Africa

Cheap and easy to obtain, the painkiller Tramadol has millions of Egyptians hooked on getting high.

A selection of the best photos from across Africa this week.

May 25, 2018 (EL-FASHER) - Darfur hybrid peacekeeping operation (UNAMID) Thursday said deeply concerned by the recent surge of attacks on internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Central Darfur state.

The attacks which are a consequence of the increased fighting in the mountainous area of Jebel Marra took place in three sites including Khamsa Dagaig, Ardayba and Jedda IDP camps between 21 and 23 May 2018.

Four civilians were reportedly killed and dozens wounded by the government forces.

In a statement released Thursday, the UNAMID expressed "deep concern" about recent attacks on three camps in Central Darfur state.

The joint mission underscored that the IDPs camps are considered "humanitarian space which should be free of weapons", adding that attacks, harassment on civilians could constitute a grave violation of the international humanitarian law.

"While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the Government of Sudan, UNAMID shall continue to collaborate with the relevant government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels," said Jeremiah Mamabolo, UNAMID head.

Mamabolo further said the hybrid mission, in reaction to these attacks, decided to increase the number and frequency of patrols in and around the affected camps and will send "integrated teams" to verify these incidents and engage with the relevant local authorities to calm the situation and prevent further attacks.

Last year the UN decided to reduce its peacekeepers in Darfur but made an exception for Central Darfur state where rebels refuse to join the peace process or to declare a unilateral cessation of hostilities.

The government last week admitted the increase of fighting with the armed groups saying the attack vehicles and commercial convoys and destabilize its efforts to restore security in the region.

Also, Sudanese officials say the rebel fighters hid in the IDPs camps. But, the armed groups deny the claim.

(ST)

The Liberian FA (LFA) is to break ranks with the rest of Africa and vote against Morocco when the decision on who will host the 2026 World Cup is held.

by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavu?o?lu

As Turkey marks the annual Africa Day, I take the opportunity to celebrate Africa's achievements and rejoice in our developing partnership. Africa's ascendancy makes all Turks proud and motivates us to engage in closer ties and cooperation. Political institutions around Africa are evolving even as we are witnessing the emergence of a strong middle class in many African countries. The continent has the aspiration to take strides across all Sustainable Development Goals. Africa's aspirations include not only eliminating absolute poverty but also reducing inequality, offering a wealth of valuable education opportunities to all and reinforcing good governance as the norm. Africa operates increasingly as a cohesive unit. The Continental Free Trade Area Agreement has been a critical milestone that will shape the future of Africa.

We have every reason to be proud a partner of the African nations. Turkey's engagement is based on building lasting relationships. Our principal purpose is to establish deep-rooted cooperation with our African counterparts in a manner that is sustainable and mutually productive. I have been encouraged to hear in so many instances that Turkey's goodwill and determined outreach resonates with our African partners. Africa considers Turkey as a vigorous partner in Africa's progress towards comprehensive and sustainable development and its consequent influence in global affairs.

Our interest to Africa is concretized by intensified political contacts at the highest level. President Erdo?an paid official visits to 26 African countries since his Prime Ministry term. These visits opened new avenues of cooperation. The multitude of Agreements signed show that Turkey is committed to opening new areas of collaboration with African countries.

Turkey's outreach towards Africa has been built on visible, tangible and mutually beneficial foundations. Turkey is now represented in the continent with 41 Embassies with the latest opening of embassies in Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. We will raise this number to 50 in the medium term with the ultimate target of being represented in every African country.

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership with the African Union. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting high-level AU officials and African Foreign Ministers in Istanbul as part of a Ministerial Conference that reviewed our institutional cooperation. We set new targets for a more productive relationship. As a first step, we will organize the Second Turkey-Africa Business Forum this October in Istanbul. Next year we will also hold the Third Turkey- Africa Summit. We attach great importance to this Summit and will work to guarantee its success.

Trade with the African Continent now exceeds 20 billion US dollars. This represents nearly a fivefold increase compared to 2003. It also shows that both Africa and Turkey are benefiting from an equitable trade relationship. We recognize the important role played by the Regional Economic Communities in the future of Africa. In that sense, last February we organized the first Turkey-ECOWAS Economic and Business Forum with the aim of deepening the economic partnership between Turkey and ECOWAS members.

I am particularly proud to underline that our national airline carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) continues to extend its presence on the continent by adding new destinations to its flight network. THY is currently flying to 52 destinations in 34 countries in Africa. The latest addition to THY's network was Freetown in Sierra Leone. Flights to the Comoros Islands will also be starting this June. Our national carrier is helping Africans to travel to Turkey and to the rest of the world.

Turkey is actively contributing to peace and security on the Continent. We are also assisting efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel. At the recent Brussels Conference, Turkey pledged 5 million US dollars to support the regional G5 Sahel security force.

Humanitarian and development partnerships have been strong elements of Turkey's overall outreach to the continent. Many Ministries, Agencies and NGO's in Turkey take part in this combined effort. Our benchmark for success is responding to meeting local needs in a speedy manner. From 2004 until 2016, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TICA) spent 1.43 billion US dollars to support sustainable development efforts in the continent.

I would like to underline again that we highly appreciate that many African countries have taken swift action against various organizations affiliated with the Fetullah Gulenist Terror Organization, which attempted a bloody coup in Turkey.

The Maarif Foundation, a government-run agency, has begun to operate schools in Africa. Our goal is to provide solid support to the efforts of the African governments to provide affordable and quality education all over the continent. I am confident that students receiving an education in the Maarif schools will be eminently prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Providing higher education opportunities to qualified African students in Turkey through scholarships is also a promising leg of our cooperation. Each year over 1.000, students from Africa come to Turkey to receive their higher education through Turkish Government Scholarship programs. Their presence is welcome and we will to continue to be a centre of excellence for African students.

Our approach to Africa is based on transparent, long-termed and strategic partnership. We are confident that this partnership promises a bright future to Turkey and to our partners in Africa.

As I mark the Africa Day with joy, I underline Turkey's commitment to our partnership with Africa based on the principles of equality, partnership, solidarity, sustainability and mutual respect.

Inclusive talks remain the only way to find a lasting solution to the political, socio-economic and humanitarian crisis that has engulfed Burundi since 2015, the United Nations envoy for the African Great Lakes country said on Thursday.

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.

(ST)

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.

(ST)

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.

(ST)

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.

(ST)