Africa

The United Nations and its partners on Thursday expressed grave concern over armed clashes which have broken out in northern Somalia, urging all parties to immediately halt the violence.

With a new administration in place and plans to hold free and fair general elections later this year, authorities in Zimbabwe are hoping to see greater international investment in their country, according to the top United Nations official there.

Egypt's players are to meet to decide whether to fast in accordance with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as they prepare for the World Cup.

The Football Association of Zambia is looking for a new national team coach following the resignation of Wedson Nyirenda.

May 23, 2018 (ADDIS ABABA) - It is time for South Sudan leaders to end the suffering of the people, a Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) official, said at the end of the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) in Ethiopia on Wednesday.

JMEC Team led by Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede (Second far left) with the Swedish delegation (JMEC photo)

“We have heard the deep yearning for peace by all the people of South Sudan, which was so eloquently expressed in the voices of the representatives of the refugees here at the forum,” said Berhanu Kebede, the JMEC chief of staff.

He added, “We cannot and should not turn a deaf ear to these ever widening cries and pleas for peace.” ?

The official urged South Sudanese leader to abandon the path of destruction caused by the conflict and make the best use of available resources for the good of all people of South Sudan.

“Time is no longer on your side and therefore you must not grow weary in your pursuits. At this point in time nothing is more important to the citizens of South Sudan than the realization of a lasting and comprehensive peace,” further stressed Kebede.

“You must reaffirm your commitment, not only in word, but also by concrete action to adhere to and fully observe the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). By so doing, you would have set the basis for, and provide the best guarantee to bring lasting peace to your beautiful country,” he added.?

The official welcomed the signing of an addendum to the CoHA signed in December last year, saying it fully operationalizes the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) Board, which is expected to enhance monitoring and verification of compliance or lack thereof by all parties to the conflict.

Rival parties in South Sudan peace talks concluded the Second Phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) without striking a deal on the implementation of the governance and security arrangements.

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May 23, 2018 (JUBA) – A high-level mission comprised of Ministry of Health (MOH) in South Sudan and the World Health Organization (WHO) visited Yambio, former Western Equatoria State on a sensitization campaign.

The campaign comes in the wake of an Ebola outbreak declared in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has killed dozens of people.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, South Sudan's health minister, Riek Gai Kok briefed the state governor, cabinets, members of the parliament, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations and the general public on the basics of the disease, how it is transmitted and the preventive measures that can be taken to sensitizing the community.

“The Ministry of Health is increasingly concerned about the situation in DRC and is working in Gbudue, Tambura, Maridi and Yei River states alongside their respective state health ministries, both to train medical staff on preventive measures and supply medical equipment for hospitals”, said the minister.

He added, “Key to our response is training community health workers to recognize the symptoms of the virus and refer potential cases for immediate medical care”.

Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans and other primates caused by Ebola viruses. Signs and symptoms typically start between two days and three weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, sore throat, muscular pain, and headaches. Vomiting, diarrhea and rash usually follow along with decreased function of the liver and kidneys.

“Although no cases of EVD [Ebola Virus Disease] have been reported in South Sudan, the outbreak in DRC is of concern as it places the country at greater risk,” said Argata Guracha Guyo, the WHO emergency coordinator for South Sudan.

Officials have, however, outlined a number of measures already in place to prevent the entry and spread of the Ebola disease into South Sudan.

Already in place is a multi-sectoral Ebola Preparedness and Response Task Force to coordinate preparedness and risk monitoring activities, an Ebola contingency plan is being updated to strengthen readiness capacities and surveillance officers have been placed at points entry to enhance surveillance and early detection of cases.

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Itai Dzamara was one of Robert Mugabe's most outspoken critics before he disappeared three years ago.

Itai Dzamara was one of Robert Mugabe's most outspoken critics before he disappeared three years ago.

A “holistic approach” is needed to the address peace and security challenges in Africa’s vast Sahel region, a senior United Nations peacekeeping official told the Security Council on Wednesday, calling for more investment in better government, social services and youth opportunities.  

A presidential aide in Kenya criticises young people "who sit at home and expect jobs".

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains on an “epidemiological knife-edge” regarding the spread of deadly Ebola disease, despite the quick response by authorities and international partners to the threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

May 22, 2018 (JUBA) – South Sudan's armed opposition movement (SPLA-IO) said it is “disturbed” by the negative propaganda directed against its leader, Riek Machar.

The Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) deputy chair, Maj. Gen Majier Deng Kur at the cantonment site (JMEC photo)

The Deputy Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) chairman from the government side, Maj. Gen Majier Deng Kur, in 22 May letter, allegedly claimed Machar ordered the armed opposition forces to launch attacks on to government positions in Leer and Pakur.

Kur's letter was addressed to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM).

“This is utterly ridiculous and an unfounded claim which is, in fact, a violation of the CoHA [Cessation of Hostilities Agreement] in itself,” the opposition said Tuesday.

The rebels, in a statement, accused South Sudan government forces, accompanied by tanks, of attacking Luol payam “where they raided and looted civilians' cattle and properties, destroyed shelters and abducted women and children”.

“Therefore, the letter from Maj. Gen. Majier is not only a downplay of their continuous genocide in Leer, but also a conspiracy of the anti-peace elements to keep Dr Machar in detention,” the statement from the rebel group noted.

The armed opposition faction called upon the CTSAMM to not only investigate the situation in Leer, but also investigate Kur for frustrating the peace process.

On Tuesday, officials from the CTSAMM and the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) submitted reports concerning the repeated and serious violations of the ceasefire agreement, calling for urgent and appropriate action against the perpetrators.

As such, the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council decided to convene an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers to consider the punitive measures that should be taken against violators of the ceasefire accord.

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The attempt of the Sudanese president to engage with rival regional interests in a bid to stay in power might fail.

By Ahmed H Adam

Sudan's political crisis is sliding into a dangerous phase. Its economy is on the verge of collapse. The price of food and other basic commodities is rising by the day, worsening living conditions for ordinary Sudanese and stirring growing discontent in the country.

The economic problems are compounded by a severe fuel crisis that has nearly paralysed the country and which the government is unable to solve. Some high-ranking officials have admitted that Sudan is virtually bankrupt. Many believe that, if the economic crisis continues on such a scale, the country will implode.

Amid this impending disaster, President Omar al-Bashir continues to insist on running again in the 2020presidential elections, worried about his two arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

To ensure the survival of his presidency, he has been playing a complex foreign policy game, balancing between different regional interests and rivalries. There are indications, however, that pressure on him to choose sides is increasing, and his balancing act might fail.

Seeking a US approval, playing the Russia card
In October 2017, the US lifted most of the economic sanctions that had been imposed on Sudan for nearly two decades. Sudan has been designated a state sponsor of "terrorism" since 1997.

Next month, Sudan and the US will start the next phase of the five-track engagement plan that involves negotiations over the removal of Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of "terrorism". Khartoum is hoping to get rid of the remaining US sanctions, including the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006, as a prelude to seeking debt relief and fully normalising relations with the US.

The European Union is also accelerating its rapprochement with the Sudanese regime. Sudan has received millions of euros from the EU to curb migration from Africa to Europe.

Nevertheless, al-Bashir appears to be very suspicious of US intentions. Last year, reports circulated that the US had sent a message to al-Bashir telling him not to run in the 2020 elections - something the Sudanese foreign ministry denied.

Al-Bashir was incensed when then-US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan did not meet him during his visit to Khartoum in mid-November 2017. Al-Bashir suspects that there is a clique within his regime that has reached an understanding with the US regarding his future in power.

Consequently, he has taken steps to dismantle this so-called "US clique" by removing his foreign minister, Ibrahim Ghandour, the director-general of the National Intelligence and Security, Mohamed Atta, and Army Chief of Staff, General Emad al-Din Adawi from their respective roles.

Al-Bashir has also recently replaced many senior officials in the ruling National Congress Party and has just reshuffled his cabinet to further consolidate his power before the 2020 elections.

Hoping to attract some attention in Washington, al-Bashir decided to pay a visit to Russia in December 2017. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he expressed support for Russia's position in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and denounced “US interference” in the region.

Al-Bashir even asked Putin for protection against US aggression and invited Russia to establish a military base on the Red Sea. His remarks, which came just weeks after the lifting of US sanctions, were widely seen as a message of defiance to Washington.

Playing Gulf games in times of crisis

At the regional level, Bashir is trying to manage a delicate balance in relations with competing regional players. When Turkish President Erdogan visited Sudan in January, he and Bashir signed more than a dozen agreements to boost bilateral economic ties, including a deal to lease the Red Sea island of Suakin to Turkey.

Ankara and Khartoum agreed that Turkish investors would rebuild Suakin's historical sites, develop the island as a tourist attraction and create a transit point for Muslim pilgrims crossing the Red Sea to reach the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

In March, Sudan signed a further $4bn deal with Qatar to develop Suakin as Sudan's second biggest port on the Red Sea. Qatar's investment in Sudan already amounts to more than $2bn and expected to rise in the near future.

These deals have sparked speculation about a potentially significant shift in Sudan's regional alliances. Al-Bashir's moves to bring Qatar and Turkey to the Red Sea are no doubt viewed with concern by the axis of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and others who accuse both Qatar and Turkey of sponsoring the Muslim Brotherhood.

Al-Bashir had previously sought to win over Saudi Arabia and the UAE for financial and diplomatic gains by moving quickly to sever diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 and sending thousands of Sudanese soldiers to fight with the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis in Yemen.

When the Gulf crisis broke out last year, Bashir tried to stay neutral, deciding not to back the Saudi-led blockade against Qatar. However, earlier this month, media reports circulated in Sudan that Saudi Arabia and the UAE had presented al-Bashir with a set of tough conditions for continuing their financial and diplomatic support, including severing ties with Turkey and Qatar. The government was quick to deny these rumours, saying that “no party is applying pressure on the government”.

However, there have been other signs of tensions. On May 2, Sudan's defence minister told parliament that the government was re-evaluating its role in the war in Yemen, with a decision on Sudan's continued participation expected soon. There are reports that hundreds of Sudanese soldiers have died and thousands have been wounded in Yemen.

Khartoum's continued participation in the Yemeni war has been questioned by members of the Sudanese parliament, as well as pro-government newspapers and writers. There has also been growing criticism of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for not helping Sudan to resolve its acute fuel shortage.

Comparisons have been drawn with the substantial financial support given to Egypt by the two Gulf countries despite the fact that Egyptian President Abel Fattah el-Sisi has not sent troops to fight in Yemen.

Despite these criticisms, it is possible that the talk of withdrawal from Yemen is not genuine and is meant to pressure Saudi Arabia and the UAE into helping Sudan to resolve its economic crisis. Hence, Sudan is expected to keep its troops in Yemen for the time being to ensure continued leverage.

Whatever the case, it seems that al-Bashir's ability to play rival regional and international actors off against each other is diminishing, as some key players are telling Sudan "you are either with us or against us".

In the end, his tactics of manipulating competing regional and international alliances are actually damaging to Sudan's national interests. They are turning the country into a battlefield for rival powers.

The author is a Research Associate at the School of Law, SOAS University of London

May 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - British Ambassador to Sudan, Irfan Siddiq, Tuesday called to stop the fighting in Jebel Marra area in Central Darfur state between the government forces and rebel fighters of the Sudan Liberation Movement - Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW).

UK's Ambassador to Sudan Ifran Siddiq (Photo Foreign Office)

The new British diplomat made his call following the shooting by Sudanese government militiamen on the residents of Khams Dagaig camp in Zalingei the capital of Central Darfur state on Monday. One woman was reportedly killed but the local authorities denied her death.

The incident took place as tensions are growing in Jebel Marra as a result of the resumption of fighting between the government forces and the SLM-AW rebels who are not committed to the ceasefire declaration.

We are "extremely concerned at IDP casualties in Zalingei Central Darfur yesterday during the shooting involving Sudan(ese) government forces," said Siddiq in a twit released on Tuesday.

Also, he added they follow bloody clashes elsewhere in Jebel Marra which displaced thousands of civilians, according to the British envoy.

More
We "call for (an) immediate halt to (the) fighting and unhindered humanitarian access," he concluded.

The Minister of State for Defence Ali Mohamed Salim Monday acknowledged that the fighting with the SLM-AW rebels killed 67 people including 51 civilians.

The Sudanese army is committed to a cessation of hostilities with the SLM-Minni Minnawi, SLM-Transitional Council and Justice and Equality Movement. However, it accuses the SLM-AW of robbery and attacks on its troops deployed in Jebel Marra.

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May 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Tuesday morning prevented four journalists from travelling to Saudi Arabia without stating reasons.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Information has extended an invitation to the four journalists among a group of Arab journalists to attend a meeting in Jeddah on Thursday.

The NISS agent at Khartoum Airport told the journalists they are banned from travelling without giving reasons, asking them to report to the NISS headquarters in Khartoum.

The banned journalists include Chief-Editors of Al-Tayyar newspaper Osman Merghani, Al-Jareeda newspaper Ashraf Abdel-Aziz, Baj News website Lina Yacoub as well as the Managing-Editor of Al-Ray Al-Aam newspaper Fath al-Rahman Shabarga.

Last week, a number of journalists including the director of the official news agency SUNA, Awad Jadein, were interrogated by the NISS upon their return from a visit to Saudi Arabia.

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May 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan Call forces will hold a four-day meeting in Paris to discuss the ongoing efforts for in the country and internal organizational issues, said Minni Minnawi the Secretary-General of opposition alliance on Tuesday.

In statements to Sudan Tribune, Minnawi said the opposition umbrella will start its meetings on 23 May and will conclude it on 27 May.

He explained that the meetings will discuss the statute of the Sudan Call and other regulations to organize the activities of its institutions.

In a meeting held last March, the alliance formed a presidential council, including the heads of the various blocs, and elected Sadiq al-Mahdi as a chairman and Minni Minnawi as the secretary general.

The heads of the different groups are vice-chairmen and Minnawi should be seconded by two deputies at his office.

The attributions of the vice-chairmen and the appointment of the two deputies secretary generals are expected to be discussed in the meeting.

Minnawi further said the meeting will discuss an alternative political, economic and social program, to get the country out of the current economic crisis and isolation.

"This can be done through various means, including overthrowing the regime by an action in line with to Sudan Call programme," he said.

In a constitutional declaration adopted last March, the opposition alliance which includes rebel groups excluded the armed action and provided explicitly their adherence to peaceful means to achieve in Sudan.

He pointed out that the coalition will develop a plan for a comprehensive and inclusive peace in Sudan. He added this plan deals with different issues, including the Addis Ababa negotiations, the resumption of the existing political process and the African Union roadmap.

Last March, the opposition coalition said ready to meet the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to discuss ways to revitalize the roadmap which was signed in 2016.

However, the mediation didn't meet them. Instead, Darfur armed groups held an informal meeting with the government delegation in Berlin to reach a pre-negotiation agreement.

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May 22, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese committee for the administration of Abyei area Tuesday said it has received an invitation from the African Union to meet with its South Sudanese counterpart on 30 May in Abyei.

Ownership of Abyei, a disputed border region contested by Sudan and South Sudan, remained contentious after the world's youngest nation split from Sudan in July 2011.

There is no joint administration between Sudan and South Sudan, as the Ngok Dinka refuse the formation of Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC). Instead, they call to hold a referendum without the Sudanese pastoralist Misseriya.

Now, there are two committees one for the Misseriya appointed by the Sudanese government and another for the Ngok Dinka appointed by Juba government.

Head of the committee, Hassan Ali Nimir said the upcoming two-day meeting would be held with the participation of native administrators from Misseriya and Dinka Ngok communities.

He pointed out that his committee informed the AU of its readiness to participate in the meeting at the specific date and time.

Nimir further said his committee has embarked on making arrangements and preparations to take part in the meeting.

He pointed they are mainly interested to discuss the implementation of the 20 June 2011 agreement for the security and administrative arrangement in the region.

On 30 May 2017, after more than two years of suspension, the two Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) parties held an extraordinary session convened by the African Union. The latter urged them to commit to a functioning Joint Oversight Committee as a forum in which contentious issues could be addressed.

Also, the two parties signed an outcome document, in which they agreed that they would resume bimonthly meetings.

On 27 June 2011, the Security Council, by its resolution 1990, responded to the urgent situation in Abyei by establishing the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

UNISFA's establishment came after Sudan's government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) reached an agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to demilitarise Abyei and let Ethiopian troops monitor the area.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provides that the contested territory remains part of the north until the organisation of a referendum determines its fate.

The difference over who will participate in the referendum prevents the two countries from holding the agreed referendum.

However, the Dinka Ngok organised a unilateral referendum from 27 to 29 October 2013 to say they want to join the Republic of South Sudan.

Khartoum, Juba, the African Union and the international community refused to recognise the outcome of the vote.

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May 22, 2018 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has proposed to the mediation team from the regional bloc (IGAD) that the position of the third vice president be created in an effort aimed at expanding the government size, instead of trimming it down.

S. Sudan cabinet affairs minister Martin Elia Lomoro (Photo KT Press)

The country's cabinet affairs minister, Martin Elia Lomuro said significant progress were made and that issues upon which the parties did not make a consensus were left to the mediation team to make a bridging gap.

“There is a significant progress. Through thematic committees, there have been significant in security sector and we are hoping there will be a significant progress in governance matters. As the government we made a new proposal in an effort to break stalemates. We now proposed a creation of a third vice president position to be filled by those in opposition,” Lomuro told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.

He added, “We don't know which group and who they will nominate".

But while the cabinet affairs minister talked of some breakthrough, analysts and observers say major outstanding issues relating to governance and security arrangements remain to be resolved among the warring parties.

Key among the unsettled governance issues are the composition of the revitalized transitional government, structure of the revitalized transitional government, responsibility or power sharing in the revitalized transitional government, number of states and size and composition of the revitalized parliament.

The parties failed to reach a consensus on key areas such as the time-frame for reintegration of forces and approach to the formation of one national army, security during the transitional period, demilitarization of civilian centers, cantonment of forces, and security sector reform or establishment of new security arrangements.

Discussions focused on governance and security arrangements. While high-level agreement has been reached on the need for new security arrangements in the country, consensus on its implementation is yet to be reached.

A representative for South Sudan's armed opposition movement, Angelina Teny, however, argued that without adequate transitional security arrangements, the country could witness more violence.

“You need to create a security sector that is subordinate to the civil authority. To us, that is paramount and this would give us a very good start to embark on nation-building,” she said.

However, despite slow progress in the talk over major stick points, citizens and the wider global are optimistic the ongoing peace negotiation remain the best path of ending the war and bring about long lasting peace, security and economic stability in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, the regional bloc was expected on Tuesday to present a proposed plan for compromise to all parties, all aimed at achieving lasting peace in the war-hit nation.

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The United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) has called on the Algerian Government to stop collectively expelling thousands of migrants, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, saying it violates international human rights law.

May 21, 2018 (JUBA) – Members of South Sudan former political detainees have dismissed media reports that they withdrew from the membership of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir (R) and Pagan Amum attend a meeting at the national palace in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in (Photo credit:AU)

“We would like to state categorically that SPLM [Sudan People's Liberation Movement] (FDs) as an organization is an active and committed member of South Sudan Opposition Alliance,” the group said in a statement.

The FDs said the “false” and “baseless” allegation as well as propaganda was being circulated by “enemies of peace and unity of the opposition”.

“The SPLM-FDs is a founding member of SSOA and played a great role together with the rest in developing its charter,” it further said.

The opposition alliance, the group further observed, is committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable peace in South Sudan, through a true democratic and federal system of governance.

“In this context, SSOA is still committed to its declared positions in both the shuttle diplomacy and the intensive interlinked consultations that were organized by IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] as basis for resolving the current conflict,” the statement noted.

In March, nine South Sudanese opposition groups formed an alliance to expedite efforts to end the country's civil war ahead of the next round of the revitalization of the peace accord. The alliance is an umbrella group composed of the Federal Democratic Party, National Salvation Front, National Democratic Movement, People's Democratic Movement, South Sudan Liberation Movement, South Sudan National Movement for Change, South Sudan Patriotic Movement, South Sudan United Movement and United Democratic Alliance.

The group, in an earlier statement, claimed they were driven by the desire to improve the situation in the war-torn nation and prevent it from disintegrating.

(ST)