a statement issued on Thursday

“Today's attacks are only the latest in a series of brutally violent acts against civilians, including the raping and murder of children,” she added.

Fighting has, in recent days, intensified between government forces and those loyal to the rebel-allied militia commander, Johnson Olony in Upper Nile state.

The rebels briefly captured Melut, a town next to the oilfield on Tuesday, but it was retaken by government forces on Wednesday.

The UN said a bomb landed at its protection of civilian site in Malakal, the Upper Nile capital on Tuesday, killing four people, including a child, and injuring eight others.

However, the US envoy to the UN said South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir and rebel leader, Riek Machar should be held responsible.

“The international community is footing the bill for president Salva Kiir's and opposition leader Riek Machar's shameful disregard for the devastating humanitarian crisis facing the people of South Sudan,” said Power.

She said the country's political and military leaders on all sides of this conflict must put aside their self-serving ambitions, bring an end to the fighting, implement the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to which both have already agreed, and engage in negotiations for a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement to establish a transitional government and bring about a reform process that addresses the root causes of the ongoing conflict.

She said South Sudan political leaders have continuously “refused” to prioritise the well-being of their own people and that this could necessitate an increase in international pressure.

She warned of consequences for failure by both warring factions to end the war and respect UN mission in the country (UNMISS) bases.

“In this vein, we will continue our work with the UN Security Council's South Sudan Sanctions Committee to gather and review evidence that might be useful for sanctions listings that target political spoilers and those who violate and abuse human rights and violate international humanitarian law,” warned Power.

The world body said it is sheltering over 120,000 civilians at bases across the country.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - European Union (EU) representative in Sudan Thursday dismissed claims that they are hostile to the Sudanese government and reiterated the support of the European body to the national dialogue in the east African country.

Presidnetial assistant Ibrahim Ghandour shakes hands with EU ambassador to Sudan Tomas Ulicny on 21 May 2015 (Photo EU Delegation- Sudan)

Tomas Ulicny held a meeting today with the Sudanese presidential assistant Ibrahim Ghandour. The two sides discussed efforts to resume the national dialogue, the situation in South Sudan and the rising radicalization in the region of Horn of Africa.

After the meeting, Quincy told reporters he " re- confirmed the European Union's position on the importance of an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue to resolve the Sudanese problems".

"Both the government and opposition have to put Sudan and its people on the first place. He added further delays on the process complicates the situation and threaten its credibility," he added.

He was keen to underline EU support for Sudan's territorial integrity, its rejection for violent regime change and support for peace and stability in Sudan.

The meeting took place following unconfirmed reports in Khartoum about meetings of the Sudanese opposition in Europe in the upcoming days.

National Congress Party (NCP) political secretary, Mustafa Osman Ismail earlier this month said the role of "foreign forces in the dialogue would be marginal" and called to halt interfering in the internal process.

"The extremists and those who portray the EU as hostile to Sudan refuse to accept frank and open dialogue about issues of common concerns," said the EU ambassador to Sudan

He described them as few but they are quite loud.

The diplomat pointed to the EU concern on rising extremism in the region.

He warned against the increased fragility and radicalization in the region to which Sudan is not immune.

He further expressed his optimism that Sudan and European countries can do better and work together for a prosperous region free from radicalization.

The national dialogue was launched by president Omer al-Bashir in January 2014. The inclusive and internal process aims to end war and reach a national agreement on democratic reforms .

The warring parties failed to sign a cessation of hostilities agreement in talks brokered by African Union organized in November December 2014.

Also, Sudanese government refused to participate in a pre-dialogue meeting before the electoral process, as the opposition and rebel groups propose to seek a new process instead of NCP proposed conference.

(ST)

May 21, 2015 (JUBA) - South Sudan said it had returned its oil workers to the country's production areas, a day after they were evacuated from the oilfields in Upper Nile state due to heavy fighting between the two warring factions in the region on Wednesday.

Workers at the Petrodar oil concession flush out the remaining oil prior to a shutdown on oil production by South Sudan, on January 29, 2012. (Getty)

“Actually production did not stop. It was only due to precautionary measures that some workers, especially the international staff were allowed to relocate to Juba. It was not evacuation”, Upper Nile's information minister, Peter Hoth Tuach said Thursday.

He said enough forces were deployed to protect the country's oil facilities.

“These workers have are returning. The rebels have already been defeated from Melut. Our forces have destroyed three of their boats which have been causing panic. They are now still burning and weapons which they were using are now exploding,” said Tuach.

He added, “The civilians have started to return to their homes because the UN-run camp here in Melut is too small to accommodate all. It was over swollen on Tuesday”.

SPLA RETAKE MELUT

The South Sudan army (SPLA) spokesperson, Phillip Aguer said pro-government forces dislodged the armed opposition forces from Melut, a town close to the oilfields.

“This afternoon at 4:30pm, our gallant SPLA forces dislodged rebels of Riek Machar and forces of Johnson Olony from Melut,” Aguer told reporters in Juba on Thursday.

“The boats they used have been destroyed and our forces are still pursuing them. The general command of the SPLA asks the criminals and other forces in Malakal to leave", he added, saying the SPLA were capable of defending the nation's territory and citizens.

PALOCH OILFIELD BESIEGED

The rebel leader's spokesman, James Dak said the country's main oilfields of Paloch, some 200kms north of Malakal, had been besieged and designated priority target.

“SPLM/SPLA forces have converged around Paloch oilfields - Adar (Upper Nile) state - from different directions to capture the oilfields from pro-Salva Kiir forces any time soon,” Dak said.

He said the leadership of the movement also renewed “strong advice” to any remaining oil worker in Paloch to evacuate for safety reasons.

He accused the government of allegedly using some oil workers as human shield and said Juba would be responsible for any harm on them.

“We have learnt with disbelief that the government, out of panic, has prevented some of international oil workers from leaving the area, using them as human shield,” he said.

“We call on oil companies operating in the area to ensure their workers are evacuated.”

The rebels said their counter-offensive aimed to temporarily close down oil production or to cut off Juba from the oil revenues which they said president Kiir's government had been using to “hire mercenaries and buy weaponry to perpetuate the war.”

This, Dak said, was in response to government's “full scale offense” which he described as a violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement between the two warring parties.

(ST)

May 20, 2015 (JUBA) - The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the shelling of its compound in Melut saying four people were killed in the oil producing area where heavy fighting take place between the government and rebel fighters.

Children play inside a camp for internally displaced persons from the Nuer ethnic group inside the UNMISS compound in Bor, the capital of South Sudan'sJonglei state, on 27 February 2014 (Photo: AFP/Jim Lopez)

On Wednesday , the opposition faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM-in-Opposition) announced it a "tactical withdrawal" from the oil-rich Melut town which they captured on Tuesday.

While in Juba, the South Sudanese army said they launched a counterattack to repulse the SPLM-in-Opposition fighters and their allied militiamen led by Maj. Gen. Johnson Olony.

Two mortar bombs hit the UNMISS compound and the protection of civilians' site on Wednesday evening. The statement did not say which party shelled the base.

UNMISS in a statement issued on Wednesday "strongly" condemned the recent surge of violence in Melut which resulted in "the deaths of 4 civilians, including a woman and a child and severely injuring another 8 civilians who are currently receiving treatment for their wounds".

“I want to remind the parties of their obligation to take all measures not to harm civilians and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations and United Nations personnel and assets,” said UNMISS chief Ellen Margrethe Løj.

“I call upon them to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff, so the United Nations can continue to implement its activities and UNMISS its protection of civilians' mandate,” Løj further said.

There are around 1,000 civilians on UNMISS compound in Melut. 270 displaced persons arrived Tuesday on the protection site while another 250 to 350 are in an area adjacent to the compound.

(ST)

By Trayo A. Ali

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”- Charles Darwin
May 25th is African Day. On May 25-2015 the African Union (AU) representing respective member states hoists the flag, make toast in a cozy cool environment and issue statements in celebration for the occasion of fifty two years of African Unity. This seemingly comfortable situation confronts two other situations.

The first is the reality where the story of the average African citizen whose security and welfare are supposed to be the primary intention of this celebration is totally absent from any considerable deliberations. Rather, he or she is handcuffed and chained with shackles of endless civil wars, constrained by racial marginalization, refugee anxiety, haunted by genocide trauma, alienated by gender segregation, hostaged and oppressed by extremism of religious prosecution, poverty, illiteracy and diseases.

The second situation lies in between these two extreme poles where the Pan-Africanist activists are in busy mood preparing for the 8th Congress of Pan-African Movement. They are motivated and driven by the “Grand D ream” of the visionary pioneers of the continental cause such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyrere, Patrice Lumumba, Nelson Mandella and their flag bearers, the new breed of Pan-Africanism led by Yoweri Museveni and the late Meles Zenawi.

The dream is that, by way of Unity and Solidarity we achieve our Liberty and Dignity and translate it to the Welfare of African people.

To effect the 8th conference (after Kampala 7th in 1994), several calls and Initiatives made by concerned pan-Africanist activists throughout the continent and in the Diaspora. Considerable discussion is generated and analysis, comments, suggestions and proposal made, certain reactions, criticisms and sentiments, denouncements, claims, counter claims and affirmations ignited. Some regional conferences were also held. Such activities are of healthy nature and considered welcome exercise as it represents a level of emerging maturity in reflecting a whole mosaic and divergent views and stream of ideas of the ever evolving complex reality.

But the underlining point that can be detected from such such a perplexing mood is the confirmation for the need for redefining the idea of pan-Africanism all together on both procedural and substantive aspects for purposes of reenergization and revitalization. The evolving reality dictates a thorough review and reexamination that should cover among other issues the conceptual aspects, methodological, ideological, scope of operation, identification of challenges, strategic agenda, resources and related experiences. Such a review should also take into consideration a set of questions such as: What Pan-Africanism should now means, or should mean to an ordinary man? What it should entail? Who are the interest groups? How it should be operationalized in practical terms? Who should be involved and at what level? What are the new issues of today's realities that need to be incorporated in the redefining process? How can we make it relevant, viable and sustainable? Which of the examples and experiences we should creatively emulate, pan-Europeanism, pan-Americanism, pan-Arabism, pan-Islamism or what? What were the unfeasible concrete challenges emerged over time? How can we rationalize the ever evolving complex reality?

(1) Back to the drawing board: redefining the concept is the starting point

Answers to the above questions will still remain elusive under the whole process goes under critical scrutiny.
It's important to note that the Pan-Africanism is not a monolithic ideological movement. Although the founders and the flag bearers all insisted on the issues “unity, social justice, dignity integrity and welfare of the black man” the idea remained an amalgam of values, notions, ideas, assumptions and set of principles. Even from the most enduring writings and presentations of W.E. Du Bois, Padmore, Chiekh Anta Diop, and Walter Rodney they have not tend to put the idea into a rigid ideological box.

Their terms of reference are always been the idea of African civilization, culture and values that cherish the inseparability of freedom, liberty, equality, diversity, secularism that preserve African identity and character.

Thus in the absence of formal colonialism in its traditional sense, the creative approach to the idea should be based on a firm and disciplined understanding of these set of values to redirect the focus.

With the kind of political consciousness growing, I wonder, if we continue to compromise on some very provocative positions such as one uttered by the former Egyptian president, Gaamal Abdel Nasser in his book “The philosophy of the Revolution” when he said: “We cannot, under any condition relinquish our responsibility in helping, in every way possible in diffusing the light of civilization into the farthest part of the virgin jungle”.

(2) Methodology you apply

The methodology is important and among other issues it involves organization, setting of structures, and assignment of responsibilities, resource mobilization and accountability.
The 8th conference is only the movement's third to be held in the continent. The Fifth congress was in Accra (Ghana) in the 1950s, the Sixth was in Dar el Salam (Tanzania) in 1974 and the Seventh in Kampala in 1994.

Obviously two important issues are coming out from this. One is the issue of finding a friendly and hospitable venue. Thus it's clear that had not been Nkrumah's Ghana, or Nyrere”s Tanzania or Nuseveni”s Uganda there would not been any conference taken place at all in the Continent. The lesson here is that it's important to have a friendly, like minded and caring government in power.
Unfounded or unnecessary confrontations do not serve the larger purpose. Political maturity requires separation of friends from the strategic foes.

The second matter arises here is that of permanent structure or mechanism. It's important to break the kind of mode operandi that operates under a loose and ad hoc arrangements. Well organized but not bureaucratic institutional thinking is important in terms of generating new ideas and resource mobilization. Methodology also involves reaching out different categories of constituencies including lobbying governments. To survive, a vibrant Movement needs an informed grass root base and support.

Dissemination and popularization of clearly articulated political culture is of paramount important for the consumption of ordinary African about solidarity, unity, dignity, peace and welfare. Women, youth, political parties, civil society, Trade Union, the media, and the minorities participation is an an imperative choice. The AU itself is to be partner in the process.

(3) Challenges to be identified

Hydra headed challenges are engulfing the continent. They are the same old problems but posed by relatively different actors.
Slavery is still persisting in places like Sudan, ethnic based wars are ravaging with fatal effects, genocide is a new menace, radical Islamism is mushrooming and occupying space in African body politics, while terrorism is encircling the continent's geo-politic.

Two personal experiences are relevant down here in my reflections. First is a provocative statement made by a former foreign affairs minister of Sudan when in 1995 he told on point blank his counter parts from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Eretria that “It was the white man's colonialism that stopped the unhindered penetration of Islamization and Arabization in Africa, and with the departure of colonialism, the grand mission of marching will resume from Cairo to Cape. We are here for that and we are here to stay.” I happened to meet this ex-minister and when asked him how dare was he to make that kind of statement, he just shook his head but could not say anything.

(4) Dynamic agenda you need

The Pan-Afrcanist movement, like the “Pan-European” movement and organizations did, it should also influence the AU agenda and make it more relevant and reflective of the reality. Producing policy options and alternative agenda make difference and make the movement relevant. For example the movement should not shy away from vocally bringing out relevant issues such as genocide, international justice, Islamic radicalism, combating terrorism, poverty eradication onto the AU agenda. But resorting to the classical methods of work ala kind of blind criticism does not work.

(5) The need to emulate other success stories

For the “ideal dream” of Unity, Dignity, and Prosperity to be materialized it's important to emulate other successful experiences and role models. For the European Union to reach the way it is, its cardinal ideas on went through rigorous examinations and different phases of self assessment and redefinitions. Thus dynamic thinking is required. “Building-block” type of thinking is crucial. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana use to say that “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked to the total independence of Africa”. But now after half a century the new reality is spelling different priority issues. The issue id independence (which formally achieved) does not top the agenda. How to build viable building blocks that has the ability to respond to today's challenges and transform the situation is the issue. The Pan-Africanist movement is therefore to consider the issue of regional integration that constitutes a viable building block.

We may all recall the debate within the then OAU on the eve of transforming it into the AU. It was president Museveni of Uganda who countered Kaddafi's “hash-mash” approach and attitudes. Museveni articulated a more mature, rational and pragmatic strategy of “bottom-up” approach while Kaddafi was attempting to impose “top-down” super continental government. The Pan-African movement is in challenge to adopt a kind of more pragmatic approach and disseminate that public culture.

(6) Concussion

To conclude my remarks, I am to observe that, when colonialism was driven out through the front door, other ignorant and different enemies are sneaking into through the back window.
As closing remark I am also to recall my second experience that I encountered. It was indeed an insult to some staunch Pan-African intellectuals like the late Dr. Chiekh Anta Diop. It was a story about how pro “Pan- Islamist” professor at Khartoum University in my days and how much he use to detests, hates, disdains and loathes two things in his life till he passed away. He uses to publicly say that he does want to hear about two thing: “Nubian civilization” and “Pan-Africanism”. For him the Nubian Civilization is “an evil deed of a black magic” and it reminds him “pre-Islamic Arabian culture“, and Pan-Africanism is “an invocation of pagan spirit of Nubian Civilization”. One unfortunate thing he ably did was to dissolve our only “Pan-African Students Friendship Club”, outlawed, banned and our premises virtually handed over to “Islamic Call Association”, the organization that preaches Islamic State and “Pan-Islamism”.

The Pan-African movement now needs more refined, realistic, pragmatic approach.
The author is a free-lance researcher on African Peace and Development (A-PAD).He is reachable at Email: tmotoy60@gmail.com

May 20, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – A senior official of the rebel faction of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) has likened to “hawkers” governors representing the three states of greater Equatoria region in South Sudan, saying they had been advertising for president Salva Kiir at the expense of their own people.

Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, chairman of national committee for political mobilization in the SPLM-IO faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar, said Equatorians were determined to remove president Kiir from power.

“We hereby affirm our oath to remove the entire regime of Kiir and its auxiliaries at the states by all means,” Pierino said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

The former head of political science department in the University of Juba, who himself an Equatorian from Eastern Equatoria state, was reacting to ongoing engagements between Equatorians in opposition and the governors of Eastern, Central and Western Equatoria states.

Greater Equatoria governors including Clement Wani Konga of Central Equatoria, Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria and Joseph Bakasoro of Western Equatoria have been consulting with SPLM-IO Equatorian officials in various occasions including in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, last month.

Pierino said the engagement was meant to strike areas of agreement in the ongoing peace process, but said he was surprised with ?behaviors of the governors who “pretended to be representing citizens from Equatoria region yet they are chasing bread and butter.”

“They [governors] behave like hawker trying to sell Salva Kiir government and yet for us we are non-buyers,” he said.

He further accused the government officials of promoting tribalism and regionalism by asking Equatorians in the SPLM-IO to pull out from the movement and yet they were in Salva Kiir's government led by a non-Equatorian.

He added that for the governors to claim that Equatorians in the movement should pullout is “outrageously parochial and a red line.”

The only positive outcome from this engagement, he explained, was the fact that Equatorians in the opposition faction had now known that the “so-called” governors were for status quo.

He accused them of allegedly abandoning call for federalism and reforms which Equatorians have been calling since 2010, saying they have therefore lost legitimacy and trust among Equatorians.

(ST)